Mineral makeup has increased in popularity as we become more and more conscious of the effect products have on our skin and bodies. Mineral makeup is free of irritants like perfumes, preservatives such as parabens, alcohols and dyes that many traditional makeup brands use. However, many mineral makeup lines contain Bismuth Oxychloride.

Bismuth Oxychloride is a chemical that produces shine. Although approved for use in cosmetics, 75% of the users (mostly women) are allergic to this chemical. When you use a product containing bismuth oxychloride you are pushing small metallic particles into your skin that will clog your pores. Acne and roseacea sufferers who use these products find that they also irritate and aggravate their condition. You can tell if you are allergic if your face itches after application. This chemical is also not complimentary for use on older skin because the shimmery look creates a mask-like appearance that enhances wrinkles making skin look older and feel drier than it is.

After years of struggling to find a makeup line that did not make her sensitive skin itch and break out with acne, Kristin Adams founded Afterglow Cosmetics mineral makeup line which suited her needs.

“All the women in my family are sensitive to food, cosmetics and perfume” says Kristin. “I started using make-up to cover up acne but it seemed to only make my skin feel and look worse.”  To develop the line, Kristin teamed up with one of the foremost cosmetic chemists in the industry. Their focus on using only pure, natural and organic ingredients make Afterglow‘s mineral makeup a favourite with dermatologists and estheticians worldwide. But even with all the great benefits, many women that have switched from traditional makeup to mineral makeup are confused about how to the best way to use mineral makeup. Here are a few tips that will help optimise your experience.

For those with dry, flaky skin, add a small amount of powder into the palm of the hand. Add a drop of moisturiser. Blend the two products together until a smooth, creamy consistency is achieved. Use your fingers or make-up wedge to apply. For young or blemished skin, apply it in very sheer layers bronzer or foundation with a vegan kabuki brush or flat top brush all over the face.

Loose powder mineral makeup is NOT designed to work with a sponge. Mineral bronzers and blush can be applied with a fan brush, blush brush, kabuki brush, or flat top foundation brush. Apply to areas where you want a fresh sun-kissed glow.

To apply eye shadow, dip an eye shadow brush into the desired colour and apply to your eyelids.

For liquid eyeliner, wet your brush with water use our Organic Colour Lock; dip into the desired colour of mineral powder.  Mix liquid and powder together on the back of your hand or in separate container until well blended; apply to the lid as desired.

Afterglow Cosmetics has 15 shades of organic lipstick and four shades of Organic Hydra Gloss. These are premixed for ease of use. However if you feel the desire to create your own shades, dip your lip brush into your favourite lip balm/stick/gloss and then into the mineral powder of your choice. Blend well and then apply to lips.

Afterglow’s mineral makeup is 100% vegan with a unique blend of minerals and natural pigments, carefully formulated with your health and beauty in mind. Afterglow’s products have continuously been among the most highly rated for safety on the Environmental Working Group’s “Skin Deep Report” website.

Afterglow are also proud signers of The Breast Cancer Fund’s Compact for Safe Cosmetics (Campaign for Safe Cosmetics) to advocate for safer cosmetics. 

Organic Mineral Foundation by Afterglow
Price: £28
Stockist: AfterglowCosmetics.co.uk

Afterglow Organic Mineral Foundation comes in unassuming, yet surprisingly clever packaging. The pot has a clear lid, which enables you to see how much foundation you have tapped out without having to remove the lid – making it easier to use than other similar brands. The powder glides onto the skin easily and gives a good, even coverage. On oily or combination skin it may feel a little tacky to the touch and could leave you with a shiny complexion later in the day, so to combat this Afterglow has an Organic Mineral Setting Powder which helps with oil absorption. For anyone with a dry complexion the foundation should cover well enough on its own without being too drying. This foundation surpassed the ELLE team’s expectations for not only being good quality, but being effective, too.

Bella Beauty tried and tested many foundations from liquids to minerals, and recommends Afterglow Organic Mineral Foundation as one that could seriously improve your face.

Bella Issue No. 45
11 November 2008

Sofemine.co.uk Beauty recommends Afterglow’s Organic Mineral Foundation as a top anti ageing mineral buy.

US brand Afterglow’s organic mineral powder is the top selling foundation over the other side of the pond. It contains pharmaceutical grade minerals and pigments, natural sunscreen and age-defying antioxidants. It’s even suitable for people who suffer from gluten sensitivity!

Afterglow Organic Mineral Foundation, £28 (20 shades)
www.afterglowcosmetics.co.uk

We love: Afterglow Mineral Foundation – If you have sensitive skin or you try to only use completely natural products on your skin then this is the mineral foundation for you. Afterglow cosmetics are already popular in the US and have recently branched out over here following our new-found love of mineral foundations. Unlike other brands this one won’t cause that telltale itch you get from products which contain artificial ingredients and dyes and you can also be safe in the knowledge that none of the products are tested on animals.

How Much? £28  

Where can I buy it? www.afterglowcosmetics.co.uk