FOUR IN ONE
Our micronized mineral bases are concentrated pigment. This means that we use no fillers such as talc to stretch pigment or dyes. (Pigment is defined as inorganic color insoluble in water, as opposed to dyes which are organic [usually made from coal tar] and soluble in water.) Because our bases are concentrated pigment, a minimum amount gives unsurpassed coverage. This concentrated pigment also gives us the high rating we achieve with sunscreen protection.

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) and the FDA
SPF 20 Pressed Bases & SPF 20 Loose Bases – Formulated with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, the minerals give instant, broad-spectrum, chemical-free sun protection. They also have a Very Water Resistant rating. Please refer to our SPF Explained chapter.

FAST, WEIGHTLESS COVERAGE
Apply with a brush or a sponge for coverage that it would normally take three products to achieve. The result should look sheer and luminescent and feel weightless.

NON-COMEDOGENIC AND OIL-FREE
Under a microscope, the mineral crystals look like overlapping fish scales. These crystals form a filter that allows the free exchange of gasses. The minerals are non-comedogenic. We have many accounts from acne patients testifying to improvement in their skins since using our mineral makeup. The only oils we use in our formulas are in products where we want to help condition the skin – such as in our under-eye concealer and lip products.

MINIMUM ALLERGY RISK
Allergies and sensitivities are usually caused by substances that cause irritation to the skin. Substances that most commonly cause these sensitivities are chemical preservatives, chemical dyes (usually labeled as FD&C), perfume and alcohol. Our makeup contains none of these sensitizers. In fact, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are anti-inflammatories and help calm the skin. Reactions are particularly common in skins that have been compromised in some fashion, as through a weakened immune system, sun damage, chemical peels, laser resurfacing, etc.

SENSITIZERS
All our individual Material Safety Data Sheets of raw materials in our powder bases support that irritation, burning and stinging of the skin are not caused by our ingredients. Further, our processing does not result in any chemical change in the raw materials, so the reaction of the mixed ingredients remains the same as the individual ingredients. We have eliminated from our powders all perfume, chemical dyes and chemical preservatives. These are the top three sensitizers.

FD&C DYES
When the letters FD&C precede a color, it means that the color has been approved by the FDA for use in foods, drugs and cosmetics. When D&C precede the color, it signifies that it can be used only in drugs or cosmetics. FD&C dyes are derived from petroleum or historically coal tar, some are also synthetic. Coal tar is a thick liquid or semisolid tar obtained from bituminous coal which contains many constituents, including benzene, xylenes, naphthalene, pyridine, quinoline, phenol, and creosol. The main concern about coal tar derivatives is that they cause cancer in animals, but they are also frequent sources of allergic reactions particularly skin rashes and hives. (A Consumer’s Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients, Ruth Winter, M.S.)

CONCENTRATED PIGMENT (COVERAGE)
The word “pigment” usually means a colored or white compound that is insoluble in a solvent. (The word “dye” generally refers to a chemical compound, most often of coal tar origin, which is soluble.) Our pigments are made from micronized mineral elements only.

The reason our powders work so well as a natural-looking beauty makeup and/or a camouflage is because the concentrated pigment masks color but also reflects and refracts light (matte finishes absorb light). An amazingly small amount of the minerals will cover most types of redness including acne, rosacea and erythema (redness).

ADHERE
Because of the micronization process our mineral particles undergo, they bind together on application. When applied to a clean, moisturized skin the surface tension this creates overcomes gravity and holds the minerals tightly to the skin. The result is that they resist running, creasing and smearing and will only come off with a cleanser or our Magic Mitt™. No special cleanser is required.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide have anti-inflammatory properties and will help to calm erythema. Zinc oxide is also anti-microbial.