Launch: mineralogie

Published 26th Jan 2009 by Admin
Launch: mineralogie

DEC M 5.jpgFACING

THE FUTURE

BY SASHA LILL

DEC M 4.jpgMary Van has fashioned a successful career from her passion for the aesthetic beauty of colour and her eye for skin tone. It began in the early 80s in Dallas, Texas when, as a make-up artist at a day spa, she learned about skin's undertones, colour analysis and colour draping - knowledge which enabled her to create foundation colours identical to an individual's skin tone.

Her interest in mineral make-up grew when she teamed up with an aesthetician and was challenged with finding a make-up line that benefited skin following an aggressive clinical treatment. After promoting private label cosmetics and custom-blending products for many years, she branded her own line, Mineralogie, in the early 90s. It is available worldwide, including the US, Mexico, Columbia, Australia, Germany, and now the UK.

LETTING SKIN BREATHE

The products are formulated with pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, with no talcs, starches, dyes or perfumes, so they feel as good as they look - "light and pure, so skin can breathe and perspire through them", says Mary.

 READ ON...

DEC M 1.jpgThis is one of the reasons Mineralogie complements beauty treatments - for example, after a facial, where the make-up can be applied to act as a natural anti-inflammatory to help reduce redness from extractions, aggressive skin treatments or waxing. The products are hypo-allergenic and on the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics list. When applied to skin in layers, they can also conceal acne, rosacea, post-laser redness and scars.

Rated by the FDA as SPF 26 (said to be the highest rating for a foundation in the industry), Mineralogie provides total sun protection thanks to micronised titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which block out all broad-spectrum UVA and UVB rays, as well as pollutants in the environment. In addition, a combination of vitamins (A and E), minerals, and other nutrients within the foundations help protect skin and reverse the signs of ageing, leaving skin illuminated by reflecting light and softening features.  

DEC M 3.jpgSays Mary: "As well as being pure and good for the skin, the Mineralogie range is high-fashion and glamorous. It can be used to achieve any look - from soft and pale to vamp - working with just 'crumbs' of colour to achieve great coverage. Mineralogie is more than just a make-up, it's part of a healthier and more satisfying lifestyle."

The comprehensive line boasts more than 200 colours, as well as 33 standard foundation colours, housed in biodegradable, eco-chic packaging and boxes made from recycled paper printed with soy ink.

DEC M 2.jpgThe collection includes: foundation (available in shaker jar or with dispensing brush); pressed foundation; liquid hydration; matte and radiance bronzers; concealer; skin spritz; face primer; blush; matte and shimmer eye shadows; brush-on brow; eyeliner; mascara; lipstick; lip gloss; and natural lipstick (no red dye), as well as application brushes.

According to Mary, what sets the brand apart is comprehensive colour-matching, with a colour palette that blends with all skin tones. "If one of the 33 standard foundation colours isn't a match, then custom-blending creates the perfect shade for any skin tone," she says.

As well as offering a personalised colour-match, skincare concerns can also be addressed by adding one of Mineralogie's many additives to the custom-blend foundation. Do-good ingredients include:

  • green tea and grape seed - anti-oxidants
  • Indian frankincense - anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing
  • licorice root - helps prevent hyper-pigmentation and inflammation induced by UVB ray
  • resveratrol - helps skin problems brought on by environmental stress
  • soy isoflavones - behave like oestrogen after menopause, giving the skin natural hormone replacement without the side-effects
  • superoxide dismutase (SOD) - one of the most potent antioxidant aids in converting destructive radicals present in skin into less dangerous forms.

Education has played a key role in the brand's success and is necessary to get the most out of the products, says Mary. Training is free, carried out at the spa/salon, and comprises basic training of two-and-a-half hours, while custom-blending is a further two-and-a-half hours.

PRICE: tailor-made starter packs from £350 +VAT, RRP £40/7g (foundation)

Admin

Admin

Published 26th Jan 2009

This is a test

Have all the latest news delivered to your inbox

You must be a member to save and like images from the gallery.