Thursday 16 January 2014

WHY MINERAL MAKEUP?


WHY MINERAL MAKEUP?
By Chris Krenzer


“It looks like my skin only better.”


My answer to the question “Why Mineral Makeup?” is “Why would you wear anything else?”  The look and benefits far surpass traditional makeup.  And the category gets bigger and bigger and more inventive every day with choices from low-end to high-end and everything in between.

It does, however, get more important to examine thoroughly the ingredient list.  I had one mass brand explain to me that they put talc in their mineral makeup because it’s a mineral.  Yes, but then it’s not mineral makeup; it is traditional makeup relabeled.  Be careful of those marketing people – they’re clever!   

What minerals should you see in mineral makeup?  The quality, quantity, particle size and type differ from brand to brand, but you should see a combination of any of these ingredients:  Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Iron Oxides, Mica or Boron Nitride.  The minerals should appear at the top of the ingredient list and not at the bottom.  (Ingredients are listed in descending order with the largest amount listed first.) 

Why is it important not to dilute minerals with fillers such as talc?  The high percentage of minerals is what provides such versatile coverage, sun protection and benefits for the skin.  This concentrated pigment also gives the mineral powder such adherence that it rarely transfers or needs touching-up.  Traditional colour cosmetics contain 70 – 90% talc and are often coloured with petroleum-derived dyes (FD&C or D&C). 

I should add that minerals have no relationship to mineral oil which is a liquid petrolatum, a by-product of petroleum. 

I am often asked if minerals are organic.  All substances can be divided into two categories:
a)         Organic – that which contains organs to support life and will eventually rot (humans and plants, for example)
b)         Inorganic – without the organs necessary for life (rocks, for example).

I think what people really mean when they ask me if minerals are organic is: “Are they natural?”  That’s a hard question to answer because there isn’t a satisfactory definition of “natural” in our industry.  Perhaps a better question would be: “Do they occur naturally?”  The answer to that would be “yes and no.”  There is a misconception that minerals used in mineral powders come directly from the earth.  Even if the FDA allowed that, you wouldn’t want these minerals on your skin because they would be contaminated with heavy metals and other toxins.  
All minerals are manipulated extensively in a laboratory and many are made there.  This doesn’t make them bad.  They are still minerals but they are manufactured under strict laboratory guidelines that ensure their purity.

Perhaps “clean” rather than “natural” is a better word to describe products that are attempting to eliminate toxins and questionable ingredients.  Clean has been the mineral makeup pioneers’ quest from the start.  Because the category is so much more extensive than it once was, it has opened the door for compromises.  Now, you will see mineral powders with talc, parabens, synthetic dyes and other ingredients.  However, there are still a few purist brands around.  The choice is yours. 
Let’s look at what minerals are used and why.
  • Titanium dioxide (TiO2) – approved as a physical sunscreen – is a manufactured oxide of titanium.  Titanium is most commonly found in the mineral rutile (beach sand).  TiO2 is seldom used raw but is coated to eliminate oxidation and to increase its ability to refract UV rays.  Dimethicone is commonly used as a coating to increase the light scattering properties of TiO2.
  • Zinc oxide (ZnO) is manufactured from the mineral zincite.  ZnO is also approved as a physical sunscreen.  This pure white mineral is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.  It remains white when exposed to UV light.
  • Mica occurs naturally but in cosmetics is a manufactured mineral which gives slip and glide to the finished product.  It can be used in a larger particle size to provide shimmer or it can be used in a much smaller particle size to render it matte and absorbent.  Mica is often used as a colourant.
  • Boron nitride (BN) is a manufactured white, silky powder that gives smoothness, coverage, slip and sheen.  It is also known as the “soft focus” mineral because of its light refraction qualities.
  • Iron oxides (Fe203), commonly known as rust, are primarily used as colourants.  All iron oxides used in cosmetics are synthesized under strict laboratory processes.  Iron ore cannot be used from nature because it contains heavy metals.  
At the beginning of this article, I made the rather bold statement that the look and benefits of mineral makeup are far superior to traditional makeup.  How can I back this up?  Well, to begin with, in the ten years that I’ve been intimately involved with mineral makeup, I have never known a woman return to traditional makeup once she’s found a mineral brand she likes.  I’ve seen women and men with skin challenges turn their lives around because of the benefits and coverage from mineral makeup.  Celebrities become fanatical about it.   It has grown from a few pots in a plastic surgeon’s office to a world-wide phenomenon.   It is now the fastest growing segment of the cosmetic industry.
Let’s look at some specific benefits.  Authentic mineral powders are a foundation, concealer and powder all in one.  If the label indicates an SPF, they are also a sunscreen.
Coverage
It is the way mineral makeup interacts with light that creates its celebrated coverage.   It can cover almost any distraction without looking heavy and cakey.   Minerals interact with light in complicated ways: 
  • They allow light to pass through the particles so it bounces off the skin reflecting back some of the skin’s hue – literally taking on the colour of the skin
  • They reflect, refract and diffuse light creating a soft focus effect
  • They create a luminous look to the skin – a healthy, youthful glow
This interaction with light makes colour-matching the skin tone easier than with traditional makeup.  In fact, you will rarely see where minerals end and the skin begins.  It is important to try minerals on the skin to test for colour.  Often, the colour in the jar looks quite different when it is applied.
Allows the skin to breathe
Minerals allow the skin to breathe and function normally – a boon to all skin types but especially for those with acne and rosacea.
Sun Protection
There is no question that sun protection is one of the most important things we can do for the health of the skin.  The elegance of minerals is that they make this protection easy, effective and beautiful.  However, do not assume that because you have a mineral makeup in your hand that it has sun protection.  Assume the reverse unless it has an SPF rating on its label.  Mineral sun protection satisfies everything that we want a sunscreen to be.  It is part of the makeup not a separate layer.  It is non-occlusive,  There is no wait for chemicals to absorb before protection begins.  It stays where you put it – no running into the eyes.  And it is so easy to add more if you need it.
A quick word about SPF protection.  SPF only refers to protection against the UVB ray – the shorter ray that goes into the epidermis and creates a burn.  The FDA is actually considering changing SPF to SBF (sunburn protection).  Why?  Because the ray that is now considered more dangerous that UVB is UVA, the longer ray that enters the dermis and injures the collagen and elastin layers.  It also lowers the immune system.  (UVA creates the tan which is the body’s response to injury.  This is the ray that tanning booths use.)  Until now there has been no method approved in the US for testing UVA protection.  Other countries such as the UK, Australia and Japan have measured UVA for years.  The FDA has the Japanese method under consideration for approval and some labs are already conducting these tests.  It is reasonable to expect that mineral powders with an SPF rating will also have meaningful UVA protection.  Our company’s initial tests have shown this to be true.
Feel and Look
If minerals are applied properly, they should feel weightless on the skin.  Some wearers even report that for the first time in many years they can actually feel air on their faces.  If minerals feel or look heavy, it is probably an application problem and not the minerals themselves. 
Minerals are so versatile that practically any look is attainable.  But I think a phrase that I’ve heard more than any other to describe the finished effect is:  “It looks like my skin only better.”  Perhaps in the end this is what attracts women and men to mineral makeup.  It fits perfectly with today’s lifestyle.  It’s fast, easy and effective.  It’s multi-functional.  It allows us to feel natural and look flawless at the same time.  And for those of us who are interested in eliminating as many toxins as possible from our lives, it does that too.
Why mineral makeup?  Why would you wear anything else?

©Chris Krenzer Mineral Cosmetics..



Thursday 14 November 2013

Drop weight and have TONS OF ENERGY






Did you know both apples and cinnamon raise your metabolism? This is the ORIGINAL Day Spa Apple Cinnamon Water Recipe! Try this now famous drink, and any day can feel like fall. Fuji and Honey Crisp apples work best as they are the sweetest. Keep in mind this drink has a hint of flavor, should you want it stronger add more apples or slice them thinner.
This recipe has helped 1000′s of people lose weight! 

Boost your metabolism naturally with this ZERO CALORIE Detox Drink. Put down the diet sodas and crystal light and try this out for a week. 


You will drop weight and have TONS OF ENERGY! Sounds yummy!


1 Apple thinly sliced
1 Cinnamon Stick
Drop apple slices in the bottom of the pitcher and then the cinnamon sticks, cover with ice about 1/2 way up then add water.

Thursday 7 November 2013

Brow Extensions

MARKET DEFINED FOR BROW TREATMENTS
ILAH Brows the UKs & Irelands most popular Brow treatment is introducing an exciting new Brow Treatment .
Offering a variety of services such as waxing, colour washing and threading, ILAH Brow will now offer Brow extensions, along with its collection of natural brow retail products.

Semi-Permanent Eye Brow extensions, individual hairs that are meticulously attached to your real ones with surgical-grade superglue — like false lashes but for brows. The results last 14 days. 
“We’re thrilled to be extending our hands-on practitioner model for salons and clinics’,” says Tina Newman Sales manager for BeautyBrands.ie the Irish distributor for ILAH brows. She adds that the ILAH Brow extension was conceived in response to an increasing demand from customers with hair loss.” There are many different types of hair loss, or alopecia. Hair loss can be due to different types of medications such as those taken for gout, arthritis, depression, hypertension, chemotherapy, and heart problems. 

For more information about  ILAH Brow Products and training dates call ILAH Brows Irish Distributor Beauty Brands on T: (0) 45 944751or go to www.beautybrands.ie



Wednesday 6 November 2013

Applying lip liner




In case you've 
been avoiding this little wonder for your lips, let us fill you in on what you’ve been missing.





Lip liner adds definition to the lips.
Who doesn't want full, defined lips? Pairing your lip pencil with a lighter, highlight pencil will keep the lip line clean and can create lift and definition to the lip.” (This trick works wonders on thin upper lips.) “Apply the lighter pencil in bow of the lip, right above your lip liner shade to lift and highlight that area. And when gravity takes a toll we start to see the corner of our lips turn down, use a lighter pencil or concealer to highlight those corners creating a lifted and sculpted look.” Try ChrisKrenzer bright light concealer .

Lip liner prolongs the wear of any lip color.
Applying lip liner before your lipstick or lip gloss helps prevent the colour from bleeding or feathering–making it a dream for dark lipstick lovers. Chris Krenzer Makeup Artist Tina Newman suggests using lip liner as a base. Simply lining and filling in your lips with a pencil will give your lip colour something to adhere to, thus increasing its staying power. If all that lip liner seems a little daunting, start with a clear lip pencil, like ChrisKrenzer Natural Lip Pencil..

Even the lipstick averse can appreciate lip liner.
Lip liner is not just for the red lip loving set. Tina Newman notes, “Even if you’re not a big lip wearer, you can still benefit from lip liner. Pick a nude/natural shade that is close to your natural lip color and lightly trace the natural lip line to define the shape. Buff out the edges into the center of the lip with a brush and layer with a clear gloss.” Tina Newman loves the long wear of ChrisKrenzer Diamond Gloss. It’s the no muss no fuss solution to a pretty pout.

The right application makes a big difference.
For a smooth gliding application and a fluid line, Tina Newman recommends prepping lips with a light lip balm first. Part your lips slightly (this will keep your lips closest to their natural shape) and apply the liner using light, short strokes. Always follow your natural lip shape–overdrawn lips are not a good look. If you start to draw the pencil across your lips and it tugs the skin, then the pencil is too hard. Try sharpening the pencil and warming the point between your thumb and index finger to soften it.

Have we converted you into a lip liner lover? Tell us below!


Thursday 1 August 2013

Clever Beach Wear


The Saress® beach cover up was born of the need to create & design a flattering solution to the dated, difficult, awkward sarong which we have never felt confident in.


Forget knots, ties or fasteners none are required. Our design registered exclusive has a loop at 2 corners so you simply slip the Saress® around your back, thread opposite arms through the loops for an easy elegant flattering beach cover up in seconds - its sensational!


The look is stunning & timeless, with a crossover effect that enhances the bust, trims the waist & skims over the thighs, tummy & bottom, draping low at the back, creating an ultra feminine shape. Using our very special fabric which is essential to the perfect drape of the Saress® cool comfortable & crease-free, with a touch of stretch it allows you to move with ease & confidence.Unlike the Sarong it retains it's shape & stays in place.

Antistatic it also dries in seconds and is perfect for the social woman, it will ‘capture eyes’ from the beach, to the pool, to the bistro, allowing all women to be sexy yet refined and elegant,slims and shapes.



Oxegen makeup must haves






Dry Shampoo, by Batiste - €4.99:
Let's face it, you're gonna get greasy! Whether you like it or not, you're not going to get a good wash in festival showers, and thats only if you're brave enough to get in! Dry shampoo is a must have for me to tide over your roots until you can get home into your own bath or shower.
Sunglasses, by SpeckyFourEyes - €18*
I LOVE this pair of sunglasses, and I can't wait to wear them to festivals this summer. I love the multicoloured print, and the lightweight plastic frames are comfortable to wear. As gorgeous as your brand new Ray Bans probably are, it is not worth taking them to a festival where you may well lose or damage them. These lovely and very affordable pair are therefore perfect, and will look awesome in the process!
Strawberry Body Butter, by The Body Shop - €15*
When your skin is exposed to the elements when you're staying in a tent, you need to take care of it! Body Butters are great for this, and you may as well use one that smells great in the process! I love this strawberry body butter as the gorgeous scent means I don't need to bother with perfume, which I would worry about losing. It keeps skin soft and lovely, as you never know who you might bump into!
Kind of an obvious one, as you really can't go outside for a whole weekend without sun protection! I love this lotion as it is light and moisturising to the skin, and has a lovely fresh scent. The aftersun is a necessity for me too, as unfortunately, when you're out all day, you're bound to get at least a little bit burnt, and this lotion soothes out any redness.
PocketBac Antibacterial gel by Bath and Bodyworks.
Festivals are sadly not the cleanest places, and so this one speaks for itself really. The floral Japanese Cherry Blossom scent is much nicer than the generic alcohol scent of normal antibac gels, so this one comes with me wherever I go.
Makeup:
You never know what the weather holds do I tend to stick with Chris Krenzer Mineral Makeup mainly because it is sweat proof if its sunny and water proof if it rains . My must haves are also a bold, long lasting eyeliner, my favourites are Glam Eyes by Rimmel, and Chris Krenzer Mineral Makeup. Similarly, bold brows are a bonus, and this Ilah brows palette is perfect for quick and easy styling. Finally, I never go without a good concealer, and Bright light mineral eye concealer is the best for banishing pesky under eye circles and hydrating you skin, and if you're telling me you can go a whole weekend partying without grey bags, then please let me know your secret!
What are your festival must haves?
xxx



Wednesday 10 July 2013

Summer Makeup Tips




Summer is full of pleasures — but melting makeup, sliding eyeliner, and supersticky lipstick are not among them. "In hot weather, applying your makeup should be as simple and comfy as putting on your favorite pair of jeans and flip-flops, But the heat and humidity are a challenge, so you have to make a few little changes to your routine. That's why we have some great tips for keeping makeup looking fresh and pretty, even when the weather is working against you.



1. Make time for primer. You won't regret the few seconds it will take to smooth on a primer, which goes on after moisturizer but before face makeup. Like house-paint primer, it provides a smooth base for whatever goes on next. Primers are definitely the way to go in summer. They're incredibly light — they don't feel at all like a heavy, additional layer — and they really help hold makeup in place. However Chris Krenzers 4 in 1 contains, Concealer, primer, foundation & Finishing powder, with an added SPF 20!




2. Lighten your face makeup. Just as you switch to breezy skirts and linen blouses, dress your face with lighter makeup. First step: Swap foundation for tinted moisturizer. These sheer formulas look and feel airier on skin and are less likely to turn cakey on steamy days
Feeling a little too exposed? We recommend brushing powder foundation over the tinted moisturizer in spots where you need a little extra coverage — say, on blemishes or areas of redness around your nose. Try Chris Krenzer 4 in 1 Powder Base ($42, chriskrenzer.com).






3. Bronze believably. Bronzer makes your eyes look brighter, your teeth whiter — everyone looks better with a little warmth added to their skin. To keep the results looking fresh and natural, we recommend applying bronzer just to the high points of your face, where the sun naturally hits you: forehead, cheekbones, chin, and nose. (Covering every nook and cranny is what gives you that fake, baked look.) Powder bronzers are the easiest to apply; look for one with varying shades — they'll swirl together for the most authentic-looking results. Try Chris Krenzer Bronzing Swirl Bronzing Powder. Another essential for keeping it real: a brush with long, loose, fluffy bristles — anything densely packed will deposit too much color. Prescriptives Bronzer Brush (€32, department stores) is a great choice. And be sure to sweep a little bronzer onto your neck and earlobes, especially if you have short hair or are wearing a pony­tail. A tan face that's framed by pale ears will out you fast.