Why Does My Mineral Makeup Change Color?

This is the same question I had when I was first introduced to mineral makeup. Have any of you ever experienced color changes to your skin after wearing mineral makeup for a few hours? I have!.......My face would do strange things. I would peer into the mirror later in the day to be thoroughly shocked by an orange face staring back at me. I tried neutral to beige colors to try and tone it down, not understanding what was happening, only to now have a gray pall to my skin. Not a pretty look for me!

As I began to research formulating my own line of cosmetics, I soon realized what was happening with other minerals that would have this strange phenomenon occur.

In some instances it was a coating on the minerals that would cause the change in color such as carnauba wax which is used to treat micas to create better adherence and a creamier texture. All powders with this treatment would melt on my face, creep into my fine lines and always turned me a pasty orange shade like that of a pumpkin. Now don't misunderstand....I love pumpkins....I just don't want to look like one. This odd phenomenon would mainly occur within my t-zone area where I tended to be a bit oily and spread to a lighter degree across my face. Carnauba wax was not great at stabilizing color as I soon learned, and was separating from the micas as it warmed to my skin, creating a caked look as well.

Then I just loved the look of the gray ghost when I tried to neutralize the orange tone with a beige one. I was totally confused at what was happening here. Why would beige go gray? I looked like death warmed over and hideous. Wow...now I can go trick or treating without the sheet!

Again, having an understanding of color theory, I investigated the color ingredients being used and unfortunately in some of the companies all colors were not declared in the list. However, it was clear that chromium oxide green was being used to tone down orange in a shade. Green is used to neutralize red oxide, however it is famous for graying out a color. Products which use chromium oxide green will cause a gray pall, and will be emphasized when it gets wet or you perspire, almost becoming ashy in tone. Many customers are not aware of the consequences of certain ingredients used and colored oxides are not explained when making a purchase.

Another reason for a complexion turning orange from mineral makeup has also been shown to occur on women who use certain medications on their skin. In this instance there is no fault with the mineral powders but simply a chemical reaction is occurring. AHA’s, rosacea treatment crèmes and some acne treatments will alter the color of the oxides usually having a bleaching effect on the color. Red oxide which is a dominant color, when bleached will of course turn a weird version of orange. If this is happening to you, investigate your skin care and if possible save treatments for nighttime only. However, be aware residuals from treatments may still be on the skin during the day and this problem may reoccur.

For women that do not wish to experience this phenomenon, usually utilizing one of our shades from the olive / beige tones will correct much of the problem and you won't have to fear the dreaded ghost look since there is no chromium oxide green used in my mineral makeup foundations. It is a bit of trial and error, but I have assisted women in correcting the gray through a change of mineral powders, or orange cast with a simple change in color foundation. Also using a correct shade of blush which possesses more red / blue in it works wonders for counteracting the orange glow which can occur from certain skin treatments. Strong sallow skin tones will also benefit from this same advice.

Hopefully mystery solved for some of you that have also asked, “hey, why is my mineral makeup changing color?” For another bit of information, essentially part 2 of this mystery, on shift in colors of Lipsticks and Blush, this article can help shed some light on another scenario which may be happening with your skin.

Have a lovely weekend!

A Little Break With Some Competitive Spirit!

Well, my husband and I just returned from a long weekend spent in Moscow Idaho for a bit of cooler weather and R&R. We have spent more than 30 years living in Idaho and this was the first time visiting this lovely place. It is the home of the University of Idaho. It is a peaceful mountain town and has some of the friendliest people you would want to meet. During this time of year many businesses close up until the town of only 22,000 explodes by double at the start of each college term which I understand becomes a culturally diverse and more of an electric experience full of life and atmosphere of youth and activity. Main Street is truly the epicenter of Moscow and is quaint with charm and an abundance of trees. The food was very good and plenty of it. The weather was moderate with a definite chill as the sun sets. They average temperatures between 15 to 20 degrees cooler in the summer months than in the Treasure Valley where we are located. Winter time the weather is even more brutal with more snow than I care to live in. When falling down becomes a major component in my life and preventing broken bones, I prefer temperate climates as I grow older.

While there, my husband and I were lending a cheer to our friends' grandson who was playing in the regional championship little league games. They were called the 9'ers due to their ages. They did a wonderful job and gave the older little leaguers a run for their money and kept their games so close, always within a one point spread. I had forgotten what it felt like to feel the competitive spirit of one of our greatest past times. The little ones also make it so much fun compared to watching the pros. So many of them have adopted the mannerisims of the pros and it was comical to watch with their hand signals, their approach to home plate with the bat swinging wildly as they warm up, planting their toe and leaning into the pitch. They even had the "spitting all over the place" thing down..... a true group of mini Willy Mays'.

The 6 hour drive up and back was gorgeous and the return to hot weather is a pleasure. I enjoy banana belt temperatures, but Moscow will always be endeared to my heart as the most beautiful, friendliest little town I have visited in quite a long time.

Thanks Moscow for the hospitality....Cheers! ;~)

Don’t forget Your Décolleté

As summer defines itself with hotter days and we spend more time out by the barbeque, we find ourselves stripping down to the bare essentials of clothing to get relief from the heat. Even as I grow older I still enjoy wearing professionally designed low cut shirts or a sexy camisole with a sheer top shirt. However, this part of the body is quite tender and can burn very easily. We also can get creases and fine lines in our breast area due to how women are built and this can emphasize our age. So just like my face, I am diligent in not only protecting this area from sunburn but I also want this area to appear younger looking as well.

Mineral makeup is great for this. After I moisturize thoroughly and I apply my face makeup and buff clear down onto my delicate neck area, I then proceed to apply a nice layer to my décolleté. It evens out blotchiness from years of sun damage and reduces the appearance of the fine lines I have accumulated over those same years. I even place a touch of minerals on my shoulders to make the blending of my minerals complete.

The results are fantastic! My skin is even, sun-kissed, protected from the sun, and appears more youthful as the refractive properties of the minerals cast light away from the lines, removing the shadow effect they can have.

So ladies, when applying your mineral makeup, don’t forget in the summer months to enhance your décolleté with a sheer layer of mineral powders. You’ll be amazed at how nice the overall finished look will be. Also indulge yourself by buffing a bit of bronzer over this area for a beautiful sexy shimmer which looks oh so natural.

Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July and enjoy that long weekend!