With the changing colors of autumn leaves,
summer clothing is exchanged for fall apparel, but what about
your makeup palette?
For most women, putting on their cosmetics becomes as routine
as brushing their teeth. They’re fond of their tried-and-true
products and resist trying something new, returning to the cosmetic
counter for the same shade of blush the makeup artist recommended
when they were 16.
But this fall offers an opportunity to not only update your "look,"
but to actually wear healthier makeup. Corporations such as L’Oreal
and Neutrogena are now offering mineral-based alternatives to
their usual lines in local drugstores, while Jane Iredale, which
has been manufacturing its line of mineral-based products since
1994, distributes their cosmetics through the offices of dermatologists
and plastic surgeons.
Ngozi Keshinro, MD, co-owner of Dermacare of Brooklyn Heights,
told GO Brooklyn that she offers Jane Iredale products and makeovers
at her upscale clinic because "regular makeup will harbor
bacteria. This makeup’s inert materials do not harbor bacteria;
it has an almost limitless shelf-life."
Also, some of the products have anti-inflammatory properties,
explained Keshinro, which help to calm and soothe irritated skin.
She’s also a fan of the products because some, like the liquid
mineral foundation, have coenzyme Q10 and vitamin C, which go
beyond surface improvements, with their healing, anti-aging properties.
"They’re supportive and protective," explained Keshinro.
"Also, these products don’t cause people to have an allergic
reaction and they’re non-comedogenic. They don’t promote blackheads
in the skin."
After Keshinro’s clients have a procedure, their skin could be
temporarily sensitive and "talc and parabens [of typical
makeup] become an issue."
While mineral makeup is particularly helpful for a dermatologist’s
clients, Keshinro said she would recommend this brand of makeup
"for anyone, of any age or any ethnicity. I wear it everyday."
Her favorite product is Iredale’s 24-Karat Gold Dust – actual
food-grade gold flakes – which can be dusted on the face, hair
or mixed with moisturizer before applying to shoulders or legs.
According to Dermacare makeup artist Milena Colon, "The
new fall colors for eyes are soft lavender (Lilac Haze pearlescent
is the name of the shadow from Jane Iredale), intense lilac (Smoky
Lilac) and deep burgundy (Wine & Roses shimmer). Fall colors
are a little more intense than summer colors because people stop
getting sun. They’re a little pale, so they go a little heavy
on the makeup."
Colon, who has been a makeup artist for four years, favors the
Jane Iredale mineral-makeup line over standard cosmetics.
"The beauty of these products is that there isn’t anything
in the products that are harmful, so the colors can be used on
the eyes or mixed with gloss and used on the lips," explained
Colon, who has been using them since January. "But this
fall, just one feature of the face should be highlighted at one
time, so if you’re going for dramatic, smoky eyes, go lighter
on the lips or vice versa."
At Dermacare, Colon offers both makeup applications and makeup
lessons, where she applies the tricks of the trade to half the
client’s face while the client practices their newly learned
techniques on the other half.
Some mineral makeup products, such as those that contain sunblock,
can even serve to speed up your morning beautification routine
by eliminating the need for other products.
"The Jane Iredale pressed and loose powders are so easy:
they’re sunscreen, foundation, concealer and powder all-in-one,"
said Colon.
The only mistake a new mineral-makeup user could make is slathering
it on; typically, these high-quality cosmetics have less filler
than the standard product, so a little goes a long way.
"The most important thing is to blend," said Colon.
"I like my makeup to look natural. And I use very little.
Less is better."
Jane Iredale mineral makeup is available
at Dermacare of Brooklyn Heights (122 Atlantic Ave. at Henry
Street). A makeup application at Dermacare is $75; makeup lesson:
$45. For more information, call (718) 625-7546 or visit the Web
site www.dermacareusa.com.
Mineral-based cosmetics are also manufactured by Neutrogena and
L’Oreal and are available in local drugstores.
