Hello loves,
If you are a foundation-wearing gal like me this post is for you. I asked my friend and beauty contributor, makeup artist Mika Holborow, to break things down for us when it comes to our complexion-saving potions. Trust me, this British beauty knows her stuff. Enjoy!
Understanding What’s In Your Foundation
By Mika Holborow of www.mika-makeup.com, Beauty Contributor
That magic bottle that you call your “holy grail” or “desert island product” or simply your “go to” – but what’s actually in it? We women, almost instinctively apply our foundation every day without a second thought as to what’s actually in it. We can spend a small fortune on our makeup (somewhat easily), and when we are buying that prized bottle, how often do we actually take note of the ingredients that are listed? Or does it all sound like a jumble of words with only our vague understanding of the concept of an antioxidant?
The cosmetic industry is constantly evolving to create products that improve our skin texture by introducing more natural elements to our makeup. We have come a long way in this revolution since the days of using animal fat, mercury and lead to make pastes that would give a desired pale effect to the complexion. Nowadays you cannot visit a beauty counter without an assistant enthusiastically explaining the benefits of purchasing that product. And there is good reason for brands to shout it from the roof tops. Behind the scientific names assigned to ingredient lists lies ingredients that attract moisture to the skin, protects the skin from harmful rays reduces environmental stress on the skin and increases collagen production. And this is to only name a few. I mean, WOW! That is a lot of help our skin is getting!
So let’s get down to the nitty gritty and breakdown some of those over complicated nouns.
1. ANTIOXIDANTS
Although they are never spelled out like this on the label, they are there, lurking in our foundations, waiting to fight damage caused by exposure to sunlight and the atmosphere. Does Tocopheryl Acetate ring any bells? Or maybe even grape seed extract? Well, that’s those antioxidants in costume!
2. HUMECTANTSÂ
These are ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, so in short they help our skin stay moist and hydrated. Often disguised as Glycerin or Butylene Glycol.
3. EMOLLIENTS
These are generally added to cosmetics to soften and smooth the skin and are commonly found in not only foundations but also moisturizers and lipsticks. We’ve all heard of those pleasant-sounding ingredients such as coconut oil, olive oil and cocoa butter.
4. MINERALS
Oh how we love the sound of mineral makeup! In recent years, brands that market themselves as being strictly mineral-based are receiving unprecedented popularity. However, some of those same ingredients such as talc that we are being urged to avoid is in fact classed as a mineral. In general terms, mica is one of the most common minerals used in foundations, such as Bare Minerals products. But remember beauty masters, products that claim to be mineral-based do not imply that they are organic.
5. PARABENSÂ
Essentially a preservative that helps makeup last longer by increasing its shelf life. Parabens are synthetic ingredients added to most popular makeup products, especially liquid foundations, to prevent bacterial growth. More recently, parabens have come under increased scrutiny in regards to their safety in cosmetics after traces were found in samples of breast tumors. However, no direct link between parabens and cancer has ever been found so the jury is still out on that one. But before we cast our judgement vote, we should also remember that parabens are also found in lots of our everyday essential products. Trying to achieve a healthy, glowing skin is surely what we all desire and if foundation is what we use to safely get there, then I’m all in!
Stay Conscious & Chic!
About Mika Holborow I am a professional makeup artist with 14 years of experience in the industry. I specialize in fashion and editorial makeup, advertising campaigns, fashion shows, music videos and working on shoots for magazines such as Greek Vogue, Cartier Polo, and You as well as celebrity clients. I love teaching, sharing and educating clients on makeup – the how, why, what, and where of beauty products. This has naturally led me to write about what I know in hope of breaking down some common beauty myths. I hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoy sharing. – Mika x