FAQ: Mineral Makeup Explained

Atlanta Salon & spa talks with Rita Patel of MiA BelleZZa Cosmetics

1) How should I apply mineral make up if I have dry skin? How about oily skin?

I personally like liquid mineral foundation for the face. I have dry patches on my face and I find liquid mineral foundation is much better. The liquid mineral foundation seems to absorb deeper into the skin, to provide maximum benefits of the product. Sometimes applying a lightweight moisturizer before application helps with the dry skin issue. Powder foundation is much better for oily skin, although liquid is just as good. Mineral make up is non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores, and it contains natural anti-inflammatories to help heal and calm inflammation. So both powder and liquid foundations provide maximum benefits for any type of skin. MiA BelleZZa has both Liquid Powder Foundation SPF 15 and a Mineral Photo Touch Foundation, great for any type of skin. Liquid Powder Foundation provides a more matte finish, whilst the Mineral Photo Touch Foundation gives you a natural flawless glow finish. MiA BelleZZa also has a great Retexturizing Face Primer SPF 20. It helps to absorb excess oils, provide sun protection, evens out skin tone and provides skin with anti oxidants, Vitamins A & E to the skin.

2) How is mineral make up defined?

Mineral make up contains a combination of minerals including titanium dioxide, zinc oxides, and iron oxides. Most oxides have anti-inflammatory properties. Most mineral products eliminate the need for talc, oils, dyes, fragrances and preservatives, therefore making it the most natural form of make up. It’s great for people with acne, rosacea or any other from of skin problems. It is more pure than traditional make up products, making it more beneficial for the skin. Most of MiA BelleZZa mineral make up is hypoallergenic, great for sensitive skin.

3) What are some of the main benefits of mineral based make up?

It’s great for sensitive skin. It is also non-comodegenic so it doesn’t block pores. It allows skins to breathe. Also contains anti-inflammatory minerals, which is great with people with skin disorders. Mineral make up feels more natural and lightweight and eliminates that heavy caked on make up feel. Mineral cosmetics also contains natural light diffusers, helping to reflect light, which helps hide wrinkles, crow’s feet and fine lines around the facial area.

4) Are there special techniques or tools you recommend for applying mineral make up?

Mineral make up is best applied with a brush or sponge. Never use fingers! Usually apply mineral make up in a buffing manner. Kabuki brushes are great for powder foundations. There are many liquid foundation brushes available on the market now. These are great to apply a more natural flawless finish with liquid foundations.

5) What are the most popular mineral make ups? (Powder foundations/Blush) and why?

Foundations are the most popular form of mineral make up. Everyone wants that natural healthy glow finish on the face. Mineral foundations do exactly that, while also providing health benefits to the skin. Blushes and Bronzers are also popular. They provide the “icing on the cake” as I call it. Gives your face the extra definition it needs for a total glam look. Top off with mascara and lip gloss, and your all set for the day!

6) What are the visual characteristics of mineral based make up-how do they look different than other make up?

Mineral cosmetics give you a more natural, flawless glow to the skin. It doesn’t look or feel heavy as some of the traditional forms of make up. It lasts longer on skin than traditional make up, as it continues to absorb moisture all day long. Natural color pigments in mineral cosmetics are much more intense, therefore using less product.

7) Is it true that you can safely sleep in mineral make up?

You can, but I don’t recommend sleeping in any make up. Mineral make up is non-comodegenic, so it won’t clog pores, allows skin to breathe, so if just by chance, you have a crazy night, don’t worry, you’ll still wake up with beautiful skin!

Does mineral make up offer natural sun protection?

Mineral make up is a natural sun protector. It contains titanium dioxide, a great sun protector. Of course, if you’re still wary of sun protection apply an SPF lightweight moisturizer. MiA BelleZZa has a great Retexturizing Face Primer with SPF 20, sufficient for the face, plus you get the added benefit of a primer, you can even forego foundation with the Retexturzing Face Primer and still have a flawless look with sun protection!

9) Is all mineral make up the same?

Not all brands are the same. Some are hypoallergenic, some are not. It is great to do your homework before making a decision on a purchase. Most MiA BelleZZa mineral products are hypoallergenic. I have sensitive skin and wanted my customers to have the best out there. I actually provide the benefits of each product on my webstore, so my customers are visually able to see which product is more suitable for their skin.

10) How do I know what colors I should purchase for my skin?

That’s where the one on one personal attention comes into factor. I enjoy giving my customers a great new look, with colors they never imagined they could wear. With the right application and colors, I believe everyone can enjoy a little color in their life. I’ve had customers rave about their new looks. It just makes them feel like a whole new person. I enjoy doing that to my customers! Once they know what colors are more suitable for them, it makes purchasing colors online, so much easier for them. Not everyone has time for one on ones, which is where the internet comes into factor. I tell customers to research photos online and find people with similar skin tones and see what colors they wear. If it looks great on them, it will look great on you!

11) Does mineral based make up expire or go bad? How long is the shelf life?

Mineral make up does not contain any moisture, therefore bacteria can not form. Mineral make up contain no preservatives, fillers, fragrances or dyes, so it can’t spoil. Some of my MiA BelleZZa products that do have a shorter shelf life, have expiration dates printed on the packaging. Usually it’s 12 months.

Rita Patel
CEO MiA BelleZZa Cosmetics
www.MiABelleZZa.com

Back to Barnesville: Old Time Skin Remedies from Rural Georgia, Part Two

remedies for the skin from Rural Georgia     Part Two

Reproduced with permission form the author; www.backtobarnesville.com

From Jim Doggetts Booklet, “Back to Barnesville”, 1977:

“While living in rural Barnesville, Georgia before the back-to-nature movement became popular, I spoke with many senior citizens regarding the various species of medicinal plants in the area, and how the people used them for different remedies.

Realizing the value of this almost lost part of our rich heritage due to certain claims of science, I set out to bring the information into some workable perspective so others could benefit form this knowledge and pass it on to future generations.  Back to Barnesville is the result.  A concise index of home remedies used by our ancestors for hundreds of years with confidence.  It can help you CUT COST by using what you already have.”

Dry Skin Cleanser

Mix 1 ounce olive oil with 1 ounce of powdered milk. Rub in skin and leave for about 15 minutes  and rinse of with warm water.

Honey Cleanser

Spread honey over face  to tone and revitalize skin.  Leave on for 15 to 20 minutes.  Then rinse off with warm water.  Honey is an excellent substance for all skin types.

Facial Mask

Mix equal amounts of wheat germ flour and yogurt until smooth;  apply to face thoroughly.  Leave for about 20 minutes and remove coating with warm water, then rinse with cold.

Warts

Rub warts with the inside of banana peel, allow to dry and repeat after several hours.  Continue this application daily for about a week and warts should vanish.

Wrinkles

Heat approximately 1 ounce of olive oil in a small pot.  When oil is warm, massage wrinkle are thoroughly for fifteen minutes.

Sunburn Ointment

Mix equal parts of glycerin, sunflower seed oil and witch hazel.  Lightly massage sunburned areas.

Remedy For Boils

Make a solution of Epsom salts with hot water.  Apply solution with with clean cloth.  Crushed fig leaves in a bandage can also be used to eliminate boils.

Facial Fruit Pack

Mash two medium size tomatoes to a pulp and apply to skin.  Leave on for twenty minutes, then rinse with warm water; enjoy the renewing , cleansing qualities of this facial.

*These recipes are not endorsed or recommended by Atlanta Salon & Spa.  You should consult with a professional and do your own research before attempting the use of any home treatments.

Five Tricks to Summer Proof Your Hair

By Carlos Lissimore    http://carloslissimore.com

Summer can have a very drying effect on your hair, so in order to keep your locks luscious, you’ll need to switch some things up and use products that benefit your strands during hot, humid days. So here’s what you need to do to make sure your hair stays perfect all summer long.

1. Switch to a Different Shampoo

Your hair dries up very easily in the summer, so switch from your shampoo that adds body and shine to a shampoo that adds moisture and contains a sunscreen. Your locks will feel softer, smoother and much more manageable.

2. Put a Pause on Heat Stylers

One of the worst things for your hair (as you already probably know) is your blowdryer, your flat iron and your curling iron. Especially in the summer, these heat stylers will just burn your hair and make it that much drier. Instead, try experimenting with your hair’s natural texture. Let your hair dry naturally, scrunch it up with some mousse or do a cute side braid. Anything works.

3. Ditch the Color

Try not to dye your hair in the summer, especially if you’re thinking of going lighter since the sun already helps you do that. Colored hair reacts more quickly to the sun than non-colored hair, so take advantage of that.

4. Deep Condition

Keep your hair healthy and vibrant by doing a weekly deep conditioning treatment on your hair. You can purchase deep conditioners at any drug store so invest in a good one. Your hair will thank you for it!

5. Trim Split Ends

Don’t let your split ends take over your hair. Make sure you get a regular trim (about every 3 months, depending on hair growth). This will ensure that your locks stay healthy and shiny.

The Amazing Aloe Vera part 1

from the website lilyofthedesert.com

HISTORY OF ALOE VERA

Aloe Vera has been used in the fields of medicine and cosmetics for Centuries. Ancient records show that the medicinal properties and healing advantages of Aloe Vera have been known for over 5000 years. The Bible mentions Aloe Vera in over a dozen passages, referring to it as the “bitter herb”. The Biblical account of Christ’s burial states that his body was anointed with bitter Aloes.

Ancient Chinese and Egyptians used Aloe Vera to treat burns, wounds, and to reduce fever. Cleopatra, the Egyptian Queen, credited her irresistible charm and vibrant beauty to regular use of Aloe Vera gel. Legend reports that Alexander the Great, upon the advice of Aristotle, conquered the island of Socotra off the coast of Africa to secure supplies of Aloe Vera in order to treat the wounds of soldiers.

In 1944, the benefits of Aloe Vera were firmly established in the United States, when it was learned that the Japanese who were exposed to the “A” bomb. The injured that applied Aloe gel to their wounds reported faster healing of their wounds than others and had significantly less scaring.

Today, it appears that science is re-discovering what our ancestors knew. New studies continue to provide proof of the benefits of Aloe Vera both when applied externally and ingested INTERNALLY. It is currently one of the most studied herbs in the Natural Products category.

WHAT IS ALOE VERA?

Aloe Vera is a succulent plant member of the lily family. Aloe Barbadensis Miller is the actual botanical name for the variety grown commercially for the healing and moisturizing properties of the gel found in its leaves.

WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE ALOE VERA PLANT

• There are over 400 species of Aloe Vera plants
• Aloe is the most studied herb
• Aloe contains over 200 biologically active, naturally occurring constituents
• Aloe Vera directly absorbs water from the surrounding soil system
• Aloe Vera plants reach maturity at 3-4 years
• An adult plant can reach a height of 30 inches with up to 21 leaves

THE ACTIVE QUALITIES OF ALOE VERA

Aloe vera has three layers to each leaf which are filled with nutrients; the leaf or outer rind, the inner gel, and the Aloin or thin, slimy mucilage layer commonly known as the “yellow sap”.

Aloe vera contains 18 amino acids, plus Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, and E. It also contains sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and chloride, as well as traces of magnesium and zinc. In addition to these major constituents, aloe vera contains numerous other naturally occurring vitamins and minerals.

Aloe vera is filled with Aloe Polysaccharides which are the naturally occurring active components that promote absorption, digestive health, immune qualities, anti-inflammatory, and overall health benefits.

POLYSACCHARIDE IMPORTANCE

While Aloe researchers report that aloe vera contains over 200 biologically active constituents, the aloe polysaccharide is the main naturally occurring active constituent in aloe vera that allows all of the benefits to be activated in the body. Polysaccharides are very safe in all toxicity studies, showing no side effects. In the makeup of the total solids found in aloe vera, polysaccharides represent approximately 20-25%. Most commercially produced aloe vera contains very little polysaccharides as they are destroyed in the processing by heat and enzymes. When they are broken in processing, they become simple sugars, and the body will not absorb them.

• These glycol-nutrients are sugar molecules linked together like a string of beads.
• Size varies based on molecular weight from 10,000 Daltons to 7 Million Daltons.
  1. Lower Dalton weights (10,000 – 100,000) are most effective for supporting skin regeneration.
  2. Higher Dalton weights (100,000 – 7 Million) are most effective with immune, anti-inflammatory, and absorption support.
  3. The highest molecular weight ever studied were the Aloeride polysaccharides from 4 Million – 7 Million Dalton weight found
  in    Lily of the Desert aloe vera juice.
• It is important that aloe products have the full range of polysaccharides to provide maximum health benefits.
• Aloe polysaccharides are very efficacious both orally and topically.
• Scientific studies confirm that aloe vera contains approximately 200 naturally occurring biologically active constituents. Most of aloe vera’s biological activity is attributed to the polysaccharide fraction.
• The higher molecular weight polysaccharides are found in the aloe vera inner gel while the highest total polysaccharide (volume) is found in the whole leaf aloe vera.
• Most commercial aloe vera products contain very little polysaccharides as the sugars are destroyed in the processing by heat, enzymes, etc.
• When the long chain polysaccharides are broken in processing, they become simple sugars; the body will not absorb them.

CERTIFIED ORGANIC ALOE VERA

As aloe vera is a succulent plant, it directly absorbs water from the surrounding soil system. If the soil contains herbicides, pesticides, or other chemicals, the artificial chemicals would be directly absorbed into the leaves and could cause damage to the nutrients in the plant. Lily of the Desert Certified Organic aloe vera does not contain any herbicides, pesticides, or harsh chemicals.

FILLET vs. WHOLE LEAF ALOE VERA

Fillet aloe vera products are made by filleting off the outer rind of the aloe leaf and processing only the inner gel. Whole Leaf products are made by processing the entire leaf and filtering out the unwanted bitter constituents.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GEL AND JUICE

Aloe vera gel is actually made from the aloe vera juice by adding a food grade thickening agent called Carrageenan, which is a naturally occurring Sea kelp/Irish moss. They are almost equally effective because the Lily of the Desert juice products contain 99.7% aloe vera, while the gel products contain 99.5% aloe vera. Juice products are typically made for dietary supplement purposes, while Gel products are more commonly used for topical application, though they can be orally ingested and/or soothing to your throat, stomach, and digestive tract.