MINERAL MAKE-UP

Raw materials for mineral make-up

Mineral make-up rests on a simple idea: a handful of pure powder raw materials instead of a long list of ingredients. This category holds the two basics — silk mica and modified rice starch — in packs from 10 g for first experiments up to 500 g, where the price per kilo falls noticeably.

Mica: pearl, shine and glow

Silk mica is a finely milled mica mineral with a silky sheen. In decorative cosmetics it forms the base of highlighters and pearlescent eyeshadows, and a small percentage brightens a pressed powder or a body butter as well. It does just as well outside make-up: it gives a shimmering effect to soap base, a bath bomb or a candle. It is insoluble, so it is stirred straight into the dry blend or into the oil phase.

Rice starch: matte velvet

Modified rice starch is a very fine powder that takes up excess sebum and leaves the skin matte and soft — which is why it is a favourite base for loose powders, dry shampoos and baby powders. It is exceptionally gentle on the skin and suits sensitive skin too. In a formulation it works as a carrier: you blend mica or pigments into the starch base little by little until the shade matches your skin exactly.

Both raw materials are cosmetic grade, with a safety data sheet and a certificate of analysis for every batch. You will find colour pigments and other active ingredients to go with them in the Cosmetic additives category; for fine scrub and powder bases, take a look at the Sugars and starches section too.