Art historians are well versed in the astonishing colour range found in natural minerals. From scarlet lake to ultramarine, these pigments were a prized ingredient in the works of painters. Now, a Canadian company is mining similar ground to create a luxury mineral-based makeup line. Developed by Calgary's Oasis Wellness Centre and Spa, the Teye Minerals makeup collection uses elements such as titanium dioxide, bismuth oxide, boron nitride, mica and zinc oxide in its foundations, blushes and eyeshadows. "Not only do minerals provide impressive light-diffusing effects, they are also remarkably friendly to the face", says the brand's creative director Dan Thompson.
Unlike more commonly used coal tar dyes, which often cause reactive rashes, minerals are both naturally anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. This is why Teye is recommended for post cosmetic procedures such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels. "Our products are so safe they could be used on a child of six months," Thompson says.
The line includes a liquid foundation in eight shades, which offers superior coverage as well as an SPF 15 sunscreen (minerals are natural sunblocks). Some products come in one universal shade, such as Silk Radiance powder, which can be used on any skin colour to provide an all-over glow. Thompson recommends that the powders be applied with Teye's line of whisper-soft silk fibre brushes, which he demonstrates on the company's web site, www.teye.ca.
The collection's mineral theme is reflected in its eco-friendly packaging, which includes stunning titanium-finish compacts (recyclable at blue bin facilities) and reusable black velvet drawstring bags.
By Sheree-Lee Olson
