What’s In Your Make-up?

You probably use it every day, but how much do you know about eye shadow?

Eye shadow formulations start with a base filler. Cosmetics-grade talc or mica are the go-to filler ingredients, but some formulas include kaolin clay.

Binders are essential to ensure the powder will adhere to skin. The most common binders are derivatives of zinc or magnesium. In addition to pigment, some manufacturers add silica, nylon, dimethicone, boron nitride (a ceramic material), or bismuth oxychloride for “slip” so the powder slides more easily over the lid. And a bit of preservative like glycol (a type of alcohol) or tocopherol (a form of vitamin E) helps prevent bacterial growth.

The big difference between a cream and a powder shadow is waxes and oils in the base. Beeswax, castor oil, jojoba oil, shea butter, and silicone are among the options for liquefying a standard shadow. Once the wax or oil dries, the pigment tends to wear longer due to the way the ingredients bond with the skin.

Do some eye shadows irritate your skin? Large particles in shadow that can cause abrasion are the most common culprits. To minimize the mess of shadow application, use a firm, small brush rather than a fluffy brush. The stiffer bristles help keep color in place. And always apply mascara first.