Now I know most of us have been victim to blush blindness, using one dot of Rare Beauty blush and appearing sort of tomato like, but what exactly gives our blush its creamy formula and extreme pigment?
The pigment of our blush comes from a mixture of organic synthetic dyes and mineral based pigments.
Mineral inorganic (doesn’t contain a carbon-hydrogen bond) pigments give blushes their undertones, mimicking the natural flush we all want from the product. These pigments are usually breathable and skin friendly. So opting for a mineral blush, such as the bareMinerals highlighting blush, can be a really good choice if your skin is sensitive.
Organic synthetic dyes are carbon based and usually listed as Red 27 or Yellow 5 on ingredients lists. These pigments are combined with a metallic salt forming a ‘lake’ which is an insoluble form of the dye. This allows them to form creamy sticks or powders without bleeding. Giving long lasting, vibrant and rich colours. Red 7, red 28, yellow 6 and yellow 5 lakes are the ones seen in almost all Rare Beauty blush shades. However, these dyes are not very environmentally friendly and not sensitive skin friendly.
Another key aspect of blush is binders and slip agents. Binders hold powders together and help them adhere to your face. Binders could be seen as plant butters, synthetic waxes or emollients such as various triglycerides. Slip agents are the reason your blush goes on like silk. It blends and buffs without disrupting your foundation below. These are usually mineral lubricants or metallic stearates. Filler ingredients such as hyaluronic acid are then used to add volume to the product.
It is important to note each blush is vastly different in their formulas and it is important to research each one before purchasing. This will allow you to identify whether it would be appropriate for your skin as well as its environmental friendliness. For example, watery tints tend to use synthetic water soluble dyes as opposed to mineral dyes. To round up, I am going to leave you with my top tips for buying your next blush.
Research, don’t just go with the latest trend, find what will suit you.
Don’t rush, avoid buying multiples,
Save our environment and always shop mindfully.
