Mineral matters

Make-up artist and beauty therapist Jolene Stasenes founded Karma Mineral Cosmetics after recognising the need for quality make-up that was also good for skin health. Her products are free from fillers, parabens, bismuth oxychloride, sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), fragrances and preservatives. Jolene is passionate about offering consumers a choice and as such Karma Mineral Cosmetics offers a quality, affordable alternative to traditional make-up.

How did Karma Mineral Cosmetics come about?

For several years I was working for an international brand of cosmetics, as an independent consultant. They introduced a mineral cosmetics line into their range when minerals were becoming more mainstream. To my disappointment, the range was still laden with lots of nasty chemical ingredients, and contained only small amounts of mineral ingredients. I was quite disgusted that companies could market a range as being better for you, just because it contained a few natural ingredients. After much research on product ingredients and labeling laws, I discovered how slack the laws were here in Australia, and how we as consumers are fooled into believing something is good for us just because it has a small amount of something beneficial in it.

It was then that I decided to go in search of better quality, pure mineral make-up. After discovering some quality manufacturers here in Australia, I created the Karma Mineral Cosmetics brand, which was originally for use in my make-up kit for weddings and special occasions. Eventually it drew enough interest from clients, which prompted me to sell it online for everyday use.

What are the key benefits of mineral make-up for the skin?

Mineral make-up contains skin-healing ingredients such as zinc oxide. Thanks to titanium dioxide, they offer a natural sun-protection filter against harmful UV rays. The Karma antioxidant range also includes ingredients such as green coffee bean extract and apple polyphenols, which may help with ageing due to their antioxidant properties.

What advice would you give customers who are a little afraid to try mineral make-up?

I’d advise them to consider the long-term effects of the synthetic ranges they might be currently using. Take a look at the ingredients in your current make-up and consider the positive benefits of mineral cosmetics compared to the negative effects of synthetic brands.  Read up on application tips and take some time to experiment with application to get the correct coverage. Practice makes perfect.

What are some of the common questions you are asked with regards to mineral make-up?

• How do I apply mineral make-up?
Use a good quality kabuki brush with densely packed bristles, and apply in small layers. Don’t put too much on the brush and always tap the bottom of the brush on a hard surface to ensure the powder settles into the bristles. That way you won’t end up with too much on your face, which will lead to over caking. Keep your brushes clean for best application results.

• Can everyone wear mineral make-up?
Mineral make-up is suitable for everyone, however some skin types such as those with dry skin and fine lines may benefit from using it over the top of a light layer of rosehip or another suitable facial oil. For a dewier finish you can also spritz something like a rosewater or other hydrating product over the top.

• Can I sleep in it because it’s good for my skin?
As a beauty therapist, my advice to anyone is always go to bed with clean skin. The only products you should sleep in are your moisturisers and night creams designed to help the skin regenerate while sleeping.

• Can I cover problem areas with mineral make-up?
Yes. In general mineral make-up will help to even out your complexion, however the degree of coverage will depend on the formula. For example, our Antioxidant blend will give a heavier coverage than our Original formula. To cover spots and imperfections you can take a small brush and something like a rosehip oil, to blend with the mineral powder and gain more coverage on problem areas. Avoid oil around the eyes, and use an eye cream instead.

For best coverage of imperfections I recommend the Karma cream concealer underneath a light layer of mineral powder. This is what I use on all my clients when doing a wedding or special occasion makeover to achieve flawless results.

Are there any exciting developments on the cards for Karma in 2012?
Karma plans to have a new look, including a new logo and packaging. There will be some new products to look out for as well. The best way to keep up with what we are doing is to join us on FaceBook and sign up for our newsletter, on the home page of the Karma website.

Take a look at the full Karma Mineral Cosmetics product range...

Have you tried mineral make-up? Will you?