What is mineral makeup you may ask, and who is this Jane Iredale? Little known to most of us here in Ireland, Jane Iredale launched her beauty line in 1994 with a mission to create cosmetics that would be of actual benefit to the skin. All her products are based on micronized minerals and are made without fillers and binders (such as talc and mineral oil) and without chemical dyes or preservatives. And that means no nasty parabens or phthalates or anything that might cause sensitive skin to flare up.
And why use minerals to create makeup? Well, minerals are natural ingredients and they work so well in makeup that it is actually as beneficial (if not more so) as skincare products. This makeup is good for you!
The Jane Iredale line "is a highly-sophisticated blend of minerals and pigments that are micro-pulverized, using proprietary technology and processes to form microscopic flat crystals. These crystals overlap each other on the skin to form a filter that allows the skin to breathe and function normally while still protecting it from air-borne pollutants. The staying power of the minerals is so great that they rarely need a touch-up during the day. And because these silky-feeling powders are water resistant, they won't crease or smear even during the most strenuous exercise."
It sounds amazing, doesn't it? And because minerals are available in a galaxy of shades you're not compromising on colour either. In addition, the products are all non-comedogenic, contain an SPF 20, and because they don't contain talc they're not drying on the skin. The range isn't just powders though - there are shadows, liquid liners, blushes, mascara, primers, concealers and facial sprays which you can use to set your mineral makeup base. Most products are multi-functional too.
All are suitable for vegetarians as nothing is tested on animals, but vegans might have to watch some stuff - beeswax and carmine are used in some products. This makeup is also suitable for people with acne, rosacea and redness, and those who have recently undergone laser resurfacing treatments. As a result of that, dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons recommend this stuff. It's also used in salons worldwide.
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Now, onto availability and price - I haven't been able to find an Irish stockist for the Jane Iredale line (if anyone knows of one, please leave us a comment) but you can buy online. And yes, the stuff is relatively pricey - Expect to pay about $42+ for a base, or $23 for a shadow trio. Mascara is about $16, blusher is $25 and lip colours will set you back $19+.
Don't be too put off by some of the prices - a little of this stuff goes a very long way, so it will really last. Minerals are anti-microbial so it won't spoil or go off. As I mentioned, a lof of these products are multi-functional because the ingredients are so kind to the skin. So you can use a blush with a wet brush and create a lipliner, or transform a shadow into a liquid liner. Equally, eye colours can be used on the cheeks. Colours can also be mixed together to create new shades, so you can buy relatively few products and get a lot of different looks out of them, thus unleashing your creative side too!
So where can you get this fabulous stuff in Ireland? Well, I don't know, is the simple answer. I contacted the supplier for Britain and Ireland who refused to give me a list of places the Jane Iredale line is supplied here. Obviously that's sensitive information. They graciously conceded that if anyone really wanted to know, they could phone them in London (at great expense, of course) and then they would tell you. Or you can e-mail them to [email protected]. I am baffled, not to say disappointed by this attitude, but there you go. Cue rant about British firms being all too happy to take our money but not to provide us with websites with euro prices (hello Boots) etc. Grrr!
