Lgold is among the finest ingredients used in cosmetics, but it is not the only one. There are also silver, bronze, diamonds, even caviar and saffron, which in the festive air give an aura of luxury even to the beauty case.
The cosmetic world in fact uses some of the most precious and luxurious materials transforming them into active skincare and making them a source ofmake-up inspiration. Goal: a very bright skin, and a make-up just as star.
Gold, a treasure for the skin
Trend setter ante-litteram, Cleopatra was a true expert in cosmetics. And, in addition to the famous donkey milk baths, she used to use gold in her face ointments.
In fact, gold in cosmetics has anti-oxidant virtues, that is the ability to protect the skin from the accumulation of free radicals, one of the main causes of the aging process. «It also has an anti-inflammatory function and guarantees a “soft focus” optical effect: reflects light, making fine wrinkles less visible and smoothing the complexion” explains Anna Trink dermatologist and consultant of Giuliani’s HMAP laboratory.
Cosmetic technology allows you to use gold in cosmetics in the form of nanoparticles, called colloidal gold: it is inserted in emulsions and creams ensuring greater penetrability thanks to their small size.
“Recent studies suggest that topical use of gold can speed up the wound healing process. Just one precaution: before trying a cosmetic containing metals, it is advisable to carry out allergy tests (patch tests) specific for contact allergies »specifies the dermatologist.
Diamond powder, to exfoliate and purify
Also diamond is used as an impalpable powder in cosmetics: «In the cosmetic world it is present in microcrystals to be used as exfoliants in gels or patches to renew the epidermis “.
«Being pure carbon, they are attributed to diamond dust absorbent and purifying properties of skin impurities and pollution atmospheric, just like coal, which is also mainly composed of carbon ”explains the expert.
Saffron and caviar, to strengthen and nourish
Cosmetics also use the properties of caviar and saffron, other well-known luxury ingredients (usually at the table).
Caviar is very rich in omega 3 which strengthen the skin barrier, selenium and vitamins which repair from damage caused by UV rays but also amino acids which restructure the skin. Suitable for all skin types, “in particular for dry and reactive ones, due to its high moisturizing power, it could be difficult to absorb for the greasy ones because it is a very rich ingredient in oils. But be careful for those who are allergic to shellfish and fish, because it can create reactions »explains Anna Trink.
«Saffron is another highly appreciated ingredient in cosmetics and very rich in properties. First of all it is a powerful antioxidant, as it is rich in vitamin C, therefore it protects against free radicals and pollution. It then performs a uniforming and illuminating action and contains carotenoids that protect against environmental stress. This is why it is often present in night serums that regenerate the skin from daily damage ».
Make-up is also precious: time for gold, silver, bronze tones
The gleams of precious metals are also the real must-have of make-up in time of holidays.
«They never go out of style! In fact, we can use them as often as we want to “dramatize” the trick adding bright touches to eyes and lips. Thanks to the metallic effect, in fact, eye shadows and glosses are able to amplify the light, with a very glamorous final result, “he explains Diego Parisi, Clarins National Make up artist.
«To obtain a full light effect on the eyes, the nuance can be applied to the entire mobile eyelid, accompanying it with well-structured lashes with eye liner or tightliner.
Alternatively, these colors are perfect for embellish a natural eye make-up, collecting the texture in a light point in the inner corner of the eye »explains the make-up artist.
But it’s not just limited to the eyes: a metallic tip can in fact be applied to the center of the lips to make them brighter, create a three-dimensional effect.
For who? More metallic flashes for all
“These shades are truly within everyone’s reach, even the less experienced. In fact, they generally do not require large blended effects that are difficult to achieve. Chosen on the basis of their color typology, warm colors prefer gold or peach, cold ones silver, these shades are perfect both alone and combined with neutral ones.
I recommend taking and applying metallic eyeshadows always with a wet brush to avoid the “fallout” effect, ie that the pigments can “migrate” in different points than where we apply them »concludes Diego Parisi.
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