LGold is among the finest ingredients used in cosmetics, but it’s not the only one: there are also silver, bronze, diamonds, even caviar and saffron, which in a festive atmosphere give an aura of luxury even to the beauty case. In fact, the cosmetic world uses some of the most precious and luxurious materials transforming them into active skincare and making them a source ofmakeup inspiration. Objective: a very luminous skin, and an equally star make-up.
Gold, beauty treasure for the skin
Ante-litteram trend setter, in terms of cosmetics Cleopatra was a true expert. And, in addition to the famous donkey milk baths, she used to use gold in her face ointments.
In fact, always gold in cosmetics has anti-oxidant virtues, or ability to protect the skin from the accumulation of free radicals, among the main causes of the aging process. «It also performs an anti-inflammatory function and guarantees a “soft focus” optical effect: it reflects light, making fine lines less visible and evening out the complexion” explains Anna Trink dermatologist and consultant of Giuliani’s HMAP laboratory.
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Cosmetic technology makes it possible 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 healing process of wounds. Just one tip: before trying a cosmetic containing metals, it’s a good idea to perform specific allergy tests (patch tests) for contact allergies» specifies the dermatologist.
Diamond dust, to exfoliate and purify
Also the diamond is used in form of impalpable powder in cosmetics: «In the cosmetic world it is present in microcrystals to be used as exfoliating gels or patches to renew the epidermis».
“Being pure carbon, they attribute themselves to diamond dust absorbing and purifying properties of skin impurities and pollution atmospheric, just like for 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, in selenium and vitamins which repair from the damage of UV rays but also in amino acids which restructure the skin. Suitable for all skin types, «in particular for dry and reactive ones, precisely because of its high moisturizing power, it could be difficult for fat ones to absorb because it is an ingredient very rich 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 stresses. This is why it is often present in night serums that regenerate the skin from daily damage”.
Even make-up is precious: time for gold, silver, bronze tones
The gleam of precious metals are also the real make-up must-have during the holidays. “They never go out of style! In fact, we can use them as many times as we want to “theatricalize” the trick adding bright touches on the eyes and lips. Indeed, thanks to the metallic effect, eyeshadows and glosses are able to amplify the lightwith a very glamorous end result,” he explains Diego Parisi, Clarins National Make-up artist.
«To obtain a full light effect on the eyes, the nuance can be applied over the entire mobile eyelid, accompanying it with well-structured eyelashes with eye liner or tightliner. Alternatively, these colors are perfect for embellish a natural eye make-up, gathering the texture in a point of light in the inner corner of the eye» explains the make-up artist. But it’s not just about the eyes: a metallic tip can in fact be applied to the center of the lips to make them brightercreate a three-dimensional effect.
For who? More metallic gleam for all
«These shades are truly within everyone’s reach, even the less experienced. In fact, they generally do not require large shaded effects that are difficult to achieve. Chosen according to your chromatic typology, warm colors prefer gold or peach, cold ones prefer silver, these nuances are perfect both alone and combined with neutral ones.
I recommend always picking up and applying metallic eyeshadows with a wet brush to avoid the “fallout” effect, i.e. that the pigments can “migrate” to different points than where we apply them» concludes Diego Parisi.
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