Well- it seems I took a vacation!

it has been some time since I wrote anything at all here- or posted recent pics in my professional MUA blog- http://karriewelchmakeupartist.blogspot.com/ I am more than overdue! I do have a good excuse- really!
e sold out house in June-, but the one we were buying fell through (on seller's end) the day before we were to move in! With no place to go- my family and I spent 48 days living in a hotel- until we could find, purchase, close on, and move into another house! i'm happy to say were are all moved in- and LOVE our new home- but that was an experience like no other- and one I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy, frankly.
So anyway- the cosmetics line- Fortunate Face Minerals is doing well- and continuing to gain recognition- which is fabulous! I have also been lucky enough to appear several times as the resident beauty expert on a local television program- which also increases my brand recognition. I am still working to develop my lipsticks- which are great so packaging is the newest hurdle- got new labels- so I'm almost completed with them. I also am still tweaking my newest lipgloss base- which i think will be perfected soon- as well as cream based mineral makeup- (customizable to boot!)  and i am pretty happy with my airbrush formula- which I will just need to offer for sale- so much to do and so little time! Stay tuned for the announcement of these products!

Fake that Sun!

many of you may have already heard that the FDA has changed rulings on the labeling of sunscreens. The first change, is one I long suspected- simply because it makes a certain amount of sense, and that is no sunscreen may claim to be waterproof, Sweat proof, or call itself a sunblock as these terms "overstate their effectiveness". I don't know about you, but I have always felt the Waterproof claim made no sense. I have slathered myself up with a creamy lotion, or sprayed myself down with a sticky spray, yet invariably after swimming neither creamy, nor sticky feeling remains- leading to the logical conclusion that, while some may have been absorbed into the skin, most of the sunscreen has been washed away. This same ruling states there may not be of more than 2 hours of wear without re-application, and can not make claims of instant sun protection at moment of application without submitting data and obtaining FDA approval. (you all know you're supposed to apply sunscreen at least 1/2 an hour BEFORE sun exposure right?)
Another piece of the new legislation is that Only those passing FDA testing may claim broad spectrum protection, and also claim "to prevent skin cancer & early aging, If used as directed and with other sun protection measures." which to, essentially reads cover completely with hat, long sleeves, long pants, and sit under an umbrella and MAYBE, it will work. That sounds comfortable at the beach doesn't it?
IF clams to water and sweat resistance are made the label must state a time frame of effectiveness in and out of the water, or through sweating.
Lastly the FDA is wishes to limit the spf value of all sunscreens to 50+ as they feel no data shows an efficacy above this value. Companies are, however, open to independent testing of higher values, and submitting results to FDA for approval. So that spf 70 you thought was keeping you from over exposure- may not be giving you quite the protection you thought.
So here's the breakdown:
1oz of sunscreen is the required amount to cover the average person. (enough to fill a shot glass)
Apply liberally at least 1/2 hour BEFORE sun exposure
re-apply after swimming, sweating, or at least every 2 hours
look for broad spectrum which protects against both UVA and UVB rays
if you do burn, or wish to limit sun exposure further, cover with light clothing, hat, and sit in shaded area.
layering sunscreen products does not increase spf value. ie. layering an spf 50 and an spf 30 lotion will not result in an spf 80, but rather the value of the highest product, in this case spf 50.
which means you may stay out in the sun 50 times longer than if you wore no sunscreen whatsoever. Most sunscreens work by  either absorbing the ultraviolet rays ( this is most typically the non-chemical barrier style sunscreen like Titanium Dioxide, and Zinc Oxide (as long as NOT nano particulate) if they are non-nano they will have a somewhat whitening effect on the skin- and the heavier zinc creams can be very whitening, but are a great choice for those areas that burn quickly (remember zinc white noses?)
The chemical sunscreens, as well as zinc and titanium in nano form (I encourage you to find my archived post on nano's and why I avoid them) are clear in application-they tend to reflect rays as their method of protection, but both forms have aspects of both types of protection. A mix of both barrier and chemical, in my opinion, would probably be the most efficacious system of sunscreen available on the market.

New Post!

So sorry- I have been crazy busy- But I haven't forgotten you! We're in the process of moving- and I cannot wait until it is done an my head will stop spinning with all I have to do!  regardless- i wanted to check in and let you know what's going on.
I completed my trip to California- and the makeup Bootcamp I ran there. I also had a chance to re-connect with Kaila Westermann- owner of TKB trading who is one of my raw ingredients suppliers, and her wonderful husband Trung- they are such generous and kind people- and I enjoyed spending time with them both seeing their wonderful city. They also kindly opened their home to us as well on our last night- and even lent us a car! I only wish we lived closer to one another to get together regularly. Kaila is actually the one who recommended me to teach the class- and I'm grateful to her for that. She also gave me wonderful words of encouragement that truly touched my heart. Thanks Kaila- it means a lot coming from a very successful business woman such as yourself!
I also got to spend time with Julie Pries- who flew in just to be my teaching Assistant for the bootcamp- she is one of the loveliest, and funniest people ever- and I adore her! Anything I needed- boom she was on it! A big ole'  Myuh to ya Julie! I still owe you product- I haven't forgotten!
Thanks also to Lori Nova for opening her studio to me as well as her home! the view from her deck is incredible! You can see all 3 bridges in San Fransisco! Sitting out there with a glass of wine was the perfect way to relax after a long day teaching! I hope her husband returns from Quatar soon.
When i returned I had about a week to prep for launching into the Wandering Peacock- which was successful- and fun- such a cute place with lots of unique items- ever time you turn around you discover a new little treasure there! Colleen, the owner is sweet- and supportive of local crafters and artisans.  I suggest you check them out if in the area 33 Cottage St Easthampton, Ma.

Flirty Girl- Great for Summer!

I then taught a makeup application class at Simply Skin 52 Court St. Westfield, Ma. I had a wonderful time- all the women asked great questions, were willing models, and enthusiatic learners. I will be doing this again- at all my different vendors. the next will most likely be at Raine's Boutique and Gallery- 209 Shaker Rd. East Longmeadow, Ma. Stay tuned for the day and time TBA, and after that- at The Wandering Peacock. We can also be found at Choice Health -307 East Main St. Westfield, Ma. The gals there (Trish- a makeup artist And licensed esthetician, plus Chelsea and Katie) are really great at assisting in product and color choice- and they all wear- Fortunate Face Minerals- so they are experienced! We keep the displays compact at each store- but any color (like flirty girl shown above) can be special ordered and delivered at no extra charge. we also offer custom coloring option where everything will be designed for your unique complexion and needs. (extra charge does apply)
and stay tuned for announcements about upcoming launch dates and locations- we're not done yet!

Wandering Peacock

New store- this Saturday May, 14th- 30 Cottage street Easthampton, Ma. Find Fortunate Face Minerals there! Yay- ok- no time to post- have to go make products for the launch!

Launching into new Store!

I am so happy to announce that Fortunate Face Mineral Cosmetics will be premiering at Raine's Boutique and Gallery this Saturday, April 9th. Come join us for makeovers, cosmetics demos, and I will, as always, be happy to answer any makeup questions you may have!
209 Shaker Rd, East Longmeadow, Ma. To reserve one of the makeover spots call 1-413-648-7627
I look forward to seeing you there!

http://www.fortunatefaceminerals.com/

This is the stuff that irritates me!

http://beauty.yamnul.com/making-mineral-make-up?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

This is the kind of thing that i just don't understand about the indie mineral makeup business. The combining of Serecite mica- and colored micas- will NOT result in an eyeshadow. Period!  It will be a very light, translucent sparkly bit of color that will stick to your eyelids for about 5 minutes before floating right off again. If you glue it on with everyone's favorite Urban Decay primer Potion (which I think is myeh, but that's my opinion) you might get it to approximate eyeshadow for awhile. The truth is, your shadow should stick to your lids with OR without primer adhering it there, if it can't then is NOT a high enough quality eyeshadow, and your money would be better spent elsewhere.
Frankly that goes for foundation as well. A very popular Youtuber- Koren Zander- of Enkore- recently did a review of mineral foundation- and plainly said that mineral foundation doesn't last more than a few hours, and requires several touchups during the day. I take exception to this, as it is one of the MOST often commented properties of my foundation- that once it's on- it wears all day- and rarely needs touch-ups.
My peeve is that- you CAN make fabulous, high quality, long wearing- as in. "all day until you take it off" mineral cosmetics- but NOT like that!
I've said before, and I'll say again, it took me YEARS to develop formulas that work as well as, and often BETTER than commercial and even many professional products currently on the market. The makeup should work- whether or not you use a primer, or otherwise.
But, in order to do this, there are properties that must be considered when creating cosmetics. Let's discuss eyeshadow- since that was the topic here.
 Do you want plenty of color, or would you like a translucent wash of color? Do you want adhesion?, Do you want opacity?, how's the Slip, What texture- creamy? Dry?, Do you want Matte or Satin, or Shimmer, Or Sparkle? everything you want to achieve with your shadow is a consideration for HOW you then create said shadow...
Adhesion is a necessity in any shadow- if you put it on, it should stay on-period. To do that mineral ingredients that are known for their adhesion have to be added to an eyeshadow base before any color is even added. In the ingredients list things such as Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Magnesium Myristate, Boron Nitride, Waxes such as carnauba or jojoba, Stearates (which are oils, most typically palm oil), even kaolin Clay can offer some adhesion-. Many of these do double or triple duty- the oxides & kaolin can offer opacity, adhesion, AND work as colorants. The waxes improve slip (which is the ease of speadability and feel of the product going onto the skin), as well as helping to prevent oxidation of the product on the skin. The Stearates or oils help with both slip, texture, and to press the product into a pan, if desired.  magnesium Myristate & Boron Nitride are known for adhesive properties- and often times are used because they improve adhesion without affecting the overall color. I personally do not use them- but many mineral companies do.
Now let's get to the process of making them. if you are using any of these base ingredients- they must be ground together. They cannot simply be shaken, stirred, or squished in a baggie, as is so often seen in tutorials. Only straight up micas will blend that way.  If you want matte shadow- only oxides, carmine, Ultramarines, Manganese colors, etc. (or dyes, but we're talking minerals here) ground into a base will achieve a matte colored cosmetic. These mineral pigments actually offer opacity and some adhesion themselves, but they also add a dryer feel, which creates drag on the skin (the opposite of slip) and must be balanced with ingredients to improve that slip- and that's only one aspect of adding that ingredient that must be addressed....
Then FDA maximum usage rates MUST be considered. You can't just throw in a little more Tio2 (Titanium Dioxide) because it needs to stick better- the maximum usage rate for Tio2 is 25%. Period.
Yup- now comes the math! All my formulas are weighed to within 1/100th (.01g) of a gram- which are then converted into percentages. With the addition of even .01g everything must be re-totaled- and re-converted to ensure that I am not exceeding any ingredients FDA determined maximum usage rate.
I could go on....and ON! There is so much more- my 3 day boot camp that I teach on this subject isn't enough to cover all there is to know about this!
I don't even want to start on the bogus mineral formulators using repackaged stuff they claim as their own- where they're not even sure WHAT'S in it, and how it will perform, or maybe they just don't care and slap a label over it, or sell it without educating themselves! And I'm also not going into the use of unapproved Dyes being used at all (such as soap dyes) or Dyes unapproved for certain parts- such as Red #33, a known eye carcinogen, being used- or even appearing on the label of ANY eye cosmetic!
Just one of the reasons I don't use dyes- oxides are approved for eyes, face, lips, and nails. I also only uses colored micas that are approved for all four. Carmine- which, not being a Vegan company, but rather a naturally based company, I do use - is also approved for all 4.  Only Ultramarine Blue is labelled, in the U.S. only, as not lip approved, and if a product of mine has it in it- it's clearly labelled "Not lip Safe" on the top- and has it included in the ingredients label on the bottom. I welcome questions, comments, anything- short of giving you my actual formulations I gladly answer these because I believe the consumer has a right to know what they're putting on their face, what ingredients the company uses and WHY? It's why I include an ingredients page at my website- so you can read up on each ingredient I use, and why I use it! yes it does open me up to people stealing my formulations, or buying them, and reverse engineering them, but my clients deserve the information! If you're choosing mineral cosmetics over the standard makeup, chances are it's because you are looking to reduce the number of ingredients you are putting on your face everyday. That's my company Philosophy- "To create outstanding makeup from the fewest, and finest ingredients possible."
 I also believe the products should Work! No, they're not magic, but they should be high quality, and high performing. When you're spending your hard earned dollar, you should be getting more than something that just looks pretty in the jar!

New Follower?

If you're a new follower, and you know who you are, give a shout out- so I can make sure your name is entered....

On Trend Makeup

The Hot colors for this season are pink and red- but not any old girly, sickly sweet, bubblegum pink, oh no, this is bright, vibrant in your face, "I am woman, hear me roar"- kind of pink! In that same vein are the standup and take notice reds- in all hues from electric, yellow/orange red- to the richest deepest scarlet!
So we here at fortunate Face Minerals have pulled out OUR showstopping colors- and thought we'd give you a little looksee at what can be done off the runway!
 (This post we''ll focus on the reds, and I promise we'll get to some pinks for next time!)

First we color corrected the eye lid, and under eye with Prep Step to neutralize discoloration, and prime the lid for shadow application. we then added a second step- where we smoothed on a bit of a new product (hopefully coming to market soon) named Intesnif-EYE is a cream formula that can work over the prep Step, or bare lid, and is meant to "grab" any shadow applied over it an up the wattage and intensity of that color. (How awesome is that!) we smoothed a tiny bit on lid and all the way up to the brow. Next we used an angled shadow brush to deposit Voracious (a rich deep red) onto the outer third of the eye, the crease, and up onto the brow bone- blending edges up and out. We also smudged it generously down under the lower lash line. Next we applied Rock Star Red to the next third being careful not to bring it in too far toward the inner corner of the eye. Again, blend well. Step 3 is to add Sherbet- a golden orange to the inner corner of the eye and inner lid, gently blend into Rock Star Red. Step 4 we took Blackest and, using a mini fan brush lined upper and lower waterline to create a very defined eye, but preserving the red/orange color. Maybelline Define-A-Lash mascara and curling lashes completed the eye look.

For more information on any of these products feel free to contact us at info@fortunatefaceminerals.com

Swatches!

I promised- and now I'm delivering! here are swatches of most of the new colors that I have created in the past few months- I still need to swatch highlight, contour (which isn't even named yet- so that's why) my Color Faux, and all the Tan series foundation colors. That being said- here are the newest colors- and I will try to get photos taken of each on individually and up on my webstore for purchase! Anyone who buys at one of my retail outlets- any and every color I have is available (including these pictured colors & Faux) by Special order- at NO extra cost!
For both arms- I moisturized with  Elizabeth Arden oil free matte moisture lotion, then prepped arm with Prep Step- my eye primer powder (also undereye concealer & red cover)


Heeeeeeeere we go!

Eyes

From Left to Right

Golden Vanilla, Sahara, Czarina, Divinity, Ravished, & Vegas.

these are all a shimmer or a sparkle- I LOVE me my matte colors- but these were all something I was specifically looking to do.

Cheeks

So, again from left to right

Tropical, Satisfied, Rich Amber, Hot Stuff, Saucy, Poppy, Black Cherry, Wanton, Soft Sand

These are all matte- except for Satisfied- which has chunky gold sparkle. 

These intense colors can look intimidating, but I promise- they are very wearable- a little goes a long way- and just be sure to work color into brush- i intentionally make all my products to pro standards- but that doesn't mean they can't be used day to day- I certainly do! Black Cherry & Wanton- I created yesterday- so I'm going to wear one of those today-I wear hot Stuff, Poppy, & Saucy all the time!

Don't see something you like? I can be hired to custom design an entire makeup wardrobe specifically to you- from foundation and concealer- all the way to blush, bronzers, and eye colors!

Thanks Christy!

Recently I sent samples of some of my product line to fellow makeup artist Christy Lavalee. I worked with Christy at The Emerging Designers Fashion Show for Boston's Fashion Week. i've also been fortunate to work with her for weddings, and she was just voted Boston's #1 Bridal makeup Artist (No small feat!)
Anyway i sent her products currently for sale ( foundation, cheek, & eye colors)- and others that are still in the testing phase ( a contour, a highlighter, and an eye product called IntensifEYE for really popping shadow colors). I always appreciate good, and honest feedback- specifically from professionals- because we demand products that perform- and our standards tend to be higher. Here are the comments she was kind enough to send to me:


"I'm not done yet, but so far I've put on the concealer, foundation and am now working on the contour. AND I THINK YOU ARE A FREAKIN' GENIUS! That's it for now. Back to my regime"..............


THEN:

First Crush

Embarrassed

"I used Prep Step as a concealer - LOVE IT Put the salmon concealer in the corner of my eyes where it's darkest - PERFECT You were absolutely right on the foundation - Dark Warm - LOVE IT Used Contour on my cheeks, temples & sides of my nose - AMAZING (it actually gave me cheekbones!) Used Embarrassed on the outer half of my cheeks - FANTASTIC Applied First Crush to the apples for a natural flush - EVEN BETTER 

Then I applied the highlighter. It didn't do anything for me. I think it needs more shimmer to it. I can see it's the start of something good, it's just not there yet.


On my eyes, I used the IntensifEYE - LOVE IT Applied Blackest along ther lash line - LOVE IT Applied Stunning over it and all over the lid - AMAZING!!! Totally looks like a shimmery brown to green shade! The Lip Balm is amazing. I LOVE IT The lipstick feels nice & I really like the natural color.


 So, needless to say, I am SOLD! On everything but the highlighter. :)"

Well, her sentiments made me very happy, needless to say- and it's great because her response to the highlighter- was exactly the same as mine- it needs something else- and it must be tweaked before it can become a permanent part of the line- though it is a really pretty color for an eyeshadow- which i was thinking of making it..... hmmm. Sent some to fellow mua Liz Washer- just waiting for her feedback too!

My Tv Appearance

http://www.wwlp.com/dpp/mass_appeal/personal/makeup-in-10-minutes-or-less
 if you check out Thursday- you can see the two segments i did live at Mass appeal yesterday- So much fun! i was a little nervous- but I loved it- Ashley, the host was a complete Doll!

Yes!Yes!Yes!

Finally- I have worked on lippie products for what seems like FOREVER! and they are good- prob better than a lot of stuff out there- but I wasn't completely, 100%, absolutely satisfied. well, no more! i am thrilled to say that my current, and hopefully, LAST all natural lip balm recipe- is AWESOME! (I was singing that by the way) Finally- a balm that is super emollient, non-greasy, NOT shiny (so men will like it too) stays on the lips forever- without having to re-apply 100 times a day, not too hard, but not too soft, enough wax content so it won't melt in your car (though if you leave it there in 90+ degree weather- i make no promises)....pretty much everything I wanted before I felt it was good enough to sell. And I'm soooo digging the Pink Lemonade flavor one I just made-so good!
I'm so happy I'm giving 5 away for free- to my blogger friends, and my facebook friends- 1st 5 people to chime in get one! (2 have already been claimed!) comment here or at Fortunate Face- facebook page.

Glow, Glow, Glow

hey all- it's time to Glow, Glow, Glow for the holidays- and Fortunate Face wants to help! this week, we'll be adding our Lusters to the website- a sheer, shiny gloss and matching luster dust to highlight all those gorgeous face out there! The Lusters are used to add a subtle shimmer highlight. They are sheer enough to allow skin tone to shine through, but with enough luster to catch the light and the eye! Truly gorgeous- and can be used anywhere- eyes, browbone, cheekbone, down the center of the nose, center of the forehead, top of the lip, and tip of the chin- they can be dusted onto the hair, swept over the decollete', or mixed into your favorite body lotion...the possibilities are endless. Just for the holidays I developed a limited edition gloss in a matching color- to truly help you glow for the season! They come on four color combos-Bare Luster (my personal favorite, and my addiction- for both myself, and photo shoots!), Golden Luster, Pinky Luster, and Copper Luster.

 

So Sorry!

Sorry that I haven't posted a darn thing for awhile! I have been a tad busier than i usually like- and mostly because we are in the process of trying to sell our house and move-which is like a full time job!
anyway- we did very well on the fundraiser- and made over $400 for the Rays of Hope- so thank you to all who supported this wonderful cause!
Also I launched a few weeks ago into Simply Skin on Court Street  in Westfield, Ma. Angela, the owner, is a sweet gal- and a wonderful esthetician. She offers a broad range of services including waxing, and threading, which i am anxious to try- I'm letting brows grow in a little so I can go have it done! I'll let you know how it goes! One of the things I love about her business is that you can make your appointments right online- at http://simplyskin.genbook.com/bookings/slot/reservation/30086832;jsessionid=10tek7ey5w08g.cb2?
very cool!

the other thing I love is that Angela only uses organic, and all natural products- from lines like Eminence- and, of course, Fortunate Face! My good friend Tricia Brown, also an esthetician, is now taking limited appointments at Simply Skin as well- so you should have no trouble finding an available time! you can go online or call (413) 454-5029. Tell her Karrie sent you!

Fundraiser totals!

So we were able to raise over $400 for the Rays of Hope with our Lipstick sales! Yay! and thanks to everyone who purchased a lippie in honor of this cause! I was also able to donate several listicks, as well as other Fortunate Face products toward other fundraising efforts- such as for team Kimpossible- a benefit this Friday night- in Chicopee, Ma. Here's the link http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=166491813364711 This mom of 3 is battling for the second time, and all our prayers and good wishes go out to her and her family. For anyone local attending- look out for the Fortunate Face Beauty Takeout  box- stuffed with goodies- like all three of the lipsticks, as well as eye and cheek colors that can be worn by  a multitude of skin tones- and a winter favorite- my Sheer Warmer- a translucent powder that adds just a touch of warmth to the skin to brighten a winter weary complexion. All in all- this chinese takeout box is stuffed for a total value of $159- I hope it helps raise a lot for Kim and her family!

The Making of a Lippie!

So i thought it would be interesting to show everyone what generally goes into the making of a lipstick. I have lots of pictures to post of the step by step actual forming of the lippie.

 here is the colored/mixed waxes & oils (I had already made & colored the base Andree'), along with the pigments combined- and somewhat cooled into a homogeneous mixture. you can see my 4 well metal lipstick mold, & my Pink Diamond lipstick cases.

 This is the mixture melted to a smooth consistency. A lot of pouring lipsticks is doing so at the correct temperature- neither too hot, not too cold. Also cooling them at a consistent temp- again not too fast, nor too slow. On to the next picture...

here is the mixture poured into the mold. You can see the center settles a bit, and the channel catches overflow- making pouring in a steady, consistent stream possible. (another key to well molded lippies).

Me- with no makeup, wearing my mask, gloves, and apron- so, looking pretty stylish (I didn't even comb my hair) waiting for the lippies to cool.

scrape off the extra...

prepared lipstick containers. Even though the cup size of my mold, and the cup size of the lipstick cases are the same 12.1- they still don't fit tightly- therefore I have to "butter" the inside of the case w/ some of the lipstick to get them to adhere. ( frankly the extra step kind of annoys me, but oh well...)

anyway- on with the show!

 the molded lipsticks w/ top portion removed.

 the lipstick case fitting guide in place.

case inserted onto lippie.

There it is- isn't it pretty!

Finished lipsticks in the color Andree'

now get yours at www.fortunatefaceminerals.com and support breast cancer research, as well as, men & women from my local community with all kinds of services provided free of charge when undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, and other cancer treatments, through the Rays of Hope foundation. 

I'm doing my part- 100% of every lipstick sold goes directly to this charity- I am donating the cost of ALL materials/supplies, and, of course, the labor involved; but it can't be a success without YOU!

Fortunate Face to be featured in the Saturday Republican (newspaper)

http://fortunatefaceminerals.com/Lips.html

My new Webgal Rocks! She got this up on my site in a day- not as great looking as she & I would like, but we're working on that... we just wanted it  to function to make it much easier for everyone to actually purchase a lipstick!
 The fundraising effort will be extended until November 7th- to leave time after the article regarding this promotion, runs in the paper. Lastly- I decided that 100% of all proceeds will go directly to The Rays of Hope- it will be donated in my Company's Name (Fortunate Face) through the Team T sponsorship.
A big thank you to everyone who has already purchased a lipstick, or in some cases all 3! Thank you!

Fundraising for Breast Cancer

http://fortunateface.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html

 in reference to my previous post about Fortunate Face Mineral's current fundraising effort on behalf of the Rays of Hope. 

The Paypal option for this is very simple. You will message me your Lip product order, with your name and email address. I enter these into my account. You will be alerted by email to log in to paypal, and make payment with your paypal account, a bank transfer (checking account), or credit card. I will be notified of payment received & your order will be processed. 

Preservative of Choice!

http://swiftcraftymonkey.blogspot.com/2010/09/tinosan-sdc-preservative-and-deodorant.html

This is the preservative of choice for all my products requiring a preservation system. (Green Tea & Aloe Hydrating & setting Mist, as well as my newest Fortunate Face Age Defy Serum- on site soon! I combine this with Potassium Sorbate (a food grade preservative) for a broad spectrum protection. I have had wonderful success with these products and do like that they are more natural. Yes, they are processed for purity- as are any and every mineral & plant based ingredient I use- otherwise all of us would would be expiring of heavy metal toxicity like the ladies of the 17th century french court- who's arsenic & lead laden face powder cause them to drop like flies! So thank you FDA- you got one right!
What I like about this preservation system, as opposed to others- is that is is not a formaldehyde former like some- (yes I said Formaldehyde- like your biology dissection in 10th grade), it is also not a paraben- which has been linked (but not yet proven- though there is a doctor currently devoted to this study) to be present in a very large quantities in breast cancer tumors. Another- phenoxynethanol- the most commonly used preservative in natural products, has also had some questionable links to central Nervous System disorders- There are several well-known natural based product companies that have stopped using this in their products. (my philosophy is why chance it- when there are seemingly better alternatives)
When all is said and done- all a company can do is choose, with careful research, the best of all possible options available to them, and one which fits the philosophy of their company & needs of their products. The one main thing I will say- is if you use a product with water, liquid extracts, listed anywhere on the label,  &, if said label, also doesn't list a preservative anywhere- run- don't walk away from that product!

Lip products

well- we've made some progress and sold a few lip products- i am hapy to say that fortunate face minerals will donate ALL of the Sale (except tax for ma residents) to The Rays of Hope foundation! yay! See previous post for all the details-

My new webdesigner as got my site under construction - so unfortunately we're gonna have to do this the hard way- I can accept payment through paypal- for any purchase of these products- just contact me (all comments go right to my email) or through facebook, or info@fortunatefaceminerals.com to let me know what you'd like. Naturally, I will need name, full shipping address and such-