Shirley from WebMD asked us a series of questions about blush ingredients for WebMD’s series on “Decoding” cosmetics.
The Left Brain responds:
1. What are the basic types of ingredients in blush, (powder, cream, gel, liquid, mineral powder, etc.)?
Blush has a variety of ingredients including colorants, extenders, perfumes, preservatives, feel enhancers, oil absorbers, binding agents, spreading agents, and base powders.
2. How do these ingredients work to bring that flush to your cheeks?
There are 2 types of colorants. One type provides the color, the other masks your natural color. Things like mica and titanium dioxide can block out your natural color and allow the cosmetic color to be more noticeable.
3. What are the differences in ingredients and formulation among the different forms of blush?
Not really much difference. All cosmetic companies are going to have their own blend of colors (although the colorants are the same). Then you’ll have different feel characteristics. It depends on the company and target customer.
4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
Which is longest lasting? Probably cream or liquid
Most blendable? Powdered blushes
More or less likely to irritate skin/contribute to breakouts? Powdered are least likely to result in breakouts but it depends on a person’s skin
More or less likely to show/camouflage imperfections, fine lines, etc.? Liquid / cream versions are least likely to show imperfections. Powdered ones look more natural
What makes a blush long-wearing? The amount of time it lasts on the face. Also, the ability to resist picking up dirt and getting dull.
5. Some products claim to contain anti-aging ingredients as well as other ingredients that help. What are some of these ingredients and can a blush really deliver these benefits?
Control sebum? Nylon spheres, calcium carbonate
Prevent dehydration? Mica, Zinc stearate
Calm inflammation? Nothing really but antioxidants are added to support the claim
Improve hyperpigmentation? Colorants just cover it dark spots on your skin, they don’t really change skin tone.
Do you want to learn more about cosmetic ingredients and how they really work?
Download our FREE guide.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
With my oily skin, powder blush lasts a whole lot longer–the cream ones just disappear!
I also think that while powder does mask the kind of imperfections that younger people have, on the rare occasions when I have dryness, powder highlights that, so…..
amazing website!!!!! I love it! so witty and resourcefull!
“More or less likely to show/camouflage imperfections, fine lines, etc.? Liquid / cream versions are least likely to show imperfections. Powdered ones look more natural”
Do you mean liquid/cream are more likely? ‘Cause this sounds like they both won’t show imperfections. Or maybe you mean that looking natural means imperfections will show…
“What makes a blush long-wearing? The amount of time it lasts on the face. Also, the ability to resist picking up dirt and getting dull.”
Don’t think they were looking for a definition of long-wearing. What about the product makes it long-wearing? (formula, ingredients, application)
I really want to get rid out of this skin and have a good skin.