Mineral makeup is often advertised as being a natural, safer, and more healthy, alternative to traditional cosmetics. The reality is that the majority of mineral cosmetics on the market are still heavily loaded with synthetic preservatives like parabens, dyes and fillers which may be harmful to your skin and health.
“Quite frankly, I think mineral makeup is just a genius marketing plan — a new way of selling women the same ingredients that technically have been in makeup for years,” says dermatologic and pharmaceutical chemist Ben Kaminsky, author of the book Beyond Botox: 7 Secrets for Sexy, Ageless Skin.
That’s why Afterglow Cosmetics is so unique from conventional mineral cosmetics – since they offer a full line of natural, bio-active, organic make-up that is free of synthetic dyes, paraben preservatives, talc, nano-particles, gluten, petrochemicals, cornstarch, FD&C and lake dyes, carmine, mineral oil, irritants like bismuth oxychloride, and GMOs. The company was founded in 2004 by Kristin Adams, who pledges to create products that respect women’s bodies and the earth. Afterglow Cosmetics’ complete line of organic make-up is hypo-allergenic and non-comedogenic – perfect for all skin types.
I took a look at several products from Afterglow Cosmetics.
Organic Mineral Foundation
The foundation creates a soft, natural finish and is available in 20 different shades. It also contains a sunscreen and is ideal for sensitive skin. This foundation is very light and the coverage was sheer, matte, and not at all chalky or caked. It is suggested that those with dry skin mix the mineral powder with a moisturizer.
Ingredients: mica, titanium dioxide, iron oxide, citrus grandis (organic grapefruit) seed extract, rosmarinus officinalis (organic rosemary) extract, inulin, vitis vinifera (organic grape) seed extract, simmondsia chinensis (organic jojoba) extract.
Organic Glow Bronzer – Deep
A loose bronzer, perfect for all complexions, which can be used on the apples of the cheeks, or as a contour. The bronzer leaves a rich, sun-kissed, and glowing look to the skin without the “orangey” color of other bronzers.
Ingredients: mica, titanium dioxide, iron oxide, citrus grandis (organic grapefruit) seed extract, rosmarinus officinalis (organic rosemary) extract, inulin, vitis vinifera (organic grape) seed extract, simmondsia chinensis (organic jojoba) extract.
Organic Lip Love Lipstick
Rich in organic oils that moisturize and protect your lips and vitamins (such as Vitamin E) that nourish, soothe and repair. It applies smoothly, doesn’t leave lines, bleed, or crease. It hydrates lips and keeps them soft with a soothing texture.
Ingredients: simmondsia chinensis (organic jojoba) seed oil, barbadensis (organic aloe) leaf gel, prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel, cera alba (organic beeswax), candilla wax (wildcrafted), tocopherol acetate (vitamin E), vitis vinifera (organic grape seed) extract, punica granatum (organic pomegranate seed) extract; May contain [+/-] iron oxide, mica, titanium dioxide.
Organic Mineral Eye Shadow – Snow and Storm
A wide palette of eye shadows that vary from subtle shimmer to sparkle. Great quality and color that brighten eyes, my favorite colors were “snow” and “storm”.
Ingredients: mica, titanium dioxide, iron oxide, citrus grandis (organic grapefruit) seed extract, vitis vinifera (organic grape) seed extract, punica granatum (pomegranate seed) extract, inulin, rosmarinus officinalis (organic rosemary) extract.
Organic Pencil Eye Liner – Gravity
The organic sesame seed oil, organic castor seed oil and organic beeswax form a creamy, moisture-rich, and smooth application. I found it was easy to apply and was a very rich, dark color.
Ingredients: ricinus communis (organic castor) seed oil, sesamum indicum (organic sesame) seed oil, cera alba (organic beeswax), caprylic capric triglyceride, algae extract, rosa centifolia (organic rose) flower oil; May contain [+/-]: mica, iron oxides, titanium dioxide, ultramarines.
Pure Soul Mascara – Onyx
A great all natural mascara that creates dark lashes that are soft and flexible. It’s flake proof, smudge proof and clump free and gentle for sensitive eyes. It’s also very easy to remove, just rise with water! This is my new favorite mascara!
Ingredients:aqua (purified water), fructose (organic, made from corn), euphorbia cerifera (wildcrafted candelilla) wax, caprylic/capric triglyceride, cera alba (organic beeswax), glycerin (vegetable), glyceryl stearate, stearic acid, mica, aloe barbadensis (organic aloe vera) gel, citrus grandis (organic grapefruit) seed extract, rosmarinus officinalis (organic rosemary) extract, usnea barbata (wildcrafted lichen), arnica montana (organic arnica) extract; May Contain [+/-]: titanium dioxide, iron oxide, ultramarine blue.
Here’s some fun looks created with Afterglow Cosmetics organic mineral makeup.
Great post. I just stumbled upon your post and wanted to let you know that I have enjoyed your blog posts. I will subscribe to see if you post any more updates.
Great review, I love the look of that eyeliner!
BTW….love the looks you created with the products. Gorg :)
Thanks so much! If you try them, let me know what you think of Afterglow cosmetics. I love them. :)
Charmaine xx
Thanks for this review! I can’t believe I haven’t tried Afterglow yet….now I can’t wait to :) xo