Mineral Makeup Blush Formulation: Texture, Finish & Pressed Powder Binder
Question
I am developing a Mineral Makeup blush and would appreciate your review and guidance on my current formulation.
My desired product characteristics are:
- Finish: Semi-matte.
- Color: Barbie Pink with a violet tint, ensuring clear pigment without a white cast or chalkiness.
- Texture: Soft, smooth, not rough or stiff upon application.
- Skin Suitability: Ideal for oily-dehydrated skin.
- Ingredient Restrictions: Must be free of silicone and non-comedogenic ingredients.
- Pore Effect: Should not emphasize pores.
My current ingredient list is as follows:
Baby Pink Mica45%Pink Violet Mica20%MatteSilica 5™20%UltraBlur™10%AminoSilk™5%
I have the following specific questions regarding the formulation:
- What are the differences in ingredients, texture, and color between a loose powder and a pressed powder formulation?
- If I decide to create a pressed powder, what type of binder should I use?
- Based on my current ingredient list, what are your recommendations for adding or reducing any components to achieve the desired properties?
Answer
Mineral Makeup Blush Formulation Review
Thank you for sharing your detailed Mineral Makeup blush formulation! We can certainly help you refine it to achieve the semi-matte, Barbie Pink with a violet tint, smooth texture, and non-pore emphasizing finish you desire, especially for oily-dehydrated skin, while keeping it silicone-free and non-comedogenic.
Current Formulation Analysis & Recommendations
Your current ingredient list is a great starting point, and the percentages are well-balanced for a loose powder.
- Color (Barbie Pink Mica 45%, Pink Violet Mica 20%): The combination of Barbie Pink Mica and Pink Violet Mica at these percentages should give you a vibrant, clear pigment with the desired Barbie Pink and violet undertones. Both are Size A micas, which provide good coverage with a natural, low-gloss finish, helping to prevent a chalky appearance.
- Texture & Finish (MatteSilica 5™ 20%, UltraBlur™ 10%, AminoSilk™ 5%):
- MatteSilica 5™ is excellent for creating a matte look and absorbing excess oil without drying the skin, while also improving the slip and spreadability of the powder.
- UltraBlur™ is specifically designed to blur the skin and minimize the appearance of pores, which directly addresses your concern about not emphasizing pores.
- AminoSilk™ (Lauroyl lysine) is a fantastic addition for achieving a soft, smooth, and natural feel. It significantly enhances the texture, making the blush feel less rough and more comfortable on the skin, and also improves spreadability. Your current 5% is a good amount for this desired texture.
Overall, your proposed loose powder formulation is well-suited for your requirements.
Adjustments for Pressed Powder & Binder Recommendation
You asked about the differences between loose and pressed powder formulations and what binder to use.
Loose Powder vs. Pressed Powder: Ingredient & Property Differences
- Ingredients: The primary difference in ingredients is the addition of a binder for pressed powders. Loose powders typically do not require a binder.
- Texture: Pressed powders will naturally feel more compact and less airy than loose powders. The binder can also influence the final texture, potentially adding a slight creaminess or dryness depending on the type.
- Color: The color intensity might appear slightly more concentrated in a pressed powder due to the compaction of the pigments. The binder itself should ideally be transparent or white to avoid altering the color significantly.
Binder for Pressed Powder
For a mineral makeup blush, Magnesium Stearate is an excellent choice as a binder. It helps the powder adhere well to the skin and press into a solid cake.
- Recommendation: We suggest adding Magnesium Stearate at a concentration of 5-10% to your formula for a pressed powder. This will ensure good adhesion and a solid compact.
Revised Pressed Powder Formulation Suggestion
To incorporate Magnesium Stearate, you would need to slightly reduce the percentages of other ingredients. Here’s a suggested adjustment:
- Barbie Pink Mica: 45%
- Pink Violet Mica: 20%
- MatteSilica 5™: 15% (reduced from 20%)
- UltraBlur™: 5% (reduced from 10%)
- AminoSilk™: 5%
- Magnesium Stearate: 10%
- Total: 100%
This revised formula maintains a high pigment load and sufficient amounts of texture enhancers and blurring agents while providing the necessary binding for a pressed powder.
We hope this detailed guidance helps you create your perfect Mineral Makeup blush! You can find links to all mentioned products below this answer.
Related Products Mentioned
Magnesium Stearate
AminoSilk™ (Lauroyl lysine)
MatteSilica 5™ (5 Micron)
Barbie Pink Mica, fresh pink (size A)
Pink Violet Mica, purple, pink (size A)