2011年8月31日星期三

How to apply liquid eye liner-1

Applying eyeliner with an eye pencil is by far the easiest application method.  Most eyeliner pencils glide easily on the eye lid.  An eyeliner pencil that grabs the skin instead of gliding on can be heated with a lighter for a smoother application.  The downside to eye liner pencils is they do not get close enough or in-between the eyelashes for smooth continuous coverage, thus causing the eye to look made-up and unnatural.
Liquid eyeliner is the hardest eyeliner formulation to apply, but with a steady hand it offers a dramatic and eye opening effect.  A benefit of liquid eyeliner is it can be applied before or after other makeup, allowing the user to judge just where any makeup is needed.  Most makeup artists will apply eyeliner at the beginning of individual makeup sessions.
Liquid eyeliners are found at department and drug stores, like Nordstrom or Wal-Mart.   Mineral makeup brands carry powder eye liners that must be mixed with water or a mixing medium to apply.  Read “Apply mineral eye shadow like a pro, part 2.”   Almost every loose powder mineral eye shadow can be transformed into a liquid or paste eye liner allowing for an endless color selection.
Proper distribution of liquid eye liner on and in-between eyelashes is easily achieved by following the steps below:
1.     Approximately one half inch from outer eyelash area pull skin taunt toward face edge. (Figure 1)
2.     Remove applicator from eyeliner container.  Using container edges, remove almost all excess color. This helps prevent application overdose.  Remember it is easy to apply more liquid eyeliner; it’s not easy to remove excess eyeliner.
3.     Eyeliner application starts above the middle of the iris.  Distribute most of the eye liner color towards the outer third of the lash line. (Figure 2)
4.     Using the bottom edge of eyeliner applicator, lightly tap color between lashes then smooth outward on lash line.   Repeat lightly tapping and smoothing until outer edge of lash line has been reached.  Use more color only if necessary.
5.      Without reapplying more color to eyeliner applicator, proceed to inner three quarters of upper lash line to smooth and blend remaining liquid. (Figure 3)   Some makeup users will realize they do not need eye liner over the entire lash line.  Too much or incorrectly applied eyeliner will cause the eye to appear smaller and garish.
6.     Let the eyeliner liquid dry on eye area for approximately 5 seconds.  During this time it’s a good idea to return the liner applicator to its container.
7.    For natural eye appeal, it is important to soften liquid eyeliner.  Smudging gently over top of liner color in outward strokes will achieve the desired result.  The best accessory for smudging and eye liner is a pointed cotton swab or eye liner smudging brush.
8.     To apply lower eye liner color, use the same application method used in steps 1-7.   Remember eye liner color should only be applied to the outer third of lash line; any closer will cause the eye to appear smaller. (Figure 4)

Using liquid eyeliner might seem daunting for the first few applications, but the gorgeous outcome is well worth it.

The dimension of Kabuki brushes

We have explained a lot about the importance of ferrule size to the brush price. For kabuki brushes, the ferrule diameter is much more importance than other brushes.
It is known that KABUKI brushes just have two parts: ferrule and hair. The ferrule diameter will directly decide the hair usage. If with the same material, with bigger diameter will much more expensive.
Also, as no handle, the ferrule diameter of Kabuki brush is usually much bigger than other type brushes. For example, for large powder brushes, the ferrule diameter is usually 17mm, while even the smallest kabuki brushes will have 20mm ferrule diameter. That is why KABUKI brushes are usually expensive than other brushes.
Generally, the Kabuki brushes have the following diameter sizes: 20mm, 25mm, 26mm,27mm, 28mm,30mm, 38mm, 40mm,45mm and 50mm. The kabuki brushes with 20mm ferrule diameter are very small and can be called mini brushes. While the kabuki brushes with 50mm ferrule diameter is very big and expensive, if with good quality material, few customer or user can afford it. The most common size for KABUKI brushes ferrule diameter is from 25mm to 40mm, these kabuki brushes will have proper size and price.
Different customers have different requirement on kabuki ferrule diameter. While most of them have no direct feeling about the differences until they see real samples. Therefore, most customers will require free samples before deciding the ferrule size. While few makeup brush factory will agree to offer free samples without orders. After long term communication with various customers, we finally find a compromise way: we put all sizes of KABUKI brushes together, take them in one picture, and send the picture to customers. With the reference, customers will have direct feeling about the difference of various sizes, and will finally have decision on which one they would like to order.
Having any question or concern on the size during custom makeup brushes, please feel free to contact us at any time.

2011年8月30日星期二

How to apply liquid eyeliner -2

Easy Step-by-step method on how-to apply eyeliner seen on celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Britney Spears, Halle Berry, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and others.  Read Part 1 :  How To apply liquid eyeliner-1."

Part 2 offers in-depth strategies of just how to apply liquid or foiled eyeliner in-between the eyelashes for the dramatic results used by celebrity makeup artists.
Loose powder and cake eyeliners are easier to apply than premade liquid eyeliners. Using a mixing medium or water allows the eyeliner to be formulated to the correct consistency without having to worry about product migrating onto the eyeball itself.
The makeup brush of choice for powder and cake eyeliners will be an angled or straight edge eyebrow, concealer, or eyeliner brush. Taklon makeup brushes have stiff bristles, perfect for mixing and applying liner between the eyelashes.
The eye shadow foil mixing method is shown in Part 2 of “Mineral Makeup 101: Apply mineral eye shadow like a pro.” The foil eye shadow mixing method is the same as used for pressed or powder eyeliner.
To touch base on the eye liner or shadow foil application method:
1.    Find a small container for mixing the mineral eye liner or any makeup loose powder eye shadow in. The sifter jar lids that mineral makeup products come in are the perfect container.
2.    Tap a small amount of eye shadow powder into mixing container. Less than 1/16 of a teaspoon will work correctly.
3.    Drop a pea sized amount of mixing medium or water into eye shadow powder and stir well.
4.    Using a stiff taklon eyebrow, liner, or concealer makeup brush, blend the two ingredients together until a soft paste is formed.
The foil liquid eye liner should have a slight paste consistency.
Using the same makeup brush used for mixing draw a straight line on back of hand. If the line draws smoothly without grabbing the liquid eye liner formulation is accurate.
The foil eyeliner application method is the hardest of all liner methods, but once perfected it will be the eyeliner method of choice.
When applying the foiled liquid eye liner it is easy to become discouraged and quit, but don’t. It’s really not as hard as it may sound, and it’s well worth learning.
Steps to applying the foil liquid eye liner:
1.    Application begins at the middle of clean lash line working each application outward. All eye shadow and mascara will be applied after eye liner.
2.    Dip desired makeup brush into paste/liquid eye liner and wipe off excess on mixing container edges. Too much product will transfer into the eyeball; though can be cleaned up easily with pointed cotton swab.
3.    One inch from outer eye between lashes and eye brow, take a flat pinky finger and press gently up and outwards toward face edge. This allows for the eyelash line to be completely viewable and stiff so eye liner can reach designated areas.  See Figure 1
4.    With a stiff taklon flat tip makeup brush, the same used for mixing, gently set brush tips flat against lash line and wiggle in a back and forth motion. Wiggling the eyeliner brush slightly allows contact in-between lashes as well as on lash line itself.  See Figure 2
Divide outer green lash line area in thirds, apply brush, wiggle color, repeat.
5.    Using the wiggle method apply to each area of upper lash line individually. There is not a need to continue to reapply liquid liner to makeup brush. The amount of liquid liner on brush should allow two or three application transfers.
6.     After applying the foiled aka liquid eye liner to the outer half of lash line work product from middle towards inner eye corner stopping before the area known as the lacrimal sac. Never apply any eye makeup within this region as it can block the ducts.
7.     When the complete upper lash area has been lined, use an angled side of the same makeup application brush to smooth over entire area.
8.     Use a clean pointed cotton swab dipped in water if necessary to remove any eye liner mistakes.
Practicing the liquid foil eyeliner in-between lashes method will result in an eye-popping, natural appearance that is sure to have other makeup wearers asking how it was accomplished.
Cake eyeliner used with a mixing medium or water applied can also be used for the in-between lashes eye liner method.

Makeup brushes for low-end market

We understand that not all people can afford top grade makeup brushes; some will prefer the cheapest brushes, as long as it can apply cosmetics.
So, as a makeup brush factory, to meet customers’ requirements, we manufacture not only high grade makeup brushes, but also low grade makeup brushes, so that our customers can have many options during custom makeup brushes.
For high grade makeup brushes, we have described a lot about all details before; here we would like to emphasize the low grade makeup brushes.
First is the material: the hair of low grade makeup brushes is usually low grade goat hair and pony hair. The low grade goat hair includes: SQ goat hair, 2# goat hair and 10# goat hair, the most common is the SQ goat hair as it is the cheapest. For the customers who just need cheapest price, SQ goat hair is the best choice. Pony hair is usually used on eyeshadow brushes, as it is softer than SQ goat hair and will not hurt eye skin. 2# and 10# goat hair are usually used on KABUKI brushes as they are better than SQ goat hair. To save cost, the ferrule material of low grade makeup brushes is aluminum, and the handle is plastic or low grade wood.
Second is the package: the low grade makeup brushes usually have no brush bag, or only has low grade brush bag. They are usually packed on PVC bag or OPP bag which is very cheap.
Third is the MOQ: Due to the low cost, the MOQ of the low grade makeup brushes are higher than high grade brushes. For large brushes, the MOQ is usually 2000pcs, for mini brushes, the MOQ is usually 10K pcs. Therefore, the customers who require low grade brushes must have large demand; otherwise, no makeup brush manufacturers will accept the order to produce these low grade brushes.
Forth is the margin: due to the low cost, makeup brush suppliers have low margin on each low grade brush. For example, the unit price of a brush is USD0.2, even the factory or suppliers have 20% margin, they can only have USD0.04 on each brush, even the order quantity is 10Kpcs, the total profit they can get is USD400.0, that is the reason why most makeup brush suppliers do not willing to accept orders of low grade brushes.
Also, the low grade brushes also have difference on quality. Customers’ requirements on the size/brightness/color/luster of ferrule and handle will also affect the brush price. So it is best if customers can let us know their target price.

2011年8月29日星期一

Mineral cosmetics to the rescue

Mineral cosmetics  is chocked full of benefits for the face.  When mineral cosmetics started appearing on the scene, one mineral makeup brand claimed its makeup was so good people could sleep with it on.  Of course everyone knows not to sleep with makeup on, not even mineral makeup.
The benefits of mineral cosmetics have consumers throwing away their chemical cosmetic brands for these healing natural earth element capabilities. Elements from the periodical chart are the sought after mineral makeup ingredients for anyone wanting chemical free, aka eco-friendly green cosmetics.
When choosing a mineral cosmetics brand it is necessary to read ingredient labels.  Some mineral makeup companies use silk, talc, FD&C Lakes, (dyes) bismuth oxychloride, biron and mica, which are known to cause itching, redness, and acne. Some of the above ingredients also produce acne and rosacea.  The short listing above are cosmetic ingredients to avoid.
Known Benefits Of Matte Mineral Foundation*:
  • Natural anti-inflammatory properties, helping heal, calm, and reduce redness in rosacea and acne prone skin types.
  • Titanium dioxide and zinc known for their natural SPF sunscreen and anti-inflammatory healing factors.
  • Nourishing healthy skin formulations derived from natural organic plants, plant sources, cosmetic grade minerals and mineral pigments.
  • Natural organic Ingredients readily absorbed by our bodies for long lasting results.
  • Quick and easy mineral foundation application methods where far less product is needed allowing for substantial cost per product effectiveness.
  • Ideally formulated for sensitive, rosacea, acne prone skin, and designated cancer patient safe (always check with your physician first if you are undergoing any cancer treatments).
  • Non-acnegenic, non-comedogenic, wont clog pores, or create acne lesions thus allowing for a flawlessly smooth complexion.
  • Mineral makeup ingredient list may not contain any known fillers. Fillers are ingredients that do not usually add to a formulations need, but extend the amount of product volume for higher generated revenue.
  • No harmful additives, harsh dyes or man-made fragrances, thus limiting the risk for skin allergies and other associated problems. The allergen risk is nearly 0%.
  • Ingredients usually considered organic, vegan, and earth-friendly.
*Please read each mineral cosmetic label for specific ingredients per mineral makeup brand and product packaging.  Not all mineral cosmetics carry the above listing of healing capabilities.
It’s just a matter of time before consumers find the right mineral foundation color to compliment their skin and add healthy benefits such as those listed above.

How to formulate a mixing medium for makeup applications

Mixing Medium is one of the best cosmetic inventions according to professional makeup artists.  It has the ability to transform almost any loose powder mineral makeup or cosmetic product into a variety of formulations and colors.
Professional makeup artists use Mixing Mediums often to change how they apply makeup as well as change loose powder mineral makeup into liquid formulations.
Mixing Mediums can be used by any makeup user, crafter, or painter.  They offer a wide selection of usages as seen below.
Methods of Mixing Medium use:
1. Diluting liquid or cream foundation to a lighter color or more sheer shade
2. Transform cosmetic loose powders or mineral makeup into liquid and creams.
3. Add to lipstick to form a lip gloss using another cosmetic container for mixing.
4. Use with straight pigments or micas to make an art and body paint.
5. Customize unique one of a kind art and makeup colors.
6. Formulate colors to paint on glass, plastic and other surfaces.
7. Mixing to form airbrush makeup.
8. And many more avenues of application.
The best Mixing Mediums will be water based.  They can be purchased at retail outlets like Dillards that offer a M.A.C. Cosmetics counter, M.A.C. Pro Stores, Naimie’s Beauty Centers, and Sally Beauty Stores.
It’s not necessary to purchase water based Mixing Mediums for use with mineral powder or other makeup.  Mixing Mediums can be formulated cheaply, quickly, and easily with a few simple steps, and products found at local stores like Wal-Mart or Target.
Only two product ingredients are needed to formulate water based mixing medium; distilled water and natural vegetable glycerin. (see photos below)
The items for mixing and storing a makeup Mixing Medium will be a suitable sized cosmetic container, or glass Pyrex container.  Sifter jars without the sifter insert work well if product is not being sold to others. (see FDA.gov for cosmetics and toiletries laws and regulations.)
Steps to formulate a mixing medium for use with mineral makeup or other powders:
1. With rubbing alcohol sterilize all utensils, makeup brushes, and containers that will be used.
2. Measure into appropriate makeup container one third vegetable glycerin and two thirds distilled water.
3. Using a sterilized taklon makeup brush, (see photo below ) Pyrex glass stirring stick, or craft stick, or electric hand mixer, blending ingredients together thoroughly.
4. Proper blending time is 1-5 minutes.
The makeup Mixing Medium is now finished and can be used with cosmetic products or crafting projects.
Mineral Makeup Pigments and Mica Powder Colors
To use the homemade Mixing Medium locate a cosmetic container and sterilize.  Add a small amount of mineral makeup powder, pigment, or mica (see photo above) into container and blend with a dab of the makeup Mixing Medium.  Depending on the type of makeup product needed, it may be necessary to add more mineral powder or Mixing Medium. 
The blending method will be the same to formulate a liquid, cream, or paste makeup product.  Only the amount of loose powder and Mixing Medium will vary.
It’s fortunate in this poor economy, for makeup users to have cheap and easy techniques to formulate mineral makeup foundations, eye shadows, liners, and blush  into pretty color palettes for everyday use.

2011年8月28日星期日

Apply false eyelashes like a pro

The eyes are the most expressive part of the face.  History has shown that eyes have always been the most represented makeup area and continues to be so this year.
False eyelashes have been used in cinema and screen since 1916, when they were invented by American film director D.W. Griffith.
Celebrity makeup artists use false eyelashes on almost all clientele, from Jessica Simpson to Lil” Kim.
Each celebrity and model has their own specific false eyelash fashion statement.  Oprah is famous for wearing her false eyelashes for days at a time.
Fall 2009 establishes again that false eyelashes are out in full force.  Models take to the runways demonstrating the latest fall fashion lines and makeup looks.
Fall makeup color palettes in dark plums, navy, grey, and forest greens are amped up with colored false eyelashes for high-impact facial drama.
How to apply false eye lashes like a pro
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Applying false eyelashes takes a few basic steps and a steady hand;
  • Pick up false eyelashes at middle of lash with clean tweezers
  • Hold false lashes up to eyelash area to determine if false lashes need to be trimmed to be the same or shorter then natural lashes.
  • Trim false eyelash width before applying if they are too wide.  It’s best for false lashes to be shorter than longer in length for a natural appearance.
  • Apply a thin layer of waterproof clear or black eye lash glue to false eyelash edge strip.
  • Allow 5-10 seconds for eyelash glue to dry slightly
  • Using tweezers apply false eyelash glue strip as close as possible to natural lash line. Press down lightly for makeup lash glue to adhere completely.
Apply False Eye Lashes Photo
  • Press down the entire lash strip to natural lash line and hold for 30-60 seconds or longer to allow glue to dry in place.
  • Apply a thin coat of liquid eye liner to cover false eyelash line.
  • Use an eyelash curler to blend natural and false eyelashes together.
  • Finish by applying at least 1 coat of black or brown/black mascara.
  • If false eyelashes appear to be longer then the desired effect they can be carefully trimmed with a snub nosed pair of grooming scissors.
To remove false eyelashes gentle eye makeup oil is all that is required.  The oil will break the waterproof makeup glue seal while moisturizing the lash line at the same time.
Sally Beauty stores are located in most cities and carry a nice selection of false eyelashes and false lash necessities.  The well known makeup artist Shu Emura has a nice line of false eyelashes including multi-color.
Remember right before a big event, such as a wedding, is not a good time to experiment with applying false eyelashes.  Make sure ample time is available for experimenting with different false eyelash lengths and pieces.
It won’t take long to learn to apply false eyelashes.  The easy how-to makeup steps above allow for experimenting and makeup fun.  No two makeup transformations will ever look alike and false eyelashes are just one way to achieve eyes that pop.

Material of makeup brush bag

Generally, customers pay most attention on the material of makeup brushes, it is really intelligent, the makeup brush material will mainly affect the brush quality and usage. Good makeup brushes will create perfect face without any hurt on skin.
While there are some customers pay attention on the material of the makeup brush bag. The material of makeup brush bag is important too, it is the object to contain makeup brushes; its material will affect the touching and appearances; makeup brush bags use real leather are very soft and with good looking. Think about that: perfect makeup brushes are putted into a poor makeup brush bag; can you say that makeup brush set is top grade? The makeup brush bag is a part to show the whole quality level of the makeup brush set.
For high grade makeup brushes, the most common material of the brush bag is PU, it has good appearance and quality, also not too expensive, so most customers will require PU bags for their brush sets.
The best material is real leather, of course, it is the most expensive; for example, a real leather bag is USD9.0, the PU bag will just need USD5.0. Just few customers will require real leather brush bag unless their brush set are really in top grade, it is unaffordable for many customers and users.
Considering environment protection, some customers will require linen fabric brush bags; it will cause less harm to environment and is much cheaper. For example, a real leather bag is USD9.0; the PU bag will need USD5.0, but the linen fabric bag will just need USD3.0.
There are many other materials for brush bags such as plastic. To choose what kind of materials, it depends on the whole brush set quality, for example, all brushes are made with low grade material, it is really a waste to use a real leather bag; if customers would like to custom makeup brushes with top grade, a low grade bag will be very harmful to the grade of whole brush set.

2011年8月25日星期四

How to fix clumpy mascara fast

Summers over and school started last Monday.  The new schedule is definitely wrecking havoc all over the US on sleeping patterns, under eye circles, skin care, and makeup routines.
Setting an alarm clock really works great when sleeping habits are way out of whack.  Its also nice to have friends intrerrupt sleep with morning phone calls.  Dont let oversleeping or sleeping late ruin an otherwise great day.
This morning however, was one big makeup disaster as mascara caused a huge clumping nasty mess with no time to fix it.
The clock reads 7:45am and school or work starts in less than 15 minutes.
It’s time for some quick Makeup 911;
  • With a paper towel remove all mascara from the wand itself.
  • Do not use a tissue or piece of toilet paper they both have too many fibers that can fall into the eye itself.
  • Take the clean mascara wand, (clean spoolie brushes work also) wiggle gently using a side to side motion from eye lash roots to tips.
This process will remove just enough of the clumped up mascara on the lashes and allow for a metal eye lash brush to be dragged through eye lashes.

To prevent future mascara clumps;
  • Always drag applicator the side of makeup product container when removing mascara wand.
  • Tap all sides of the wand on a clean paper towel to remove any further unwanted mascara.
  • Never be in a hurry as poking the eyeball with the mascara wand can end the user in the ophthalmologists’ office.

find the correct makeup or mineral foundation makeup shade

The key to locating the perfect foundation makeup to create a flawless-looking face is a tough challenge, but not an impossible one.
Makeup industry experts know that hiding flaws and imperfections means finding the correct foundation color and formula.  Testing foundation properly is essential to locating the correct shade for a natural, glowing, more youthful appearance.
Most cosmetic companies before 1995 used too much pink in their foundations.  After 1995 and until recently, cosmetic company foundations were too yellow.
The release of  large volume of mineral makeup brand foundation formulas, it is now easy to locate any globally diverse foundation shade.  Mineral foundation blends may incorporate cosmetic pigments of violet, green, and gray alongside the primary blues, reds, and yellows.  This allows the foundation makeup to best match individual skin tones.
The perfect foundation color eludes some wearers as seen by the tell-tale lines on the jaw line, mannequin faces, faces that appear dirty, blotchy, and cakey.  A foundation that has more yellow tones than the skin should not be used to conceal redness; it will only give the skin a harsh unnatural appearance.  It’s not a good idea attempt to change natural skin tone with foundation, but to choose the right shade.  A correcting powder makeup works best to change pigment problems on the face.
Makeup artists may use 3 or more shades on a client to achieve the desired flawless face.  Makeup users can easily find a foundation match at most department stores by asking a cosmetic counter makeup specialist for assistance.  
The makeup artist should start by applying a strip of color to the face between the jaw line and outer edge of the face.  This foundation makeup shade testing method allows the applicant to see which tone blends the best and whether a lighter or darker shade in the correct tone is needed.
Lighting is extremely important when testing foundation colors.  Step out into the natural daylight once foundation tester strips are applied to the face since cosmetic and makeup counters use florescent lighting, famous for distorting color.
At home the face will look its most flattering when foundation makeup is applied in natural light using a mirror at 45-degree angle.  Mirror angles tilted above and below this mark will distort the face causing shadowing, especially around the under eye area.
Facial skin tones can change daily and it may be necessary to have more than one foundation makeup shade on hand.  When the correct makeup foundation color is applied it will appear to have vanished into the skin.  Foundation makeup should always blend with the neck and chest as well as the face.
Most foundations have a shelf life of 1 year or less upon opening.  The exception is mineral foundation powder makeup known to have a shelf life of at least a year. 
To help foundation makeup of any type stay in its best condition, always use a clean just washed and sterile makeup sponge, makeup brush, or flocked sponge when applying products.  It’s also wise to dispense the amount of foundation makeup into a clean container instead of pouring from the original container or jar, this prevents cross contamination.
When searching for the perfect base shade, remember to test different makeup, and mineral foundation makeup brands.  Several makeup and mineral makeup companies do offer to custom blend foundations to suit their clients’ needs.  It’s also easy to blend foundation to suit any skin tone with the proper knowledge and instructions.
Foundation was invented to even out the skin tone, not be applied to the entire face and throat like a mask.  Whether it’s chemical or mineral foundation being applied to the face, test and retest to verify the color is correct to avoid looking unnatural and made up.  Faces with foundation will look their best when real skin is allowed to show through the makeup

2011年8月24日星期三

How to master a flawless face using mineral foundation

Mineral foundation is easy to apply and has a multitude of methods to cover flaws.  Mineral foundation powder is consistent with each application onto the skin.  Seldom is a need for foundation touch-ups during the day and many of the best mineral makeup brands formulate precise foundation colors that match most skin tones.
The proper mineral foundation will match skin perfectly making it virtually impossible to detect. Chemical foundations are well known to leave tell-tale and can settle in lines, wrinkles, and pores causing skin to appear aged and unhealthy.
A wide range of techniques are available to apply mineral foundation makeup.  Mineral foundation application choices include using a mineral foundation or face brush, flocked sponge, or mixing with water or moisturizers.
If a sheer coverage to blur a few facial flaws is what a user requires, then a quick swipe of mineral foundation powder is all that’s needed.
For a heavier coverage to conceal facial flaws, the user can apply a mineral foundation designated for complete coverage, apply more than one layer of mineral powder, or mix the minerals with water or a moisturizer prior to applying. 
The secret to mastering the application of mineral foundation is to use a light hand with a natural hair makeup brush designed for use with mineral makeup. Always have on hand when applying mineral foundation, a makeup wedge sponge, mineral makeup foundation or face brush, and a flocked makeup sponge.appearance.
Applicant should use skin care moisturizer suited for their specific skin type, prior to applying any makeup.  Allow moisturizer to remain on skin no longer then 10 minutes, then remove any excess product with a tissue.
First apply mineral foundation makeup to any blemishes, under eye circles, and areas prone to redness (rosacea). The best way to cover flawed facial areas will be to use the mineral foundation powder mixed with a small amount of water.
Once mineral powder has dried tap gently until area is appropriately covered, then apply mineral foundation to the remainder of facial areas that need coverage.
If the mineral foundation brand has any shine causing ingredients; bismuth oxychloride, mica, biron, etc., a setting powder will be required to tone down facial shine. 
Dust a loose mineral setting veil, mattifier, or resurfacing mineral powder over the foundation.  A little mineral setting powder will work unless skin is prone to oil, then a heavier application of absorbing powder will be necessary.
A matte mineral foundation should only be used on combination or oily skin for a flawless appearance without shine.
Always use a light hand when applying mineral foundation.  If necessary another layer of mineral foundation can be applied over the first coat for more coverage.
Remember, as with any type of makeup, it’s easier to apply more product than to remove a heavy handed product application.
That’s all that’s needed for a mineral foundation flawless face application.

The painting on makeup brush handles

It has been keeping raining for half a month in China, although the wet weather has no affect on the production or transportation, it really affects the delivery time.
 
The reason is: the wet weather affects the handle painting. Usually, the painting will be dry within 5 days, but in rainy day, it will be 7-10 days, if with bright painting, the period will be longer.
 
If the customers need the products urgently, some makeup brush suppliers may send the shipment even if the painting is not completely dry, and most of them will not tell the customers about such situation since it will have no big affects on the quality.
 
But as a reliable makeup brush supplier, we believe it is our responsibility to tell customers everything about the products. So if customers need urgent delivery, we will always tell them the painting is not completely dry, some customers can not understand this and worry about the quality, some may even want to reject the brushes as long as they get known the painting is not completely dry. Most old customers will understand and accept this as long as the drying time is not far away than required days.
 
In fact, it will have no affects as long as the drying time is not so far away than required days. For example, the required drying days is 5 days, if the actual drying time is 4 days, that should no problem, but if just 2 days, that will cause some problem and may affect the quality. If the drying time is too short, it may cause some scratches on the handles, if so, customers can require rejects or replace the handles.
 
Anyway, the makeup brush suppliers should tell customers all situations during production. If customers require urgent delivery but the drying time is not enough, we should tell customers such situation and let customers decide. Only after getting customers’ confirmation, we can move to next step.

2011年8月23日星期二

Mineral makeup brands social blogging turns bad

As mineral makeup companies strive to produce higher profits, many are now social blogging on websites like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube (or YouBube as some now call it).  When blogging launched as a fun way to write personal information on blogs, businesses saw this as a new way to market their products.
Most mineral makeup company owners have struggled to keep their company in the black with todays slow US economic market.   However, not all mineral makeup company owners seem ethical when it comes to makeup review sites, forums, or social blog postings.
Selling mineral makeup is a cut-throat industry since the FDA cosmetics and toiletries division passed new laws for natural cosmetic companies.  Some mineral makeup and natural cosmetics brand will be closing their doors due to manufacturing practices and financial hardship.
Social blogging in the mineral makeup brand industry reached a new low recently as people looking to cause others grief and gossip found Twitter and Facebook stalking fun, and YouTube video slaying a great past time at others expense.  YouTube, full of its wonderful video technology showed everyday-consumers posting video scripts on how to apply mineral foundation, eye shadow, blush etc. 
The problem with some of these "how to apply mineral makeup" videos is many camera operators grabbed any mineral makeup brand products and applied them for viewers.  Some videos have not been approved by individual mineral makeup company owners, a definate downfall to a companies marketing program.  Not all the mineral makeup videos are hard to watch; some are great at offering useful information to consumers.
Then it happened!  We watched, or had shared with us the worst social media mineral makeup how-to blunder.  YouTube showed a video of two gals making a mockery out of the bareMinerals TV infomercial.  The distasteful video in question (video has been removed) revealed 4 well known mineral makeup brands products being applied with raw meat on nude images, etc.(Nude logo mineral makeup should not be confused with U2 Singer Bono’s wife’s company Nude Brands Ltd.)
Informative reviews, blogs, and news on mineral makeup brands are all over the internet.  It’s important to treat all this cosmetic information with caution so the reader can discern fiction from fact.
The most effective means of finding the mineral makeup foundation or other mineral cosmetic products is to contact the mineral makeup brand via their website.  Most makeup company owners will be more than happy to speak with any consumer in regards to specific products.  Mineral makeup company websites usually contain references on “how to apply mineral foundation makeup” and other mineral makeup products linked to and in site maps.
Social blogging can be fun and it is a great opportunity for mineral makeup company owners to talk about their products.  Locate a favorite mineral makeup blog and add the RSS feed to the favorite column for daily updates.
Blogging is a great tool for consumers as well as businesses.  It adds specific information to the world wide web on every topic, including mineral makeup brands.
Nude Brands Ltd. lost a court judgment recently over the launch of L’Oreal’s brand Stella McCartneys perfume STELLANUDE. Stella McCartney is a fashion designer and daughter of Sir Paul McCartney of the Beatles.

The trading company should leave at least 5-10 days for delivery

Despite of the conflicts and competition between the makeup brush factory and trading company, as a factory, we do realize the importance of the trading company, they are more professional and skillful than us; many of our orders are come from the trading company. We even can say that the makeup brush factory can not live alone without the trading company.
 
However, conflicts are also unavoidable; one of the biggest conflicts is the delivery time. It is known that the biggest advantage of Chinese factory is low price, not quality or delivery. Many factories may have quality problem, but as a professional makeup brush manufacturer, we do not have quality problem, just some conflicts with the trading company on the delivery time.
 
Everyone should understand that there are so many unexpected problems during production, it is very possible to delay the production 2-3 days, so while confirming with the trading company, we always leave 3-5 days for ourselves. But sometimes, the orders are very urgent, and the trading company requires us to give them the best delivery time, so we have to tell them our best delivery time, but we always clearly tell them that it is the best time, if something happens, may not meet such time. Some experienced sales in the trading company will know that they should leave at least 5-10 days as their delivery date to their customers in case of any accidents. But some unprofessional sales will not realize this, and offer the same delivery date to the customers. If the production can not be finished on the delivery date, the sales in the trading company will blame us and push again and again. It will sometimes affect the brush quality due to the urgent push.
 
As the factory, we know we should try our best to offer the best delivery time and finish the production on that date, but we can not always promise the best delivery time; we know that for the brushes that need international shipments, the delivery date should be exact and no delay are permitted; we also know that the trading company may have their own concern when they offer the best delivery time to the customers, but we sincerely suggest that they should leave at least 5-10 days for themselves in case of any delay.
 
For example, during custom makeup brushes, the delivery date we offer the trading company is August 15th; the delivery date on the agreement between the trading company and customers should be August 25th. So even the production delay 2-3 days, that will be ok.

2011年8月22日星期一

Bonos wife loses in Nude Cosmetics lawsuit

According to news sources at Bloomberg, Nude Brands Ltd., founded by the wife of singer Bono (U2), lost the court judgment to stop Stella McCartney Ltd. (L’Oreal SA) from releasing new perfume “STELLANUDE” in the UK on August 22, 2009.
Bono’s wife, Ali Hewson’s company Nude Brands Ltd., has the European Union Trademark on the term “NUDE” in capital letters.  Hewson asked London court for a delay order of the perfume’s release due to trademark infringement issues.
In 2009 Paris-based cosmetics company Loreal purchased the Stella McCartney brand from YSL Beaute.  The purchase includes the exclusive rights to manufacture fragrance under the Stella McCartney name.
Millions of dollars would have been lost if the judgment had been granted.  Over 26,000 bottles of the perfume had already been released to vendors and canceling advertisements was an option that had passed.
Nude’s website proposes there will be a trial next year in the English High Court.  The action taken today by the courts does not advise on whether or not there was trademark infringement.  Nude can take further legal action if trademark infringement can be proved.  Bono’s wife is intent on seeing the lawsuit through for final court judgment against Stella McCartney Ltd.
In an emailed statement L’Oreal cosmetics posted “pleased with the decision of the High Court” and “will be proceeding with the launch of STELLANUDE as planned.”
The case is in the High Court of Justice, Chancery Division “ Nude Brands Ltd. v. Stella McCartney Ltd.” 09-C02715
Stella McCartney is daughter of Sir Paul McCartney, of the Beatles singing group.  Stella McCartney has been a fashion designer since 1995.
Nude Cosmetics was co-founded by Bryan Meehan, aka the founder of U.K. Organic chain “Fresh & Wild”
Irish rock star Bono is well known for his group U2.  His given name is Paul Hewson

Getting customer approval on samples before mass production

While discussing lead time of makeup brush orders, the customers must require ASAP, while the makeup brush factory would like to get enough time to prepare production. Sometimes, it may have some conflicts on the delivery time if the makeup brush manufacturer can not meet the delivery time.
 
As the manufacturer, we should try our best to meet customers’ requirements, but for makeup brushes, the lead time should mean the date since customers confirm samples instead of the order date or payment date. As the makeup brush industry is very special, each customer has its own requirement on the makeup brush design and style, so only after getting customers’ confirmation on samples, we can start mass production.
 
For example, the customer place orders on August 1st, arrange the payment on August 5th, the makeup brush manufacturer send samples to customer on August 15th, and get customer approval on August 20th. During previous discussion, the lead time is about 30 days, so the exact delivery date should be on Sep 20th instead of August 30th.
 
Of course, the makeup brush manufacturer should clearly explain this at the very beginning discussion on the delivery time, and ensure that the customer has completely understand the explanation on the delivery time, so that it will have no potential conflicts on the delivery time.
 
Sometimes, customers have urgent delivery requirement, but to ensure that our brushes are the exact needed brushes of the customers, we should not start any mass production until getting customers approval on samples, otherwise, it will bring huge risks to both customers and manufacturers.
 
We should always keep enough and effective communication with customers at any situation!

2011年8月21日星期日

cargo cosmetics unveils new weatherproof makeup

Cargo cosmetics had unveiled two new weatherproof makeup products recently.  The cosmetics company citing a consumer demand for more weather proof makeup, especially during the summer month.
A water resistant bronzer is termed a long-wearing makeup product that comes in medium bronze and works with most skin tones.  The genius behind the weather proof bronzer is silicone coated talc which improves makeup adhesion but holds up under sweat and water.
Better-than-Waterproof Mascara has an advanced technology formula that creates a tube around each eyelash for dramatic lengthening similar to false eyelashes.  To ward off eyelash damage that is caused by mascara use, vitamins B, C, E and F are included in the mascara formula to help ward-off dryness, breakage, and sun damage.
Better-Than-Waterproof Mascara is smudge, run, and melt-proof yet comes off completely when rinsing with warm water and a washcloth.
Remember that weatherproof does not mean waterproof. According to the FDA Cosmetic and Toiletries Division makeup, mineral makeup, cosmetics, or skin care cannot be labeled waterproof unless it has passed rigorous testing.
Summer is coming to an end, though weatherproof and waterproof makeup will be on the cosmetic shelves just in time for beach season.  Makeup, cosmetics, and mineral makeup companies work all year formulating products to meet consumer demands.  SPF in cosmetics is one of the number 1 concerns for a good reason, to keep skin healthy and looking it’s best. 
Cargo Cosmetics has announced a parnership with Ulta.com the large beauty retailer to make more of its cosmetic line available to the public. Ulta has over 300 US stores as well as their online cosmetic and makeup distribution web site.

The logo file for makeup brushes

During custom makeup brushes, logo is an essential topic needs both supplier’s and customer’s confirmation. For customers, they need to offer logo files, so that the suppliers can evaluate the logo fee.
 
If the customers have existing brush samples with their logo in hand, they can send the sample brushes to the makeup brush factory for exact copy, at such situation, the customer only needs to send the jpg or pdf file as the logo files, the original logo picture is ok.
 
While if the customers have no existing brushes or logo on hand, but only have ideas in mind. For the logo files, the customers should offer the logo design drawing which shows the detailed dimension of the logo, the exact position of the logo on the brush handle, and the font of each letter……
 
Theoretically speaking, if customers can clearly express their ideas on logo and send enough logo files to the makeup brush manufacturers, it should no big problem; the customers will get required brushes and logos, while the makeup brush manufacturers still need to be cautious enough and keep effective communication with the customers. Having any doubts the manufacturers should firstly contact customers and get their confirmation; only with customers’ confirmation, the manufacturers can move forward, never decide anything without confirmation. Otherwise, it will cause risks both to customers and manufacturers.

2011年8月18日星期四

Huge Makeup, Mineral Makeup And Cosmetics Sale At ULTA

Just in time for back-to-school.  Ok, there is a catch to this great Makeup and Mineral Makeup 20% off Sale At Ulta.  The sale is only good through the Mineral Makeup Reviews Organization Website at http://www.mineralmakeupreviews.org as its their exclusive sale to all makeup, mineral makeup and skin care lovers.
This huge cosmetics, skin care, mineral makeup, and makeup sale starts on August 30 and ends September 5, 2009.
Now this is mineral makeup news and a great way to save on cosmetics, skin care, makeup, mineral makeup, beauty products and the list goes on.
Yes thats right ULTA is having a sale on:
Mineral Makeup on Sale including:
  • Id bareMinerals
  • Bare Escentuals
  • Mineral Makeup Kits
  • Pur Minerals
  • And more mineral makeup brands
Makeup Brands On Sale:
Smashbox Cosmetics
Amazing Cosmetics
Fusion Beauty
Benefit Cosmetics
We know all you out there searching Google Makeup News will love this information.  The 20% off sale only works when directions are followed and we know of no woman or teen that would pass up 20% off cosmetics.
The Raesin Images Natural Makeup, Mineral Makeup, and Anti Aging Skin Care website is also having a 20% off back to school sale

The makeup brush package will affect price

For the first time to custom makeup brushes, customers may mainly pay attention to price and quality, they may have detailed and deep discussion on the material of bristle, ferrule and handle to ensure the quality and price level, but customers will easily ignore the discussion on package. In fact, package is also a factor to affect price.
 
Most customers may have package requirements on the makeup brushes, especially for individual brushes. For makeup brush set, no big problem, as all brushes are packed in the brush bags. But for individual brushes, package is really a problem.
 
For the makeup brush factory, if no special requirement, the default package for individual brush is OPP bag which is very thin and easy to be broken, so if the customers sell brushes on internet which needs second transportation, OPP bag will be not enough. PVC or PE bag will be better for product promotion and transportation. And of course, the total cost will be higher if use PVC or PE bag for each brush.
 
Besides the package of each brush, if customer also requires inside carton, the price will be higher too. As the makeup brush manufacturers usually do not use inner carton for the brushes but only the outside carton. They will put all brushes into the outer carton, which may cause the brushes in mess order during transportation. If with inner carton, the situation will be much better, just the cost increases.
 
Therefore, during communication and negotiation with the makeup brush suppliers, customers should clearly specify all requirements on the materials, quality and package at the very beginning, so that the negotiation will be effective enough, and customers can know their actual cost on the brushes.

The shipping ways of makeup brushes

Usually, the quotation of the makeup brushes will not include shipping charge, the makeup brush suppliers usually quote EXW or FOB price to the customers. At the very beginning, no one can ensure the shipping way, the shipping charge is uncertain, so the suppliers can only quote FOB or EXW price.
 
Once the delivery time and package details are confirmed, the shipping way needs the attention of both customers and suppliers. Usually, there are 3 general shipping ways: by sea, by air and by express. Each way has its own advantages and disadvantages:
 
By sea: the advantage is low fee, and disadvantage is long period and complex operation. Also, although the shipping charge by sea is usually the lowest, but for small volume, the fee is even higher than by air, if the volume is not enough for a container, it will need LCL shipping which is very complex and with high fee. For the makeup brush factory, they do not like shipment by sea, as they have to prepare so many documents, contact forwarder, book shipping space etc. For customers, by sea is too slow and contains certain risks during the long trip, also customers need to arrange transportation to deliver packages from the sea port.
 
By air: it is the most common shipping ways, quicker than sea and cheaper than express. The makeup brush suppliers just need to send packages and related documents to the warehouse of forwarder, and once the airline confirmed, the package will reach customers within 5 days. Most airlines will offer door to door service, so customers no need to arrange extra transportation.
 
By express: The suppliers love this shipping way most, as they even no need to send the packages to forwarder, the express staff will come to suppliers’ location and pick up the packages, suppliers just need to give related papers to the express staff, and after 3 days, the customers will certainly get the packages in good condition. The only disadvantage is high fee. However, now many express companies are offering attractive and big discounts on the fees, for example, DHL will offer 70% discounts in certain period, then the fee is almost the same as by air. It is really attractive for many customers.
 
For makeup brush industry, except really large orders, most customers will not prefer sea shipment. They usually choose air, but now due to the big discounts of express companies, sometimes, they will consider deliver by express.

Mineral makeup company to donate to Breast Cancer

2009 marked the 25th anniversary of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, sponsored by the National Breast Cancer Foundation, an organization that brings awareness and education to women worldwide regarding this disease.
Raesin Images Cosmetics, home of the Colour ID Mineral Makeup brand supports the Breast Cancer cause in 2009 by donating 20% from order proceeds during the month of October.
To aide regular customers as well as those that are considering trying mineral makeup products, this mineral makeup brand website has also posted a discount mineral makeup 20% off sale.  Trying mineral makeup products and donating to breast anc ovarian cancers is a wonderful bonus for purchases to help fight this terrible disease.
Raesin Images Cosmetics spokesperson and production assistant CK states that when the company started, it was the goal to promote well-being in women of all ages and donating proceeds from mineral makeup sales to various organizations that support women’s causes was a must.  The company also donates to several other organizations throughout the year, but ovarian and breast cancer is on top of our list since our owner’s grandmother died from the disease.  Most of the US population has a friend or family member diagnosed with orvarian or breast cancer and what little bit we can help with in finding a cure is important.
The mineral makeup and natural skin care 20% off sale are available on either the Raesin Images Cosmetics, http://www.raesinimages.com or Colour ID Minerals Makeup http://www.mineral-make-up.net websites now, and with 20% of order proceeds going to fight breast cancer, it is the perfect time to try natural makeup and skin care.
Other makeup and mineral makeup companies participating in Breast Cancer Awareness month:
B Beauty Bar Cosmetics - "Mineral Makeup For Women Of Color" "Cosmo For A Cure" Event for Breast Cancer Survivors 2009
  • Estee Lauder
  • Avon
  • Bobbi Brown

2011年8月16日星期二

How to control suppliers’ quality

Quality is the most important concern of all customers, however, during custom makeup brushes, due to distance limit, most customers are not able to control the quality by themselves: they can not frequently visit the makeup brush factory or participate in the production, the only thing they can do is to trust the suppliers.
 
While sometimes only trust is not enough, many customers may meet such situation: they are so glad to open the packages from the makeup brush suppliers, but are crazy when checking the quality. The quality is far away from what the suppliers promised! Then they complain to the suppliers about this, but always get no satisfied feedback. Finally they have to change suppliers but only to find that the new supplier is not better than the original one! It is really a vicious circle for the customers.
 
It seems that the most important for the customers is reliable suppliers, but I should say that no supplier will always reliable. For the new supplier, maybe payment terms will be a good way to control the quality. Customers should clearly list the quality requirements on the agreement or orders and clarify the liability for breach. For example, if unqualified, the suppliers should pay certain penalty to customers. If possible, in case of any conflicts, the customers should have certain balance payment which will pay the suppliers after getting packages. Otherwise, the penalty will be only a mere verbal statement.

Mineral makeup company to donate to Breast Cancer

2009 marked the 25th anniversary of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, sponsored by the National Breast Cancer Foundation, an organization that brings awareness and education to women worldwide regarding this disease.
Raesin Images Cosmetics, home of the Colour ID Mineral Makeup brand supports the Breast Cancer cause in 2009 by donating 20% from order proceeds during the month of October.
To aide regular customers as well as those that are considering trying mineral makeup products, this mineral makeup brand website has also posted a discount mineral makeup 20% off sale.  Trying mineral makeup products and donating to breast anc ovarian cancers is a wonderful bonus for purchases to help fight this terrible disease.
Raesin Images Cosmetics spokesperson and production assistant CK states that when the company started, it was the goal to promote well-being in women of all ages and donating proceeds from mineral makeup sales to various organizations that support women’s causes was a must.  The company also donates to several other organizations throughout the year, but ovarian and breast cancer is on top of our list since our owner’s grandmother died from the disease.  Most of the US population has a friend or family member diagnosed with orvarian or breast cancer and what little bit we can help with in finding a cure is important.
The mineral makeup and natural skin care 20% off sale are available on either the Raesin Images Cosmetics, http://www.raesinimages.com or Colour ID Minerals Makeup http://www.mineral-make-up.net websites now, and with 20% of order proceeds going to fight breast cancer, it is the perfect time to try natural makeup and skin care.
Other makeup and mineral makeup companies participating in Breast Cancer Awareness month:
B Beauty Bar Cosmetics - "Mineral Makeup For Women Of Color" "Cosmo For A Cure" Event for Breast Cancer Survivors 2009
  • Estee Lauder
  • Avon
  • Bobbi Brown

2011年8月15日星期一

Always reply emails within 24 hours

As a makeup brush manufacturer, or any manufacturer or supplier in any field, we should always try our best to reply customers’ emails within 24 hours. In fact, it will be the best to reply ASAP, while due to the time differences between different countries, we may not be able to reply at once, as the customers may send emails to us on their local working time, but not our working time, so we can not reply at once.
 
Some may ask: why so urgent, some customers may not so urgent for the reply?
 
Firstly, as the supplier, we should show our profession and efficiency to our customers at the very beginning, only after knowing that we are professional makeup brush suppliers, the customers will want to further communicate with us and finally place orders to us. It is not easy to gain the trust from customers; we should always try to do the best at any time.
 
Secondly, there are so many manufacturers and suppliers on makeup brushes, we have so many competitors, if we can not move quickly, we may lose in the competition. Think about that, if you are the customers, you send emails to many suppliers to custom makeup brushes, would you like the ones who quickly reply emails? I believe at the same condition, most customers will firstly consider the ones with quick service.
 
If really too busy to reply within 24 hours, we can just simply reply like this: I will give you feedback tomorrow. So that the customers can ensure that we have got the emails and will know the exact time to get reply!

Is the new matte bareMinerals foundation worth trying?

Over the last few years the mineral makeup brand bareMinerals posted it was in search of testers for a new matte mineral foundation.  Bare Escentuals, aka bareMinerals realized that its bismuth oxychloride formulated mineral foundation was not suited for every skin type, and many consumers wanted a matte mineral foundation makeup product.
The new matte foundation makeup by Bare Escentuals, Inc. aka bareMinerals, was released to the public, late summer early fall of 2009.  Several online websites, such as the well known cosmetic brand-carrying guru Sephora, and Bare Escentuals’ own Love Matte site, offered the highly touted bismuth free matte mineral foundation.
Physicians and Dermatologists are repeatedly stating to consumers interested in, or using mineral foundation, to locate mineral makeup brands without bismuth oxychloride, mica, biron, talc, and other controversial cosmetic ingredients.  The new bareMinerals, Bare Escentuals Matte Mineral Foundation is manufactured without bismuth oxychloride as an ingredient. 
 
The mineral makeup ingredients in bareMinerals SPF 15 matte foundation are:
  • Lauroyl Lysine (Lysine, an amino acid found in various plant sources, including legumes, is estherified by a manufacturing process of Ethenol and palm or coconut oil.  The ester remaining is then reacted with lauroyl chloride, as salt, to form Lauroyl Lysine, chemically known as lauric acid and lysine HCl.  Lauroyl Lysine is a chemically formulated fatty acid polymer used when a smoother application of product base is needed.  It is also known for its anti-microbial properties.  Please note that most cosmetics containing lauroyl lysine are manufactured in China.
  • Silica is better known as sand.  Silica comes in many different micron sizing, none of which are small enough to enter the skins surface layer and has been deemed safe as a cosmetic ingredient by the FDA.  Calcium Silicate is a GRAS silicon noted for its anti-caking abilities.  Silicates are silicon salts of various silicic acids located within the Earth’s natural crust as quartz and sand.
  • Soil Minerals  After contacting the Bare Escentuals customer service phone line regarding this ingredient listing, no one was able to offer information.  Usually terms like inert, natural, in food, drugs, and cosmetics, are the manufacturing companies’ way of not having to list the exact ingredient.  See the FDA.Gov for more information on this topic.
  • Mica is chemically known as potassium aluminum silicate dihydrate.  The grain size or micron size of mica depends on where it’s processed for usage.  Mica imparts a natural interference with multiple color reflection.  Pigments can be added to the 8 main mica colors for additional color variations.  Sericite is similar in consistency to white mica, but is not a mica substrate, nor should it be confused as a mica element.  Mica can scratch skin’s delicate surface when used incorrectly and physicians are now suggesting mica not be used at all in mineral foundation makeup.
  • Titanium Dioxide has a high refractive index which makes it a good cosmetic spf ingredient in mineral makeup products.  Titanium Dioxide can absorb ultra violet sun light that leads to numerous skin problems such as skin cancer, lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation to name a few.  Titanium dioxide is mainly used in cosmetics for its dramatic adhesion capabilities to skin’s surface.  It is an excellent mineral pigment color mixing source and is used in most liquid and powder cosmetic formulations on the market.
  • Zinc Oxide has the ability to absorb ultraviolet light making it the perfect compliment for use with titanium dioxide.  Proven to have natural anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties when added to cosmetic liquid creams and powders helps reduce redness, rosacea, and bacterial related skin disorders including acne.
  • Iron Oxides are used in mineral makeup as variables to change color, especially in mineral foundations to match skin tones. 99% of iron oxides are synthetic, meaning man-made, due to the fact that to factually find iron oxides in their natural state, i.e. rust, is not an option due to the high world market demand.  Iron oxides are used as colorants in the manufacturing process of clothes, leather, shoes, and are used in car paint, house paint, and the food and drug markets.  
Mineral makeup reviews of the new matte mineral foundation by bareMinerals seems to be split: they either love it, or hate it.  Some bareMinerals matte foundation makeup reviews state it has little or no coverage, caused their skin to break out, and was dry and chalky.  Yet other testers say they love the coverage, the feel as it glides over skin, and it is almost matte, unlike the original Bare Escentuals mineral foundation.
Is the new matte mineral foundation worth the substantial expense Bare Escentuals, Inc. spent on media, email, and social marketing campaigns?   Will it be a flop with physicians advising to steer clear due to the cosmetic ingredients used?  Lastly, are consumers still willing to pay for the small amount of product per container compared to the product contents of the many other mineral makeup brands on the market?
The October 30, 2009, 3rd quarter stock figures showed Bare Escentuals, Inc, (BARE) jumped to a new yearly high. Is this jump due to their new matte mineral foundation one of the reasons?  Only time will tell, as with any new makeup product, whether the new bareMinerals foundation will stick around or fail.  Stock holders and Bare Escentuals’ customers have been anxiously awaiting this new matte mineral foundations release.
 

Europe’s Largest Luxury Perfumeries and Cosmetics Chain to Hong Kong A.S. Watson Group

Europe’s Largest Luxury Perfumeries and Cosmetics Chain to Hong Kong A.S. Watson Group opened the first store of Marionnaud Paris on the 15th of April, its luxury perfumeries and cosmetics retail brand in Hong Kong.
Dominic Lai, A.S. Watson Group Managing Director and Mr Jean-Pierre Thebault, Consul General de France officiated the grand opening ceremony.
The first Marionnaud Paris store is located at Tsim Sha Tsui, the busiest shopping district in Hong Kong, offering perfumeries and cosmetics products from 11 internationally renowned luxury brands including Biotherm, Christian Dior, Clarins, Clinique, Guerlain, Jurlique, Lancome, Shiseido, Sisley, SKII and YSL, in a contemporary and modern chic environment. These luxury brands are displayed at sophisticated beauty counters, where specialised zones for perfumeries and men’s beauty products have also been designated, providing unrivalled choices for the most discerning customers.
The 2,000-square-foot Marionnaud Paris store is decorated with a major tone of luminous white and plum colours that conceptualises feminine beauty. The spray motif is a key element of the brand logo and represents the fragrant fumes radiating from the array of perfumes and the refined pores on the delicate skin.
Address: G/F, 101 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong Business Hours: 9 am to 11 pm.

How to avoid potential delay on shipment

Many customers may have such experience that the makeup brush suppliers delay the shipment frequently, although you have complained this for many times and expressed your disappointment for such delay, the suppliers also promise that such delay will not happen any more. However, your next shipment is delayed again!
 
The reason is most Chinese makeup brush factories are small workshop, the management and production control is somewhat weaker than other industries, although your suppliers do try their best, the production and delivery is often out of their control.
 
In fact, it is not difficult for customers to avoid such problem; just let the suppliers realize that it will bring them a great lost for any delay. For example, the customers can indicate in the purchase order or agreement that if any delay happens, the suppliers must pay penalty to customers, say, 1% of total amount for each day delay. That is, if the total amount of the order to custom makeup brushes is USD1000, the delivery date on the orders is August 20th, but the real delivery date is August 30th, then the suppliers should pay USD100.0 to customers! That is really a great threat to the makeup brush suppliers or manufacturers. I believe no supplier will ignore such terms and will try best to deliver the brushes in time.
 
Although we are the makeup brush factory, we should try best avoiding the risks of ourselves; someone may not understand why I teach customers this, I really believe it is my responsibility to avoid of customers risks. I am suffered a lot due to my suppliers’ delay on shipment. And per my experience, after adding such term in the agreement, my material is seldom delayed; my orders always have the priority during the suppliers’ the production!

2011年8月11日星期四

Is the new matte bareMinerals foundation worth trying?

Over the last few years the mineral makeup brand bareMinerals posted it was in search of testers for a new matte mineral foundation.  Bare Escentuals, aka bareMinerals realized that its bismuth oxychloride formulated mineral foundation was not suited for every skin type, and many consumers wanted a matte mineral foundation makeup product.

The new matte foundation makeup by Bare Escentuals, Inc. aka bareMinerals, was released to the public, late summer early fall of 2009.  Several online websites, such as the well known cosmetic brand-carrying guru Sephora, and Bare Escentuals’ own Love Matte site, offered the highly touted bismuth free matte mineral foundation.

Physicians and Dermatologists are repeatedly stating to consumers interested in, or using mineral foundation, to locate mineral makeup brands without bismuth oxychloride, mica, biron, talc, and other controversial cosmetic ingredients.  The new bareMinerals, Bare Escentuals Matte Mineral Foundation is manufactured without bismuth oxychloride as an ingredient.

The mineral makeup ingredients in bareMinerals SPF 15 matte foundation are:

Lauroyl Lysine (Lysine, an amino acid found in various plant sources, including legumes, is estherified by a manufacturing process of Ethenol and palm or coconut oil.  The ester remaining is then reacted with lauroyl chloride, as salt, to form Lauroyl Lysine, chemically known as lauric acid and lysine HCl.  Lauroyl Lysine is a chemically formulated fatty acid polymer used when a smoother application of product base is needed.  It is also known for its anti-microbial properties.  Please note that most cosmetics containing lauroyl lysine are manufactured in China.
Silica is better known as sand.  Silica comes in many different micron sizing, none of which are small enough to enter the skins surface layer and has been deemed safe as a cosmetic ingredient by the FDA.  Calcium Silicate is a GRAS silicon noted for its anti-caking abilities.  Silicates are silicon salts of various silicic acids located within the Earth’s natural crust as quartz and sand.
Soil Minerals  After contacting the Bare Escentuals customer service phone line regarding this ingredient listing, no one was able to offer information.  Usually terms like inert, natural, in food, drugs, and cosmetics, are the manufacturing companies’ way of not having to list the exact ingredient.  See the FDA.Gov for more information on this topic.
Mica is chemically known as potassium aluminum silicate dihydrate.  The grain size or micron size of mica depends on where it’s processed for usage.  Mica imparts a natural interference with multiple color reflection.  Pigments can be added to the 8 main mica colors for additional color variations.  Sericite is similar in consistency to white mica, but is not a mica substrate, nor should it be confused as a mica element.  Mica can scratch skin’s delicate surface when used incorrectly and physicians are now suggesting mica not be used at all in mineral foundation makeup.
Titanium Dioxide has a high refractive index which makes it a good cosmetic spf ingredient in mineral makeup products.  Titanium Dioxide can absorb ultra violet sun light that leads to numerous skin problems such as skin cancer, lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation to name a few.  Titanium dioxide is mainly used in cosmetics for its dramatic adhesion capabilities to skin’s surface.  It is an excellent mineral pigment color mixing source and is used in most liquid and powder cosmetic formulations on the market.
Zinc Oxide has the ability to absorb ultraviolet light making it the perfect compliment for use with titanium dioxide.  Proven to have natural anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties when added to cosmetic liquid creams and powders helps reduce redness, rosacea, and bacterial related skin disorders including acne.
Iron Oxides are used in mineral makeup as variables to change color, especially in mineral foundations to match skin tones. 99% of iron oxides are synthetic, meaning man-made, due to the fact that to factually find iron oxides in their natural state, i.e. rust, is not an option due to the high world market demand.  Iron oxides are used as colorants in the manufacturing process of clothes, leather, shoes, and are used in car paint, house paint, and the food and drug markets.  
Mineral makeup reviews of the new matte mineral foundation by bareMinerals seems to be split: they either love it, or hate it.  Some bareMinerals matte foundation makeup reviews state it has little or no coverage, caused their skin to break out, and was dry and chalky.  Yet other testers say they love the coverage, the feel as it glides over skin, and it is almost matte, unlike the original Bare Escentuals mineral foundation.

Is the new matte mineral foundation worth the substantial expense Bare Escentuals, Inc. spent on media, email, and social marketing campaigns?   Will it be a flop with physicians advising to steer clear due to the cosmetic ingredients used?  Lastly, are consumers still willing to pay for the small amount of product per container compared to the product contents of the many other mineral makeup brands on the market?

The October 30, 2009, 3rd quarter stock figures showed Bare Escentuals, Inc, (BARE) jumped to a new yearly high. Is this jump due to their new matte mineral foundation one of the reasons?  Only time will tell, as with any new makeup product, whether the new bareMinerals foundation will stick around or fail.  Stock holders and Bare Escentuals’ customers have been anxiously awaiting this new matte mineral foundations release.

Rouge beauty and makeup magazine offers free subscription

The P&G magazine known as Rouge, focuses on the latest skin care, makeup, cosmetics, beauty and fashion industry trends.

Rouge magazine is rich in P&G's product line of coupons, which allow cosmetic shoppers the opportunity to try new makeup, skin care, and hair care products at $1.00-$2.00 savings. Sources say cosmetic and skin care giant P&G is looking at Rouge to amp-up its cosmetic sales in a way that Sunday advertisements and digital media cannot.

Makeup, skin care, and other cosmetics companies look to impulse shoppers for at least 50% of their sales according to ongoing studies. P&G's cosmetic brands include:

Cover Girl - Cosmetics
Olay - Skin Care
Max Factor - Cosmetics
Infusium - Hair Care
Pantene - Professional Hair Care
SK-II - Miracle Skin Care
Rouge magazines fall/winter issue mailed free to homes in the US starting in September 2009 and included beauty and fashion articles including:

How to look runway ready
Get the goods on hot new products including Olay, CoverGirl, Pantene, and More.
Tips from beauty industry insiders like celebrity makeup artist Pat McGrath
Sign up to win a trip to the Winter Olympic Games at Whistler
Proctor and Gamble's Rouge magazine is custom published and has been in Canadian circulation for approximately 4 years. Rouge is expected to be in 11 million households by the end of 2010, though could reach 18 million is distribution rates in the US match or exceed those in Canada.

Walgreens to acquire online retailer drugstore.com, inc. for USD 409 million

Walgreen Co. and online retailer drugstore.com, inc. announced a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Walgreens will acquire drugstore.com in a transaction with a total enterprise value of approximately USD 409 million.
"Our acquisition of drugstore.com today significantly accelerates our online strategy to leverage the best community store network in America by becoming the most convenient choice for health and daily living needs whether customers shop online or in our stores," said Walgreens President and CEO Greg Wasson. "This acquisition offers a unique opportunity that will provide us immediate access to more than 3 million savvy, online loyal customers, and will allow us to move even closer to our existing customers through relationships with new vendors and partners, adding approximately 60,000 products to our already strong online offering. Importantly, drugstore.com’s well-recognized presence in the health, personal care, beauty and vision categories, including such strong websites as drugstore.com™, Beauty.com™, SkinStore.com™ and VisionDirect.com™, will complement and extend many of our own multi-channel initiatives that have been driving growth in our business. As a result, we are positioned better than ever to be the most convenient multi-channel retailer of health and daily living needs in America – offering customers what they want, when they want it and where they want it."
Under the terms of the merger agreement, drugstore.com stockholders will receive $3.80 in cash for each share of stock, which represents an equity value of approximately $429 million. The price per share is a premium of approximately 102 percent over drugstore.com’s 30-day average closing stock price, and a premium of approximately 113 percent over the closing price of drugstore.com’s common stock on March 23, 2011, the last trading day prior to today’s announcement.
Consummation of the merger is subject to customary conditions, including satisfaction of regulatory requirements and approval of the transaction by drugstore.com’s stockholders. Walgreens will fund the acquisition with existing cash and anticipates the merger will close by the end of June 2011. The definitive agreement was unanimously approved by drugstore.com’s board of directors, and drugstore.com’s board recommends that the company’s stockholders vote in favor of the transaction.
"We believe the acquisition of drugstore.com by Walgreens is a great fit for all of our constituencies," said Dawn Lepore, drugstore.com CEO and Chairman. "drugstore.com benefits from this transaction by joining the largest and most trusted drugstore chain in the U.S. Our growth strategies are perfectly aligned, and Walgreens will be able to accelerate and expand the investments necessary to achieve our vision and growth opportunities. Our goal consistently has been to create value for our customers, employees and shareholders. We believe we have made significant progress over the last six years and built an organization with a broad and deep bench of Internet experience. The opportunity to become a part of Walgreens is the right next step in this journey."
With more than USD 456 million in sales in 2010, drugstore.com is ranked as the eighth-largest e-tailer in the U.S. according to Internet Retailer magazine. Walgreens will maintain drugstore.com’s corporate office in Bellevue, Wash., after the transaction is completed. drugstore.com employs approximately 1,000 people at its offices, call center and distribution centers.
As a result of the merger, Walgreens will acquire the drugstore.com website in addition to other websites operated by the company.
Walgreens President of E-commerce Sona Chawla said, "This is a very exciting time for the Walgreens e-commerce business as we expand and build our multi-channel capabilities for a $67 billion sales company with the best and most convenient store network in America. drugstore.com significantly accelerates our multi-channel initiatives by expanding our product selection for our customers, adding new capabilities through their well-known beauty and skin care websites, and joining their talented team with our strong and growing e-commerce organization. Over the past two years, we’ve established the infrastructure from which to grow our multi-channel products and services, and by combining drugstore.com’s capabilities we are well on our way to achieving our goal of becoming the most convenient multi-channel retailer for health and daily living needs."
The transaction is consistent with Walgreens previously outlined capital allocation objectives, which include investing in strategic opportunities that reinforce the company’s core strategies and meet return requirements.
drugstore.com will maintain separate branding of its websites after the transaction closes. Over the long term, Walgreens intends to enhance its multi-channel product assortment and the overall customer experience by leveraging drugstore.com’s websites.
drugstore.com was founded in 1998 with a mission to serve the health, beauty and wellness consumer with selection, convenience, information and personal service. The web store was launched on Feb. 24, 1999.

About Walgreens
Walgreens is the nations largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2010 sales of $67 billion. The company operates 7,689 drugstores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Each day, Walgreens provides nearly 6 million customers the most convenient, multi-channel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice in communities across America. Walgreens scope of pharmacy services includes retail, specialty, infusion, medical facility and mail service, along with respiratory services. These services improve health outcomes and lower costs for payers including employers, managed care organizations, health systems, pharmacy benefit managers and the public sector. Take Care Health Systems is a Walgreens subsidiary that is the largest and most comprehensive manager of worksite health centers and in-store convenient care clinics, with more than 700 locations throughout the country.
About drugstore.com, inc.
drugstore.com, inc. is a leading online retailer of health, beauty, clinical skincare, and vision products. Our portfolio of brands includes: drugstore.com™, Beauty.com™, SkinStore.com™ and VisionDirect.com™. All provide a convenient, private and informative shopping experience, while offering a wide assortment of approximately 60,000 non-prescription products at competitive prices.
The drugstore.com pharmacy service, in association with BioScrip Pharmacy Services, Inc., is certified by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) as a Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site (VIPPS) and complies with federal and state laws and regulations in the United States.

Walgreens to acquire online retailer drugstore.com, inc. for USD 409 million

Walgreen Co. and online retailer drugstore.com, inc. announced a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Walgreens will acquire drugstore.com in a transaction with a total enterprise value of approximately USD 409 million.
"Our acquisition of drugstore.com today significantly accelerates our online strategy to leverage the best community store network in America by becoming the most convenient choice for health and daily living needs whether customers shop online or in our stores," said Walgreens President and CEO Greg Wasson. "This acquisition offers a unique opportunity that will provide us immediate access to more than 3 million savvy, online loyal customers, and will allow us to move even closer to our existing customers through relationships with new vendors and partners, adding approximately 60,000 products to our already strong online offering. Importantly, drugstore.com’s well-recognized presence in the health, personal care, beauty and vision categories, including such strong websites as drugstore.com™, Beauty.com™, SkinStore.com™ and VisionDirect.com™, will complement and extend many of our own multi-channel initiatives that have been driving growth in our business. As a result, we are positioned better than ever to be the most convenient multi-channel retailer of health and daily living needs in America – offering customers what they want, when they want it and where they want it."
Under the terms of the merger agreement, drugstore.com stockholders will receive $3.80 in cash for each share of stock, which represents an equity value of approximately $429 million. The price per share is a premium of approximately 102 percent over drugstore.com’s 30-day average closing stock price, and a premium of approximately 113 percent over the closing price of drugstore.com’s common stock on March 23, 2011, the last trading day prior to today’s announcement.
Consummation of the merger is subject to customary conditions, including satisfaction of regulatory requirements and approval of the transaction by drugstore.com’s stockholders. Walgreens will fund the acquisition with existing cash and anticipates the merger will close by the end of June 2011. The definitive agreement was unanimously approved by drugstore.com’s board of directors, and drugstore.com’s board recommends that the company’s stockholders vote in favor of the transaction.
"We believe the acquisition of drugstore.com by Walgreens is a great fit for all of our constituencies," said Dawn Lepore, drugstore.com CEO and Chairman. "drugstore.com benefits from this transaction by joining the largest and most trusted drugstore chain in the U.S. Our growth strategies are perfectly aligned, and Walgreens will be able to accelerate and expand the investments necessary to achieve our vision and growth opportunities. Our goal consistently has been to create value for our customers, employees and shareholders. We believe we have made significant progress over the last six years and built an organization with a broad and deep bench of Internet experience. The opportunity to become a part of Walgreens is the right next step in this journey."
With more than USD 456 million in sales in 2010, drugstore.com is ranked as the eighth-largest e-tailer in the U.S. according to Internet Retailer magazine. Walgreens will maintain drugstore.com’s corporate office in Bellevue, Wash., after the transaction is completed. drugstore.com employs approximately 1,000 people at its offices, call center and distribution centers.
As a result of the merger, Walgreens will acquire the drugstore.com website in addition to other websites operated by the company.
Walgreens President of E-commerce Sona Chawla said, "This is a very exciting time for the Walgreens e-commerce business as we expand and build our multi-channel capabilities for a $67 billion sales company with the best and most convenient store network in America. drugstore.com significantly accelerates our multi-channel initiatives by expanding our product selection for our customers, adding new capabilities through their well-known beauty and skin care websites, and joining their talented team with our strong and growing e-commerce organization. Over the past two years, we’ve established the infrastructure from which to grow our multi-channel products and services, and by combining drugstore.com’s capabilities we are well on our way to achieving our goal of becoming the most convenient multi-channel retailer for health and daily living needs."
The transaction is consistent with Walgreens previously outlined capital allocation objectives, which include investing in strategic opportunities that reinforce the company’s core strategies and meet return requirements.
drugstore.com will maintain separate branding of its websites after the transaction closes. Over the long term, Walgreens intends to enhance its multi-channel product assortment and the overall customer experience by leveraging drugstore.com’s websites.
drugstore.com was founded in 1998 with a mission to serve the health, beauty and wellness consumer with selection, convenience, information and personal service. The web store was launched on Feb. 24, 1999.

About Walgreens
Walgreens is the nations largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2010 sales of $67 billion. The company operates 7,689 drugstores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Each day, Walgreens provides nearly 6 million customers the most convenient, multi-channel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice in communities across America. Walgreens scope of pharmacy services includes retail, specialty, infusion, medical facility and mail service, along with respiratory services. These services improve health outcomes and lower costs for payers including employers, managed care organizations, health systems, pharmacy benefit managers and the public sector. Take Care Health Systems is a Walgreens subsidiary that is the largest and most comprehensive manager of worksite health centers and in-store convenient care clinics, with more than 700 locations throughout the country.
About drugstore.com, inc.
drugstore.com, inc. is a leading online retailer of health, beauty, clinical skincare, and vision products. Our portfolio of brands includes: drugstore.com™, Beauty.com™, SkinStore.com™ and VisionDirect.com™. All provide a convenient, private and informative shopping experience, while offering a wide assortment of approximately 60,000 non-prescription products at competitive prices.
The drugstore.com pharmacy service, in association with BioScrip Pharmacy Services, Inc., is certified by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) as a Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site (VIPPS) and complies with federal and state laws and regulations in the United States.