CHRISTOPHER DRUMMOND BEAUTY

I was talking to a friend the other day about the difficulties she has with mineral makeup. I think because minerals come from the earth most of us assume that it means that they’re good for all of us. But in truth, many cosmetic lines include titanium dioxide, zinc oxide and bismuth oxychloride --- three ingredients that can cause breakouts, dryness and irritation. Ironically, this week I received a package from a new line, Christopher Drummond Beauty, the first to remove these top three irritants from a mineral makeup collection. The universe works in funny ways sometimes, doesn’t it?

Drummond began as a fashion model and found himself frustrated by the lack of options that worked for his skin tone (he’s Italian and African American). He found his passion was in makeup and sought to create a line that he could be custom blended to fit all skin tones. He wanted all natural, organic-based products free of parabens and vegan- friendly. Working with actresses Jennifer Lopez, Glenn Close, Kimora Lee Simmons and January Jones, the line was “inspired by celebrities, created just for you!” The products meet the regulations of the EU Cosmetics Directive and are recognized by PETA and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.

I was impressed with how vibrant the pigments were in the eyeshadows and blushes. I often shy away from powders because I find them cakey but these were so finely milled there was none of that over-powdered finish. The Sateen blush in Alluring Apricot ($28) gave my very pale winter skin a slight flush (there’s nothing I hate more than looking like you’re wearing blush). And the Petal Pink eyeshadow ($17.50) makes a great highlighter on lids, the brow bone and even on cheeks. My favorite was the pot of Cream to Powder eyeliner. This soft gel-like liner turns to a soft powder once applied. Great for lining lids or creating a smoky eye ($22.50). And the products work double duty to calm and nourish skin, infused with rich antioxidants like açai berry and botanicals.


In addition to creating eco-friendly beauty, Drummond’s goal “is to have you not only be able to apply makeup, but understand the products you are applying: how they work, the ingredients put in them, and how they affect your skin.” Check out the site for Tips and Tricks from Drummond for applying makeup for everyday and special occasions. All products are available online at www.christopherdrummond.com and at The Spa at Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

Enjoy! xo a.

EVERYDAY BEAUTY with Everyday Minerals

Greening your beauty routine is something few can take on in one swoop. Not only is it hard to part with old favorites, it’s also expensive to start from scratch. That’s why I was intrigued when I read about Everyday Minerals’s eco-friendly, high quality mineral makeup at drugstore prices (everything is under $15). My experience with mineral makeup is limited; I’ve used the MAC Mineralize line and tried several things from Bare Escentuals. I know people who swear by mineral makeup and those who find they cause skin problems. My friend Erin explained that many mineral lines contain irritants like bismuth oxychloride --- mineral does not necessarily mean natural (as a film and TV makeup artist she uses Jane Iredale products).

Everyday Minerals prides itself on being “free of plastics, talc, oils, fillers, and other harmful chemicals.” Most products are gluten free and vegan as well...and no bismuth oxychloride. Founded by an esthetician seeking to bridge the gap between quality eco-beauty and affordability, Everyday Minerals is more than just a makeup line. It’s also a social network. The site has blogs and forums that users access to have their own beauty banter: sharing ideas, tips and tricks, and offering the company feedback (customers opinion is taken very seriously). I couldn’t wait to try the line.

At just $10, the Loose Eye Powder Compacts contain four shades and a mini bamboo-handled brush. I tried the Shady Stroll collection, which contains a great range from charcoal grey to a translucent cream (the small pots will last ages…with mineral makeup, a little goes a looong way). Cleverly packaged so that the powders don’t make a mess, the only thing I passed on was the mini brush, preferring my own. The shades were perfect for fall and I was able to use them to create liner as well as a smoky eye effect.


I hadn’t used a powder blush in ages but I liked the healthy hint of color I got with EM cheek color in Corner Office. I wasn’t so sure about a powder concealer but the Bisque Color Corrector worked beautifully to hide under eye circles without caking.

In addition to mineral makeup they have a line of full sized brushes, priced from $6-$10, made of sustainable materials and bamboo handles. Lippies come in a range of shades and include such nourishing ingredients as mango butter, pomegranate and olive oils. You can order most mineral products in sample and full sizes (for eample, the large blush is $8 and the sample size $2.50), and all orders include a free sample kit of your choice. Everyday Minerals makes it easy to mix a bit of eco-beauty to your usual repertoire. And there’s zero risk: all cosmetics have a 60-day, money back guarantee. To shop, visit them online at EverydayMinerals.com. xo alex.