Why You Should ONLY Highlight with Real Gemstones

The safest way to shimmer, the healing properties of gemstone luminizers, and more!

Posted on June 7, 2019 Written by: 100% PURE^®

Makeup // Guides // Behind-The-Scenes // Aug 29, 2017 // 100% PURE^®

Glowing, radiant skin – a struggle to achieve, and arguably the most desired effect of yesterday, today, and forever. There are plenty of products that can get skin sparkling, but sadly, most are unsafe for your skin. Glittering, shimmery materials in cosmetics might look amazing, but it’s good practice to think twice (and read the label twice) before applying.

We’ve developed healthy shimmer in our collection of luminizers by using natural minerals and gemstones – get outta here, plastics and heavy metals! You’re not welcome on our skin! No need to choose between looking gorgeously glowy or keeping your skin safe; we’ve made it easy to get away with both.

First Things First: Is Glitter Safe for Skin?

“The first step in determining what type of glitter to use on your skin is knowing what you’re getting. If you’re buying craft glitter from the art supply store to stick on your face, you’re willingly putting yourself at risk. Craft glitter is made from actual shards of metal, which can be easily ingested if applied to your lips. Thinking about putting craft glitter on your eyes? Might want to reconsider: these microscopic shards can scratch and cause irreversible damage to corneas. Bottom line: NEVER use craft glitter on your body, especially near your face.

The glitter and shimmer used in makeup is essentially made of plastic/ PET, which is labeled as “Polyethylene” on a product’s ingredient list. Here’s where it gets tricky: the FDA does not currently allow PET in cosmetics, but they also do not consistently regulate this ban. That’s why you still see this ingredient in thousands of shimmery, pearlescent, and glitter cosmetics. Let’s talk about those shimmery lipsticks you love so much: did you know that by wearing them, you run the risk of ingesting (aka EATING) plastic?

The FDA claims to regulate “composite pigments”, which are additives combined with other approved color additives. For example, if a brand slaps an approved color additive – like aluminum or heavy metals (yep, those are still allowed by the FDA) – onto a microscopic piece of Polyethylene to create glitter intended for cosmetic use, that’s a no-no. But because of the FDA’s currently flexible ban (they are giving brands undefined ‘grace periods’ to remove these composite pigments), you won’t see this enforced in the majority of shiny cosmetics.

Safe Alternatives to Synthetic Glitter

Instead of using plastic glitter in our cosmetics, we looked to nature for the answer (as is our M.O.). What’s more sparkly and fabulous than natural minerals and gemstones?! Check out the responsibly sourced shimmer we’re working with:

Mica
Labradorite
Moonstone
Australian Opal

Pyrite
Sunstone

A quick google search of these beauties will have you going ga-ga over their natural shimmer, shine, and luminescence. Who needs metal or plastic in their natural makeup and luminizers when you have GEMSTONES?

Healing Properties of Natural Minerals and Gemstones

Our shimmery, fruit pigmented cosmetics are more than just a safe alternative to conventional glitter makeup. The real gemstones that are pulverized then formulated into our natural luminizers and natural makeup are said to have restorative properties for mind and body, too: don’t believe us? Read on to get the inside scoop on the history and healing properties of the minerals and gemstones we use in 100% PURE makeup.

While we use plenty of gemstones to add varying iridescent color, this resplendent natural mineral is the star element in each of our shimmery natural cosmetics (like our Fruit Pigmented Satin Eye Shadows). Mica originates under a variety of conditions, namely as a crystallized byproduct of magma, through displacement from geological fluid, or as crystals found within igneous rocks and pegmatites. This natural mineral is said to tout healing properties including improved clarity, recognition and elimination of negativity, and recognition and acceptance of flaws.

Labradorite in its raw form may first appear as grey or black, but upon closer examination you’ll see that it reflects blue, green, and even red iridescence: perfect for complementing our vibrant fruit pigmented® makeup. As its multi-color iridescence might suggest, Labradorite is said to represent transformation, and can help to cope and persevere through periods of change.

Said to be the physical embodiment of a moonbeam, it’s easy to see how this ethereal gemstone got its name. The light refracted by Moonstone’s finely layered structure is a phenomenon known as adularescence, and is specific to only certain gemstones. Moonstone offers a milky blue iridescence (offering the perfect cool tone to our Moonstone Glow Gemmed Luminizer), and its healing properties are said to include feminine wisdom, lunar energy, and calming. Moonstone is also thought to bring balance and strengthening intuition.

Commonly referred to as fool’s gold, Pyrite is easily mistaken as gold by novice diggers and explorers given its yellow metallic sheen. Worthy of its Greek namesake pyr (meaning ‘fire’), pyrite was used as a firestarter before flint was widely developed, since it emits a spark when struck by steel. Pyrite is said to remove negativity and promote open, honest communication, balance hormones, and stimulate thoughts into intelligent action.

Named from the Sanskrit upala, or ‘precious stone’, this rainbow-riddled gemstone hails from one of the largest opal rich countries in the world. The Australian opal gives off a multi-layered iridescence that includes colors from fiery pinks and orange to sky blues and vibrant turquoise. Said to be a stone of inspiration, creativity, and change, Australian opal is also associated with water, as it correlates with deep feelings and desires.

This variety of Labradorite is a crystalline gemstone formed as a result of slow cooling lava flows. Raw, unrefined sunstone is similar in appearance to Himalayan sea salt; when faceted and polished, it reflects a glossy array of orange, yellow, green, and red. Along with pyrite, this gemstone lends its warm tones to our Rose Gold Gemmed Luminizer. Sunstone is said to inspire joyfulness, energy, confidence, and a cheerful disposition.

Tutorial: How to Strobe and Highlight with Real Gemstones

While highlighting is about creating a contrast to contouring, the effect of strobing is meant to stand alone on skin. When strobing with makeup, the goal is to bring out skin’s natural luminosity and glow; you’ll be catching the light at every angle like a mystical goddess. Wondering what foundation to use when strobing? While it can look fabulous on both matte and dewy finishes, we love using BB Cream, our original Fruit Pigmented® Tinted Moisturizer, or Full Coverage Water Foundation to compliment the glow of the gemstones in these opulent luminizers.

Want a foolproof way to get your skin glowing and radiant with safe alternatives to plastic or metal glitters? You’re in luck: we’ve created 2 simple, 6-step makeup looks for our strobing how-to. Choose from cool toned silver (best for cool or neutral undertones) or warm toned gold (best for warm, olive, or neutral undertones)!

Check out the easy step by step tutorial below, to learn how to strobe with real gemstones (only the best for you, darling)!

Strobing with Cool Toned Highlights

What You’ll Need for This Look:
Cruelty Free Kabuki Brush F40
Cruelty Free Flat Shader Brush E30
Moonstone Glow Gemmed Luminizer
Fruit Pigmented Satin Eye Shadow: Halo
Luminating Creme: Moonlight
Gemmed Lip Gloss: Rose Quartz

Step 1 Apply your fruit pigmented foundation and fruit pigmented blush as desired.

Step 2 Using Kabuki Brush F40, apply Moonstone Glow Gemmed Luminizer all over bridge of nose, eyelids, chin, and cheekbones.

Step 3 Using Flat Shader Brush E30, apply Halo Satin Eye Shadow to inner corner of eyes, brow bone, and tip of nose.

Step 4 Dot wand applicator of Moonlight Luminating Creme gently onto cupid’s bow and cheekbones, then pat with fingertips to blend.

Step 5 Apply Rose Quartz Gemmed Lip Gloss to clean, dry lips. Finish by blending a single dot of Moonlight Luminating Creme onto center of bottom lip.

Step 6 Finish with Ultra Lengthening Blueberry Mascara, and voila! You’re glowing, Gorgeous!

Strobing with Warm Toned Highlights

What You’ll Need for This Look:
Cruelty Free Kabuki Brush F40
Cruelty Free Flat Shader Brush E30
Moonstone Glow Gemmed Luminizer
Fruit Pigmented Satin Eye Shadow: Star
Luminating Creme: Starlight
Gemmed Lip Gloss: Rainbow Aura

Step 1 Apply your fruit pigmented foundation and fruit pigmented blush as desired.

Step 2 Using Kabuki Brush F40, apply Rose Gold Gemmed Luminizer all over bridge of nose, eyelids, chin, and cheekbones.

Step 3 Using Flat Shader Brush E30, apply Star Satin Eye Shadow to inner corner of eyes, brow bone, and tip of nose.

Step 4 Dot wand applicator of Starlight Luminating Creme gently onto cupid’s bow and cheekbones, then pat with fingertips to blend.

Step 5 Apply Rainbow Aura Gemmed Lip Gloss to clean, dry lips. Finish by blending a single dot of Starlight Luminating Creme onto center of bottom lip.

Step 6 Finish with Ultra Lengthening Dark Chocolate Mascara, and voila! You’re glowing, Gorgeous!