Rocks have become a girl's best friend in more ways than one: now the cosmetics industry is tapping into the healing power of minerals, writes Phyl Clarke
Back in Bedrock, Wilma Flintstone would have thought a rock had just hit you on the head if you'd told her that that the next big thing in the year 2007 would be - rocks. The latest beauty products are made from crushed minerals, including crystals, zinc, titanium, gold, pearls mica and more. But don't think that you will get a bargain just because they are literally picking them up off the ground. By the time they are crushed and compounded into the magic potion that you buy off the shelf, they're up there price-wise.
Let's start with a celebrity favourite. The Crystal Clear range is now available at salons throughout the country and includes a microdermabrasion treatment in which a flow of crystals is used to exfoliate the skin. I noticed a brightening of my skin after just one treatment. For a list of salons that offer Crystal Clear, tel: 01-2353901 or www.crystalclearskincare.ie
The use of minerals can mean some very positive news for your skin. Titanium and zinc have an anti-inflammatory effect, which can soothe and heal conditions such as rosacea and acne. Because of their natural base, make-up containing minerals feels weightless on the skin, so you don't feel like you are wearing anything.
The fact that the products contain iridescent mineral ingredients mean that you will get a natural radiance, not found in synthetic-based products. I have tried the Laura Mercier Mineral Powder (€45) and, truth be told, this is the product that inspired this week's column. I definitely had a "Yabadabadoo" moment the first time I tried it.
It takes a bit of getting used to, as it's a powder foundation and you do need to invest in a proper blending brush to achieve the best effect. Full marks for combining foundation, powder and bronzer with SPF15 to achieve a look that glows. has a value alternative in True Match Mineral Powder, which comes with its own brush, and is great value at € 12.50.
is always on the cutting edge of new technology, and have a liquid foundation - Mineralize SPF15 for € 29. Mac also has a new alternative to bronzer called Mineral Lights pearlised powder - a rainbow of soft colour to highlight the face at € 26.50.
Glo Minerals is a salon-based range of mineral products whose motto is "correct and protect", and covers everything from foundations to lip gloss. Telephone 045-480820 for your nearest stockist.
Rock solid are the words that came to mind when I heard about the new Wear Maxx nail colour. It claims to stay put on your nails for up to 10 days, and contains lycra and yes, minerals. It's available at pharmacies for €7.99.
Expect to see the trend filter through to many of the leading brands. They say if you wait long enough everything comes back into fashion again, so it's back to the stone age for us this year.