MINIMAL MINERALS
Elizabeth Pasko doesn't have a single professional makeup credential to speak of, but that didn't stop her from launching a line of cosmetics last September. As a clinical aesthetician at Saffron Day Spa, her goal wasn't to "paint" her clients, but to help them. Della Bella, Pasko's mineral makeup line, does just that.
"Most of my clientele is acnaic or has hyperpigmentation," Pasko said. For them, finding makeup that doesn't exacerbate their current condition and provides the right coverage is as realistic as a free wrinkle eraser.
After years of pointing her clients in the direction of mineral makeup -- any mineral makeup -- Pasko finally decided it was time to bring a line in-house. Her research of the industry that she estimates has grown to at least 100 mineral makeup lines revealed ingredient lists that were either too long, potentially harmful or both. "I was like, 'I can do better,' " she said of what is now her competition.
According to her client Donna Devereaux, who struggles with hyperpigmentation and acne-prone skin, Della Bella is far better. The 37-year-old restaurant operations manager has been using the foundation and lipstick since the line debuted and her skin is thanking her for it. "I found that my breakouts aren't as bad, my skin doesn't dry out and I don't get those fine lines at the end of the day," she said. "I don't even have to do touch-ups during the day."
Devereaux attributes the quality to the lack of fillers in the product. Della Bella doesn't contain bismuth oxychloride, a common mineral ingredient known to cause allergic reactions but gives makeup a sheen.
The Della Bella mineral foundation ($30) includes an 18 SPF and comes in 20 different shades. The variety, Pasko says, addresses yet another skin concern. Ethnic women, especially those who are bi-racial, can't usually find their perfect match among the six shades offered by grocery brands. Even more sophisticated products don't always prevent that notorious borderline between the jaw and neck. Even if Pasko has to mix a few colors to create the right hue for clients, she'll custom blend and package their match free of charge with 48 hours notice.
The line stretches far past the basic foundation and concealers, though. Della Bella features everything from brushes ($10 to $30) to eyeliners ($12) to brow colors $15). One of the products, Dew Anything ($9), can be used on the lips, cheeks and/or eyes.
If skin issues don't plague you, the line will appeal to you purely for its low maintenance.
Pasko admits that her line doesn't target the girl who pays a weekly visit to the MAC counter. It's more about complementing the skin, not overdecorating it. Plus, Pasko says that many department store brands aren't compatible with problematic skin. "When my clients tell me they wear MAC," Pasko said, "I tell them, 'You can't wear MAC and expect to not have breakouts.' "
Della Bella is sold at Saffron Day Spa, 2400 S. Jones Blvd., Ste. 14, 367-3529. Find out more about Della Bella at DellaBellaMinerals.com.
Contact fashion reporter Xazmin Garza at xgarza@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0477.
reading labels In her quest to create a mineral makeup line with fewer ingredients, Elizabeth Pasko came up with a short list of ingredients that she would include. Here's a look at some of the key ingredients in the Della Bella line and what each does. Titanium Dioxide: An opaque, white mineral that is used for its light-reflecting capabilities offering a full-spectrum sunshield from both UVA and UVB rays. Mica: A common mineral that can add luster and a silky texture to a shadow or foundation. Iron Oxides: Natural mineral pigments that give makeup its beautiful colors as well as its long-wearing quality. Zinc Oxide: A healing mineral that assists in reducing inflammation and provides a full-spectrum sunshield from both UVA and UVB rays.put it on Applying mineral makeup is much different than putting on a liquid or cream foundation. There are a few methods; here's one way of doing it: 1. Put the bristles of your brush against the open sifter jar. 2. Tip the jar upside down and tap once to load your brush. Remember, you only need a small amount. 3. Tap the bristles against the sifter jar so the excess falls off the brush back into the jar to be used next time. 4. Using a small dish, swirl the brush around the dish and tap against the rim as above to remove any excess. 5. In small, gentle yet firm circles, move the brush against your skin (this is called buffing) starting by the ear and working toward the nose. 6. Reload your brush in the same manner and do the other cheek. Do the same for your forehead and chin. 7. You will normally only need to go over your face twice (this is called layering). To help match your shade, you could use a lighter color on your first layer followed by a slightly darker one on your second.
