Get a Whiter, Brighter, Beautiful Smile

So, you’ve got your favorite lipstick, liner and gloss all picked out—what’s not to smile about? Well, if those pearly whites aren’t as bright as you would like them to be, you might be less inclined to open up. Don’t let a spotty smile drag down your look. Read on for tips and tricks on how to get that sparkle back and keep stains at bay.

Cut Back on Dark, Sugary and Acidic Drinks
If a beverage can stain carpet there’s a good chance it can do the same to your teeth. Coffee, black tea, soft drinks and red wine can easily leave there mark if regularly consumed. Worse still, if highly acidic or loaded with sugar, such drinks can wreak havoc on tooth enamel. However, for those who enjoy green or white tea, there is a silver lining. These teas contain potent antioxidants called polyphenols which actually help prevent plaque build-up. Polyphenols also provide exceptional free radical protection to the skin.

Get More Vitamin C and Calcium
Vitamin C is as important to oral health as it is to skin health. While most of us think of collagen in terms of skin support, this essential protein is also the main component in bones and teeth. Vitamin C plays a critical role in the production of collagen, making it a necessity for both a sparkling smile and a radiant complexion.

Calcium is an essential mineral for bone growth and strength. In addition to preventing tooth decay and strengthening the bond between tooth and jawbone, regular calcium intake (the National Institute of Health recommends 1,000 mg a day for women 19 to 50 years old and 1,200 mg for those 51 and older) becomes increasing important as we age and osteoporosis becomes a bigger risk.

The Truth About Whitening Products
We’ve all seen them at the supermarket—gels, strips, mouthwashes promising snow-blinding white teeth—but do they work? It depends on how bright you want to be. Whitening toothpastes may be able to polish a smile a shade brighter, but don’t expect much more than that. Peroxide-based whitening strips and gels are a bit more intensive and can generally restore brilliance to superficially stained teeth. For a more deeply stained set, go with professional bleaching.

Fore more ways to show off your smile, shop the PurMinerals Lip Collection.

Problem skin? We've got you covered.

Starting today, you can get a FREE Colour Correcting Foundation Primer in Peach OR Green when you spend $35 or more! $29.50 VALUE

Problem: Blotchy skin and blemishes due to acne and rosacea
Pür Solution: Reduce redness and minimize imperfections with Colour Correcting Primer in Green. Enter code GREEN at checkout.

Problem: Under eye circles, age spots, dark spots and freckles 
Pür Solution: Neutralize discolorations and even out skin tone with Colour Correcting Primer in Peach. Check out this spot-on treatment in the August issue of Goodhouskeeping, on stands now! Enter code PEACH at checkout.
 

Don't miss out! Offer ends 7.14.09

Valid through 7/14/09 at PurMinerals.com, or while supplies last. This offer cannot be combined with any other Pür Minerals offer or promotion. Not valid on prior purchases. Pür Minerals reserves the right to discontinue or modify this offer at any time.

Get the Look: Sun-Kissed Colour

Summer is the best time to let your natural beauty shine through. Shimmering pastels and golden tones will leave skin looking healthy and refreshed with a sun-kissed glow. Just follow these simple steps to look like a golden goddess and get Ashley’s gorgeous summer look.

Step 1:
FACE & CHEEKS
First, we created a flawless base with 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup. (Ashley wears Golden Medium. Click here to find your shade.) Then, we sculpted the cheekbones and added highlights with the Mineral Glow/Mineral Light split pan, followed by Universal Marble Powder in Spice for a touch of colour.

Step 2:
EYE COLOUR
For this sultry eye look, we swept Gold Dust shadow over her lids and highlighted the corners of her eyes with Sunlit Gypsum. Next, we applied the Gold Glimmer Pencil just beneath her brow bone to catch and reflect light from different angles. 

Step 3:
EYE DEFINITION
We used the Eyeliner Brush to apply Pür Intensity gel eyeliner in Coffee Quartz to the upper lash line, lightly blending the colour to create a soft, smoky effect. A single coat of Triple Impact Mascara topped off the look.

Step 4:
LIPS
Here, we started with Mineral Lip Revival to soften and hydrate. Next, we applied Pür Rocks directly to the lips for a sheer, rosy shimmer and then dabbed on Mineral Lip Tint SPF 15 in Island Pearl, adding a subtle splash of colour.

The Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Inflammation means “to set on fire” in Latin. When a disease name ends in itis, it is an indicator of inflammation (i.e. arthritis, dermatitis, gastritis, tonsillitis and hepatitis). Inflammation leads to high blood pressure; Alzheimer’s disease; cancer; diabetes; gastrointestinal problems such as constipation, indigestion and heartburn; weight gain; heart attack; and stroke. Additionally, acne and rosacea are inflammatory diseases, which is why skin becomes red and plagued by pustules.

Most people don’t think of inflammation as a catalyst for making food choices, but perhaps it should be. “You are what you eat (and drink)” is more than just an old cliché; it’s a guide for sensible, healthy living. For people afflicted with inflammatory ailments, dietary choices can go a long way to help reduce suffering and reduce the effects of inflammation. Based on the nutrients you consume, inflammatory and anti-inflammatory chemicals called prostaglandins are created in your body and affect its inflammatory response. Consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants helps your body to produce more anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. The key ingredients of an anti-inflammatory diet include:

Fruits and Vegetables
Eat at least nine one-half cup servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Eat organic, fresh, raw and green (the darker, the better) foods as much as you can, including onions, garlic, fruits, raw cilantro and parsley, fresh herbs, seaweed and organic whole leaf aloe juice. The antioxidants found in green leafy vegetables and colored fruits help prevent free radical oxidation that contributes to inflammation. It’s best to eat these foods raw, as cooking destroys some of their beneficial enzymes and antioxidants.

Healthy Proteins
Cell, muscle and tissue health depend on protein, and the best sources of proteins for an anti-inflammatory diet are omega-3 rich coldwater fish, free-range poultry and plant-based proteins such as beans, nuts and grains. Grilling, poaching and stewing methods are healthier ways to cook meat than frying and barbecuing, and replacing meat or fish with peanut butter or hummus once in a while creates a healthy change of pace.

Fabulous Fats
The fats found in olive oil, pumpkin and flax seeds, walnuts, almonds and macadamia nuts are sources of essential fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory properties. Avoid saturated and trans fats, as well as cottonseed, corn, peanut and soy oils, which contain omega-6 fatty acids that can compromise the beneficial effects of the omega-3 fatty acids.

Red, White and Beautiful

How to Celebrate July 4th in Style
Tomorrow is Independence Day—that means beach and poolside parties, fireworks, delicious BBQ and tons of outdoor fun. But July 4th also means braving the heat while trying to look your best. Here are a few beauty dos and don’ts to help you celebrate in style and keep your cool all day into night.

DO Show your true colours.
You don't have to wear an American flag bikini, but you should incorporate a little splash of red and/or blue to liven up your ensemble and show your patriotism. A chic red tote or a chunky cobalt blue beaded necklace can be fun and fashionable. Headbands and belts in shades of red or blue are also a great way to accent your outfit and showcase your spirit. You can also use this as an opportunity to try out that funky blue nail polish you’ve been dying to wear.

DON’T Skip the sun protection.
Since you’ll most likely be spending the day outdoors, make sure to lather on the SPF before you head out to celebrate. Put on a moisturizer with a minimum of SPF 20 before you apply your makeup. This will help shield your skin while also creating a base for your makeup to stay on longer. For maximum protection, use an SPF foundation as well. Protect your skin from head to toe with a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB rays.

DO Accessorize accordingly.
Glam up your party dress with a sleek pair of sunglasses or a floppy beach hat. These utilitarian accessories will not only look great, but they’ll help shade you from the bright sunlight. You can also accessorize with your footwear. Bejeweled sandals and gladiators are a top trend this season. It’s best to go for flats. Trying to hike up hills or wade through sand in high heels will quickly put a damper on the festivities.

DON’T Wear too much makeup.
Ditch the heavy foundation and sticky, tacky lipstick and go for the natural look instead. A day outside calls for lightweight makeup that will let your skin breathe and won’t slip and slide when you start to sweat. Make sure you’re wearing products that or free of petroleum-based oils, which can clog pores make skin appear shiny. Apply a primer after your moisturizer and before you apply your foundation and powder to keep everything in place. Most importantly, waterproof eye makeup is a must, especially eyeliner and mascara.

Shop more July 4th beauty must-haves with the PurMinerals Summer Collection.

Treat Your Skin Right this Summer

Starting today, you can get one of our two bestselling daily moisturizers, Mineral Moisture Infusion and Day Renewal Complex SPF 20, FREE when you spend $35 or more!

Stay sun-safe and beautiful this July 4th weekend with intense hydration and vital nourishment. Choose the moisturizer that’s right for you!

Mineral Moisture Infusion
- Oil-free formula won’t clog pores or leave skin shiny
- Soothes stressed skin with aloe vera, green tea and vitamin E
- Quenches skin’s thirst with super-hydrating humectants
Enter code FREEMMI at checkout.

Day Renewal Complex SPF 20 
- Broad-spectrum SPF 20 blocks UVA and UVB rays
- Advanced peptide complex boosts collagen production
- Improves skin tone and texture in as little as 10 days!
Enter code FREEDRC at checkout.

Valid through 7/5/09 at PurMinerals.com, or while supplies last. This offer cannot be combined with any other Pür Minerals offer or promotion. Not valid on prior purchases. Pür Minerals reserves the right to discontinue or modify this offer at any time.

The Skinny on Body Conditions

When your skin looks good, you feel good about yourself. Skin conditions like stretch marks and cellulite are not only unsightly, but they can be disheartening as well. While there is no surefire remedy, there are several treatments on the market that can reduce the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite. After all, dimples are for the cheeks on your face!

The most common concern regarding stretch marks and cellulite is that people simply want to get rid of them—permanently. The use of retinol can help keep these body conditions in check, improving the overall texture of the skin, leaving it soft and smooth. However, as with any cosmetic procedure or treatment, your expectations should be realistic. Also, the color of stretch marks and the size of cellulite pockets can change over time, so the earlier you begin treatment, the better the results.

Changing your lifestyle habits (i.e. diet, exercise and sleep patterns) have little impact on stretch marks, but when it comes to cellulite, quality of life is key.  Treating cellulite involves targeting the source, or often sources, of the subcutaneous irregularity. Topical body products that stimulate collagen production can provide relief by rebuilding the skin’s weakened support system, but exercise (that elevates the heart rate for 30 minutes a day) with a calorie-restricted diet (low-sugar, low-fat; high-fiber) is by far the best treatment. This not only helps firm the skin, but also increases blood flow to problem areas. Proper water intake (8-10 glasses a day) also helps by flushing toxins that can cause internal inflammation.

Body Conditions Defined

Stretch Marks – A form of scarring that occurs on the skin and has a white or reddish tint. When the dermis tears due to loss of elasticity and collagen, such scars can appear. Stretch marks also occur when the skin is stretched at a rapid pace (i.e. puberty, weight gain or pregnancy).

Cellulite – The accumulation of fat that presses against the connective tissues underneath a person’s skin, causing a bumpy or cottage cheese-like effect. Genetics, hormones and/or diet serve as the root of the problem.

Skin Pigmentation – Conditions that cause the skin to appear blotchy and lighter (hypopigmentation) or darker (hyperpigmentation) than normal due to an imbalance of melanin, the pigment that determines hair, skin and eye color. Skin pigmentation disorders are caused by varying factors, including sun exposure, allergic reactions and genetics.

Sun Damage – Often the price we pay for tanning, sun damage occurs when the skin is overly exposed to the sun’s intense UV rays. While some effects are immediately visible (i.e. sunburns and suntans), others appear over time in the form of unsightly wrinkles and liver spots. Excessive and repeated sun exposure can permanently damage skin cell DNA, resulting in skin cancer.

Keep your skin healthy and radiant with the Pür Minerals Skin Care Collection.

Haute Summer Hairstyles

Refresh your look for the new season and try a fresh, new hairstyle. This summer brings a wealth of fashionable ‘dos for every occasion, so ditch your signature look and show your locks some love with one of these simple, pretty new styles.

The Sleek Ponytail
This style is great for the office or an evening out, a perfect transitional day-to-night hairdo. Start by pulling dry hair back into a ponytail at medium height. Next, take a small chunk of hair from the bottom of the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic band. Secure with a bobby pin and finish off the look with a dab of smoothing serum to tame flyaways. To make things a little more interesting, add some curl to your ponytail. Separate hair into two sections. Spray the first section with hairspray and curl with a curling iron. Hold for 10 sections and repeat with the remaining section. Then, twirl both pieces together around your fingers so that they form one curl.

Milkmaid Braids
A carryover from spring’s hottest trends, the milkmaid look is still going strong. It’s practical and convenient like a ponytail—but with an extra fashion flair. To get the look, comb hair into two sections and braid each, securing with an elastic band (clear works best)at the bottom. Then, wrap the braids around the back of your head, crossing over one another. Bring them around the side and up to your crown and secure with bobby pins. The only stipulation to this super-stylish ‘do is that it requires extremely long hair. Those with shorter locks can try a single braid variation of the style. Part hair as you would normally and section off a fairly large chunk of hair closest to your forehead. Braid the hair and secure behind your ear with bobby pins. Wear hair down and flowing or pull back, along with the braid, into a ponytail.

Soft Waves
Loosely tousled waves capture the carefree, fun-loving vibe of summer, and the style itself is almost as effortless as it looks. This look can be achieved a couple different ways. For fine and straight hair, section your hair off and curl with hot rollers or curls. Separate the locks with your fingers—instead of a brush—and spritz lightly with hairspray to keep curls intact with a natural look. Those with a little more natural body can try textured waves. Apply a leave-in conditioner to clean, damp hair and scrunch in large sections. Let your hair air dry and you’re ready to go.

Summer's Most Wanted

Get this season’s beauty favorites at a sizzling price. Today and tomorrow only, shop the Summer’s Most Wanted Kit.

Featuring Our Top 5 Summer Must Haves Only $50 $95.50 VALUE

1. 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup – streak-free, oil-free foundation with SPF 15
2. Retractable Chisel Brush – for expert application with portable perfection
3. Fulvic Mineral Mist – hydrating mist to refresh face, body and hair
4. Mineral Lip Tint SPF 15 in Sandy Quartz – protect your pout in style.
5. Pressed Mineral Shadow in Chrome Cryolite – this season’s hottest hue

Valid through 6/26/09 at PurMinerals.com, or while supplies last. This offer cannot be combined with any other Pür Minerals offer or promotion. Not valid on prior purchases. Pür Minerals reserves the right to discontinue or modify this offer at any time.

Trend Watch: Aquatic Eyes

Eyes in lagoon hues of blue, green and turquoise are a top trend this season, and the vibrant, fun-loving look is a refreshing departure from winter’s smoky, chrome-plated lids. Perfect for a day at the beach or those sultry summer nights, marine colours can be as bright and bold or as light and breezy as you make them—it’s all in the application. Best of all, deep-sea shades work with almost every skin tone. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you create this mermaid-inspired look and make a splash this summer.

How to Get the Look
The key to creating gorgeous, ocean-fresh eyes is choosing eye shadows and eyeliners with a complementary colour palette that work well together. Eyes shouldn’t be a monochromatic blue or green. Instead, use subtly different hues to highlight eyes and create a multi-dimensional look.

Daytime
Your look should be soft and natural during the day. Start with a sheer shade of pale blue or minty green eye shadow, such as Pür Minerals Pressed Shadow in Blue Lazulite, and sweep over your entire lid as a base, blending up to the brow bone. Next add highlights with a sunny yellow or shimmering champagne (we recommend Sunlit Gypsum or Champagne Citrine shadows), applied to the crease and corners of your eye.

This look generally doesn’t require eyeliner, but one option is to wet your Eyeliner Brush and apply your initial shade of base shadow as eyeliner. You can also use a very light brown or taupe eye pencil, such as 3-in-1 Universal Pencil in Almandine, to add subtle definition. Finish off the look with a single coat of mascara.

Evening
Turn up the heat at night with sexy, sophisticated shades of vivid turquoise and emerald. Begin with a lighter shade of green, such as True Emerald Pressed Mineral Shadow. Use as a base, covering your whole eyelid and then follow with a deeper shade of green (try Pür Minerals Midnight Jade shadow), working into the crease of your eye and blending outward. This will help create the illusion of depth.

Next, line eyes with a deep green eyeliner pencil and lightly smudge the colour for a soft, smoky finish. Then, add highlights with a gold eye shadow or eyeliner. Gold and green are a classic colour combo and great for a dressier, evening look. The Pür Minerals Glimmer Pencil in Gold is perfect for this. Apply the pencil over your green eyeliner and then to the inside corners of your eyes and just beneath the brow bone for a pop of sparkling colour. Comb a lengthening, thickening mascara through your lashes and viola—you’ve mastered summer’s hottest eye look.