Get this Season’s Hottest Eye Look

While metallic shades of gold and bronze are always on the hot list for spring, silver liners and shadows are all the rage this season. To get ultra-chic, silvery lids, beauty editors at Us Weekly recommend Pür Minerals Glimmer Eye Pencil in Silver, featured in the “Trend Watch” section of this week’s issue.

Celebs like Hilary Duff and Gossip Girls’ Leighton Meester have been spotted wearing this vintage-inspired “60s fabulous” beauty trend, perfect for a sophisticated evening look in any season.

Here’s how to give your eyes that gorgeous silver sparkle: First, line your eyes with a dark eye pencil or gel liner (we recommend Pür Minerals Eye Defining Pencil in Onyx or Pür Intensity in Carbon). Then, apply the Silver Glimmer Eye Pencil over your black liner in the inside corner of your top lash and blend the two shades together for a soft, shimmering finish. Next, using short strokes, apply the silver eye pencil to the inner corner of your bottom lash and under the brow as a highlighter to make eyes pop. 

Get your Silver Glimmer Eye Pencil today - sold separately for $15 or as part of the Glimmer Eye Pencil Trio for only $18.50.

For more top spring beauty trends, shop the Pür Rocks On spring 09 collection from Pür Minerals.

Haute Spring Hairstyles

If you’re like me, your tresses need a little pick-me-up from time to time. What better way to refresh your look for the new season than to try a fresh, new hairstyle? This spring 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.

Soft Waves
Loosely tousled waves capture the carefree, romantic vibe of spring, 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.

The Side Chignon
Spotted on celebs like Kate Winslet and Lauren Conrad, the side chignon is both elegant and modern—an up-to-the minute take on a classic updo. Start by parting hair on the side and pulling your locks back into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck. Then, loosely twist the hair and loop it upward, winding into a doughnut shape. Secure with bobby pins and add a bejeweled clip (tortoise shell clips look great for less formal affairs). Finally, pull a few small strands of hair from the front to frame your face for a delicate, wispy finish. 

For more top spring beauty trends, shop the NEW Pur Minerals Spring Collection!

Exclusive Spring Kit Plus FREE Treats from Pür

Capture the Colours of Spring

Starting today, you can get the Pür Minerals online exclusive Spring Colour Kit, featuring the best of the new Pür Rocks On Spring 09 collection for more depth, dimension and drama, including:

- NEW Pressed Mineral Shadows - Choose one of our sultry spring shades: Midnight Jade, Sunlit Gypsum or Chrome Cryolite.
- NEW Pür Rocks - Vibrant, multi-tasking colour for eyes, lips and cheeks.
- NEW Pür Intensity in Coffee Quartz - Add rich definition  with this silky-smooth gel eyeliner.

BONUS!

Get a FREE 5-piece Pür-fect Makeup Brush Collection AND a sleek travel case with your Spring Colour Kit purchase. Plus, this kit qualifies for Free Shipping!

All this for only $50 (Valued at over $100!)

Get Your Spring Colour Kit Today

Valid through 3/30/09 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.

Nature's Perfect Sunscreen

I’m a sucker for lists. Top tens, ratings, reviews—you name it. Textbooks call it glazomania. So, when I came across the Environmental Working Group’s sunscreen review in a random web search, I simply had to read on.

A frilly top ten full of drug store staples? Hardly. This was an exhaustive, in-depth, not-for-the-faint-of-heart investigation of over a thousand name-brand sunscreens and SPF moisturizers, most of which failed the EWG’s rigorous test for providing adequate protection. (Four out of five proved inadequate.) A quick run through my medicine cabinet revealed an army of duds. (And to think, I paid full retail for this stuff…)

So, why did so many name brands bomb so badly? Besides providing subpar UVA protection, most contained chemical ingredients that either broke down too quickly or offered dubious UV protection at best. What made the stand-outs, well…stand out? Almost all contained zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.

While my wiki-search of these two key ingredients gave me way more info than I needed/wanted, I did learn that these two compounds are nature’s own sunscreens. Because of their superior UVA and UVB absorbability and resistance to breakdown, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide make the ideal broad spectrum barrier. What’s more, because they come from minerals, these natural UV buffers are significantly less irritating to the skin than their chemical cousins.

Here at Pür Minerals, we proudly incorporate these sun shielding minerals into our SPF products. Take our award-winning Day Renewal Complex SPF 20, for instance. As advanced peptides and vitamins A, C and E rejuvenate the skin and minimize signs of aging, zinc oxide helps shield it from UV damage. Another sun-perfect pick is our 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Foundation with SPF 15. This makeup multi-tasker combines a flawless mineral finish with the superior protection of titanium dioxide to keep skin safe and stunning. Don’t forget to complete your look with our luscious Mineral Lip Tint SPF 15. Naturally hydrating with added zinc oxide protection, this mineral lipstick creates the pür-fect, sun-safe pout.

How to Minimize Pores

Do you suffer from enlarged pores? Contrary to popular belief, this nuisance of a skin condition is not exclusive to oily or acneic skin types. Although overly oil or acne-prone skin makes it easy for excess oil to become trapped in pores, too little oil—due to aging or hormonal imbalance—can also cause pores to stretch slightly and appear larger. By using the right skin care products in your daily beauty regimen, you can minimize pores and keep your skin looking and feeling its best.

Keep Skin Clean
When pores are not properly cleansed, they can trap dirt and excess oil, causing enlarged pores. It is important to use a gentle yet effective facial cleanser, such as Pür Minerals Revitalizing Facial Wash, in the morning and evening to help remove excess dirt and makeup and minimize pores.

Use Gels & Serums
Take matters into your own hands with gels and serums designed to help minimize pores and remove impurities from deep within the skin. Pore minimizers and mattifying gels like See No More and Under Control can help regulate oil production, reduce shine and smooth skin texture to visibly reduce the appearance of pores. Try using a face mask—worn overnight as a full mask or spot treatment on the t-zone—to further detoxify skin. Mineral Mudd Masque by Pür Minerals is fortified with the detoxifying ingredient pascalite to help deep-clean and remove impurities from pores.

Wear Natural Makeup
Makeup containing harsh chemicals and unnatural substances can irritate skin causing pores to appear larger. Conversely, natural ingredients like shea butter and vitamin E will help give your skin a smooth, flawless look and minimize pores. Avoid thick liquid foundations which can clog pores result in oil overproduction. Instead, opt for a mineral-based, pressed formula like 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup for lightweight coverage that lets skin breath. 

For more ways to keep your complexion looking healthy and radiant, shop the complete Pür Minerals skin care collection.

Beauty to a “Tea”

Ingredient Close-Up: Green Tea

Its benefits on the body have been known for millennia; but what makes green tea so special to the skin? With the launch of its Get a Little self-tanning lotion—which features this miracle plant of the East—Pür examines this burning (but never burnt) question in detail.

Antioxidant Protection
While green tea drinkers have long enjoyed the brew’s health-promoting properties from within, growing evidence suggests that its effects are just as dramatic when applied directly to the skin. Functioning as an antioxidant—a free radical-absorbing substance—green tea has been shown to minimize radical-induced damage following UV overexposure.

The secret is a compound called epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG. An antioxidant some believe to be more powerful than vitamin C, EGCG is found in abundance in green tea leaves (which, coincidently, are also high in vitamin C). Because of its anti-inflammatory nature, the EGCG in green tea helps diminish the look of wrinkles and sagging skin when incorporated in anti-aging moisturizers like Day Renewal Complex SPF 20.  So effective is this compound in neutralizing harmful free radicals that current research is exploring its potential in treating skin cancer.

Targeting Impurities
In addition to minimizing UV-induced free radical damage, EGCG has been shown to target skin impurities and bacteria which can lead to breakouts and irritation. Another green tea component—tannins—has been shown to act as a natural astringent. Together, these detoxifying elements are a boon to those with oily and problematic skin, offering a natural alternative to harsh, synthetic chemicals that can dry out and irritate the skin.

Eye Shadows for Your Eye Color

Not only are your eyes the window to the soul, but they're also your key to choosing the right eye shadows. Choosing the right eye shadow shades can be tricky, but the color of your eyes can help you determine which hues are right for you. The goal is to choose a colour palette that complements your eyes without blending in or contrasting too much. Here are a few tips from Pür Minerals on how to create a beautiful, bright-eyed look that suits your eye color.

Brown Eyes
Almost every shade looks great on you brown-eyed girls, so experiment with different colours and find a look that suits your personal style. Try a rich, bronze or metallic shadow topped with a rosy, pink hue to make your eyes come alive. Pür Picks: Pressed Mineral Shadows in Gold Dust and Rose Symesite.

Blue Eyes
Resist the urge to wear blue eye shadows and cool colours, as this will compete with those gorgeous gazers of yours. Instead, go for neutral taupes and browns or soft, peachy shades to warm up your cool baby blues. Pür Picks: Pressed Mineral Shadows in Sandstone and Amber.

Green Eyes
Less is more when it comes to green eyes. Too-bright colours will make your stunning emerald eyes appear nondescript, so stick to golden browns and soft, purple shades to bring out your natural, green sparkle. Pür Picks: Pressed Mineral Shadows in Spiced Mica and Lavender Mourite.

Hazel Eyes
For hazel eyes, don’t be afraid to go bold with vivid metallics or deep charcoal and plum hues. Layer a rich, purple shade all over your lid and add a touch of shimmering gold to highlight your hazel eyes. Pür Picks: Pressed Mineral Shadows in Plum Slate and Champagne Citrine.

For more must-have tools to make your eyes pop, shop the Eye collection at PurMinerals.com. Pressed Mineral Shadows in NEW Spring Colours are now available!

Get to Know the Pür Winter Sweepstakes Winner

Patricia D. from Houston, Texas, congratulations on winning a $200 Shopping Spree from Pür Minerals! Pür fans, stay tuned for your chance to WIN BIG in the next Pür Minerals Sweepstakes.

Get to Know Patricia D.

Pür Nickname: Patti
Location: Houston Texas
Age Group: 55-64
Skin Tone: Medium (golden undertones)
Skin Type: Normal

How did you find out about Pür Minerals?
 One day, while I was checking my e-mail an advertisement came up about Pür Minerals. I have a mild case of rosacea and was always looking for something to cover it. After reading all of the advertisement, I knew right then I had to try it. I am so glad I ordered that day because it was an answer to covering my blemishes.
 
What is your favorite Pür Minerals product and why?
 My favorite is Pür Minerals Colour Correcting Primer in Green. It tones down the redness and discoloration of my skin. Plus, it keeps my face soft all day and holds in the moisture that my skin needs. After applying the primer, I put on the convenient 4 in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup SPF15 which gives me more protection from the sun. The Mineral Shea Butter Lipstick and Pout Plumping Lip Gloss condition my lips and are filled with hydration. I also love the kits because they are put together for what your skin needs and don’t contain harmful chemicals.
 
What do you see as the chief benefits of Pür Mineral products?
Quality, Convenience, Protection and Hydration. It is great for sensitive skin and covers so well. It feels like a feather, so light like you are not wearing makeup. My face has a Mineral Glow! My friends and family have noticed a difference. Pür Minerals is not time consuming, but I love playing with the eye shadow and the lipsticks. Their colors are so rich and so easy to apply. The Mineral Brow Perfection is just that—perfection. It doesn't look like it has been drawn on, it is more natural looking. The Mineral Blush brings out the softness on your cheeks and brings it all together. I have felt so much better knowing my skin is so healthy and feels smooth and alive. Pür Minerals is a wonderful product line and the answer for becoming self-confident and beautiful.
 
How does Pür Minerals differ from other makeup and skin care brands?
 First of all, Pür Minerals is compacted, not loose powder that can be spilled everywhere or like the liquid makeup which looks cakey and feels heavy. I love the clean, tingly feeling from the Pür Polish exfoliator and Revitalizing Facial Wash. The Skin Perfecting Serum gives me a healthy glow. The price is affordable and I like that it is not tested on animals. My skin feels renewed and healthy. It's just a wonderful product with great results. After using the BEST, I would never go back to liquid makeup or any other makeup that makes you feel MADE UP!

If you'd like to be profiled on our Pür Beauty Blog, send an email to blog@purminerals.com and tell us about all the great ways you use Pür Minerals products!

FREE Gift from Pür Minerals

Get Ready for Spring with Flawless Skin

Starting today, get a FREE Colour Correcting Primer in Peach or Green with your $35 purchase! $29.50 Value

Choose your shade to minimize imperfections and prime skin for perfect makeup application!

PEACH
The perfect solution for neutralizing discolorations like under eye circles, dark spots, age spots and freckles.
Enter code PEACH at checkout.

GREEN
Offset redness due to acne, rosacea and other skin conditions for a smooth, even skin tone and texture.
Enter code GREEN at checkout.

Shop PurMinerals.com Now. This limited-time offer ends soon!

Valid through 3/20/09 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.

Pür Minerals March 2009 Newsletter

Spring Trend Watch

With only one week left until the official start of spring (yes, we’re counting), it’s time to refresh your look and welcome the new season in style. From colorful prints to smoky eyes to sculpted cheekbones, our Pür Minerals trend-spotting experts have you covered from head to toe. Here’s the rundown on spring’s hottest—and most wearable—runway looks.

The Scoop: Fashion
This spring, florals are taking a backseat to tops, dresses and skirts in geometric prints and swirling patterns. Whether in subdued watercolor hues or vivid, eye-popping brights, this artsy trend offers a fresh, modern take on spring. It all comes down to the details with accessories. Look for bags, shoes and jewelry adorned with buckles and straps, gemstones, beading and fringing. Mix and match these fun, flirty styles, or (for those a little less daring) pair one or two embellished pieces with your minimalist ensemble for a sophisticated, up-to-the-minute spring look.

The Scoop: Makeup
This season is all about depth, dimension and drama. Bold yet refined eyes framed with gel liner and sultry, smoky shadows ruled the runways. For a softer take on the smoky eye, swap winter’s darker shades of charcoal and black with spring’s lighter, brighter hues of green, chrome and gold. To get the look, try Pür Minerals new Pür Intensity gel eyeliners and Pressed Mineral Shadows in Midnight Jade, Chrome Cryolite and Sunlit Gypsum.

Top Beauty Trend: Contour Your Curves

“Highlighting and contouring skin is huge this season,” says International Makeup Artist Davee Troublefield. “Use a powder brush to sculpt your cheekbones and décolleté with a bronzing powder and add soft highlights with a sheer, brightening powder.” The Mineral Glow/Mineral Light split pan is the perfect multi-tasking beauty tool to give your complexion that radiant spring glow. Take your bronzed goddess look to the next level with Pür Minerals new Get a Little streak-free self-tanning lotion.

The Scoop: Hair
Loosely tousled waves look lovely on both short and long hairstyles for a soft, romantic spring look, but sleek, chic ponytails and knots take the cake as the season’s top hair trend. This style is great for the office or an evening out, a perfect transitional day-to-night hairdo. Follow these simple steps from Celebrity Stylist Brenton Anderson to get a polished look straight off the runway: “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.”

From the Expert 

“Whether we’re talking clothes, hair or makeup, the key to any look is balance. Trying to play up too many features at once results in a busy, overly made up look. For example, offset your smoky eyes and sculpted cheekbones with light, natural looking blush and lips.

Our new Pür Rocks add a pop of shimmering colour that won’t cause features to compete with one another. Just sweep onto the apples of your cheeks or draw onto your lips and top with your favorite gloss for a warm, rosy glow that’s perfect for spring.”  Joli Baker, Pür Minerals President

For expert makeup and skin care advice, sign up for the FREE Pür Minerals monthly E-Newsletter!