Dermatologist Review of Colorescience

The science of beauty is constantly evolving and as we enter 2006 Colorescience has focused on keeping ahead of the curve. As the mineral makeup market has matured, people have begun to realize that there are several quality options for mineral makeup products. Every company brings something to the table; in Colorescience’s case that something is a feast of innovation, quality and refinement over the past year with more on the way for 2006.

Diane Ranger, founder of Colorescience, invented the mineral makeup concept and coined the term ‘mineral makeup’ in 1977. Her vision was to establish and maintain the highest level of ingredient integrity by focusing on the quality of the minerals in each formula as well as the way in which minerals were processed. While there is much to be said and written about mineral makeup, Diane suggests that there are three main points to keep in mind regarding these products. First, real minerals are real simple but quality and processing are key. Second, mineral makeup is highly pigmented, gives full coverage and reflects light to make skin look younger. Finally, SPF rated mineral makeup offers full spectrum stable sun protection and is long lasting.

This year marks the reawakening of Diane’s campaign to raise awareness of the differences in so called ‘mineral makeup’ products. The easiest way to determine if a mineral makeup is pure and properly processed is to place it in a small beaker of water and shake. Quality makeup like Colorescience will rise to the top as it is not water soluble. Poor quality mineral and non-mineral makeup will cloud or muddy the water as impurities dissolve. Improperly processed mineral makeup may also sink to the bottom of the beaker. Bottom line, there are differences in the products of different mineral makeup companies. If makeup powder doesn’t float on clear water in this test then it probably isn’t high quality mineral makeup.

As we anticipate the year ahead, it seems appropriate to reflect on Colorescience ‘firsts.’ Colorescience as a brand represents the fruits of literally thirty years of research and development by the developer of the mineral makeup concept and the person (believe it or not) who actually coined the term ‘mineral makeup.’ Yes, Diane Ranger also founded another legendary mineral makeup brand years ago. But today, Colorescience is Diane’s passion. And that passion has led to more firsts in trend setting formulations and innovative packaging. A perfect example of this innovation is the seen in the latest advances in Sunforgettable SPF 30 pure mineral sunscreen. Sunforgettable is now available in a more male-friendly ‘Rock and Roller Ball’ roll-on package that contains much more product and permits easy and quick application to large areas without the difficulties that can sometimes occur when some folks (read ‘men’) work with brushes. Sunforgettable is also the only mineral powder sunscreen to receive the Skin Cancer Foundation seal of approval. During the past year some of the men in my practice have used Sunforgettable in Belize while shallow water fishing. Chemical sunscreens, it seems, can drive fish away in these environments. Sunforgettable provides durable sun protection in this wet tropical environment without the chemical sunscreens that tend to leach off the skin and scare away fish.

Colorescience, of course, is about much more than sun protection – it is also about looking good; it is about beauty. 2005 saw the introduction of ‘Try Me’ mineral makeup take-out kits which were appropriately and cleverly marketed as ‘SPF 20 to go.’ These kits served a great need in today’s market due to the many mineral makeup fans looking for different options to satisfy their mineral makeup needs. Another new creative product introduction, the Smoothster, is actually the combination of one bronzer and one skin brightener/smoother in a dual action container. These two products are complementary and the unique container makes application a cinch.

Colorescience has great plans for 2006. Colorescience’s lip products which are dye and chemical free and contain the patented lip plumper palmitoyl oligopeptide are set to be sampled as four trial sizes in a little purse.  The product will be called “Pursed Lips” and (guys pay attention!) should be available for Valentine’s Day. For spring, Colorescience plans to introduce pressed powder pigment palettes. These palettes have become increasingly popular for makeup generally and now Colorescience will have one derived from the highest quality mineral makeup components. It will be offered under the name Prismatic “Colore Play.” Also this spring, look for a new and quite useful (if not overlooked) product – eyebrow stencils. These ‘get in shape’ eyebrow stencils can be used with Colorescience’s Eyebrow Kit, Brow Fixation and Fine Line.

Colorescience also has a few things planned with the dermatology world in mind for this year. During Rosacea Awareness Month, April, Colorescience will launch ‘Camo Ammo’ which is a camouflage kit designed to ‘get the red out.’ It should also do wonders for dark circles, hyperpigmentation, acne and bruising. May is Melanoma Awareness Month and Colorescience will launch an “Almost Clear” Sunforgettable SPF 30 physical protection that is a slightly darker than the original. Sunforgettable products will also be available in another innovative full size shaker package.

Diane hasn’t forgotten about men and minerals either. Just in time for Father’s Day, watch for MetroMenerals. The line will contain aftershave protocols, sun protection and brow grooming for men.

2005 has been a great year for Colorescience; their products are increasingly popular. Many of my colleagues across the country have begun to recommend these products to their patients and spa clients. Colorescience packaging has improved greatly this year and marketing efforts reflect a greater focus and attention to product promotion.

In summary, Colorescience remains an excellent and innovative product line that has made great strides in 2005. Diane and company appear to have put everything in place for a great showing in 2006 as well.

Craig Kraffert, MD

Colorescience products are designed and formulated by the world's most experienced mineral makeup scientists and are manufactured in a specially designed mineral makeup factory. This vertically-integrated design, formulation and manufacturing expertise has allowed Colorescience to take the lead for quality and innovation in mineral makeup.

Colorescience founder Diane Ranger keeps a low public profile that belies her impressive contribution to the cosmetics industry. In 1976 she founded a popular and well known cosmetics company. In 1977 she single-handedly invented mineral makeup. In 1990 Diane built a cosmetics lab and factory to facilitate her passionate pursuit of product development and the manufacture of mineral makeup.

Colorescience's reputation for quality and innovation is spreading rapidly as sales grow. At Colorescience, there is a philosophy that exclusivity and brand integrity must be maintained as the brand grows in popularity and size. Prior to partnering with DermStore, Colorescience had been available primarily from cosmetic dermatologists and carefully selected resorts and fine day spas.

Colorescience offers cosmetics for the face, lips and eyes. The ingredients are the highest quality available, generally pharmaceutical grade. All botanical ingredients are organically grown. Colorescience products undergo the most extensive testing within the industry but are not animal tested. The focus is on innovative mineral makeup products with advanced delivery systems. The product line is extensive and offers several unique products. A typical example is Colorescience's broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen, Sunforgettable, which goes on dry via retractable brush applicator and lasts all day with high water resistance. It is effective immediately and safe enough even for infants and pregnant women. The integrated retractable brush dispensers found on many of the products are the result of over 25 years of research and development. These brushes allow many of the products to be refilled, making the line 'eco-friendly.' Many of the products combine antioxidants and moisturizers with minerals to provide protection, correction and color. I believe their number of innovative products is unprecedented for a makeup company, much less a mineral makeup company. I encourage you to browse the complete product line offered at DermStore.

Colorescience is a great line with a bright future, but is new on the scene and remains a hidden treasure. The packaging is unique, pleasant, innovative and anything but mainstream. The line has not yet been prepackaged in kits, however DermStore plans to offer customized kits to our customers. Finally, much of the current marketing is understated with respect to the superb quality of the products. At DermStore, we have tried to accurately portray Colorescience in our marketing.

To summarize, I believe Colorescience is the next rising star in mineral makeup. The products are innovative and high quality. The brand is exclusive and integrity oriented. Diane Ranger has a long and very successful history in the mineral makeup industry and is well known and respected by all the key people in this industry. Thus, it is my prediction that Colorescience will be the next big hit in mineral makeup.