I love being the first to try new brands. And this one is soooo new, its website has only just gone public!
MK Minerals, is the brainchild of Dr Beatriz Molina, who has a rich background in both cosmetology and dermatology. A former GP and also a Member of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors, she’s delivered countless lectures on all manner of cosmetic solutions; both surgical and non-surgical. Founder and Director of Medikas MediSpa, one of the UK’s foremost names in cosmetic and clinical services (and Aesthetic Medical Magazine’s Clinic of the Year 2009), she’s now turned her attention to the natural make-up scene, and MK Minerals will see an official glossy launch in 2015.
The brand is the latest to cash in on the nation’s growing appetite for 100% pure mineral ingredients and vegan-friendly products. All their make-up is organic and totally cruelty-free, and from the swatches I’ve seen, it looks set to be an exciting new addition to the beauty scene!
So what makes them different?
Simply put, it’s Dr Molina. Her passion for all things beauty, means her brand aims to cater for all ethnicities, lifestyles and ages. The entire range is made from top grade raw ingredients with no additives such as artificial / chemical colours, mineral oils, perfumes, preservative and man-made minerals such as bismuth oxychloride; It’s 100% crushed minerals, and so is believed to be wholly natural, healthy and beneficial for the skin.
Oh and it’s also proudly handcrafted right here in the UK. Mahoosive thumbs up.
So what have I roadtested?
I selected two eyeshadows to review - and both are now permanent fixtures in my make-up bag in my bid to recreate the ultimate wintery smokey eye. I choose a shimmery grey (Moon Dust), and a matt light brown (Phantom Quartz).
Our Mineral Eyeshadows provide a variety of coverage options from opaque eyelid colour and crease contouring, to shimmering, sparkling and translucent shades that add subtle, or dramatic highlights, yet soft enough to give a natural look and feel. They can be worn wet or dry, together or alone.
They’re very different shades, with very different finishes. The matt brown is opaque, silky smooth to apply and blends beautifully, but the shimmer is a little more temperamental. I tend to sweep Phantom Quartz across my lids, keeping the rest of my eye naked (bar a little black eyeliner and mascara) for a simple day look.
Not that I’ve ever experienced sensitive eyes, the formulation is gentle and almost creamy on your skin. It stays put for some 8 hours and locks your liquid eyeliner into place with ease.
The grey is definitely an evening shade that creates a dramatic contrast against softer greys and opaque whites. I use a lighter grey on my lids then pop this in the crease of my eye lid for a smokey sultry evening look. A shimmery blush on my cheek bones and translucent gloss on my lips complete this monochrome look.
Shimmer powders are traditionally a bit of a nightmare to apply and this is no different. I often end up with shimmer on my fingers which transfers to my cheekbones, clothes and whatever else I happen to touch after doing my makeup. MK Minerals eyeshadows do come with limiter trays and sticker covers, but you do have to be careful when loading your brushes.
My eyeshadows were both £15.50 so prices are in line with MAC and bareMinerals. This is quite the statement from Dr Molina and shows a willingness to compete with industry leaders. I’m very used to these prices, but will it work for a new brand with a limited fan-base? I hope so as they really have a strong range with hundreds of colourways - including foundations to match every skin tone (black and Asian skin too).
Too many colourways can be a new brands undoing but I hope this isn’t the case for MK Minerals I’d happily recommend them for make-up addicts and can’t wait to give their lip glosses and blushes a go.
To check out the range for yourself head to MKMinerals.co.uk
