Cosmetical Applications
Decorative Cosmetics
Primers
Makeup primers are used on the face before eyeshadow, foundation, lipstick and mascara are applied. They create a smooth base for keeping other products in place all day long.
Due to their hydrating properties, phospholipids are used in primers for dry skin. They also promote a very even cover and long-lasting adherence to the skin.
Concealers
Concealers are creams or liquids used to mask dark circles, age spots and other small blemishes. Their main function is to provide a uniform skin tone. Phospholipids provide a reliable, even dispersion of pigments in concealers.
Foundations
Similar to concealers, foundations in liquid, powder or mousse form are used for a smooth and evenly coloured skin. They form the base for the other cosmetics applied afterwards. To ensure a uniform appearance, phospholipids are used to “link” the formulation to the upper skin cells.
Blushes/Rouge
Blushes are used to add a pink or rosy colour to the cheeks. They can easily contribute to “caking” of primers and foundations. To avoid this, a phospholipid film can be sprayed onto the powder particles, providing additional hydration.
Bronzers
Temporary bronzers provide tanning of the skin. The cosmetic active used in them usually is dihydroxyacetone (DHA). It is recommended to combine bronzers with sunscreen filters as they provide only low protection against UV radiation. Phospholipids will stabilize the blend of DHA and sunscreens (such as titanium dioxide in nano particles) to provide a uniform and longer lasting protection.
Highlighters
They are used to reflect light and help contouring parts of the face, e.g. cheekbones and jawline. Phospholipids are used to ensure an even distribution of the reflecting pigments.
Pencils
Pencils are used as eye, eye-brow or lip liners and are usually made with contrasting pigments. They are used to define parts of the face by colours. An even distribution and stability of the colouring pigments is provided by Phospholipids.
Eyeshadows
Eyeshadows are used to add depth and dimension to the eyes or to complement the eye colour. They are available in powder, liquid or cream form. Phospholipids ensure a uniform spread of pigments in all forms of eyeshadows.
Eyeliners
(see above under pencils)
Mascara
Mascara is used to accentuate the eyelashes by darkening, thickening or lengthening them. Basic components of mascaras are pigments, oils, waxes, and preservatives. The most common form of mascara is a viscous fluid in a tube. For obtaining consistent physical appearance without lumps, phospholipids can be used to regulate viscosity of the mascara.
Lip cosmetics
There is a wide range of lip products: Coloured lip sticks for makeup, lip plumper, lip gloss, lip liner, lip exfoliator etc. In most of these products phospholipids play a role as emulsifiers, dispersants and moisturizing agents.
Facial Powders
Facial powders have been used for thousands of years in many cultures. They were signalling status, social class or tribal affiliation. Today they are available in the form of loose powder or compressed powder in compacts, assisting in mattifying the skin and concealing small blemishes. In powders, phospholipids are used as moisturizers to avoid caking.
Nail products
Cosmetic nail lacquers are applied for colouring fingernails and toenails. For even dispersion and stability of pigments phospholipids are used in the formulation, allowing high-gloss and prolonged durability.