Makeup
Some of our pigments are cosmetic grade and some are not, and we are careful about which is which. Every product page says on its Grade line whether we hold the supplier documentation to call it cosmetic grade. If the page does not say cosmetic grade, do not use that pigment on skin.
Which pigments are for makeup
- Cosmetic grade micas and shimmers: loose eyeshadow, highlighter, pressed shadows and body shimmer, mixed into a base or pressed with a binder.
- Cosmetic grade multichromes: the shift shows best over a dark eyeshadow base or a black primer.
- Not for makeup: thermochromic and magnetic pigments, holographic and reflective glitters, and any product whose page says "high quality raw pigment" rather than cosmetic grade. These are for nails, resin and crafts.
Eyes and lips
Cosmetic grade means the pigment is made for cosmetic use. It does not automatically mean approved for the eye area or lips. Some colourants are restricted for those uses, and mica over 150 µm is not considered lip safe at all, which rules out our larger shimmers. Where we have the documentation, the product page says so. Where it does not, keep that pigment to face and body.
Making your own
- Loose shadow: mix pigment with a small amount of a cosmetic base such as sericite mica. Pure effect pigment can be used on its own for a strong finish.
- Pressed shadow: pigment plus a pressing binder, pressed into a pan and left to set.
- Body shimmer: a pinch in a body lotion or oil, or dusted over a moisturised area.
- Nail polish: see our nail polish page. Every pigment on the site is fine for nails.
Selling what you make
If you make products to sell, the rules that apply to you depend on the product and where you sell it. In Australia that includes ingredient labelling and the AICIS requirements for cosmetic ingredients. Safety Data Sheets and ingredient information for our covered products are available on request to help with your documentation, but it is your responsibility to confirm each pigment is permitted for your intended use.