EXPOSED: Rimmel London Stay Matte Powder



When I first began to do research on this product I was shocked that my initial google search gave all kinds of rave reviews on the product.  Doing what many people do, I went in to Target and began meandering around the beauty aisle.  A "Beauty Expert" came over and asked if I needed help.  I told her that I was looking for a powder that would offer decent coverage.  She asked what skin type I am and I replied with oily/combination.  She recommended Rimmel London Stay Matte powder.  I took it home and put it on for my evening out at a hockey game.

When I got home (about 5 hours after applying the powder) I noticed that my pores seemed clogged and the appearance of whiteheads was visible.  I was shocked.  No powder has really ever caused that kind of reaction in my skin.  It was then that I turned the product over to look at the ingredients.  Because I had been in such a hurry that day I made a mistake that many make.

How many times does this happen to all of us?  We buy a product that an "expert" recommends and then we lose money because the product isn't good.

I will say this- the promise made by Rimmel is that you will have a matte look for up to 5 hours.  Do they follow through?  Absolutely.  But at what cost?  You want to know those Top 5 ingredients that keep your skin from looking oily?

Talc, Mica, Magnesium Stearate, Polyethylene, and Petroleum.  THOSE ARE THE TOP 5!!!!!

Talc- now, since the 70's talc that is used in cosmetics is asbestos free (yeah, you didn't know they come from the same place?).  Talc is the main reason you can get a matte look for 5 hours.  It's also used in baby powder.  it soaks up moisture and causes massive dehydration in your skin.  I can't tell you how dry my skin felt even 24 hours after I took the product off my face.

Mica- While this ingredient has been used for thousands of years (in pottery and cave paint) I wouldn't classify it as safe.  Or desirable.  Mica is also used in drywall, paint, roofing materials, and other home improvement products.

Magnesium Stearate- Most commonly used as a lubricant for tables.  It's also used to bind sugar in hard candies.  It is a food additive and has caused a lot of ruckus in the supplement world.

Polyethylene- Basically, plastic.  You know those plastic bags you get at the super market?  Yep, those are made with the same stuff.  You may as well put a plastic bag over your face.

Petroleum- If you're thinking "Isn't that used in gas?" then you'd be correct.  It's crude oil.  Why is it in your skin product?  Because it's a harmful filler that is a cheaper option for cosmetic companies.

Your body absorbs whatever you put on it.  It enters your blood stream and affects your overall health.  I am not a chemist with a degree, but I am an esthetician (you know, a facialist) and I have seen my share of damaged skin from products like these that make promises that end up harming, not helping.  I have spent the last few years education my friends and family over the hazards of most American cosmetics because the United States only has a handful of banned ingredients.  Whereas, European cosmetics companies have to abide to legislation with THOUSANDS of banned ingredients.  So next time you're looking for a beauty product, turn it over and look at the label.

*This product claims to be dermatologically tested that does not mean that it is not harmful, it simply means that it proved to do what they promised, 5 hours of matte looking skin.  This is no way says that it is safe.*

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