Clinique (Estée Lauder) has borrowed double-processing technology from the pharmaceutical industry for its Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Powder.
The technology suspends each powder particle in air while uniformly treating it with a combination of natural minerals and anti-irritation ingredients, a process said to ensure each particle is treated with an even amount of key ingredients. The next step is an ultra-rotor machine which compresses the powder into uniform platelets for a very creamy texture and optimal lay down on the skin. The unique shape of these platelets is designed to allow the powder particles to fit tightly together to create a really smooth finish and even, natural looking coverage that is also gentle on the skin.
The product is being launched on the back of the successful Clinique Redness Solutions franchise which includes a number of skin care products. But as a powder this represents a new category in addressing redness. The precise yellow of the powder has been custom created to blend seamlessly into the skin, neutralising the look of redness and giving skin a more even tone. The formulation uses a patent-pending formula of caffeine and extracts of magnolia bark, Poria cocos (mushroom) and Citrus grandis peel to help eliminate the look of redness while minerals calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium absorb excess surface oil. It also contains vitamin E as an antioxidant.
The powder was launched in the US last November and is now available in Selfridges in the UK but goes on general release from Clinique counters from September at £24/€38
Another new addition to the Clinique powder stable, Superbalanced Powder Makeup SPF 15 Mineral Rich Formula, uses the same double-processing powder technology.
The brand points out that it has actually used minerals in its formulations since its inception in 1968 but doesn’t believe they are enough alone to produce the kind of benefits it is offering.