On February 9, the pre-jury of the U’Cosmetics competition, dedicated to mineral cosmetics this year, studied the 23 student projects competing. Each team presented their projects in two categories: Innovative Concept and Formulation. Eleven of them were selected for the final round. The winners will be announced on the fringe of the colloquium, which will be held on March 16 on the same theme.
They may be tomorrow’s cosmetics, or at least, original ideas formulators can draw inspiration from today. Here are the 11 projects selected to compete for the U’Cosmetics 2017 Awards.
Innovative Concept Category
Douceur du Nil
This 3-in-1 shower glove (hydration, exfoliation, cleansing) is inlaid with quartz microcrystals to scrub the skin and remove dead cells, and contains shower pearls enriched with different minerals to provide hydration and enhance the skin’s elasticity. It is available with three perfumes reminiscent of the Orient: Orange Blossom – Honey – Patchouli, Argan Oil – Cinnamon, Lotus Flower – Cumin.
Litho-sphère
Litho-Sphère® combines the active substances used in cosmetics with astrological lithotherapy, by treating the skin with crystals and stones to enhance the user’s wellness according to their astrological signs. The underlying idea is that every astrological sign has an affinity with specific crystals and stones. The products are based on unique waters filled with them and called ‘Elixir’ and are part of a complete range comprising 12 face moisturizing gels, 12 cleansing waters, and 12 eye contour roll-ons.
Mineral Cloud
This 2-in-1 customizable product is both a face cleanser and/or an unctuous mask gentle as a cloud, thanks to the oh-so-pleasant shaving foam texture – it is actually unfair women are deprived of it. Mineral Cloud is contained in a package based on an aerosol, on top of which a small space is designed for the user to insert a fully biodegradable, single-dose capsule containing the mineral actives of their choice and the right dose for a mask or face cleanser.
Reconceal'U
Reconceal’U is a peel-off concealer with natural mineral pigments. It is based on the diffusion of pigments on the superficial layer of the epidermis to pigment visible skin imperfections. After being applied and left to dry, it can be removed with a simple gesture. Contrary to standard concealers, it offers the advantage not to leave any substance on the surface of the skin. As a result, it does not block pores or turn, and it does not flow, thanks to its long-lastingness: it is the pigments that mask the imperfections by colouring them, not covering them.
Formulation Category
Activ'Shadow
Activ’Shadow is a range of mineral makeup skincare creams for the lids (similar to a BB cream for the complexion). It is claimed to have anti-aging prevention (anti-free radical and antioxidant) and antipollution properties. The tinted cream is also composed of mother-of-pearls with photosensitive effects whose shades change according to the light intensity and optical angle. The cream is available in several shades, including two ‘nude’ creams (for the day) and three creams with a ‘dark’ effect (for parties).
Black to Bright
Black to Bright is an exfoliating, whitening dental care product to be used occasionally to preserve the whiteness of your teeth. It is presented in an atypical form, with a solid texture and remarkable sensorial identity for a whitening action, since it is black. Its formulation contains two mineral actives, perlite, with abrasive, polishing, and cleansing properties, and charcoal, which whitens the enamel without eroding it, and has the power to absorb particles likely to create a colouration on the teeth, like tea, coffee, and nicotine.
Blush it up
This concept is based on the use of precious and semi-precious stones in an innovative, glamorous blush. To differentiate itself from other blushes made of free or compact powders, this product is presented in the form of a shape memory gel. Its texture offers cutting-edge sensoriality, and its re-smoothing capacity in the jar makes it always look new, highlighting the luxurious aspect of the blush.
Diamor
The name Diamor® comes from three precious minerals: Di amond, Am ethyst, and ‘ Or ’ (French word for ‘gold’). These are natural actives with multiple virtues for the skin’s health. This range is designed for a daily facial skincare ritual, with four products based on precious minerals. The ritual is composed of a cleansing, makeup-removing Precious Gel, a moisturizing Diamond Foam, a Complexion Veil in the form of a gel, and a Ruby-coloured, Healthy Glow lipstick.
Minaé stick
Minaé Stick is a solid moisturizing cream in the form of a pocket-sized stick which hydrates the skin all day long and can be easily slid into a handbag, like a lip balm. This simple formulation is based on bentonite for continuous hydration, and nourishing and regenerating vegetable oils in uncluttered packaging. The 15ml size makes the product easy to use and travel with.
MineraliTEA
This concept is presented in the form of tea bags filled with powder (trace element and precious stone complexes), ready to be used as a detoxifying lotion, micellar water, or cleansing lotion. Consumers just need to leave the bag to brew like standard tea for five minutes and use it! The resulting solution may be kept up to one month. Light, cumbersome, easy to fly or travel with for a weekend, with this product, you will always have everything you need to protect, cleanse, and take care of your skin.
Secret d'Égypte
This range of five products in an ancestral, luxurious body, face, and hair care ritual is designed for customers in luxurious spas, hotels, and cruises. First, it comprises a hair care mask and a peel-off mask, followed with a seaweed wrap on the face. While it is left on, customers relax in a foaming bath with golden beads, before thoroughly rinsing and hydrating their bodies with milk, enjoying the perfumed atmosphere of the candle which completes the range.
Now, let us just wait until we get to Guingamp, Brittany, on March 16, where the jury will attribute the awards to the winners!