The Mineral That Makes Your Makeup Glow (And Why It Matters)
That luminous glow in your favorite highlighter or eyeshadow? It comes from mica, a naturally occurring mineral mined from stone that splits into delicate, light-reflecting flakes. When I first learned this a few years ago while investigating my own makeup bag, I was surprised to discover that this single ingredient is responsible for virtually every shimmer effect in modern cosmetics, from foundations and lipsticks to nail polish and blush.
Mica has been the beauty industry’s secret weapon for decades because its unique crystalline structure catches and reflects light in a way that creates that coveted radiant finish we all love. The mineral is mined in more than 35 countries, making it widely available and relatively …