Oats have been used throughout the ages to soothe dry and irritated skin. Although the first grains discovered were most likely weeds, cultivated oats were discovered in Switzerland during the Bronze Age (2000 to 700 BC). During Roman times oats were known to be effective skin cleansers and referenced in ancient medical literature as treatment for addressing a variety of skin concerns. In addition to the numerous nutritional benefits of oats, they also have a long history of use as a potent skin soother. With recent studies proving its efficacy oats seemed a very natural addition to the Glimpse Mineral Treatment.

Oats have been shown in various clinical studies to increase moisture levels within the skin. When combined with water, oats create a barrier on your skin, this benefit is derived from its high concentration of hydrophilic (water loving) polysaccharides. The moisture binding ability of oats benefits the Strateum Corneum (the outermost layer of your epidermis) increasing moisture levels, and reducing TEWL (trans epidermal water loss), while acting as a “buffer” and maintaining/restoring a proper ph. In short oats can help maintain barrier integrity, prevent water loss, and help alleviate irritation associated with a variety of skin conditions.

No less important than its impressive water-binding abilities are the anti-oxidant, UV absorption, and anti-inflammatory activities oats seem to exhibit. Ferulic and caffic acids are among the most potent antioxidants found in oats with ferulic being a strong UV absorber. As oxidative stress being linked to a host of skin diseases antioxidants may help to protect your skin against many inflammatory skin conditions. The flavanoids found in oats have been shown to act as UVA screens and tocopherols (vitamin E) have been proven to have anti-inflammatory effect on the skin as well as reducing (and sometimes preventing) UV-induced damage to the skin.

With its wide array of benefits oats work in harmony with BioActive X3, zinc oxide, and a variety of botanicals to make Glimpse Mineral Treatment the one of a kind product that it is.

Let’s review the Mineral Treatment and with that our first ingredient zinc oxide. Long known for it’s ability to calm and soothe the skin, zinc has been shown to have many therapeutic benefits for your skin such as supporting faster healing, inflammation reduction, increased barrier function repair and broad environmental protection. I would like to explore the activity of zinc and why I added it to the formula and the critical benefits that zinc provides your skin:

ENVIORNMENTAL PROTECTION: Zinc oxide provides broad range sun protection; in fact it has the broadest UV range protection of any single ingredient on the market. Zinc oxide is a physical sun-blocking agent that works primarily by reflecting/scattering ultraviolet light. It’s range of efficacy covers UVB as well as both short (320-340 nm, UVA-2) and long (340-400 nm, UVA-1). It also has been proven to block visible light up to wavelengths 700 nm. Recently there have been multiple studies on the increased protection offered by zinc when combined with anti-oxidants showing very promising results. Let’s compare this with an ingredient that is commonly found in UV protection products as well as MOST mineral products titanium dioxide. Titanium dioxide has been used as a sun protection ingredient for many years most recently in many of the Mineral products on the market today. Usually these formulas contain micronized or nano-sized titanium dioxide, which has been shown to be a lung irritant (when in powder form) and it has significant photocatalytic activity and may promote formation of free radicals when exposed to sunlight. Additionally, titanium dioxide does not offer the skin calming (anti-irritation) and protection (anti-oxidant) qualities that zinc oxide exhibits.

PROMISING ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY: Topical zinc has been reported to provide antioxidant photo protection for skin. Two antioxidant mechanisms have been proposed for zinc: zinc may replace redox active molecules, such as iron and copper, at critical sites in cell membranes and proteins. On the other hand, zinc may induce the synthesis of proteins that protect against free radicals. Although there are still question as to how it works, topical zinc may provide an important and helpful antioxidant defense for skin.

POTENCY: This is a topic that I do not spend enough time writing about and that is the concentration or percentage of actives contained within the formula. Many formulas that boast the therapeutic or environmental protection qualities of their product due to zinc contain as little as two percent. The Glimpse Mineral Treatment contains over 20% uncoated zinc oxide to provide your skin the maximum benefit from zinc.

I think it is quite clear that zinc is a dynamic ingredient that can benefit the skin in multiple ways. Glimpse Mineral Treatment capitalizes on the therapeutic benefits of zinc oxide in order to optimize your skin’s health.

No brush set would be complete without a concealer brush. The smallest of all of our Glimpse Brushes, this handy little brush is wonderful for spot treating, concealer application, touch-ups and getting into the small crevices of the face. May be used for either wet application or dry application.

Directions:

1. Using your Glimpse Concealer Brush, mix a small amount of Mangosteen Pericarp Oil with your Mineral Treatment in the lid of the jar or the palm of your hand.
2. Gently pat concealer on to desired area, but do not rub in completely.
3. Pat over area until desired coverage is achieved. 4. Apply a layer of dry Mineral Treatment for added coverage and longer wear.

A: Don’t submerge your brushes in any type of liquid! Even though the glue used in the brush construction. Over time the brush will become weaker and water can shorten the life of your brush. We recommend that you use a natural brush cleaner (like Glimpse Gel Cleanser) that is also good for the skin and follow up with an astringent/toner that can condition the bristles.

How often should you clean your brushes?
We suggest cleaning your brushes once a week. If you feel you are getting excess build up on your brush, or have excessively oily skin, than you may want to do it more than once a week, to help prevent bacteria from harboring. Also, it is important to avoid sharing your brushes. If you are sharing yourbrushes than we recommend washing them often. This will wear the brush much more quickly, but will help to prevent the spreading of bacteria.

Q: How do I clean my Glimpse Brushes?

A: In the palm of your hand, mix together the Glimpse Gel Cleanser and a little water (to create a nice lather), swirl your brush back and forth in the palm of your hand (you should see the lather becoming darker as your Mineral Treatment washes off). Rinse under lukewarm water. Repeat this process until your Glimpse Brush is thoroughly clean and the lather is clear. Pat dry with a soft cloth or towel. You can also mist with a fine layer of your Glimpse Toner to help condition brush bristles (optional).

Lay the brush flat on towel to dry. Synthetic fiber brushes require a little longer too dry than animal hair brushes. We suggest giving them 12-24 hours to dry. You may want to alternate your brushes when washing so not all of your brushes wet at the same time.

Dry Foundation Brush: This brush may be used for dry application of Glimpse Minerals, especially when a heavier coverage is desired. This brush makes an excellent contouring brush due to its flat, short bristles, which help to easily get into the difficult-to-reach contours of the face. It may also be used as a buffing brush to help buff excess minerals into a natural finish.

Directions: 1. Sprinkle a small amount of Mineral Treatment to the lid of the jar. 2. Take your Glimpse Dry Foundation Brush and pick up the powder with the brush. 3. Tap off excess powder from the brush and apply to face in circular motion. 4. Apply more powder for desired coverage. *To use as a buffing brush, just go over desired area using a circular motion, working the Minerals into the skin until desired effect is achieved.

Not quite sure what you’re supposed to do with the Glimpse Mineral Treatment brushes? Does the word “application” leave you scratching your head? Not to worry … you’re not alone. Even better, answers are headed your way. We’ll tell you what each brush is used for, what the best application method is for each and we’ll even explain, once and for all, what a Kabuki brush is! Look for a special informative 4-part article, coming soon to the Glimpse Blog.

1-) Kabuki Brush: This brush is most traditionally used when applying mineral powders and recommended when wanting a light-to-medium coverage.  The soft, yet dense, bristles and tapered brush head are ideal for picking up powders easily and create a lovely, flawless finish. We suggest using this brush for your dry application of Glimpse Mineral Treatment or as a setting powder brush.

Directions:

• Sprinkle a small amount of Mineral Treatment into the lid of your Glimpse Minerals jar.
• Take your Glimpse Kabuki Brush and pick up the powder with the brush.
• Tap off excess powder from the brush and apply to face in circular motion.
• Apply more powder for desired coverage.

*Use the same way as directed above for a setting powder, using less of the minerals, and just lightly dusting.

This is Part One: The Kabuki Brush of the Master the Brushes series.

Dry Application

• Sprinkle a small amount of Mineral Treatment to the lid of the jar.
• Take your Glimpse brush (Kabuki brush or Dry foundation brush) and pick up the powder with the brush.
• Tap off excess powder from the brush and apply to face in circular motion.
• Apply more powder for desired coverage.

With Glimpse™ Mineral Treatment you will experience topical skin nutrition and flawless coverage with our triple milled blend of pure minerals. Applied wet or dry, our extraordinary Mineral Treatment instantly infuses your skin with energy, increasing clarity and luminosity. BioActive™ X3 Complex, in harmony with zinc oxide, oat protein powder, silk powder, bio-chelated minerals and our Energizing Gemstone Complex, work together to naturally enhance your skin while diminishing the appearance of fine lines and minimizing the appearance of pores. Protect your skin, guard your health and benefit our planet with our perfect blend of nature.

Wet Application

• Mix a small amount of Mangosteen Pericarp Oil or Glimpse Moisturizer with your Mineral Treatment to create a hydrating creamy foundation.
• 2. Apply with Glimpse wet foundation brush.
• 3. Apply more powder for desired coverage.

With Glimpse™ Mineral Treatment you will experience topical skin nutrition and flawless coverage with our triple milled blend of pure minerals. Applied wet or dry, our extraordinary Mineral Treatment instantly infuses your skin with energy, increasing clarity and luminosity. BioActive™ X3 Complex, in harmony with zinc oxide, oat protein powder, silk powder, bio-chelated minerals and our Energizing Gemstone Complex, work together to naturally enhance your skin while diminishing the appearance of fine lines and minimizing the appearance of pores. Protect your skin, guard your health and benefit our planet with our perfect blend of nature.

What makes it special? Our pure mineral blend includes powerful mangosteen actives, our BioActive X3 Complex, zinc oxide, oat protein powder, silk powder, bio-chelated minerals and our Energizing Gemstone Complex. These ingredients are exceptional by themselves, but triple-milling them together—it’s like pure, elegant silk on your skin and I can’t wait for all of you to try it.

Use our Glimpse brushes and dust as a dry powder after your Glimpse topical skin nutrition or mix with your Glimpse Moisturizers or Mangosteen Pericarp Oil to create a liquid foundation or concealer customized just for you. Wet or dry, I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do.

Sharing the story of Glimpse will be easier than ever as your healthy and beautiful skin will have everyone asking for your secret. And with Glimpse Mineral Treatment you’ll love having your face tell your story.

Beverly