Frequently Asked Questions

• I have never used mineral products before but hear great things about them. How do you know which mineral product is the best for you?

There are lots of mineral products on the market today which all claim to have the same benefit- gentle makeup that lets the skin breathe. Mineral cosmetics are sold by many different companies from small independent boutiques to large cosmetic giants. Each brand offers different formulas, color selections and price points and it is up to the consumer to do their research before buying. Be aware that not all mineral cosmetics were created equal- inexpensive brands will often use a formula that uses lower quality ingredients, resulting in a short wear life and powdery finish. As with most beauty and cosmetic products you get what you pay for in terms of look and value for money, and mineral makeup is no exception.

• I suffer from a skin condition. What benefits will I see if I wear Shades of Monet® cosmetics?

It is always important to consult your doctor or dermatologist before trying a new product on your skin. For those with a skin condition such as allergies, acne, psoriasis or eczema, Shades of Monet® cosmetics will respect your skin, not irritate it. Our mineral cosmetics are paraben (preservative) free and 100% mineral based giving you long lasting glamour without clogging your pores or drying out your skin.

• Do Shades of Monet® products carry the ingredient “Lanoline” in them?

While the vast majority of people are not allergic to lanoline, there is a small percentage that are. Shades of Monet® products contain the lanoline ingredient in them however the Shades of Monet® mineral line DOES NOT—making it the perfect choice for those who cannot use products containing lanoline. Always remember to read the ingredients label before purchasing a product.

• What facility are Shades of Monet® cosmetics developed in?

Our products are developed in accordance to the Goods Manufacturing Procedure and developed in a FDA approved facility, where the utmost care goes into producing cosmetics of the highest quality for our customers. We are aware of other companies soliciting products similar in name that do not practice under these regulatory laws and can encourage you to proceed with caution. Be aware that there is no affiliation with Shades of Monet® minerals. Shades of Monet® minerals is a registered trademark with the USTP www.uspto.gov.

• I’ve heard that mineral cosmetics cannot support bacteria and therefore have no shelf life, is this true?

Unfortunately, many companies want to portray mineral makeup as 100% natural- which it is not. While it is non-comedogenic (doesn’t clog pores) and made with naturally occurring mineral ingredients, that doesn’t mean it is 100% natural. Color pigments and SPF are all synthetic substances found in cosmetics, including mineral-based ones. Mineral cosmetics do have an impressive shelf life, but you must always take care to purchase them from a reputable company who manufactures them in an FDA-approved facility and in accordance with the guidelines. Also be sure to store them out of direct heat and humidity to keep the products at their optimum quality.

• How are your colors blended?

Shades of Monet® minerals and all other products that contain pigmented colors are blended to the standards of the FDA guidelines as follows:

• Approval. All color additives used in cosmetics (or any other FDA-regulated product) must be approved by FDA. There must be a regulation specifically addressing a substance's use as a color additive, specifications, and restrictions.
• Certification. In addition to approval, a number of color additives must be batch certified by FDA if they are to be used in cosmetics (or any other FDA-regulated product) marketed in the U.S.
• Identity and specifications. All color additives must meet the requirements for identity and specifications stated in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
• Use and restrictions. Color additives may be used only for the intended uses stated in the regulations that pertain to them. The regulations also specify other restrictions for certain colors, such as the maximum permissible concentration in the finished product.

• How does Shades of Monet ® minerals compare to its competitors?

Our customers are our toughest critics- hear what they have to say on our testimonials page. We pride ourselves on what makes us different from the competition, such as:

Quality- We are FDA-approved and manufacture all of our products in accordance with strict federal regulations. Our products are preservative-free and non-comedogenic to nurture your skin from morning until night.

Versatility- Shades of Monet® is proud to offer cosmetics that can be matched to any skin tone and is gentle enough for every skin type.

Wearability- We are the only cosmetics line that was first developed for the fitness world before joining the mainstream beauty market. Our cosmetics have been tested in extreme heat and humidity with excellent results, and have been specially formulated to remain flawless all day, even after physical exercise.

Colors- Our palettes offer a wide range of styles, from avant-garde to au-naturel, there are colors to create the look you desire. Pricepoint- Shades of Monet® minerals are priced competitively so that every woman can enjoy them. Availability- Shades of Monet® aims to provide the customer with a convenient and effortless shopping experience, while ensuring that only authentic products reach our customers. Shades of Monet® minerals and all other products are only sold through private distribution channels, our “Shades of Monet® Partnership Program” and at our e-commerce site, shadesofmonet.com. (If you have purchased a product similar in name but are unsure of the origins, please contact legalteam@shadesofmonet.com )

• I am a figure competitor and need make-up dark enough to match my body after putting coats of self-tanner on. What do you suggest I use to make sure my face doesn't look whiter than my body?

Your question is one of the most important questions to ask in the fitness industry, because as competitors we don't stop to ask. We understand the illusion that we create by adding multiple layers of tanning solutions to our bodies and through additional tanning sessions to help accentuate our body definition. While we spend great amounts of time prepping our bodies to look picture perfect we don't complete the process to include our facial areas. Tanning the face under tanning beds is not a healthy practice, as many already know. However, when using a self-tanning solutions also apply the solution to your face. When applying the solution to the face area, void the eyes area but make sure the self-tanner has a red base tone color not a blue base. I have noticed that many tanning products have a blue base, which makes the tan seem to have a green undertone and appear dull in color. You should stop added tanning solution to facial areas approximately one shade lighter then your final tan. Yes! You will appear much darker than you're use to. I can't emphasize enough how important it is to understand the approach we are taking here for ideal stage presentation. From distances, it is not going to look as unnatural as it will appear to you. What's more important? Making sure you match on stage or how you look before performing? When it comes to stage presentation, you want to make sure that not only does your facial tan come close to your overall body but that your facial skin doesn't become oily too. The next step is "Priming the Tan". This effect will help give your skin a smoother texture in appearance. I find that MAC Studio fix is a great product for this. While some people use this product as an everyday solution, it was designed to create the "Picture Perfect Face" for photos. When choosing foundation colors, make sure to select a color one shade darker than you normally are when you are at your final tan stage and one shade lighter than your final tan stage. This allows you to blend the colors to match your overall body color. Your skin may feel dry and chalky at this point; but by using a damp washcloth or a mist spray, to lightly pat or mist the face, you will resolve this problem. This allows the powder to set in and create a more natural texture. As a final touch after your remaining makeup is applied, I recommend applying a bronzer to the face and neck area. This helps the face appear vibrant and radiate when on stage. I recommend a bronzer from my line Shades of Monet Cosmetics "Faux Sun" in a pressed powder. We have four shades and they are all hypoallergenic, triple-milled to leave a light, velvety finish that looks real and never streaks. It can also be brushed on cheeks, neck, and shoulders leaving a sun-kissed radiance.

• Monet, if I want to make a cat’s eye with liner, what’s the tip on getting that look?

There are in fact two ways you can achieve this look, one way is more dramatic than the other. But it really depends on what you are trying to achieve with the over all look. The first way is less dramatic:

1. Line the eye with black eye pencil, on both your upper lid as well as the lower eye lid rims. Then smudge the black liner into the eyelash line
2. Use the sponge- tip applicator to help blend
3. Use a light frosted powder eye shadow and brush over the entire eye to soften the look
4. Add a light eye mascara to allow you to shape the eyelashes to the shape of the wing you drew outward.

The second way is more dramatic:

1. Line the eye with black eye pencil, on both your upper lid as well as the lower eye lid rims. Then smudge the black liner into the eyelash line
2. Use a sponge tip application to run black powder eye shadow under the entire eye, as well as over the top lid (As if using an eye-liner) again in an up and outward wing shape. Blend well.
3. With a sponge tip, add a gold shimmer eye shadow to the inner corner of the eyes and eyebrow bone. This will make the black softer, yet dramatic.
4. You will want to blend it in very well, but not take away from the wing effect.
5. Add a heavy layering of eye mascara to allow you to shape the eyelashes to the shape of the wing you drew outward.

Note: On the heavier look you can also add other colors that have a lot of shimmer. This is a dramatic look so don’t be afraid to play with it.

• My lips are always dried and chapped. Is there anything I can do to correct this problem?

First and foremost it is highly important to realize that drinking enough water on a daily basis is vital to the human body. If you can do nothing else but drink water, then you will at least be able to help hydrate your lips and body. One way women try to solve the problem of chapped and dried lips are by using lipsticks. Not all lipsticks are created equal. Many lipsticks contain high amounts of petroleum. The problem with this is that using lips sticks high in petroleum tends to dry out the lips from the inside out. This leads to chapping and breakage of the skin. Another ingredient to be wary of is Alkaline. If high levels of Alkaline are contained in your lipstick, this will also aid in drying out the lips from the inside out.

• I have tried over and over to create a smoky eye look, especially for the evening when I go to nightclubs. But I can never get the right look. Is there a technique to achieve this look?

You will need several different products to achieve this look which I have listed below. Now, these colors could vary depending on your own individual complexion. Using Shades of Monet Color System you will need:
Limestone
Blackened Jewel
These two iridescent, three- dimensional, finish colors will provide "layers" of matte and pearl pigments creating a unique fabric-like texture. You can use dry or apply water to a brut to make wet for a creamier, longer wearing application. And if looking for that retro flare, add "Powder Pigment Maroon" First, apply the Limestone to the eyebrow bone.
Secondly, (from your eyelashes to the crease) softly contour the Blackened Jewel color all around your eye. Key Note: The eyelids should be the heaviest in color. For a more retro flare add the Maroon Powder Pigment along the bottom lid of your eyelashes. These eye powders are formulated to adhere to the skins surface; building up coverage allowing you the capability to determine shade intensity.
Next, apply Shades of Monet Powder Liner, using the color "Coal". I recommend this product especially when trying to achieve the smoky look because the powder pencils give you the flexibility to smudge and shade the color as much as needed. Most pencils leave a hard line which doesn't allow you to blend the way you need to, to create that great smoky look.
For your final touch use the Shades of Monet "Mascara Supreme".
Apply black on both top and bottom of eyelashes. Make sure that you apply at least two coats, giving you a strong bold look.

• I am confused about the theory of concealer. Are they good to use and how do I know what concealer is best for me?

The purpose of a concealer is to help cover acne, cover dark areas around the eyes, and to help create the illusion of even coloring. To find the right concealer, look for a creamy texture found in tubes or sticks (Sticks will be easier to work with). The color to strive for when selecting the right concealer is more yellow based rather than white based. It should be one to two shades lighter than your complexion. The most important areas to conceal are under and around the eyes, along with the nose. Look for shadows and dark areas. Apply concealer as needed. Use enough to cover the selected areas then blend gently with your fingertips for even blending.

• When doing my make-up, I like to do my lips first. Is this correct or is there better way of doing it?

Often I am asked this question believe it or not. In this case the situation will vary depending on if you are wearing foundation or not. If you are wearing foundation, by applying the lipstick first you are limiting yourself the ability to actually apply your make up evenly; in hopes not to smear your lipstick. I would suggest applying your lipstick last as a final touch theory. This way you are able to see if your make-up has been applied evenly. After making any final adjustments you will give yourself the ability to see just how much lipstick you actually want to apply. Sometimes we tend to wear more than needed. By doing your lips last you have the ability to see if you are wearing your make up to compliment you or is your make-up actually wearing you?

• I heard that you can put your eyeliner from the edge of your eye to the middle of your pupil. Is that true? Also how do you apply eye shadow? Dark on the bottom or on top? I have heard both.

When dressing up your eyes the first step you want to take is determining what color eye shadow you are going to use. This will be determined by answering a few key questions. For example what color is your hair, skin tone and what look are you trying to achieve overall. Let's just say you are trying to achieve an everyday look and you have fair color hair with light skin. You may want to resort to the colors taupe, gray, or sable. Using a soft eye brush, apply the color or colors from the inside out. Do not rub your eye shadow with your fingertips in the attempt to blend and soften, just continue blending with your brush. After you have established the look you are trying to achieve you will want to apply your eyeliner. Deciding if you should wear the eye shadow dark on the bottom or on the top really depends on if you are trying to achieve a simple every day look or a more dramatic glamorous look. Eyeliner is used to help attract attention to the eyes. When using eyeliner though, I often see that it is applied on the inside rim of the eye. When doing this you run a high risk of possibly infecting your eye. It is easiest to apply the eyeliner from the outside of your eye to the center of your pupil. After applying, blend the color even so the actual eyeliner appears softer. Once the eyeliner is actually applied you will see a difference in the shape of your eye.

• I love to wear bronzer powders all the time. But the other day someone asked me "Why do you look orange? Do you spray tan?” The truth is I don't, but when I mentioned this to my girlfriends they said I do look orange all the time and they thought I knew this. How embarrassing! How do I get that bronze tan look without looking like I fell out of a bottle of tanning solution?

Here are some tips when trying to find the right bronzer for your face or body. One should realize first, when buying make-up in department stores the color is VERY deceiving at times. The stores are usually covered with florescent lights. This can ultimately change the pigment color of the shade that you are looking at. Not by much; but with some colors and depending on your skin complexion it can be by quite enough. This is why a lot of times people end up with more of an orange tint. Unfortunately, under the florescent lights it looks natural but outside you can see just how unnatural the tones really look. If you're a fitness competitor or someone who likes to tan once in a while, you will likely want to carry 2 different shades of bronzers. This is because your shades can vary from a lighter to a darker complexion. To help illuminate to much cosmetic build-up in your make-up drawer, I recommend the Shades of Monet "Mosaic Bronzer". This product is hypoallergenic with five harmonized hues in one mosaic powder. When blended together, they create single shades universally wearable for all skin types.