Yet they are translucent enough not to be seen. Talc is resistant to acids, bases, and heat and tends to repel water. In addition to eye shadows, talc is used in loose and pressed powders, blushes, is a filler in some deodorants, and is added to lotions and creams. Talc can also be found in chewing gum and pharmaceuticals. Mica, a mineral widely used in eye shadows, powder, lipstick, and nail polish, is added to give luster or pearlescence to a product.
Mica is resistant to ultraviolet light, heat, weather and chemical attack and adheres to the skin.
Like talc, it has excellent slip characteristics and may be used to replace talc in a makeup. When coated with iron oxide, mica flakes sparkle with a gold tint. Kaolin, a clay, is added to makeup to absorb moisture. It covers the skin well, will stay on the skin, and is resistant to oil. Kaolin and another clay, bentonite, are added to the earth-based face masks or packs predominately for their cleansing effects.