Mardi Gras Inspired Skincare

Mardi Gras is a holiday popular around the world, celebrated perhaps most famously in New Orleans. Marking the beginning of Lent, a period of reflection and repentance, many celebrate with large parades and displays in vibrant shades. The colors purple, green, and gold symbolize justice, faith, and power respectively. Consider adding these colors to your beauty routine and laissez les bons temps rouler!

Purple

•  Acai berries are a dark purple color due to the presence of plant compounds called anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are produced as the fruit reaches ripeness and have an antioxidant effect when absorbed into the body, fighting free radical and environmental damage.

Green

• Kaolin clay is a mineral-rich type of clay that changes colors based on the nutrients it contains. The green color comes from the presence of residual plant matter and iron.  Even in trace amounts these factors can add a wealth of nutrition to your skin.

Gold

• Mica is a by-product of the sheet mica industry and is an extremely fine powder made of crushed or ground minerals. Just like Kaolin clay, mica powder can come in a variety of colors depending on what it contains. For this reason you will find it in a many everyday products from cement to makeup! In the natural beauty industry you will often find it as an ingredient because it is sustainable and adds a gentle shimmer.

No matter where you are in the world you can take inspiration from the celebratory spirit of Mardi Gras! Whether celebrating from a Christian perspective or not, this time of year invites us to appreciate what we have and contemplate how we can improve ourselves in the coming season. If you’re not taking advantage of these powerhouse pigments in your skincare routine already, take some time to adore yourself in New Orleans fashion!