Did I find cheap mica?

Hi guys,

I don't use mica myself (and I'm not even entirely sure HOW it's used...), but I think I might've come upon an interesting discovery. I recently got into soap-making, and I get my supplies here. I've noticed that they also carry cosmetic-grade mica powders to colour soaps/cosmetics, but for much cheaper than on face painting sites! They carry iridescent micas, satin/pearl mica, and sparkle mica.

For example...
TAG mica powder = $6.90/15ml = .46 cents per ml
WSP sparkle mica powder = $11/59ml = .19 cents per ml

That's a big savings!!! And they do free shipping... so unless I'm missing something... maybe I'll have to buy some and try them out!

It looks like it. They appear to be similar in cost to CoastalScents.com. I have not ordered from them yet but I know lots of artists here have. Plus, CS offers a sample bag for $1-$$1.50.

Happy shopping!

I love the CS web site!

coastal scents has those sample bags and there is a lot there I bought about 12.00 of samples have done a dozen gigs and not much seems to be gone, love the interference blue over black face paint! Go look at my Sugar Skulls from Halloween week the blue over black is popping. I know which ones I'll replace and it was a great price to try out the colors.

That blue over black would be great on Batman masks.

D.

Can someone please post a pic demonstrating how they use mica powder? I probably shouldn't ask because if I like it, it's something else I'm likely to purchase... dear me.

trinkie wrote:Can someone please post a pic demonstrating how they use mica powder? I probably shouldn't ask because if I like it, it's something else I'm likely to purchase... dear me.

Hahah, I know how you feel. I just dropped a bunch of cash on mica this evening! So I'll let you know how my experiences go with it... But I believe the application is the same as glitter tattoos: prep skin with alcohol swipe, lay on adhesive stencil, put on skin-safe adhesive, then pat on the mica/glitter with a disposable applicator. Then remove the stencil, and gently brush away any stray mica/glitter.

If you search for "Mica tattoos" in google images, you can see how they look. They're very soft and shimmery... and apparently using a matte black mica mimics a real tattoo! Very cool!

And I believe you can also dust mica on top of face paint for a nice shimmery look.

I'm wondering if face painters ever make any money that they don't spend on face paint, glitter, kit, etc, etc? I know the suppliers are making money at least! Not sure I am though.

OK, so do you think the mica powder could be added to hair product (just like a pigment colour)? I've seen some fantastic temporary hair highlights and I've been thinking I might add these to my ever growing list of services.

There is a YouTube video on using pigments in different ways. It shows to mix them with gel or pomade for a temp hair color. I have my 1st order on the way from TKB trading. I cannot wait for it to get here so I can play!

Would love to see some pics, Misha! Please let us know how it turns out.

I also stumbled on to a youtube demo on pigments a few nights ago. The guy hosting was very creative! I thought to myself: there's money in this idea too, lol! Sounds like we are on the same track.

I can imagine the teenage girls getting into this one and thus expanding my client base when I offer it as an add on, as I plan to. Is anyone already offering this as an add-on service and if so, how has it been received?

More vibrant colours in a different way. Love it.
Still wondering if anyone thinks mica would make a good alternative/substitute for pigment?

Here's an update on my TKB trading order. I had a blast pressing the mica, lots of good fun for those of us who like to mess! I'm very happy with all the colors, some are def. more vibrant than others but I think everyone of them will get face time. The only one one I have any issues with is Diamond cluster (top row, 4th from left in the palette), It's texture is more of a flake than powder so it doesn't apply smoothly. I've decided to use it as a bit of sparkle just using my finger to apply like I would a glitter, being pressed makes it quick to use. I did have to re-press the red as I added too much pressing medium and I didn't like the texture it had. It was still wet when I took this pic so no example there. The sparkle along the top of my arm is the Diamond cluster, btw.

(please be kind to my tiger, it's my 1st and I HATE painting my self, no depth perception I guess!)


I send off an email to TKB asking for info on pressing oxide (matte) pigments. As soon as I get a reply I'm sure I'll place another order to make a matte palette also!