Here's a brief report on an item that's been attracting (sorry, couldn't resist) the attention of cosmetic companies: the humble magnet. Magnets are already used in fairly basic ways for cosmetics – many brands offer customizable palettes and you can easily DIY your own storage board. And who could forget the great magnetic nail polish craze of 2011-2012, a fad Lancôme pioneered a few years prior? But in the past year or so beauty is going next level with the use of magnets in makeup and skincare.
In 2015 SK-II introduced their Magnetic Eye Wand, which, when used in conjunction with their Stempower Eye Cream, "induces a micro-electromagnetic field that further enhances the absorption of ingredients into the skin." It's a similar concept to Clarisonic's Opal eye brush, except it uses magnetic force instead of a special brush to increase absorption. I have no idea whether it's actually more effective than just using one's finger to apply, but it's certainly novel. SK-II might really be onto something, as a slew of facial masks continued the harnessing of magnetic technology this year. These masks all work the same in that they contain iron particles that can only be removed with a magnet. They look like a lot of fun, and there is at least some scientific validity to their efficacy: "The process of applying the magnet over the mask creates a low-grade electromagnetic current, which may help rejuvenate the skin while the mask is removed," notes Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York.
Magnets also made their way to makeup in 2016. Pur Minerals introduced their Fully Charged mascara, which contains an "evolutionary positively charged matrix that attracts to each individual lash to strengthen, thicken, lengthen and separate for unparalleled performance." A few months later, a company called One Two Cosmetics devised the first magnetic false lashes – no fussing with glue! And more recently, MAC dreamed up a magnetized loose eye shadow that not only retains its shape in its container, thereby making it impossible to spill, but also cling to your lids like a cream shadow. Finally, Armani has their newly released Lip Magnet liquid lipsticks, which, while they don't actually contain magnetized particles, the fact that Armani chose to include "magnet" in the product name is telling.
- One Two magnetic false lashes
- Milky Dress Black Luster Mask
- Seacret M4 Magnetic Mud Mask
- Armani Lip Magnet liquid lipstick
- Dr. Brandt Magnetight Age Defier Mask
- MAC Spellbinder Eyeshadow
- Pur Cosmetics Fully Charged Mascara
- Lancer Younger Revealing Mask
What do you think? Have you tried any of these? I own one of MAC's Spellbinder shadows but have yet to try it on my lids (I did dip my finger into the pot and to my amazement it really did stay the same shape!)