Diane Ranger is a specialist in cosmetic chemistry research and development, and single-handedly created the concept of mineral makeup. At the time, it was a radical break from traditional makeup, because, for the first time, women learned about the benefits of healthy makeup that is derived naturally from the Earth.

In 1976, shortly after receiving a master’s degree from the University of Houston, Ranger founded Bare Escentuals, spearheading the growth of the specialty body care business. Her stores expanded nationally and turned the retail spa industry on its ear. But in 1990, she left Bare Escentuals to concentrate on her passion for mineral-makeup product development.

Ranger turned her original loose-mineral concept into Colorescience, an array of cutting-edge mineral-based formulas that are sunblock-rated up to SPF 30. Unique and innovative packaging, amusing product names, and exclusive marketing are trademarks of the Colorescience line, the most researched and tested mineral makeup on the market.

Ranger explains that she relied on three qualities in her journey through the different phases of her business esperience: vision, drive, and tenacity. “I learned early on that if I could think it, I could do it.”

I have recently noticed the mineral makeup trend in the medical profession. What is this is all about?

We consider it a movement, not a trend. As skin care treatments and procedures become more advanced and more invasive, the need for camouflage and sun protection has dramatically in­creased. Traditional makeup is heavy and cannot be layered to cover the way micronized mineral makeup does.

More importantly, traditional makeup ingredients and organic sunscreens can actually exacerbate skin problems such as redness, acne, and skin cancer. Micronized minerals can be used to hide redness from peels, burns, and waxing. Minerals can camouflage the blue color from bruising and dark circles, and brown and white from hyper- and hypopigmentation.

At the same time, the incredibly simple ingredients in mineral makeup provide a physical barrier and highly water-resistant sun protection, with SPF ratings from 15 to 30. Mineral makeup is the easiest and most effective way to block the sun’s rays.

Why are Colorescience micronized minerals becoming acknowledged as the best choice for the medical profession?

Colorescience is different from other mineral makeup lines in many ways. Because I developed the concept in 1977 and have seen many formulas evolve, I can determine whether they are authentic mineral makeup. Our products set the standard by which all other mineral lines are measured.

There is a big difference between product lines that contain minerals and lines that really are mineral makeup. With Colorescience, every product is good for your skin. In fact, every ingredient has a beneficial purpose so that looking good is good for your skin.

Mineral makeup is completely different from traditional makeup in almost every way, from ingredients to application to packaging. It is so different that education and customer service are essential. The makeup produces short-term results that are immediately visible, and long-term results that are felt and seen for years to come.

It seems that the media have fallen in love with your clear powder sun protection. How does it work?

Colorescience recently introduced Sun­forgettable SPF 30 clear powder sun protection to meet the demand for a colorless sun-protection product. The beauty of mineral protection is that it is instantaneous, eliminating the 20-minute waiting period that almost no one observes anyway. It is fast and easy to use. Men and children love it.

It is physical protection, does not absorb into the skin, and actually helps keep the skin cool. Traditional organic sunscreens can be sticky, make the skin hot, and burn the eyes. Powder is not only much more comfortable to wear, but its application and reapplication are easier. This increases the likelihood of people using the product.

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide protect against ultraviolet A, ultraviolet B, and infrared radiation helping to prevent skin cancers and skin aging. They are also beneficial for use after invasive skin procedures.