Silica War Ensues...

In the world of cosmetics, a war is being fought over...silica.

Why is this?

Well, it all starts with Makeup Forever's HD powder. It is 100% silica in the form of finely ground microspheres. This powder comes at a high price: about 30 dollars for .35 oz.  Though pricey, many have taken the plunge in exchange for the high-quality finish the powder provides.

The plot thickens when you bring Coastal Scents into the picture. As many of you may know, Coastal Scents is a website that sells eyeshadow pigments, palettes of many sorts, gel liners...and myriad other items at very low prices. They are best known for their 88 Shimmer Palette, which offers 88 different, highly-pigmented eyeshadows. Word began to spread when it was discovered that Coastal Scents was selling an entire ounce of silica for 4 dollars.

What what what?

Yep. Four dollars for more than double the amount that Makeup Forever was offering for their 100% Silica finishing powder.

So of course, word spread like fire throughout the internet community about how nobody should buy Makeup Forever's HD powder. The tide seemed in the favor of Coastal Scents until a youtube video about the dangers of silica was posted by a concerned youtuber.

The video warns of the possibilty of contracting silicosis by prolonged exposure to undiluted silica. This caused a huge eruption of fear and anger by those who had rushed to buy the Coastal Scents silica powder. However, the video, if you view it, is unclear about the difference between the safety of Makeup Forever's HD powder.

In response, Coastal Scents responded with a post on their website, about the safety of using undiluted silica. The professed that their product was FDA approved and that it could be used on the skin directly. Also, many blog and vloggers responded with outraged posts about the ignorance of this one youtuber. Here is some counter information: http://mollyloretta.com/wordpress/2009/02/silica-in-cosmetics/

Just when I thought the war was over, the original youtuber, ericaleigh777, posted yet another video about the silica powder. This was done in response to personal attacks aimed toward her after having posted her first video.

So...what do you think? I remain unconvinced in either direction. I'm still wondering why Makeup Forever's HD powder sells for so much more, if it really is 100% silica... and I can't see why they would lie. Is the Coastal Scents product not ground as finely? I guess I'm going to have to wait and see how this plays out. It totally sucks though; I was planning on purchasing the CS silica powder before this battle erupted.