* Base Fillers (1-3 ingredients): These create the bulk of the product and help with application and blendability. Examples include talc, mica, kaolin clay, or zinc stearate.
* Binders (1-2 ingredients): These help hold the powder together and prevent it from crumbling. Examples include mineral oil, dimethicone, or zinc stearate.
* Pigments (1-5 ingredients): These provide the color. They can be inorganic pigments (like iron oxides, ultramarines, and titanium dioxide) or organic dyes. The specific number of pigments will vary depending on how complex the shade is.
* Pearls and Special Effect Pigments (0-2 ingredients): These add shimmer, sparkle, or other special effects. Examples include mica coated with titanium dioxide or iron oxides, or synthetic fluorphlogopite.
* Preservatives (0-1 ingredients): To prevent microbial growth, preservatives like phenoxyethanol or parabens may be added.
* Texturizers (0-1 ingredients): These can improve the feel of the shadow. Examples include nylon-12 or silica.
So, a very simple eyeshadow might have only mica (filler), pigment, and binder, while a more complex formula with shimmer and long-lasting properties could have more ingredients.