Mineral Makeup

What Is Mineral Makeup?

Mineral Makeup is a type of cosmetic cover-up that is made of completely natural minerals. Minerals such as zinc, iron oxides, ultramarine, titanium oxide, bismuth oxychloride and mica are all finely ground into a powder that is gently dusted onto the face with a makeup brush. Using the brush to work the makeup over all surfaces, you can achieve an even, natural looking layer of complimentary color that enhances your appearance and gives your skin a healthy glow due to the reflective quality of some of the mineral compositions such as mica.

Advantages Over Conventional Makeup

Bacterial Content

Mineral makeup is naturally very dry, being a loose powder. Most conventional makeup is either in liquid form or uses some kind of bonding agent to hold the compact together. You may have noted that most commercial cosmetics have an expiration date because they will build up bacteria after a short time due to their moisture content, which bacteria need to survive. In turn, you may have to throw these cosmetics away even if you haven't fully used the whole container. Not very penny wise, is it?

Because it's completely dry, makeup created from pure minerals does not support bacterial growth, so it's safe for long term use.

Humidity

Conventional makeup doesn't have much staying power in the best of circumstances. As it already has some moisture content, normal makeup isn't able to absorb very much excess facial oil or sweat. Add in humid conditions, and regular makeup just seems to melt away, leaving you with creases, shine and a lack of a healthy coloration.

Mineral makeup has the ability to weather humid conditions and stay put on your face for the entire day, so you always look great.

Skin Condition

Conventional cosmetics like liquid foundations can clog your pores, even some that claim to be non-comedogenic. Many also contain alpha hydroxy, and other chemical components designed to remove the outermost layer of skin in an effort to make you appear younger. Some people are very sensitive to these anti-ageing products, finding their skin becomes dry and inflamed. Artificial fragrances, and preservatives can also cause allergic reactions for some people.

Mineral makeup is actually nourishing for your skin, helping to block harmful UV rays, and giving you great coverage without the inflammatory effects of conventional cosmetics. Since only pure minerals and non-organic pigments are used, you shouldn't experience pore clogging in most cases. Many users notice a dramatic improvement in the quality of their skin within a short time of using mineral makeup.

How to Apply Mineral Makeup

Follow this technique and your makeup should look terrific.

Step One: Prime

Prepare your face by washing with a gentle moisturizing cleanser. You may apply an extra moisturizer if you need it, but note that you will wind up with a heavier layer of mineral base, which you may or may not like. Simply experiment with the amount of coverage you'd like until you discover the perfect combination.

Step Two: Foundation

Pour a small amount of mineral foundation powder into the container's lid, and swirl your makeup brush around in it. Now give the brush a tap on the edge of the container to remove any excess powder and begin brushing the minerals onto your face. Work from your T-zone outward, swirling the brush into all creases until you've achieved a nice even coverage that you're pleased with.

Step Three: Blush

With a container of blush mineral powder in your chosen shade, use the same technique to load the brush and begin lightly dusting your cheeks, being sure to follow your natural bone structure. You can also apply a very light dusting to enhance other areas of your face, such as the chin, forehead and nose. Be sure to go very light in these areas to give just the slightest hint of a warm glow, or else you could wind up looking like a clown.

Step Four: Eye Shadow

The general rule of thumb for eye shadow is use three complimentary shades that look best with your skin coloring.

• Apply the lightest shade just under your brow line.
• Apply the medium shade to your main eyelid and use your finger to blend where the two colors meet.
• Apply the deepest color in the natural crease line of your lids to accentuate the depth, then blend lightly with your fingers to soften the line.
• Use a small brow brush to apply a little mineral mascara powder to your lashes and brows if needed to finish the look.

By now, you should look fantastic and ready to face the day or evening.

Is It Worth the Price?

Bargain brands of makeup may cost a lot less, but they usually use an inferior grade of ingredients. Mineral makeup runs in the same price range as high end cosmetics, and since you don't have to worry about an expiration rate, they may actually be a better value for your dollar. The only way to know for sure is to try a small introductory kit and see if this type of cosmetics works best for you.

External Links

Supernatural makeup, photo courtesy of Philosophy

There are many brands of mineral based cosmetics, but these have drawn the most attention.

• Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics.
• bareMinerals from Bare Escentuals Cosmetics. If you've seen an infomercial, this is probably the one.
• Monave Cosmetics and Skin Care.
• Strata Cosmetics
• Sephora, THE place to purchase quality cosmetics.
• 10001 10001 -1 23506 Y Philosophy Supernatural mineral makeup
• Alima Cosmetics.