Everything You Need to Know About Mineral Makeup

Are you a Mineral Makeup convert?

In the last ten years it’s been the makeup everyone is talking about. The latest and greatest in makeup.

Many big brands have jumped on the mineral bandwagon, releasing their own mineral makeup range, with many charging top dollar for it.

So let’s discuss!

How is Mineral Makeup different to regular makeup?

Mineral Makeup is made up of mineral powders, oxides, micas and sometimes fillers. Conventional makeup also contains these ingredients, with more fillers, liquids, oils and preservatives thrown in.

Many commercial preservatives, such as parabens are considered by many to be irritating to the skin and even cancer causing.

As mineral makeup consists of dry ingredients only, no preservatives are required. (Pathogens need moisture to survive)

Is Mineral Makeup completely natural?

Um, no.

Imagine this: oxides, micas and minerals are dug up from a mine, mashed up, mixed together, packaged up and sent off to market.

No. Our Mineral ingredients, like everything, go through processes to render them safe for use on the skin. Do these processes produce a 100% natural product? No. A commercially available, 100% natural product? It’s in the same aisle as the unicorns and dodo birds.

But what about the ingredients that DON’T go into mineral makeup, which you will find in conventional makeup?

Parabens, mineral oil (a by product of petroleum), alcohol, fragrances are all common irritants, and are in many cosmetic and skin care products.

I know what I’d rather put on my skin!

With no oils or common irritants, mineral makeup can be perfect for acne prone skin or eczema prone people who can’t wear conventional makeup. Zinc (in most mineral makeup) can be calming on irritated skin – it’s in many nappy rash creams for this reason and provides a natural barrier to the sun.

Does Mineral Makeup contain Sunscreen?

Mineral Makeup generally contains Titanium Dioxide and Zinc, common sunscreen ingredients. Does this mean we can stop wearing sunscreen? I don’t think so. The amount of Sun Protection would depend on the amount of these ingredients in the product, and application – how much and how often.

While mineral makeup alone does provide some SPF, I still recommend a moisturiser with a sunscreen, and the mineral makeup for extra protection.

What about Wearability?

Mineral makeup wears as well as, if not better than conventional makeup – like any makeup, how long it will last depends on your skin.

As far as shelf life goes, with no liquids to feed the nasties, the shelf life of mineral makeup is indefinite.

Application

Quick and easy, although a little different being in the form of a loose powder. For Mineral Foundation, use a kabuki brush and apply in a circular motion starting at the jawline, building up coverage as you go, depending if you want a light or deeper coverage.

With fewer common irritants, easy application and a natural finish, you can’t go wrong with mineral makeup.

No matter what product you are using, always check your ingredients label. Get to know what is in the products you are putting on your skin. If you experience irritation, eliminate ingredients until you find the culprit(s)