Does Mineral Makeup Live Up To The excitement?

I’m sure everyone has heard of mineral makeup but if you haven’t tried any yet, you may want to give one a try. 

Is mineral makeup any different from other kinds of makeup?

The right mineral makeup can in fact be very beneficial for your skin. Using minerals for the skin has actually been around for centuries.. Way before there were chemicals and man-made coloring, women used natural products and pigments from Mother Nature to enhance their skin and exentuate their facial features. 

Why all of the excitement over mineral makeup and foundations?  Are there any benefits to using minerals rather than conventional makeup?

It’s not all excitement because there really are benefits to using natural minerals. The key advantage of minerals is that they lack the many chemicals and preservatives most other makeups contain. Instead of chemicals, mineral makeup is made up of natural, sterilized minerals that are pulverized until very fine and then natural colorings are added.

Because minerals lack the many chemicals of other foundations, they let the skin to breathe and are less likely to clog pores and set off acne. Chemicals can be problematic for many people who have allergic reactions or sensitivities that can bring about redness, inflammation and exacerbate acne and rosacea.

Foundation makeup often includes chemicals and/or oils that help the makeup go on smoothly for a natural look; unfortunately these chemicals can also clog pores and encourage bacteria growth that causes acne. Those will oily skin often find that liquid or cream foundations make their facial skin even oilier and shinier. Women with oily skin also find these kinds of makeup do not last for a long time on their skin.

Mineral Makeup can offer many advantages to oily skin, acne prone skin, rosacea or very sensitive skin.

In addition to not containing man-made chemicals, many brands of mineral makeup now have ingredients that are good for your skin. Most minerals provide natural protection from the sun and they can also be applied over sunscreen for additional protection.  Many mineral cosmetics include zinc and magnesium which are natural anti-inflammatories and help calm irritated, red skin. Antioxidants, vitamins and other anti-aging ingredients are also included in many mineral makeup varieties.

Mineral makeup can be found in liquid forms, but the more popular powder varieties are helpful for women who have oily skin. Powder will appear less shiny on oily skin and with a portable applicator brush you can apply more as desired while on the go.

The natural looking coverage and health glow and two reasons many women love minerals. Many women like the way the hide discoloration and fine varieties while giving the face a more radiant and healthy appearance.
Mineral makeup is also nice because it lasts much longer than many liquid foundations. You may be surprised to discover minerals can last up to 8 hours even while at the pool or beach because they are naturally water resistant.  Athletes and career women don’t have to spend their day worrying about their makeup fading, smudging or streaking.

What drawbacks are there to mineral makeup?

Your color options are more limited because minerals only use natural pigments. Women who have dark complexions may have more difficulty finding the right shade for their skin tone.

Even though mineral makeup does not contain the many different chemicals of most other types of makeup, they may still have some ingredients that can cause irritation in sensitive people.  Everyone reacts in a different way to things and some women have had an allergic reaction to certain ingredients common in many mineral varieties. Bismuth oxychoride and mica are the two ingredients that seem to trigger a problem for sensitive individuals. Some have found their skin becomes red and itchy, especially in hot climates. While for the most part people don’t have difficulty with these ingredients, some do so it’s good to be aware of.

It can be messy to apply loose powder foundation, especially when you are traveling. To prevent the mess, you can get one of the new portable application brushes that make it easy to carry and apply minerals anywhere. You may want to save your loose powders for home use only.

Give mineral makeup a try if you are looking for another option other than makeup filled with chemicals and preservatives.