Mineral Cosmetics

By: heath

Mineral makeup gets back to basics, using naturally occurring, safe minerals that are ground to a fine powder and used as the makeup base.  Developed in the mid-1970's in reaction to the unsavory ingredients major makeup manufacturers started using, mineral cosmetics  are now everywhere you look, even at your local drug store! Though sometime they can be pricier, the results can be better for your skin and the makeup offers a nicer, longer-lasting look in the end.

Benefits

 Minerals are a fantastic choice for various reasons and they have some benefits over regular makeup .

• Gentle on Skin: Mineral makeup is often better for sensitive skin as the lack of harsh ingredients will make it far less likely to cause rashes or acne. It also won't clog your pores like some heavier makeups do.
• A Little Goes a Long Way: Less is more in the world of mineral makeup, so you'll find that a container lasts longer than the synthetic  equivalent. Because the powder is loose, it spreads easily over the face.
• Versatile: One pot of pigment can be used for multiple applications. Say you pick up this gorgeous golden  color for eyeshadow to wow your date tonight.  With the right brushes , you can apply that same color as blush, eyeliner, and even lipstick. It's also easy to mix and create your own blends. Mineral makeup is perfect for gals who like to think outside the box and get really creative with their colors.
• Specific to Skin Types: No two faces are made exactly the same: we all have different problems, whether we break out a lot or have dry, flaky areas we want to take care of. Fortunately, there are different kinds of makeup for different skin types.
• Dry/Mature Skin : Mineral-based ingredients give dry and mature skin a youthful glow.
• Sensitive : No harsh chemicals mean that those with sensitive skin get the freedom to apply makeup without having to worry about reactions or irritation.
• Oily : All natural ingredients keep your pores clear and skin blemish-free.

Commonly Used Ingredients

Listed below are the most common ingredients found in mineral-based cosmetics.  Please note that although many attest to the benefits of mineral makeup, the FDA has not yet reviewed any of these statements or claims.

• Titanium dioxide: Natural sunscreen.
• Zinc Oxide: Natural sunscreen and anti-inflammatory.
• Kaolin Clay: Absorbs fat from skin, refines pores, and prevents break-outs.
• Serecite: Reflects light, thus reducing the appearance of pores and wrinkles.

Popular Products

Loose Mineral Powder Foundation  Foundation is an excellent start for getting into this type of makeup. Applying other kinds of minerals can be tricky, but foundation is easy with the right brush. A little goes a very long way.	Mineral Blush  Mineral blush looks darker in the container than when applied, so keep this in mind when buying. Pink and peach  shades work for light skin, rose  and coral for medium skin, and wine or berry  for dark skin.	Mineral Eye Shadow  Mineral eyeshadow provides super coverage and is long lasting. Here's a tip: cover the eyelid with an eyeshadow primer  and it'll keep the shadow from creasing.	Mineral Lipstick  Loose pigment pots can be used as lipstick, but if that seems like too much to handle you can get it in a normal stick form. Bonus: these are less drying than other formulas.	Mineral Makeup Pencils  Pencils offer easy application, and there's no need to use a brush. They can also be used for eyeliner, lipliner, lipstick, and eyeshadow.

Brushes

Full Coverage Kabuki Brushes   Kabuki brushes are natural and soft, and they spread mineral makeup the best. Full coverage brushes are best for applying multiple layers; they offer medium to full coverage.	Light Coverage Face Brushes  If you like the idea of foundation but hate looking cakey, a light coverage brush is perfect. It has a smaller, more rounded tip that will give you a more precise application.	Flat Top Buffer Brushes   Flat top brushes are used to buff makeup, making it blend better and covering blemishes  easily. They work well with foundations and concealers, too.	Concealer Brushes  Concealer brushes are smaller in order to give the control needed to cover specific areas, like scars, acne , or blemishes.	Brush Sets  If you don't know how to start, a set can be an easy way to get everything all at once. It can also be more affordable than buying separately.

Application Tips

So you've got your set of brushes and some awesome makeup, but where do you even begin? Here's some basic application help for different types of mineral makeup. Note: before applying, make sure you clean and moisturize your face.

• Foundation: Pour a small amount of powder into the lid of the container, and then dip your kabuki brush into the powder. Tap off any excess. When you apply to the face , buff the makeup on in small circular motions, starting from the outside in, towards the cheeks and nose. If the coverage isn't enough, repeat the process to add another layer.
• Concealer: Tapping the makeup over a blemish works well: this corrects problem areas but doesn't highlight the fact that you're wearing makeup. To cover under the eyes, gently sweep from one end to another.
• Blush: Apply just a small bit on the apples of your cheeks, then buff into the skin. Blush should appear natural and not sit on top of the skin. If you think you've put too much on you can easily blend in some more foundation; this will tone down the color.
• Eyeshadow: Take an eyeshadow brush and gently dab the shadow on to your eyelids. The key is dabbing, not sweeping, or you'll get streaks. Contour brushes  are great for emphasizing the crease with a different color.
• Eyeliner: You will need an angled shadow brush to get the fine line of eyeliner. Take whichever color you are looking to use and add a drop of water to it to create a darker paste. Start from the outside of the eye and work your way to the inner corner.
• Mascara: Mascara  is a fairly easy thing to apply--it will look just the same as the mascaras that you're already used to.  Just be aware that mineral mascara tends to give light coverage, so to get dramatic lashes, you'll want to add an extra coat or two.
• Lipstick: If you are applying with a loose powder, again you can add a bit of water to make the color darker and thicker, but this depends on the look you're going for. Use a lip brush to sweep the color on from one side to the other gently to give a soft, natural look. If you are looking to cover up certain areas, apply makeup to the tip of the brush and stipple (dab using short, quick strokes) the makeup onto the blemish.

Related Products

Makeup Bag  For the girl on the go, even if you're just making an overnight trip. You need a makeup bag to keep everything in one place.	Vanity Mirror  Vanity mirrors are perfect for applying makeup when you're at home.	Makeup Organizer  Keep everything straight and accessible with a makeup organizer that you can leave on a desk or dresser.	Facial Moisturizer  To prep your skin before applying mineral makeup, it's always good to moisturize so the powders don't clump.	Makeup Remover  At the end of the night, you need to get all that makeup off quickly and easily. Makeup remover will work far more effectively than just soap and water.

Related Guides

• Makeup Books Guide
• Makeup Mirrors Guide
• Makeup Tools Guide
• Makeup Removers Guide