What is mineral makeup and which brands should you buy?
Although mineral makeup brands seem to be suddenly gaining in popularity, applying minerals to the skin is not a new concept. Using minerals for protective or cosmetic reasons may be traced back thousands of years, and cosmetics companies in particular have actively worked to incorporate minerals into their product offerings since the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Many people find the unique ingredients that are used to be especially beneficial to their overall appearance, and find the application process to be relatively simple. Whether you select products that are offered by the most prominent cosmetic companies or select products from newer brands that focus exclusively on mineral ingredients, you may be pleasantly surprised at how they look and feel on your skin.
Mineral Makeup Ingredients
The desire to provide cosmetics made from natural ingredients led to the use of minerals, and one of the first products available to consumers was a face powder marketed by Bare Escentuals. Other companies soon offered similar products, each with their own unique combination of mineral ingredients. The following ingredients, however, are routinely used regardless of the brand:
- Cornstarch
- Kaolin clay
- Sericite mica
- Talc
- Titanium dioxide
There are specific benefits that come from using these ingredients, and reviewing labels as you experiment with different brands will likely help you choose the most appropriate product. Cornstarch, which may also be listed as zea mays, provides texture while kaolin clay is excellent for absorbing excess oil. Sericite mica adds a translucent quality as well as an overall glow. Talc provides a necessary adhesive quality and also has moisturizing effects, while the addition of titanium dioxide provides lightness and sun protection.
Top Mineral Makeup Brands
Since the Colorscience cosmetic company was first associated with this form of makeup, many others have likewise offered quality products to consumers eager to find new and more natural ways to enhance their skin. As with cosmetics in general, there is no shortage of companies offering mineral products, and you may be inundated with free samples as a way to get you to try new cosmetic items. The top brands, however, include:
- Bare Minerals
- Colorscience
- Everyday Minerals
- Jane Iredale
- PUR Minerals
The Bare Minerals brand offered by Bare Escentuals is intended to provide a unique mix of skincare and makeup. Their products are typically free of binders, fillers, and preservatives, while still providing sun protection and a smooth natural looking coverage. With the Colorscience brand, the emphasis is on achieving a perfect color match, an even complexion, and without experiencing any irritation. As a leader in the mineral makeup arena, this groundbreaking brand also offers starter kits and products designed to safely remove mineral makeup as well.
Everyday Minerals is a natural and organic skincare and makeup line that includes products for the face and body. Body products include cleansing wipes, cleansing bars, and a variety of moisturizers, while the facial product line may be enhanced with blotting papers, sponges, and mixing bowls. You can also create custom kits, and Everyday Minerals ranks as one of the most affordable mineral makeup brands.
The Jane Iredale brand is formulated with pigments and minerals that will reportedly cover virtually any skin problem without clogging, enlarging, or irritating your pores. The products are free of oils, perfumes, and artificial dyes, with a special emphasis on being nourishing for anyone suffering from a variety of sensitive skin issues. While you may find less expensive products, this line offers a wide variety of long lasting products that will enhance your entire face safely and effectively.
PUR Minerals offers vibrant palettes, and their pressed powders are especially noteworthy for providing beautiful coverage without creasing, fading, or smudging. While some first time users report finding this makeup a bit heavy, adjusting and practicing with applications usually alleviates this problem. If loose formulas are not to your liking, you may find this brand to be ideal.
Additional Considerations
Of the larger makeup brands, you may find suitable choices from Avon, Cover Girl, Mary Kay and Maybelline. Regardless of the brand you select, however, it is important to understand how to apply your mineral products. Unlike liquid makeup which is usually rubbed onto to the face, mineral makeup needs to be applied with a fluffy brush while making small circular motions. You can still select the coverage level that is right for you, and experimenting with different brush applicators may help you achieve the look you prefer. Once you experience how mineral makeup brands can safely and beautifully cover your skin, you may find these products to be your wisest cosmetic investments.