Mineral Makeup Tips

Perhaps like myself you have seen the mineral make-up commercials. I must admit that I was a skeptic at first, but at the drugstore one day I found a kit that included everything I needed to sample it - on clearance. With the financial investment lowered considerably, I decided that I had to see if it worked as well as everyone claimed.

Mineral makeup was actually created in the mid-1970’s before it became the new fashion trend. It is made up of natural minerals from the earth, fine ground up. There are not any dyes or chemical that you find in other makeup.

This new trend in cosmetics takes us back to the essentials. Gone are the days of caked on makeup, and back in is the natural look. Mineral makeup is a powder, cream or liquid developed with pure minerals instead of fillers. The type that I tried was the powder, which is simply applied with a quality brush. I simply dab it into the powder and dab it on all over. I was amazed at the difference in coverage that I got with just a little bit of powder.

Since mineral makeup is so fine, it is easy to overdo. Once you have learned the right amount, you will not want the gunky feel of traditional makeup anymore. Since this makeup is weightless, you will not even feel like you have anything on.

Once I saw for myself how great mineral makeup worked, I decided to do a little bit of research so I could tell my friends what it was. I had a couple of friends that I knew would love it. Here are some of the things I learned may help you decide if mineral makeup is right for you.

If your skin is sensitive, mineral makeup is the best type of makeup you can find. Even if you battle acne or discoloration from rosacea, mineral makeup has a much lower incidence of skin reactions. This is because the ingredients are inert and don’t contain harmful by-products.

Mineral makeup is wonderful for covering up imperfections. With the layering effect of mineral cosmetics, you can continue to apply thin layers until you achieve the look you want. It will cover up age and sun spots seamlessly.

Women from other ethic groups are also finding colors that blend much better with their skin tones. This is giving women a much wider range of choices in skin care products.

Mineral makeup will also give your skin a “glow”. By simply using mineral powder in place of foundation I have noticed that my skin looks better before I start my morning regime. Without the other chemicals found in my old foundation, I don’t battle the acne and blemishes, which actually gives me less to cover up.

Other women have reported smoother, healthier and better looking skin even without the makeup.

How does this work? Some critics of mineral makeup claim that it is the same thing redesigned for a new marketing plan. Most makeups contain the same minerals, such as mica, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. The difference with mineral makeup is that is usually doesn’t include the traditional irritants such as fragrance, dyes and binders. This makes it gentler for the skin.

Another benefit of mineral makeup is sun protection. While it’s still best to use sunscreen first, Bare Minerals actually has approval as a sunscreen from the Skin Cancer foundation. This works because of the high content found in mineral makeup of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

Now that you have decided to try mineral makeup, there’s a few simple steps to remember when applying this makeup.

First, cleanse your face. Beauty experts advise that you never sleep in makeup, not even the breathable mineral makeup. Cleaning your face with a mild cleanser will give you a good canvas to begin with.

Once you have your face clean, apply a good moisturizer. This is important for your skin’s overall health. Let it soak in before applying your foundation.

Mineral foundation is different than traditional powder. Make sure to tap off the excess powder, then use gentle, circular motions to apply. Start at the center, and work towards the outside. “Buff” with the brush to make sure you get even application. Apply thin layers until you get the look you want.

To clean, mineral makeup cleans off easily with regular makeup remover or a cleanser.

Mineral makeup is available in a wide range of prices, starting at about $10 up to $50 or more. Find samples to help you find the right color and brand for your skin. Some cosmetic brands have representatives that can help you find the right product.

It doesn’t end with the foundation. You can wear mineral blush, bronzers and eye makeup to get the pure, clean look for every part of your face.

I love the fresh, natural look. At age 35, I get mistaken for my twenties all the time. I will never go back to the old fashioned makeup. I’m so glad I stumbled across that clearance rack - now it’s worth the price, no matter how much the tag says.