The Truth Behind Mineral Makeup

Today, more and more women are looking for natural solutions when it comes to their health and beauty. We have come to realize that not everything we use is actually beneficial and some things may also be harmful. With the search for natural products, mineral makeup has become more popular than ever. This type of makeup is not so much about what it contains, but what is left out. Mineral makeup usually does not contain any preservatives, mineral oil, dyes, parabens or fragrances which generally irritate the skin and are often found in traditional makeup.

The Hype With Mineral Makeup

Mineral makeup has been around for decades, though it is really gaining in popularity these last few years. It is designed to be a natural makeup that is not irritating to the skin and won’t clog the pores as it sits on the surface of the skin rather than being absorbed. It also does not contain any oils so it shouldn’t cause breakouts in those who are prone to them. Mineral makeup contains minerals that have been ground and milled into tiny particles which create the makeup. These minerals consist of iron oxides, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide. While mineral makeup will not replace anti-aging creams and moisturizers, or even sunscreen, they do offer certain benefits for the skin.

Mineral Makeup Benefits

As mineral makeup contains fewer ingredients than traditional makeup, it is less likely to cause skin irritation. Minerals such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide offer sun protection while zinc oxide also has anti-inflammatory properties. The sun protection qualities of mineral makeup mean you will have some sun protection while you go about your day. However, if you plan on spending the whole day out in the sun, you will still need to apply a sunscreen to your face. Zinc oxide is an ingredient that is commonly found in diaper rash cream thanks to its ability to help soothe irritated skin, and so in makeup, it will offer some skin benefits too.

The Rise In Popularity

No longer is mineral makeup just in the form of loose powder. You can now buy mineral makeup with a blush, eyeshadow, bronzer, or even liquid and compact powder foundations. The irony is, with the increase in popularity of mineral makeup, more and more manufacturers are adding back the ingredients that make mineral makeup different to traditional makeup. To cut costs, more brands are including fillers into their formulas so you may only get a product that is 50-60% minerals. Some brands are also adding other skincare ingredients to their products such as anti-aging and hydrating ingredients. These ingredients generally need combining agents which may or may not be natural. So you are starting to get products that are no longer so pure and are more likely to lead to skin sensitivities which are what made this niche of makeup different.

Love It Or Hate It

Opinions seem to be split on whether mineral makeup is actually the best choice. Not all minerals are created equally, and some should even be avoided. Some minerals such as bismuth, which is what gives makeup its pearly finish, may cause problems for those with sensitive skin. Any product that contains some minerals can be marketed as a mineral makeup, but that doesn’t make it much different from traditional makeup if it contains the same preservatives and parabens. So when it comes to choosing the best makeup for your skin type, reading labels is of the utmost importance. Mineral makeup does not need preservatives, so if it does contain them, best give it a skip.