Mineral Makeup Basics
by Debra Myers
Today’s women are savvy and educated. Today’s women are inundated with information. How on earth can we ladies figure out which of the 150+ brands of mineral makeup to try or buy? Simply, read on….
To understand mineral makeup I think it’s important to have a basic understand on non-mineral makeup. Most (not all) make up powders and foundations are formulated with talc. While talc is an ingredient that absorbs moisture, it’s also an ingredient that clogs the pores.
The simple fact is talc is inexpensive and easy to use in formulations in addition to various other chemicals. Talc can provide us the “matte” effect in oil-free makeup as well as that “powdery feel” that we’ve been conditioned to expect out our luxury brands of makeup. As an esthetician I do not like talc. It clogs the pores, and I’ve seen over the years pore size become larger with its use. Something all women deplore.
Along came minerals. I first remember the infomercials…you know the soft light and gorgeous skin of celebrities and models. I was so skeptical. I started dabbling in all different types of mineral makeups, mainly because I was drawn to the “throw your sun-screen out the window” appeal. Wow, a makeup or powder that protected skin from the sun? Please, in my professional opinion that wasn’t possible. Oh my goodness, was I wrong!
The basic premise is that mineral makeup comes from actual minerals. It is a finely ground powder so small that it doesn’t clog pores yet has the light reflective properties of various metal ores and iron oxide. They are usually allergen-free and contain no chemical dyes, added preservatives, fillers, perfumes, or oils. They amazingly also contains sunscreens such as Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. Both of these sunscreens provide broad spectrum sun protection which I highly recommend.
It really doesn’t matter if you spend $4 or $40 dollars on mineral makeup. You really can’t mess up with mineral makeup. I’ve tried every type from Physicians Formula ® from the corner drugstore to Jane Iredale ® from make up pros and everything in between. They all have the same basic characteristics. You want to avoid parabens and the other known harmful chemicals in skin care and makeup, but, other than that, anything goes. They are so simple to use that newbie’s and pros alike can have fun with them.
Look for your favorite color palette and price, and, then, go ahead, try it, buy it and love it. Summer is the perfect time to dive in!