Why is Mineral Makeup Different than Traditional?
Posted: Wednesday, September 06, 2006
by Cory Willins
From mall makeovers to infomercials, mineral makeup is the newest craze among the cosmetic conscious, but is it really that different from traditional products? How do the various brands differ? How do you know which one is best for you? Let’s take a look at some of the mineral basics.
The white color and crystalline structure of micronized titanium dioxide are prefect for reflecting potentially damaging sunlight. Joined with micronized zinc oxide, it blocks out most UVA and UBA rays, making both great ingredients for sunscreens.
Iron oxide is responsible for the hue of cosmetics. It naturally occurs in various shades of red, orange and yellow that are blended into flesh tones for foundations. Silk mica and hydrated silica are basically softeners. Silk Mica gives the makeup a softer, smoother texture on your skin, and the silica makes it less dusty and messy. Other ingredients may be added for their vitamin content or for their extra skin-softening and complexion-toning properties.
Mineral makeup can counteract a host of familiar challenges. People prone to allergies or with sensitive skin will find mineral makeup contains no irritating dyes or perfumes. They do not use talc and other fillers that can be harmful to the skin. The acne-prone will find mineral makeup is organic, hypoallergenic and oil free; it will not clog pores like some conventional cosmetics.
Traditional foundations tend to go on like a mask. Mineral makeup can be easily layered for options between sheer and full coverage. Achieve light coverage by moving the brush across the face in small circles at a consistent speed. For heavier coverage, apply the makeup with a damp brush or sponge, much the same way you’d put on liquid foundation. The consistency of mineral makeup allows it to give full coverage without resulting in an over-done or cake-like look.
Until now, mineral makeup has almost exclusively available to high-end department store shoppers and specialty cosmetics shops. However, a few manufacturers have decided to cater to those with more modest budgets. Upscale brands cost as much as $25, but mineral products from Neutrogena and Physician’s Formula can be found in most supermarkets and drugstores for $9 to $12.
Some brands market themselves as being the better choice for a specific skin type. For instance, Mineralogie says their product is best option for naturally oily skin because it doesn’t contain the minerals that give other brands their shimmer. As with most things, it comes down to a matter of personal taste.
Cory Willins writes for Essentua, a comprehensive cosmetics website including information on types of mineral makeup, blush, eye products, face foundation, cosmetics forums and reviews.
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