Mineral Makeup FAQ

What is the difference between mineral makeup and regular makeup?

There is a world of difference! Mineral makeup is actually beneficial to the skin as opposed to the chemical, preservative, fragrance and dye filled liquid foundations and the drying powder foundations found in the market today. For the most part, mineral makeup will contain antioxidants, antimicrobial agents and sunscreens. Many of the minerals are anti-inflammatory, non-comedogenic, and are less irritating than regular makeup ingredients. Mineral makeup should not contain any binders, talc, or fillers, which have high instances of irritation. Always check the ingredients of a product before you purchase.

Loose mineral makeup tends to be much more versatile. Loose minerals can be added to nail polish, lotions, hair gel, body spray, hair spray and many other products. Likewise, blush can be used as eye shadow and eye shadow can often be used as eye liner (wet or dry). Because the makeup is composed of inert minerals, the loose powders do not support bacteria growth. This fact also makes mineral makeup ideal to use when covering redness associated with peels, laser treatments, rosacea and acne.

What kind of coverage does mineral makeup offer?

Essentially, you determine the level of coverage that you prefer. Mineral makeup is now regularly offered in three different forms: liquid, loose, and pressed minerals. Depending on the type of product you are using, and the method of application you select, you can create everything from a very light natural look to the most dense, heavy coverage (useful for corrective makeup, paramedical applications and difficult skin problems). Colorescience, GloMinerals and Jane Iredale are three of the mineral makeup lines offering foundations in liquid/crème form as well as powder form.

I have heard that you need to “set” mineral makeup. What does that mean and how do I do it?

Setting your makeup is highly recommended when using the mineral powders, not only to increase the staying power of the makeup, but also to even out the application for a more natural look. Apply everything prior to and including your foundation (some people may use color correctors or highlighters underneath their foundations). Heavier water, such as D2O Hydration Spritz by Jane Iredale or Colorescience Face Fresheners- Be Still, should be spritzed directly onto the face. Using a patting and pressing motion press the minerals into the skin firmly with your hands and pause for a few seconds with each press. This heats the minerals, allowing them to ‘melt’ into the skin creating a less powdery look.

Are there any special application techniques for applying mineral makeup?

How you apply the makeup will depend on the type of mineral makeup you are using, as well as the coverage desired.

Typically, you would use a makeup sponge applicator for the liquid minerals, a brush applicator for the loose, and a flocked sponge for the pressed minerals. For brush applications, a larger brush with a tapered head like the Powder Blush from GloMinerals will provide great coverage and control. For heavy concealing, a brush like Jane Iredale Camouflage Brush is ideal. With loose minerals, you may need to ‘buff’ the product into the skin. Most mineral foundations should come with directions for application with the best results.

Products like Colorescience FaceColore Foundation with Brush actually dispense the minerals out of the applicator brush, making application quick and traveling with the product less messy.

My face and neck are two different colors. How do I choose a foundation shade?

This is a matter of personal preference. Most makeup artists will usually tell you to match the face to the neck to create an even skin tone. However, some women do not have the time to apply corrective makeup and like to match the color of their face for a more natural look. You may wish to try both and seek the opinions of friends and family members as to which application looks best on you.

If you do have the time, corrective makeup can be miraculous. Using a yellow-based product, such as Colorescience Face Colore Corrector Brush in Yellow Rose of Texas works wonders when trying to tone down a flushed (or ruddy) neck or face before applying your foundation.

What is the difference between liquid, loose and pressed minerals?

The main difference is the amount of coverage that the products offer and the finish they provide.

Coverage

Pressed powders usually offer the densest coverage, followed by liquid or crème minerals and finally loose powder minerals. However, pay attention to the brand line that you are purchasing. Some brands, like Jane Iredale, offer the densest coverage with a liquid, then the loose powder, with the sheerest coverage resulting from using the pressed powders.

Finish

Within the powder minerals, the loose powders will give a more dewy finish, while the pressed powders result in a matte finish.

Additionally, skin type and age will also play a role in selecting the best type of mineral for you. Matte finishes are usually ageing, but work well for teenagers and younger adults who tend to have shine by the afternoon. Those with combination or oily skin will tend to prefer a matte finish and therefore usually use a pressed powder such as Jane Iredale Pressed Foundation. Dry skin types may prefer the additional moisturization provided by liquid or crème minerals as with Colorescience Sunforgettable F.A.C.E. Liquid Foundation.

Do I need to wear a finishing powder over my foundation?

It is recommended that a finishing powder is used after applying the foundation to soften the look of the makeup. It can also be very helpful in controlling shine for those with combination/oily skin types. There are many types of finishing powders available. Some reduce shine, add a slight tint, and can be applied underneath the foundation or over it, like Colorescience Face Colore Finishing Brush in Sheerly Irresistible. There are many excellent finishing powders available without the extra tint, such as GloMinerals gloMatte Finishing Powder.

Finishing powders can also be reapplied throughout the day to continually reduce shine and refresh your appearance without going through your entire makeup routine again.

Does mineral makeup have an SPF?

Most mineral makeup contains titanium dioxide and zinc, which are natural sunscreens. Although the product may contain sunscreen agents, it does not necessarily mean that the product has received an SPF rating from the FDA. If the product has attained an SPF rating, it should be noted on the actual packaging.

There is also a newer product available from Colorescience called Sunforgettable All Clear SPF 30. This innovative sunscreen powder contains no pigment, only titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. The future of sunscreen may lie in minerals as there is significantly less irritation than associated with certain chemical sunscreens.

I have dry skin. Won’t a powder makeup accentuate pores and fine lines?

Traditional powder makeup products usually contain talc, which contributes to drying or irritating the skin. Mineral makeup, however, should not contain talc. Please check the ingredient listing before you purchase, however. It is always recommended that you use your normal moisturizer before applying makeup. Let the moisturizer absorb into your skin for 10 minutes or so before applying minerals.

Another easy solution for prepping dry skin for mineral makeup is a mineral makeup base designed to grab onto the minerals as well as hydrating and smoothing the skin and filling in lines, such as Colorescience Line Tamer.

I have heard that mica powder is an irritant. Is this true?

Mica is an inert organic mineral and is not known to have a history of irritation. However, it is always possible for a person to be sensitive to any ingredient.

I have rosacea. Is it okay for me to use a mineral makeup?

For individuals dealing with rosacea, mineral makeup is an excellent option. Because the products contain no talc, binders or fillers, and the ingredients are inert minerals, there is a much less chance of irritation from mineral makeup. Not only is it less irritating than department store makeup lines, but it also covers rosacea better than a regular makeup.

Does mineral makeup work well on oily or acneic skin?

Mineral makeup works wonderfully on oily and acneic skin types. For excessively oily skin, try using an oil-absorbing translucent powder underneath the foundation, like Jane Iredale Pure Matte or Colorescience Face Colore Finishing Brush in Invisibly Matte

There are also other products that literally block and absorb the facial oil before it gets to the surface of the makeup. Jane Iredale Absence is a primer that’s excellent for those with excessively oily skin.

Can I use the minerals in any other ways?

Yes! Most of the mineral makeup lines are interchangeable within the product type and even within different brand lines. For instance, you can use a product like Colorescience Genie Matte Bottle in Bombshell as an eye shadow base, a powder concealer, and a cream concealer when mixed with another product like the Colorescience Turn the Tides Blemish Serum.

Some fun ideas include using loose mineral eye shadows on the lips (those not containing FD&C dyes), adding them to nail polish or mixed it in with hair gel to streak the hair. For a nice sparkle you can add products like GloMinerals gloDust 24K in Bronze to a handful of body lotion, mix in the palm of your hand, and then apply to the body.

Can I sleep while still wearing mineral makeup?

Absolutely. Because the makeup is light and airy, you may forget you have it on! Although it is always recommended that you cleanse the face each day and night, it certainly won’t hurt your skin to sleep a night wearing mineral makeup. In fact, mineral makeups have anti-inflammatory properties, as well as being non-comedogenic (non pore-clogging), anti-microbial (any of the mineral makeups containing zinc oxide), so they are actually good for your skin, and may help reduce blemishes overnight.

Will the makeup stay on even if I sweat?

Yes! Not only that, but certain brand lines have been tested as “Very Water Resistant” by the FDA, meaning that you can sweat, shower and swim with the makeup (and sun protection) remaining. You may also wish to refresh your makeup throughout the day, or rejuvenate yourself after a flight with a heavy water spritz like Jane Iredale D20 Hydration Spritz. The theory is the same, after swimming or spraying, do not rub your face, blot or press your face with your hands or a towel and the makeup will last all day!