What is Mineral Makeup?

Mineral makeup’s roots are ancient, as many cultures throughout mankind’s history have used naturally “colored earth” to beautify the skin. Today, however, the concept of utilizing minerals' benefits in makeup has been popularized by such companies as Jane Iredale, GloMinerals, Colorescience and, most recently, Mineral Essence

The advantages of mineral makeup over standard commercial makeup are numerous.

For one, mineral makeup doesn’t contain the unnecessary and potentially harmful ingredients found in many commercial brands, such as preservatives, talc, synthetic chemicals and various fillers. Rather, it is crafted from naturally occurring, finely crushed minerals such as titanium dioxide, mica powder and iron oxides. Instead of artificial dyes, the colors in mineral makeup are crafted from pure iron oxides, which also act as a “heat absorbing” ingredient. Heat or infrared radiation from the sun can damage your skin, causing it to look saggy, leathery and wrinkled. However, iron oxides are earth’s natural non-chemical sunscreen ingredients and can protect your skin from aging and cancer-causing UVA and UVB rays.

Dermatologists often recommend mineral makeup because they know that titanium dioxide and zinc oxide provide excellent sun protection and, combined with the iron oxides, have naturally anti-inflammatory benefits too. This is why mineral makeup is ideal for those with acne or rosacea prone skin, post-surgical/post-chemical peel skin, or those with any inflammatory skin conditions. Mineral makeup doesn’t support bacteria well, so it is less easily contaminated than commercial brands and its innate gentleness works well for those with skin allergies or problems such as eczema, extra sensitive, or irritated skin.

Beyond the healthier benefits, and from a purely aesthetic view, the face of beauty has changed immensely over the years. In years past, foundations and powders were often layered on to hide women’s self-perceived flaws and imperfections. Today, however, the look is much more natural and expressive. Mineral Makeup generally gives better coverage than its commercial counterparts, yet appears more like “real skin.” The light reflective minerals minimize the appearance of fine lines without covering them up.

With so many benefits, the rising popularity of mineral makeup is easy to understand. Millions of women have discovered that their cosmetics can work with their skin…not against it.