Mineral Makeup May Be Right for Your Skin

I hate it that I need makeup. I'm at that age (45) where I feel like I look better with a little bit of something on my face to even out my skin tone and make it look more refined. With all the hype around mineral makeup, I thought I would try it to see if I could get a polished look without having to load up on liquid makeup base.

I'm now a huge fan of mineral makeup. Here's why.

Mineral makeup lacks many of the dyes and fragrances that irritate my sensitive skin.

The anti-inflammatory properties of the titanium dioxide (used as a sunscreen) keep my skin calm.

Mineral makeup is non-comedogenic so I don't risk an acne flare up or clogged pores.

Mineral makeup goes on easily like powder. I don't have to worry about blending it in. It just looks natural. It also covers well - better than simply wearing powder alone. Applying mineral makeup does take some getting used to though. Mineral makeup goes on the skin differently from traditional makeup. It's important to use the right tool when you apply mineral makeup. A kabuki brush is ideal. It is shorter and denser than a regular powder brush. Use the brush to apply the makeup in sheer layers until you get the amount of coverage you want. You do not want to put one heavy layer on your face with your regular powder brush or you will look chalky rather than natural.

Mineral-based makeup works well with all skin types. My face tends to get oily in the hot months so the lighter, powdery texture of mineral-based makeup works well. In the winter, my face can get dry and that causes a problem with any makeup, not just mineral based. I have to moisturize in the winter regardless so I don't consider that a failing of the makeup.

While I love the smooth finish, I have heard that the very thing that makes mineral makeup so smooth may also be a cause for concern - microscopic mineral size. Some wonder if these particles are harmful if inhaled or if absorbed into the skin?

When selecting mineral makeup you can go pricey with a line like Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup (available at spas or online) or you can go less expensive. Pricey does not necessarily mean better. The key is how the makeup feels on your face, how you look, and the ingredients. When selecting a mineral foundation, make sure that the cosmetic company accurately states what the natural ingredients are. Mineral does not equal natural. Many brands can use the word "mineral" but still contain synthetics. When shopping for mineral makeup, be smart and check the labels. You'll want to avoid ingredients like these: paraben preservatives, bismuth, talc, chemical dyes (usually labeled as FD&C), or phthalate (an emulsion stabilizer that is cause for health concerns).

Mineral makeup may be a trend, but for me it is a good one and I recommend that you try mineral makeup base for yourself. Your skin may thank you.