Mineral Make Up: Outside of the Hype, What's in it for You?

Mineral make up is the hottest trend in cosmetics and beauty to surface in the last 20 years. It's as if a deep dark secret has been revealed and for many, this is true. Loose powder, kabuki brushes, and creativity combine and women take pride in saying "I blended it myself"! When you get past the excitement, what do you really have? What's in it for you?

This is an instance where less really is more. All make up is made using the same basic minerals. Mica, iron oxides, and cosmetic clays were ingredients of make up centuries before beauty became industrialized. With industrialization came the addition of ingredients that stretched product to save money in mass production and created bigger profit margins for commerce, but led to less than ideal results for women at the cosmetics counter. Mineral make up uses just those minerals that actually make a difference to the user's appearance.

More Color
The hues found in oxides are bright and almost overpowering, meaning less product is used to alter the appearance of the skin. Blending several oxides with mica tempers the color's shade and, in some cases, creates sparkle or glow. A mineral make up line can be said to be all natural if it uses only these colors. There are make up lines that are mineral in their presentation, but use artificial or synthetic dyes. The presence of these will be reflected on the labeling so read carefully and choose wisely. Also, watch for Bismuth Oxychloride. Some of us are very sensitive to its presence. You can choose to omit this substance through either choosing a different manufacturer or ordering your minerals with that substance omitted. Less filler, more color.

Less Packaging
Your mineral make up is in a shaker top jar, unless it is a cream to powder blend. It is loose, not packed, which means there are no substances used to keep the powder pressed into its packaging. Less complexity here means more flexibility in use. Loose powder is easily blended to adjust the shade of a foundation, eye shadow, or blush. Run out of your favorite colors? Order a refill, and fill your jar with your personal blend!

The shaker top jar is a plus for women with sensitive skin. Did you know that most make up is pressed into packaging that contains nickel? For those with a nickel allergy, a make up brush making contact with the metal in a container can transfer almost microscopic bits to the face. An allergic reaction might take months to heal. Less metal, more security.

More Options
Buying your basic set of colors, based on your skin tone, means that you have more options in proportions that might seem minute to others. These same set of colors blended to create your perfect foundation shade can be changed to suit personal variations in your tone, without completely changing the undertone. Add a little more red to create more drama or, for women of color, to reflect getting a little sun. Change proportions to compensate for the time of month. Add cornstarch, serecite, or kaolin clay to deal with sudden oiliness. The possibilities are almost endless. More options, less frustration.

What's in it for you?
Mass produced shades and blends can work for many people, but everyone comes to the realization that only the woman who wears the make up can determine what works best for her. After years of being dictated to, women are turning to some simple basics and getting what they want and need. They are flying their colors at the end of a make up brush. Just join up any time!