Not long ago, there were only a couple of mineral make-up ranges on the market. Now on deciding to buy a product, it is easy to become inundated with different items which are all labeled mineral make-up. There is a significant difference in the ingredients of some of these products and it is worth shopping around and tying different alternatives before making a purchase.
Why Buy Mineral Make-up?
- Mineral make-up which is 95%-100% mineral is sold as having advantages for the skin: it is a fairly clean type of make-up which does not contain many preservatives, dyes or cheap fillers. This means that it is less likely to dry skin, block pores, cause reactions or generally interfere with the skin. Most of the minerals used are inert meaning that they do not react to things. So the make-up will has less effect on the skin.
- By nature, mineral make-up feels light and so is perfect for anyone not wishing for a heavy, full-coverage feeling. It also usually looks fairly natural and mineral foundation can be built up to give higher coverage on small areas often eliminating the need for concealer; this depends on the brand purchased.
- Other ingredients can include a natural sunscreen as well as nutrients for the skin.
- Mineral make-up by nature usually has a radiant, sheeny finish.
- Mineral powder make-up has the convenience of a powder whilst being suitable for dry skins. A good quality mineral powder will not contain talc which can look chalky.
- The radiant glow plus extra coverage given by mineral foundation makes it ideal to layer over another light product such as tinted moisturiser. This can create a photographic make-up finish without a caked feel and is therefore ideal for bridal make-up.
The Products Available:
Try products out on the skin as mineral make-up has a range of different finishes. Shop around to get one which is right and ask about the correct application method as this will help to get the finish right on the skin.
- There are a few professional brands which were made with television work in mind. These have a heavy coverage and are suitable for a more made-up look or for professional work.
- Some brands, especially the originals, are very light reflective and made of a chunky, shiny powder. These look fabulous on smooth skin but can show up open pores, oily or wrinkled skin.
- Laura Mericer makes a good all-purpose range for those looking for an every day make-up which is also suitable for photographs.
- Mineral products on the market include foundation, highlighter, bronzer, blusher and eyeshadow. So for sensitive skins it is possible to build up a whole make-up bag of products.
Important when Purchasing:
When something becomes really popular key words can be seen everywhere. Many products containing minerals are now on the market but most are still based around the usual ingredients like talc, silicone, mineral oil and other things which hamper the advantages discussed above.
Buying mineral make-up is now a little bit like looking for a pure fruit drink in the supermarket; one has to read the ingredients rather than relying on suggestive names or pictures of fruit. If the reason for the purchase is to get the benefits of a mineral based product, shop around to find one which does not contain petroleum by-products, parabens or talc.
