Benefits of Mineral Makeup

Popular brands will contain the following:

• Titanium Dioxide: White mineral with natural sunscreen and anti-inflammatory agents. It is highly reflective, only the diamond beats it. Therefore it used to diminish fine lines and skin discolorations.
• Zinc Oxide: Natural sunscreen which boasts UVA and UVB protection.
• Sericite: Colorless mineral which cuts the whiteness of titanium dioxide and also works as an oil absorber.
• Cornstarch/Rice Powder: Draws oil out of pours. Note: It is a source of food for bacteria so it can make acne prone skin worse.
• Kaolin Clay: Like most clays, this is a natural oil absorber.
• Mica: Natural shimmer.
• Iron Oxides: Opaque, used for tinting makeup.

Here are other ingredients you will want to avoid if possible since they are known to enhance and/or cause some problems.

• Talc/Other Powders: Fillers, may cause respiratory problems.
• FD&C Dyes: Taken from coal tar.
• Bismuth Oxycholoride: Skin irritant that causes itchiness, rashes and breakouts.
• Ferrid Ferrocyanide: May be toxic, controversy surrounds this mineral
• Carmine: Crushed beetles
• SPF and Other Natural Benefits

Crushed beetles aside, mineral makeup is in fact beneficial in more ways than one on most skin types. It is rare to find that it affects the wearer in a negative way. The fact that it is derived straight from the earth means that it is better for your skin right off the bat. And not only is it better for your skin but several commonly used minerals have natural SPF. This is not saying it can replace your daily SPF routine but it will significantly enhance it. Mineral makeup is generally fragrance and oil free which is fantastic for everyone’s skin no matter who you are.

It also boasts anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce redness, puffiness and other skin irritations. There are absolutely no preservatives since bacteria cannot thrive on minerals. This is also good news for your wallet because with no bacteria, there is no spoil factor so you can keep your makeup around as long as you would like.

Not only is mineral makeup healthy for your skin, it also has a look that is hard to replicate with other types of makeup. It gives a sheer coverage which let’s the wearers natural beauty shine through and gives skin a radiant, natural quality that is hard for other products to match. Coverage is also long lasting which is yet another quality that many other products cannot beat.

If you try a brand and aren't impressed, remember there are many more so keep browsing. Many drugstore cosmetic companies are hopping on the bandwagon with less expensive versions of more expensive brands. Read your labels and you'll be able to get a good deal.