Mineral makeup is extremely common today with TV ads and varieties in every store. If you haven’t tried it yet, you may be pleasantly surprised. 

Is Mineral Makeup Really much better for your skin?

It’s true, the correct mineral makeup can actually perfect your skin. Using natural minerals on skin for health and good looks has actually been popular since early times.. Long before modern makeup, women were using natural pigments and substances from the Earth to beautify their skin. 

Does all the hype over mineral makeup mean it actually is better?  What are the advantages and disadvantages of this kind of makeup?

It’s not all hype as mineral makeup can actually be good for your skin. The main benefit of minerals is that they lack the many chemicals and preservatives most other makeups contain. Instead mineral makeup is made from natural, sterilized minerals that are ground very fine and then mixed with natural colorings.

Because minerals lack the many chemicals of other foundations, they let the skin to breathe and are not as likely to clog pores and trigger acne. Many people also have allergic reactions and sensitivities to added chemical ingredients which can produce many problems from redness and irritation to rosacea and cystic acne.

Foundation makeup often includes chemicals and/or oils that help the makeup go on smoothly for a natural look; unfortunately these chemicals can also clog pores and create bacteria growth that causes acne. Anyone with very oily skin and acne prone skin should avoid liquid and cream foundations that have moisturizers and other ingredients that clog pores and make their skin even oilier. These makeup products also tend to not wear very well on oily skin.

While all women can benefit from natural mineral makeup, it is particularly helpful for those with rosacea, acne, sensitive or extremely oily skin.

Today you can find many mineral makeup varieties that also have ingredients that actually support your skin. Most minerals have natural protection from ultraviolet rays from the sum and they can also be used over sunscreen for added protection.  Many mineral cosmetics include zinc and magnesium which are natural anti-inflammatories and help calm irritated, red skin. Antioxidants, vitamins and other anti-aging ingredients are also included in many mineral makeup lines.

Mineral makeup frequently comes as a powder foundation, but if you prefer you can find some in liquid form; however, those with oily skin should probably stick to the powder. Powder will look less shiny on oily skin and with a portable applicator brush you can apply more as required while on the go.

Another advantage to minerals in the natural looking coverage and healthy glow they produce on your skin. Many women love the way the cover discoloration and fine brands while giving the face a more radiant and healthy appearance.
A great thing about mineral makeup is that it lasts much longer than many other types of makeup. Because minerals are naturally resistant to water, they can last as much as eight hours even while at the beach or pool.  For working women it’s great to not have to be concerned about your makeup smudging or streaking during the day.

Are there any drawbacks to using mineral makeup?

Using natural pigments limits your options of colors. This can make it more difficult for those with dark complexions to find a color that matches their skin tone.

While mineral makeup does not have the long list of chemicals of other makeup varieties, there may still contain ingredients that can be a problem for some people.  Everyone reacts differently to things and some women have had an allergic reaction to certain ingredients common in many mineral brands. Bismuth oxychoride and mica are the two ingredients that seem to cause a problem for sensitive individuals. Some people have experienced their skin becoming red and itchy, particularly in hot weather.

Loose powder makeup can be a little messy to apply and not easy for travel. Fortunately there are now brush applicators with the powder foundation inside which are wonderful for travel and quite a bit less messy to apply. You can keep your loose powder foundation for using at home..

If you are looking for a natural substitute to chemical filled foundations, then you certainly should give mineral makeup a try.

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