mineral make up

mineral make up

Mineral Make-up: What’s all the fuss?

Mineral make-up has been touted as ‘the next big thing’ and

it seems it’s living up to the hype with mass-market brands

jumping on the bandwagon and transforming it from a boutique

buy to mainstream must-have.

So, what is it exactly?

Mineral make-up comprises crushed minerals like mica, zinc

oxide, titanium dioxide and iron oxides. The formulations are

hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic

(free from heavy, pore-clogging fillers) and don’t include potential

irritants such as fragrance, oil, chemical dyes, silicones, and in

some cases talc. They also contain a high content of titanium dioxide

and zinc oxide, two natural sunscreens, commonly found in

traditional suncreams.

Mineral foundation works well across most skin types making it a

popular choice when it comes to foundation. It’s perfect for skins

that are starting to show the first signs of ageing as it nourishes the

skin as well as providing a diffused finish.

It also suits the most sensitive of skins – including acne and rosacea

sufferers and post-operative skin (mineral make-up is often used

after non-invasive procedures such as laser hair removal or

microdermabrasion to conceal redness and avoid additional irritation)

– as it doesn’t contain any harsh or irritating properties that can cause

further aggravation.

With so many mineral foundations on the market, it’s easy to get

confused and think that they’re all the same, however mineral

make-up formulas generally fall into two distinct categories: those

that refrain from using any form of parabens

(best for those suffering from acne, rosacea or sensitive skin) and

those that use some form of synthetic fillers, colours, binders and

preservatives in their formulas.

Additionally, some sources say that there is one ingredient to be

aware of if you suffer from severe acne and sensitive skin. It’s

bismuth oxycholoride. This is a pearlising agent that is very

common in both traditional and some mineral foundations; it’s what

gives mineral make-up its silky feel and good adhesive qualities,

however the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) cite it as a

“potential irritant” when it comes into contact with the skin so

those with severe acne and sensitive skin may want to opt for

a bismuth oxycholoride-free foundation.

Mineral foundations are one of the easiest products to apply,

another key selling point, which makes them great for first time

or novice foundation users. Simply buff the product into the

skin in circular motions until you get the desired coverage.

The more you buff, the more polished the finish will be.

The finish is lightweight, flawless and can easily be built

upon to achieve additional coverage in any areas that are

uneven or you think need a little more help.