What is Mineral Makeup?
Mineral makeup has never been more innovative, creative, and sought-after, and for good reason. Minerals such as iron oxide, mica, zinc, and titanium oxide are micronized into a super-fine consistency, and this is then combined with pigment. Different products micronize to different levels. A product micronized to six times leaves minerals larger, so they go on the skin with light to medium coverage. Products micronized 12 times create fine-sized particles that sit closer together and offer more coverage.
Mineral makeups have recently been marketed as a new, healthier makeup choice with many advantages over traditional makeup. It is free from skin-clogging artificial ingredients, looks better on the skin, and improves overall complexion. Mineral makeup does have many benefits, ranging from comfort, versatility, and staying power.
How Does Mineral Makeup Work?
Mineral makeup works by binding to oils that are naturally present on the skin. Because it binds to the oils on the surface of the skin, it does not penetrate deeper into the skin, potentially clogging pores and exasperating existing skin conditions such as acne. When it binds to the oils, it becomes much more resilient and will stay on the skin even if it comes into contact with water. The powder formulation allows the product to be evenly blended into the skin without looking cakey or flaky.
Contribution by Shawna Rocha
Shawna Rocha is the owner of Awaken Day Spa in California and Washington. She quickly developed a love for helping clients with compromised and sensitive skin and constantly strives to gain additional knowledge and education. Since becoming an esthetician, she has completed multiple advanced courses in Oncology Esthetics, Immuno-Esthetics, and has specialized training in sensitive skin and holistic therapies. Shawna holds several certifications, including a NCEA certification, and has recently become the Director of Education for Hale and Hush Skincare. Shawna won two awards in the Skin Games 2018 (People’s Choice & Acne/Problematic Skin) and became a judge for two categories in 2019. Shawna’s current passion is writing blogs and articles regarding the skincare industry and has recently become a Dermascope Ambassador. She is truly loved by her clients and colleagues and her passion for the industry is apparent in all that she does
What is NOT in Mineral Makeup?
What distinguishes mineral makeup from most traditional makeup is what is left out rather than what is added. There aren’t any perfumes, talc, alcohols, preservatives, emulsifiers, parabens, dyes, oils, waxes, preservatives, synthetic fragrances, or bulking agents that are used by conventional makeup brands. These purposely omitted ingredients are possible skin irritants and can cause or exacerbate a variety of skin conditions. Mineral products are usually preservative-free, and since they have a very low odor, they are often also fragrance-free. That also eliminates any skin allergies or irritations to fragrances.
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Why Mineral Makeup Is Great For Sensitive Skin
Mineral makeup is for everyone! However, people with sensitive skin can be more prone to itching, dryness, stinging or burning sensations, bumps, or hives when using improper skincare products or makeup. The ingredients found in mineral makeup does not occlude the skin and it provides anti-inflammatory properties that aid problematic skin. Anyone who has experienced allergies to makeup in the past should also give mineral makeup a try.
Mineral makeup is also an ideal choice for people suffering from acne because it will not cause additional breakouts because it doesn’t contain oils. It is also great for those with eczema and rosacea and may even decrease reactions and can soothe the skin. It is also less likely to cause a reaction in women that are pregnant or breastfeeding. Lastly, mineral makeup is also a great choice for those who do not like to replace their makeup often, as it has a much longer shelf life than its liquid counterparts.
9 Benefits of Mineral Makeup For Sensitive Skin
Long Shelf Life. It does not harbor bacteria, making its shelf life much longer than that of other makeup varieties.
Contains Healthy Ingredients. Gentle ingredients promote healthy skin and there is less chance of irritation. Effective ingredients help heal, soothe, and protect the skin.
Very Versatile. Versatile pigments can be used wet or dry for lip color, blush, highlighter, eye shadow, eyeliner, and body shimmer. Coverage is buildable from lighter to heavier, so it can be worn sheer for an everyday look or add more for special events.
Long Lasting. Long-lasting mixtures bind to the oils of the skin and are water-resistant. It looks fresh throughout the day and is great for all activities.
Non-Comedogenic. Mineral makeup won’t clog pores. Mineral makeup doesn’t contain talc, which stays on the skin’s surface, sinking into pores. Therefore, mineral makeup could be a good option if one suffers from enlarged pores or breakouts.
Built In SPF. Several of the minerals in the makeup are natural UV blockers (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) making it an effective sunscreen as well as makeup. Zinc oxide is a great skin healer but can also prevent burning, signs of photo-aging, and irritation. These ingredients create a barrier between the skin, elements, and free radicals too.
Ideal for Sensitive Skin. These formulations often exclude the naughty ingredients which may cause reactions and irritations in sensitive and sensitized skin types.
It Stays Put. Due to its lack of oils and waxes, mineral makeup doesn’t slide off the skin as regular makeup does. Mineral makeups are long-lasting on the skin and rarely need touch-ups throughout the day.
Safe for The Skin. Using mineral makeup eliminates the circle of covering unhealthy and problematic skin. People wear makeup to feel beautiful and confident, but heavy formulas can cause skin problems, such as breakouts and irritation. This leaves us in a vicious cycle of using more makeup to cover up skin concerns, never giving our skin a chance to be healthy. Mineral makeup contains natural skin-improving ingredients.
