Mineral makeup is often selected by Hollywood stars because of its versatility, coverage, and non-comedogenic properties. They wear a lot of makeup, for long periods of time, so choosing a product that will not clog pores is very important, especially when they trade on their looks. No wonder, then, that this particular type of makeup has grown in popularity over the years with other folk as well.
Ingredients of Mineral Makeup
The ingredients listed below play a role in the composition of mineral makeup.
Bismuth Oxychloride
This material adds a slight shine to mineral-based makeup. It is known for its translucent and adhesive properties, and fair absorbency but should be used in moderation as it may cause allergic reactions or irritation in some skin types.
Kaolin Clay
Kaolin clay is very absorbent and increases adhesion as well as oil absorption. This particular material is not good for dry skin types. Average coverage is provided by this mineral makeup ingredient. It has a creamy consistency.
Magnesium Stearate
This mineral is highly adhesive and it has average, matte coverage. This particular mineral improves adhesion in mineral makeup.
Micronized Titanium Dioxide
This particular mineral is translucent and offers UV protection. Though micronized titanium dioxide is more expensive, it offers amazing results.
Rice Starch
Rice starch is considered to be a skin soother and an emollient. This particular mineral makeup ingredient is translucent, with cohesive properties.
Sericite Mica
This particular mineral adds shine to the mineral makeup formulations. The mica has translucent qualities, with adhesion and fair absorbency. It is very silky to the touch.
Talc
Not all mineral makeups use it, but talc can preferred by some because it does not have a dehydrating effect. Kaolin clay tends to be more dehydrating than talc. Translucent and silky are the primary characteristics of talc.
Titanium Dioxide (White)
This mineral provides natural UV protection and is a high coverage mineral whitener.
Zea Mays
Zea mays is also known as corn starch. This mineral makeup ingredient has absorbent properties, silky texture and is translucent. It does not adhere to the skin very well. Zea mays should be combined with other minerals to increase cohesion. Kaolin clay is often used to increase cohesion.
Boron Nitride
This particular ingredient provides adhesive properties and anti-slip properties to mineral-based makeup. It also provides a light and silky texture. This ingredient achieves average coverage but the adhesive properties are high.
Not all mineral makeup contains all ingredients. Some have as few as four! (plus colours).
What makes mineral makeup different?
Mineral make up is lighter and provides more sheer coverage than other types of makeup. It does not clog pores. Regular makeup may provide a brighter and more intense coverage, which is often preferred for artistic effects in modelling shoots. On the downside, regular makeup may breed bacteria, clog pores, or promote allergies and acne.
A summary of the benefits of mineral makeup
Some of the reported benefits of mineral makeup include:
Brands of Mineral Makeup There are many brands of mineral makeup available in pharmacies, department stores and online. Some popular brands include:
Ingredients of Mineral Makeup
The ingredients listed below play a role in the composition of mineral makeup.
Bismuth Oxychloride
This material adds a slight shine to mineral-based makeup. It is known for its translucent and adhesive properties, and fair absorbency but should be used in moderation as it may cause allergic reactions or irritation in some skin types.
Kaolin Clay
Kaolin clay is very absorbent and increases adhesion as well as oil absorption. This particular material is not good for dry skin types. Average coverage is provided by this mineral makeup ingredient. It has a creamy consistency.
Magnesium Stearate
This mineral is highly adhesive and it has average, matte coverage. This particular mineral improves adhesion in mineral makeup.
Micronized Titanium Dioxide
This particular mineral is translucent and offers UV protection. Though micronized titanium dioxide is more expensive, it offers amazing results.
Rice Starch
Rice starch is considered to be a skin soother and an emollient. This particular mineral makeup ingredient is translucent, with cohesive properties.
Sericite Mica
This particular mineral adds shine to the mineral makeup formulations. The mica has translucent qualities, with adhesion and fair absorbency. It is very silky to the touch.
Talc
Not all mineral makeups use it, but talc can preferred by some because it does not have a dehydrating effect. Kaolin clay tends to be more dehydrating than talc. Translucent and silky are the primary characteristics of talc.
Titanium Dioxide (White)
This mineral provides natural UV protection and is a high coverage mineral whitener.
Zea Mays
Zea mays is also known as corn starch. This mineral makeup ingredient has absorbent properties, silky texture and is translucent. It does not adhere to the skin very well. Zea mays should be combined with other minerals to increase cohesion. Kaolin clay is often used to increase cohesion.
Boron Nitride
This particular ingredient provides adhesive properties and anti-slip properties to mineral-based makeup. It also provides a light and silky texture. This ingredient achieves average coverage but the adhesive properties are high.
Not all mineral makeup contains all ingredients. Some have as few as four! (plus colours).
What makes mineral makeup different?
Mineral make up is lighter and provides more sheer coverage than other types of makeup. It does not clog pores. Regular makeup may provide a brighter and more intense coverage, which is often preferred for artistic effects in modelling shoots. On the downside, regular makeup may breed bacteria, clog pores, or promote allergies and acne.
A summary of the benefits of mineral makeup
Some of the reported benefits of mineral makeup include:
- Mineral makeup is non-comedogenic (will not clog pores)
- can provide UVB and UVA protection from the sun (check the package)
- Minimal allergy risks (beware Bismuth Oxychloride, however)
- Some healing properties
- Generally anti-inflammatory, calms the skin
- Provides good coverage
- Water resistant
- Minerals do not allow bacteria to thrive
- Lasts longer than other makeup, because less is needed
Brands of Mineral Makeup There are many brands of mineral makeup available in pharmacies, department stores and online. Some popular brands include:
- Jane Iredale
- PUR Minerals
- Bare Escentuals
- Sheer Cover Mineral Makeup
- GloMinerals Minerals Makeup
- Avon Mineral Makeup
- Mary Kay Mineral Makeup
- Philosophy Mineral Makeup
- Colourscience Mineral Makeup
- Everyday Minerals