Mineral makeup’s growing popularity has been counterbalanced by some of its shortcomings. While mineral makeup is definitely more natural and simple in its ingredients, it is messier to use and its high physical sunscreen content often causes the makeup to look thick, chalky and “kabuki-like” when worn. Some of the more well-known mineral brands, such as Bare Minerals, contain an ingredient that causes itchiness and irritation called bismuth oxychloride.Once you have knowledge on it, mineral makeup is not difficult to figure out. It’s basically a concentrated version of regular makeup without the emollients, waxes and filler ingredients. Here are some guidelines to follow if you’re venturing out to the world of mineral makeup.
** Read the ingredients and ALWAYS avoid bismuth oxychloride.
** If you still itch after avoiding bismuth oxychloride, you may be mica-sensitive. Contact me if you need recommendations. I'm always searching for mica-free minerals!
** Use minerals that are NOT “micronized” or “nano-particles”. While they’re not always advertised, these are to be avoided and a reputable brand should be able to provide this information. My top 3 brands of non-micronized minerals are Larenim Minerals (they make pressed minerals too!), Barefaced Minerals and DreamWorld Minerals.
** Avoid food-type ingredients, the most common are rice starch and corn starch.
** Good mineral sunscreens tend to have a lighter-colored finish from the natural physical sunscreen titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide. To avoid looking too pale or pasty, make sure the color you choose is not too light.
** Minerals are easy to apply. Forget the buffing, lightly dust face with a thin layer of minerals and build up with additional thin layers if you need extra coverage. Use a small taklon brush for a high-coverage concealing effect. If you prefer a liquid makeup, mix a small amount w/ 2 pumps of your favorite moisturizer.
** Some people get oilier while wearing mineral makeup. This is due to the natural physical sunscreen and the fact that there are less filler ingredients to block and absorb excess oils. If you’re wearing mineral makeup, I suspect that wearing something natural is important to you. If that’s the case, blot with powder-free blotting sheets regularly and know that you’re doing something good for your skin.
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17 comments:
oooh! I'm new to these mineral lines. I just ran out of mine, will try!!
Hi Missy!
They're the only I use right now, let me know how you like them :D
Farmgirl
Oh my goodness I was just wondering about this today! Thanks for answering my questions, I have heard of a lot of girls wearing this makeup and I wasn't sure if it was right for my skin. My skin is very sensitive and it is oily, so it doesn't sounds like a good match. Thanks so much!
By the way what type of makeup would you suggest for oily skin like mine? It is mainly in my tzone and I use Loreal, which I like. It has gotten so expensive so I was thinking of going back to Clinique. Any pointers for some affordable makeup for oily skin? Thanks!
Hi OceanDreams!
The 3 brands I use all keeps oily skin in check. I'm extremely picky when it comes to minerals. The trick is to apply sparingly and build up coverage. True mineral cosmetics have very similar ingredients. The concept of using minerals is to avoid using necessary ingredients in your makeup. You may find that your skin gets oily faster but blotting regularly should take care of that problem :D
Farmgirl
Hey doll!
Great article! Another company that is mica free is www.corycosmetics.com. It's one of the *few* I haven't tried, but I think you would like it!
I initially loved the concept of mineral make-up but then I found that it kind of made me look older:( I guess it was due to the sunscreen like you mention above because my skin definitely looked crypt keeper chalky indeed.
Hi ladies!
@ Lisa Kate- Cory Cosmetics was *the* first mica-free mineral I tried. It was going fine until I received a batch of minerals that positively reeked of cigarette smoke :( After some research I found out I wasn't the only. What is your favorite brand? I would love to find a mica mineral that doesn't itch :D
@ Penny- I totally understand what you mean. Have you tried mixing minerals with your favorite moisturizer? The ingredients in minerals are the same pigment ingredient in coventional makeup. The problem is the texture. Liquifying it takes away the chalkiness. Hope that helps!
Farmgirl
Thanks for the heads up about this! I switched to mineral makeup earlier this year and it's been very good for my face so far. I'm still trying to find my holy grail foundation! I've tried EDM, Silk Naturals, Earthen Glow Minerals and Lauress so far. I'm not sure if they use any micronized minerals or nano particles. I hope not. I'm very interested in trying out those three companies you suggested now!
Bummer! I literally just bought a Bare Minerals makeup set about three days ago! I have very sensitive skin and falsely believed the ingredients in it were subtle. I guess I'll take the chance with it but I VERY MUCH appreciate your guidelines. I'll follow this advice during the next makeup outing.
Hi ladies!
@ Alice- if you try them, let me know how they work out for you! I've heard very good things about EDM, I'm hoping they come out w/ a mica-free foundation :D
@ Arts and Facts- you never know, it might work fine for your skin. Not everyone is sensitive to it. Give it a trial and if it doesn't work out, you can always return it :D Let me know if you need recs based on your skin type!
Farmgirl
Interesting post!
The first type of mineral foundation I tried was EDM :P and I'm liking it :)
Are those 3 brands you mentioned the ones you are using?
Hi Kay!
Yes, I currently switch between the Barefaced and the Dreamworld. Larenim's pressed is great but it has mica so I use that sparingly (although it has never made me itch; it might have something to do with the fact that it's pressed and there's more emollient in it). I've heard great things about EDM, I spoke to them years ago and they said they were working on a mica-free version. I'm still holding my breath hee.
Farmgirl
Thanks for answering my questions! :)
Anytime, hun!
Farmgirl
I have an award for u over at my blog k? xoxo
Hi Charmaine!
Oh Thank you so much :D
Farmgirl
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