Oct 16

Yes, you too can learn to cut through marketing fluff and discover the best mineral makeup for your skin.

Just imagine how many of us have been trying to find that ultimate beauty product, that miracle in a box, something that would instantly transform us into a more beautiful and glamorous person we deserve to be. We all strive for the best and, preferably, for the least amount of money. Yet, what is the outcome of the time and cash so eagerly spent shopping for beauty?

Of course you know that, although it has been on the market since the late 70’s, mineral makeup is all the rage. Thousands of women wanting more from their makeup and looking for something that’s actually good for their skin have bought the idea of ‘makeup so pure you can sleep in it’. A spectrum of celebrities from Angelina Jolie to Madonna are into it. And yes, some claims of the best mineral makeup are near miraculous.

The manufacturers say that their products not only last longer than ordinary makeup, but actually heal skin, provide natural sunblock and are, generally, so safe that can even be used on sensitive skin after plastic surgery. Renowned dermatologists have proclaimed this hypoallergenic makeup variety as a welcome breakthrough for women suffering with oily or dry skin, acne, rosacea and broken capillaries. But there are also some critics saying that mineral makeup products are no different and contain the same ingredients which technically have been used for years. Confusing, isn’t it?

Well, you are probably wondering whether even the best mineral makeup is going to be the right solution for your skin. Truth is, there are only few things that you need to know and you will inevitably find the best suited mineral makeup that will continue to impress you time after time and again.

Best Mineral Makeup: Things You Need to Know

The reality is that there are two major camps amongst brands and companies using mineral makeup formulas; those that are eliminating main ‘irritants’ – like fragrances, binders, synthetic dyes, paraben preservatives and other synthetic fillers, maintaining the original intent of pure mineral makeup at the core, and those that actually add synthetics to their formulas.

Since there are no regulations for what constitutes ‘mineral’ makeup, any product with minerals as a primary element can be marketed as such, even if it contains a set of ‘less natural’ ingredients.  So, if you really want to identify the best mineral makeup then carefully read the ‘lines’ on the back of a product you are about to buy.

The second big division is, within the ‘pure’ mineral makeup camp, between mineral makeup formulas using bismuth oxycholoride and/or talc, and those that do not. Bismuth oxychloride is frequently used to ‘bulk up’ mineral makeup products as a filler or binder. Yet, the fact of the matter is that bismuth, although a mineral, is a byproduct of lead and copper processing, hence, arguably ‘natural’. Some dermatologists consider it to be and irritant which could cause itching and rashes, as well as cystic acne if applied excessively. It is quite obvious then that those of you with ultra-sensative, acne or rosacea prone skin should avoid this ingredient even if it promisses that pearlizing, ‘candlelight glow’.

Talc, on the other hand, is a legitimate makeup mineral that has been used in cosmetics since before written history as a filler, to bulk up makeup products. Conventinal makeup, for example, is likely to have some percentage of this mineral in it. In fact, lots of makeup lines have labeled themselves as ‘mineral makeup’ because they contain large amounts of talc. The problem is it’s also a common allergen. So, if your skin is already unhappy wearing mainstream cosmetics, avoid products containing this ingredient.

Just one more element to be mindful of – mica. As the anti-aging component, which deflects attention from any skin irregularities and reflects light out of wrincles, mica is normally considered to be a welcome ingredient in the best mineral makeup. However, even finely ground mica can cause micro tears in the skin, especially around nose and mouth. But only if you happen to have an exuisitely sensitive skin, for the rest of us it’s not an issue.

Truth is, whether you have normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive or dark skin, the best mineral makeup is available to you now. It’s in your reach, all you need to do is treat yourself.

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Oct 7

Are you new to the world of mineral makeup cosmetics and find that the Oil of Olay like wipes, which you’ve been using for years to remove your makeup, are not really fit for the purpose? Would you like to know what other women are using to thoroughly remove their mineral makeup?

It is true that some women find, for example, baby wipes to be the best solution, especially those with a touch of lotion or Aloe Vera in them. But if you have a sensitive skin, some of the fragrances and chemical preservatives that wipes contain can set your face on fire. So, if you are using mineral makeup because you have a sensitive or acne prone skin, be extra careful and selective when looking for the stuff to clean it with at the end of the day. I know there are women happily washing it all off with soap, but trust me, it’s not for you. It will leave your skin all tight, dry and easily irritable, and you do not want that.

Clinique’s Take the day off and Lancome Bi-Facil double-action makeup remover are two that quite a number of women really love. Some like it so much that they buy two bottles at a time! The strength of the double-action removers is hidden in components that are combined by shaking just before dabbing onto a cotton pad and sweeping over the delicate eyes and lips. Both will take the makeup off with little or no effort, yet, they might leave a trace that feels slightly treacly, which is not a problem if an overall facial wash is a part of your routine. Both can be especially useful for removing evening wear makeup and makeup fixatives. Clinique’s makeup remover seems to be more gentle on the skin, especially around eyes, whilst both said to be suitable for contact lens wearers.

In any case, as with every product you are about to buy or use, check the list of ingredients and make sure that your skin approves of it ‘in theory’ before applying it in practice. And, if you want an all natural solution, check out this video. Quite apart from being as surprised as I was, you might find that the best mineral makeup remover that you’ve been looking for is more affordable and closer to you than you’ve ever thought.

Please share your best mineral makeup remover by leaving a comment below.

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Oct 3

Mineral makeup cosmetics are easy to use, however, the best tools can significantly improve the whole application process by making your experience more enjoyable and redefining your beauty in more ways than you’ve ever imagined. So, you will be pleased to know that selection of the best mineral makeup tools is pretty straight forward, and you will not have to make ethical sacrifices to achieve that absolutely flawless look.

You are probably aware that up until recently animal product based cosmetics tools have been considered to be the best. A very good quality cashmere brushes, made of the finest goat hair which rivals the softness of squirrel’s at a lesser cost, would allow you to apply mineral makeup perfectly. Yet with the individual belief systems changing, there is an increasing demand for almost completely vegan and certainly animal cruelty free cosmetic blends and accessories. As a result, you have an increasing choice of luxurious and beautifully crafted cosmetics brushes made with synthetic bristles.

You’ll be totally in love with these super silky soft brushes. They never shed, apply makeup beautifully, and require lesser amounts of mineral foundation. Apart from the fact that there are no chemical treatments to wash out prior to using, your mind can be free of concerns about animal treatment and protection issues. Just one warning, this is the case when size actually matters; only micro-sized bristles will provide ultra soft feel and perfected finish.

Once you are clear about the materials, let’s turn to the brush shapes and sizes that a set of the best mineral makeup tools should contain:

  • kabuki brush – probably the most popular and sensual of all the mineral makeup brushes, perfect for mineral foundation or powder application;
  • concealer brush – ideal for emergency disguise, making it easy to achieve a denser spot or redness coverage without overwhelming heftiness or chalkiness;
  • detailing brush – the perfectly tapered dome of this brush makes it easy to apply makeup exactly where you want it, whether to define the brow, inner or outer corners of the eye, or even soft line;
  • eyeliner brush -  extremely versatile application tool, there is no better way to create wet or dry, thick or thin eye line;
  • blush brush – either angled, a smaller kabuki-like, or a flat-top brush, just choose one that perfectly fits the apple of your cheeks.

And by the way, the best mineral makeup tools have a purse-sized handle, which just happens to be the right length to give you full application control and, hey presto, you can easily take it with you where ever you go.

 

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