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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Sep 16

At the beginning of the millennium, evolution of cosmetic TV infomercials triggered substantial demand for mineral makeup cosmetics. What started as an info ad for Bare Minerals powder makeup became an undeniable trend or a ‘must have’ range of products for most of the big brands including Elizabeth Arden, Estee Lauder, and Lancome. Shiseido have even developed a super luxurious line of mineral makeup cosmetics with their Cle de Peau.

However, the massive influx of mineral makeup brands and products onto cosmetics market created more fuzz and confusion then ever before. With ideals, aspirations and expectations behind the primary mineral makeup formulas (developed in the 70s) stretched and tweaked by marketing specialists, it has become easier to pick up a disappointing product rather than to discover the best mineral makeup.

First of all, there are still companies that bluntly add chemicals and synthetic preservatives to their questionably ‘pure’ mineral makeup formulas. Second, there are plenty of brands with products containing very questionable mineral ingredients. Initial attempts by FDA to better regulate the market led to immediate, yet not surprising tendency to cover any combinations of dubious ingredients under a seal of trademark secrets. And with default stipulations of cosmetics industry standards permitting any product containing less than 1% of chemical ingredients to be considered natural, none of the claims of pure, natural or mineral makeup cosmetics on labels can be taken as straight forward.

Therefore, before you renew your staple stock of cosmetics be wise and look at the list of ingredients on every tube or tub you are about to buy. If you are uncertain, get in touch with the company’s customer services and you will either receive a reply that will wipe away your doubts or, in worse case, not. Silence is often a loud reply, so, either way, you will have enough information to base your decisions on and make sure that your aspirations for beauty won’t have negative consequences for health.

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