Mineral Makeup Information
Mineral makeup suits all skin types and tones. Plus, mineral cosmetics have branched out beyond powders and foundations to provide a complete look with the added benefit of leaving your skin naturally beautiful. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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Mineral makeup only recently has become common among mainstream cosmetic lines but has actually been used for years. These products are formulated with natural and finely ground minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, without the preservatives, dyes and chemicals of traditional cosmetics. Mineral makeup products were first developed in the 1970s.
Features and Considerations
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Mineral makeup formulations provide comparable results to traditional makeup and now extend beyond basic foundations to blushes, eye shadows, liquid makeup and even mascara. Many of these products have sunscreen protection, won't clog pores and are appropriate for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Before purchasing mineral makeup, research the product's quality and purity. Because mineral makeup isn't regulated, products with trace amounts of natural mineral ingredients may be labeled as true mineral makeup. Read ingredient labels to ensure that the product contains the natural ingredients you desire.
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Foundation
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Multiple formulations of mineral foundation are available, including liquid, loose powder and pressed powder, based on your coverage and skin type needs.
Liquid mineral makeup is good for those who have drier skin and like the texture and consistency of traditional liquid makeup. These formulations provide a natural-looking finish, are generally water-based and boost the skin with vitamins, antioxidants and mineral pigments. Dior, Tarte and Korres produce liquid mineral foundations.
Loose powder mineral foundation combines a light consistency with buildable coverage for a natural and customizable finish. Loose powder can be messy and requires fluffy brushes to buff the mineral pigments into the skin. Popular loose foundations are made by Philosophy, Laura Mercier and Bare Escentuals.
Pressed powder formulations often come in durable compacts, making them conveniently portable. Unlike loose powder, pressed powder foundations have less mess but generally provide light to medium coverage. Hourglass, Amazing Cosmetics and Cover FX offer pressed powder foundation formulas.
Blush and Bronzer
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Mineral blush and bronzer provide a natural-looking flush and/or sun-kissed look to the face and cheeks. Because of mineral makeup's superior blending properties, adding bronzer or blush on top of mineral foundation will not produce a heavy look. Cheek-stains and cremes provide a glow, while loose and pressed powder formulas look light and airy. Tarte, Bare Escentuals and Korres provide an array of blush and bronzer formulas and shades.
Eye Shadow
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Mineral ingredients produce a variety of vibrant colors that wear longer than many traditional formulas and feel feather-light. This is especially important with eye shadows, as many consumers use multiple hues depending on the occasion, season and clothing choices. Like mineral powder foundations, mineral eye shadows are available in loose or pressed powder formulas and come in single- or multiple-color compacts and containers. Josie Maran, TheBalm and Plant Love offer long-lasting and high-performance eye colors for everyday use.
Mascara
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Natural mascaras contain vitamins and conditioners that strengthen lashes and allow the mascara to adhere well to the lashes. Dry and moisture-rich formulas are available, but waterproof formulas are not completely natural because they contain alcohol and other chemicals that can dry out the lashes. Try NVEY ECO or Living Nature mascara brands.
Lip Products
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Many lipsticks, stains, liners, balms and glosses are mineral-enriched and provide vitamins and antioxidants that soften and smooth the lips. Mineral pigments provide rich, long-lasting and natural colors that suit any skin and lip tone. Revolution Organics, Kargo Botanicals and Suki offer mineral-rich lip treatments and colors.
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