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Mineral cosmetics - the mineral solutions
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by E_Diva
What's natural, protects your skin from the harsh rays of the sun, great for all skin types, plus gives your complexion a healthy, glowing finish? It's not magic, but mineral makeup; the hottest thirty year old trend to be hailed as the 'new' beauty solution.
Fashion magazines are forever telling us that the best beauty regimen is a bare face with no makeup. Extended cosmetics use can clog the pores, encourage blemishes and imperfections, cause acne breakouts...we've heard it all before. So what if I told you that there was an alternative? Mineral makeup has been around since the seventies, a radical choice of the disco generation that was quickly squashed by more mainstream brands in the face of eighties consumerism. It was driven to the underground market, a wasteland of infomercials and questionable celebrity spokespersons.
Today, as we become more concerned with our environment, our bodies and ourselves, the public eye has become fixed on more natural solutions to everyday products. Mineral makeup is now poised to become a favourite amongst women of all ages who not only want to look great, but also choose to take money away from unethical sourcing and animal testing of big brand names.
What can mineral makeup do for you? We all have tried and true favourites; I have been a MAC girl for as long as I can remember. Is the difference really so marked? Absolutely. Firstly, mineral makeup is appropriate for sensitive skin, which can be a relief to women who are on a constant search for cosmetics that aren't irritating.
- Mineral foundations act as a four-in-one product—foundation, powder, concealer and sunscreen.<
- The titanium, zinc and other ingredients found in mineral blends naturally soothe and rejuvenate the skin, while zinc and titanium oxides act as UVA-UVB protection.
- Application is light; you can achieve a flawless look in a matter of moments with only a few brushstrokes.
With many liquid or cream foundations, you can sometimes feel that you are wearing a mask on top of your skin while powder seems to sink into even fine lines or wrinkles, drawing attention to imperfections. After a day of work or a night on the town, unless you are constantly retouching your makeup tends to look a bit tired, if not rubbed off completely. There are a growing number of companies that are now offering minerals as a viable alternative to these problems, giving you the ability to take care of your skin while still getting the 'boost' of cosmetic enhancement.
BareMinerals
BareMinerals, also known as Bare Escentuals, is globally recognized as a pioneer in the mineral makeup revolution, opening a shop in California in 1976 and broadcasting numerous television spots over the years. They claim to have perfected mineral foundation, free of preservatives, talc, oil, fragrance and skin irritants. Although BareMinerals does indeed have an amazing product and reputation, if you care to dig a bit deeper you can find the same quality via other brands, at far less expense. In my experience, the 'luminosity' that BM touts as natural looking, can actually be a bit too glittery for everyday use. This is especially true if you are mid- to olive-toned, or darker skinned; you may look a bit like you're headed to a rave.
Erth Minerals
Instead, try brands such as Erth Minerals, found at lushbrush.com, who specialize in a beautifully matte finish that lasts all day (and night!) long. Upon using Erth Minerals for the first time I was startled by the marked change in my appearance, and extremely pleased that I was getting ready in half the time. I didn't even need to use a concealer—my dark circles literally vanished in moments at a flick of the brush.
Alima
As I've gotten more proficient with application, I've branched out into other brands too. Alima has quickly become my absolute favourite for a bit of on the town glam, as they offer an amazing assortment of shimmery blush, eyeshadows, and even metallic mineral eyeliner. While the staying powder of the foundation isn't enough for a busy girl like me, especially as we hit the summer season, I've become fond of alternating a natural matte blush for daytime hours with a bit of shimmer blush after sunset. With mineral makeup, you can reapply without fear of choking the skin, in fact you only benefit by layering. So the transition from day to night is extremely easy; Alima powdered eyeliner is the best for a quick night time smoky eye fix.
As I've gotten more proficient with application, I've branched out into other brands too. Alima has quickly become my absolute favourite for a bit of on the town glam, as they offer an amazing assortment of shimmery blush, eyeshadows, and even metallic mineral eyeliner. While the staying powder of the foundation isn't enough for a busy girl like me, especially as we hit the summer season, I've become fond of alternating a natural matte blush for daytime hours with a bit of shimmer blush after sunset. With mineral makeup, you can reapply without fear of choking the skin, in fact you only benefit by layering. So the transition from day to night is extremely easy; Alima powdered eyeliner is the best for a quick night time smoky eye fix.
If you've been looking for the next big thing, look no further. With a bit of practice and a brush kit, you can be looking better than ever and allowing your skin to look its best, the natural way.
More Mineral Makeup brands
Care Free Beauty
Care Free Beauty supply mineral makeup for face, eyes, lips and skin, along with starter kits and soft brushes. They give free samples with every order, and have a section that conveniently gives you application tips and highlights different mineral makeup for different skin types. At the time of writing, anyone who writes a blog review of their mineral makeup products receives a satisfyingly large discount of 40% on their purchase. Care Free Beauty are flexible, with a large and well-explained catalogue of mineral makeup catering for both super-natural and high-fashion looks.
About the author
E_Diva is a freelance beauty and fashion writer, spending her time eyeing up catwalks and testing new products for the good of the nation. Her hobbies include music, clubbing, shopping, and soaking up the sun, such as it is in London. Rants, raves, and astute observations can be found in publications worldwide.
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