You’ve probably seen ads for mineral makeup and wondered, what’s the hype?
Mineral makeup is simply a natural take on traditional foundation (powder or liquid) that offers a variety of benefits, including some protection from the sun.
Usually found in a loose powder form, mineral makeup contains finely crushed minerals such as mica, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide. When brushed onto skin, it offers natural-looking coverage.
Unlike most foundations, mineral makeup is generally free of preservatives, dyes, talc and fragrances. Even better, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are known to have anti-inflammatory properties which can have a calming effect on the skin.
Mineral makeup is non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores or create breakouts. And because it contains the same ingredients found in SPF products, it acts somewhat as a natural sunscreen.
While your mineral makeup won’t replace your daily SPF, it definitely helps — and it’s a great solution for summer because it gives a long-lasting, smooth natural glow.
Here are five popular mineral makeup products (available at Amazon.com):
bareMinerals ORIGINAL SPF 15 Foundation
bareMinerals is a well-known mineral makeup lines. While the company has expanded to include a wide range of products, including skin care and makeup brushes, the Original SPF15 Foundation is still one of the most popular and highest-reviewed mineral foundations. It comes in 20 different shades, so you’ll find a great match for your skin tone.
Youngblood Mineral Radiance, Sundance
Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics has combined the moisturizing benefits of botanicals and anti-oxidants with the coverage of micronized minerals in a creamy liquid moisturizing tint. In four shades, it’s great for women with dry or sensitive skin who want a little coverage to smooth their complexion but need the extra boost of a moisturizer.
Hot Rocks
These pressed, micronized minerals look like a box of rocks! They are great for creating an overall glow, and can multi-task as cheek, eye and even lip color. You can use it over regular makeup or by itself to create a natural pink/pearl glow.
being TRUE the kit
For women on the go, or women looking for a full-service mineral makeup solution, this handy kit from Being True includes everything you need to create a great, natural look. The kit contains 7 items: two powder mineral foundations that include the added ingredient Idebenone (which the company says has long-lasting smoothing effects), a compact powder bronzer for a summer glow, a retractable powder brush, a finishing sponge, a sample-size mineral mist and a green cosmetic case to hold it all. Choose from three shades, Fair, Medium or Tan.
Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Correction Concealer – Yellow Light
This trio of portable concealers is designed to provide medium coverage for a variety of things such as dark under eye circles, age spots, red blotches, fine lines and wrinkles. Use one wand to correct imperfections, one to cover wrinkles and smooth and one to highlight brows and cheeks. Choose from green/light/pink and yellow/light/pink.
