MINERAL MAKEUP: IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
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Mineral Makeup
- Mineral Makeup
You've seen it on infomercials, in department stores, and in your drugstore. Mineral makeup has been around for over 30 years, but thanks to new products from affordable brands like Wet n Wild, it's more popular than ever.
Many women swear by mineral makeup because it feels light on their skin. But with the recent explosion of products we wondered, does it really live up to its claims? According to experts, it depends on your skin type.
Mineral makeup is typically made without talc, perfumes, alcohol, dyes, and other irritants that can cause allergic reactions, breakouts and redness. What is does contain is finely ground minerals from the earth, like titanium and zinc. Article continued below the gallery. - Mineral Makeup
Wet n Wild Ultimate Minerals Powder Foundation
If you're on the fence about trying a mineral foundation, start with this mineral-based formula from drugstore fave Wet n Wild. You can't beat the price. $5, in drugstores and at www.wnbeauty.com. - Mineral Makeup
theBalm Overshadow
theBalm's shimmery eyeshadows, which come in 4 neutral shades, have plenty of glamour and are made entirely of finely milled minerals, so they'll feel light and airy on your lids. $14, www.sephora.com. - Mineral Makeup
Revlon Color Stay Mineral Foundation
Mineral makeup typically lasts all day without caking or fading. This foundation, which was launched last month, promises to last up to 16 hours. $13.99, www.walgreens.com. - Mineral Makeup
Covergirl TruBlend Minerals Pressed Mineral Foundation
This new mineral product from Covergirl is available in six shades and comes with its own handy brush. $7.99, www.covergirl.com. - Mineral Makeup
M.A.C Materialize SkinFinish
M.A.C.'s mineral SkinFinish powder, made with mica and Jojoba oil, can be used on both face and body. $24.50, www.maccosmetics.com. - Mineral Makeup
gloMinerals gloBlush
A sparkly mineral powder, like this blush from gloMinerals, can be used for highlighting or more liberally for an all-over glow. $25, www.gloskincare.com. - Mineral Makeup
Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Lip Sheen
Even your lips can benefit from minerals. This gloss, which comes in six sheer shades, is free of talc and dye, so it's also good for anyone with sensitive lips. $7.95, www.physiciansformula.com. - Mineral Makeup
Giella Loose Powder
This face powder from Giella comes in 18 shades, along with custom blends that can be perfectly matched to any skin tone. $35, www.giella.com. - Mineral Makeup
Laura Mercier Mineral Eye Colour
Even glamour girls are loving mineral makeup these days. This indulgent eye shadow, which can be used wet or dry, is actually made from ground diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. $20, www.lauramercier.com.
Mineral Makeup: Is it Right for You?
Article continued from above.
Joanna Schlip, a Los Angeles-based makeup artist who works with celebrities like Ellen Pompeo and Christina Applegate, says mineral makeup is worth buying if you have problem skin. "I've seen the best results on sensitive and acne-prone skin," said Schlip.
But not all problem skin responds well to mineral makeup. Dr. Daniel Gross, dermatologist and creator of MDSkincare, says that people who breakout from sunscreens may find that mineral makeup actually causes breakouts. "This stuff is essentially akin to a sunscreen, like zinc oxide or titanium oxide, in terms of the density it has on the skin's surface."
If you tend to break out and want to try mineral makeup, "be more attentive to your cleansing routine, really get the pores clean," Gross advises. If you have dry skin, Gross recommends exfoliating well before using mineral products.
Some mineral companies claim their products help improve the skin condition rosecea, but Gross says it acts more as a cover-up. "I can't say it has therapeutic properties that are scientifically known," says Gross.
If you're skin seems like a good fit, mineral makeup is a great choice for busy women. Schlip finds that it lasts all day and can actually improve your skin while you wear it. "When you have a long day and you use mineral products, the skin is either the same or in better shape by the end of the week."
A quick web search turns up a slew of products, including Sheer Cover, Bare Minerals, Jane Iredale and big brand names like Revlon and Almay, but don't assume the high end brands trump the drugstore. "It's unbelievable the performance and quality that's available with drugstore brands," Schlip says. "I'm constantly blown away."
Rachel Felder
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Recent Comments
meowbaby426 10:26:41 PM Jun 04 2008
I use BareMinerals and I love it! It has practically cured my oily/combination skin that was so oily, I wondered how to harvest it to run as an alternitive fuel for my car! The ingredient bismuth oychloride can cause allergic reactions such as itching. If you experience allergic reactions, use mineral makeup w/o that ingredient. I don't like the rare minerals blemish therapy. It broke me out and took forever to get it clear. It was the first time in my life that I had clear skin (from using BareMinerals) and another product ruins it!). has sulfur in it and I should've avoided it!
meowbaby426 10:03:20 PM Jun 04 2008
I use BareMinerals and I love it! It has practically cured my oily/combination skin that was so oily, I wondered how to harvest it to run as an alternitive fuel for my car! The ingredient bismuth oychloride can cause allergic reactions such as itching. If you experience allergic reactions, use mineral makeup w/o that ingredient. I don't like the rare minerals blemish therapy. It broke me out and took forever to get it clear. It was the first time in my life that I had clear skin (from using BareMinerals) and another product ruins it!). has sulfur in it and I should've avoided it. Other than that, it is the best makeup ever for me, lasts all day, and looks natural like there's nothing there.
mminman1979 02:15:01 AM Apr 11 2008
I'm really interested in the mineral make-up. I've never used it before. I have combination skin, and sometimes can be very oily. I would like to find something that can help with the oiliness and shine. Will mineral make-up help with this?
mminman1979 02:13:36 AM Apr 11 2008
I'm really interested in the mineral make-up. I've never used it before. I have combination skin, and sometimes can be very oily. I would like to find something that can help with the oiliness and shine. Will mineral make-up help with this?
tripleass 01:51:04 AM Apr 11 2008
i used Bareminerals. maybe I will try another brand. I really liked tthe look, but after one week, my skin started burning and I really broke out. I am not prone to breakouts. Thanks, bucsr1409947
tripleass 01:46:04 AM Apr 11 2008
Mineral makeup hold up very well. It does not sweat off your face. I have actually exercised in it. It does break me out , so unfortunately I cannot use it.
klass13 01:14:31 AM Apr 11 2008
I used Bare Escentuals, and it made my face very greasy-like.
wrharris05 11:37:28 PM Apr 10 2008
I amm also a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant and would personally recommend that anyone who wants to buy makeup of any kind get a personal consultation and facial with a beauty consultant. Skin care is much more important than foundation and you ca't pick foundation shades for yourself in the drugstore or from an infomercial or shopping online. The best thing about our products is that you can gtry it first and they are guaranteed. Go to marykay.com and look for an Independent Beauty Consultant in your are. It will be way better than any experience you've ever had and we will come to you personally to service you, your family and friends!
cocoi84 11:31:01 PM Apr 10 2008
I live in southern Arizona - you can't get much hotter and, in the summer, it gets pretty sweaty too. I have been really impressed by how great the mineral makeup works on my skin - it never looks shiny and it never gets caked badly, and it makes my very freckled skin look more even. The only thing is that you have to make sure you use a buffer/exfoliater on your skin every day because it will stick to any dry/dead skin cells and that looks odd.
