The Lowdown on MINERAL COSMETICS.

The most common mineral cosmetics products have been the loose powder foundations and blushes ranging from less than $10 to more than $50 per product.

Some women claim that these products are drying, accentuate wrinkles and don't compliment ethnic skin types. Others swear by mineral cosmetics' light, natural, long-lasting feel. Also, many women will turn to mineral makeup as it is safer and better for sensitive, acne or rosacea-prone skin.

After years of makeup use, your skin is no longer what it used to be. Ideally, your skin care will consist of no makeup on the face. This is another reason why many women turn to mineral cosmetics.

BUT....Is it really what it's cut out to be???

Well, many experts believe that mineral makeup is just a genius marketing plan but if you read on, you'll see that it can have it's many claimed benefits.

Benefits of Mineral Cosmetics :

1. They're made from 100% pure, noncomedogenic minerals and have a natural look and feel.

2. They usually have an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or higher, to provide superior sun protection and fend off early aging and further photodamage.

3. Most formulas contain no preservatives, therefore good for sensitive, acne or rosacea-prone skin.

4. Most formulas are fragrance free, which means reduced possibility of allergy.

5. They generally contain no oils or talc. Talc has been implicated as a cancer causing agent, although there may not be any conclusive evidence yet. Oils and talcs can also clog pores.

6. Stays on ALL day.

7. Has anti-inflammatory properties due to presence of titanium oxide and zinc oxide.

8. Best of all, because mineral powders are inorganic and contain no moisture, bacteria do not grow and no preservatives are needed. So that means even if you sweat, your makeup stays put.

All good things aside, there are certain drawbacks to mineral cosmetics. ALL BRANDS ARE NOT ALIKE!!

Since there is no set regulation for what constitutes a "mineral” makeup, any product containing minerals as a primary ingredient can be marketed as such -- even if it contains a whole lot of other "less natural" ingredients. Mineral makeup formulas generally fall into two large categories:

1-those that take care not to use synthetics (like paraben preservatives and other fillers) and stay true to the original intent of pure mineral makeup.

2-those that do add the fillers, colors, binders, preservatives, and other chemicals to their formulas.

Although you can eliminate some of these brands by reading the ingredient label, do not let the term "all natural" or "all mineral formula" fool you. See my recommendations down below.
One particular ingredient to watch out for is: BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE. It is considered a skin irritant and can cause itching which can lead to rashes. In larger amounts this ingredient can cause cystic acne. Try to avoid this ingredient if you have rosacea, acne or sensitive skin. Some products actually contain bismuth oxychloride but in very small quantities. It likely won't irritate your skin, but you won't know until you try it.
One of the factors that makes mineral makeup so popular is the smooth, natural, long-lasting coverage. Companies accomplish this by pulverizing or "micronizing" their minerals into microscopic or even nanoparticle size. The more pulverized-the smaller the particle-the higher the price.

Minerals like zinc and titanium are safe when applied to healthy skin but in a micronized nanoparticle form, there remains a concern, particularly when applied to damaged skin, or when inhaled. Maybe the most expensive, more pulverized brands aren't the "best" after all!

There are 2 brands in particular that I highly recommend based on product quality, price, low shipping fees, selection, and of course NO BISMUTH!

1) SIMPLY KAREN MINERAL MAKEUP



* Simply Karen Mineral Foundation was selected as a winner for the H20 Magazine Beauty Awards by its readers. Read article here.
* Read article from beauty editor of NISAA Magazine Winter 2007.
* 28 foundation shades
* great value on their Allure Collection KIT
* VERY informative website
* offer personalized service
* Free S&H on orders of $75 plus
* Priority shipping only $6.95
* 60-day, no hassle return policy


2) AFFORDABLE MINERAL MAKEUP

*huge selection of mineral cosmetics at lower prices than the nationally known brands
* variety of sizes from generous samples ($1.99) to extra large sizes.
* 16 shades of foundation
* products contain only 4 ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Mica, Iron Oxides
*LOW, low, shipping rates




OTHER BISMUTH-FREE BRANDS:

3)Mary Kay Mineral Makeup

4)Illuminare: offers a liquid mineral foundation. Ideal for those who want to benefit from mineral cosmetics, but don't care for using loose powders. This line is especially beneficial for those with dry skin. Click on icon below for more info.

5- GLoMinerals Liquid Mineral Foundation: The formulas are reported to be "tripled milled", so it is very smooth going on. It also claims to provide the best coverage, due to their pigments. GloMineral products are sold by Dermatologists, Plastic Surgeons and other skin care professionals. Foundation available in loose, pressed or liquid. - click on icon below for more info.

6)Laura Geller Balance - N - Brighten - While her makeup isn't mineral makeup in the true sense, many makeup users love her baked powders, which can be used as foundation. Great for using when you're in a hurry!

7)Sheer Cover® - Let the Real You Shine Through™: Products are gentle to the skin. Pigments lay on top of the skin to provide extraordinary coverage, minimize the look of fine lines and give skin a sheer, flawless finish.

8)Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup: Jane's line is a highly-sophisticated blend of minerals and pigments which are micro-pulverized. The staying power of the minerals is so great that they rarely need a touch-up during the day. Products are water resistant, they won't crease or smear even during the most strenuous exercise. Click icon below for more info.