What Are Mineral Cosmetics?

Mineral cosmetics have revolutionized the makeup industry and are recommended by dermatologists, plastic surgeons and skin care specialists. They are made exclusively from micronized minerals mined from around the world that have natural healing qualities and natural pigments that blend easily and provide superior coverage.

Minerals are a leading formula in the advancement of chemical free cosmetics and mineral makeup is simply the most natural cosmetic product you can put on your skin. The makeup provides long lasting, but natural looking coverage whilst forming a protective barrier on your skin that still allows the skin to breathe. Mineral makeup is also waterproof, oil free and contains no artificial dyes, talc, alcohol or fragrances. A wide range of makeup is available from foundations, blushers and lipsticks to eye shadows, eyeliners and mascara and the powders can be applied wet or dry for subtle or more dramatic effects.

Why Use Mineral Makeup?

Mineral makeup is becoming increasingly popular with women because of its ability to provide the joint benefits of makeup and skin care in each product. It can also be used by all ages and skin types and is particularly favored by those with sensitive skin. It is also popular with those who want to draw attention away from fine lines because of the light-reflective properties of the minerals and the elimination of the "powdery" look caused by talc-based products.

Conventional cosmetics contain a host of incomprehensible chemical ingredients that can create imbalance or irritation in many skin types. With mineral cosmetics, you are able to understand the list of ingredients and know exactly what you are putting on your skin, unlike so many traditional brands.

How is Mineral Makeup Made?

Minerals and inorganic pigments that exist in nature are finely milled and purified, then treated or coated with other pigments to create different colors and effects, from matte through to sparkling. Proprietary technology and processes are used to form microscopic flat crystals that overlap each other on the skin to form a protective filter whilst allowing the skin to breathe. Strikingly beautiful minerals such as mica, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, iron oxides and ultramarine pigments are combined to produce every type of make up imaginable in a full range of stunning shades.

Features and Benefits
" Suitable for all ages, skin types and skin colors
" Will not block pores
" Minimal allergy risk
" Composed of inert minerals that cannot support bacteria
" Longer shelf life than traditional cosmetics
" UVB and UVA protection
" Anti-inflammatory and helps to promote healing in irritated skin
" Water resistant
" Wonderful coverage for skin conditions like acne, rosacea, distended capillaries, blemishes, hyperpigmentation and redness following treatments like chemical peels, laser resurfacing and microdermabrasion
" Contains no fillers, synthetic dyes or preservatives
" Magnificent staying power, eliminating the need to touch up makeup during the day

How to Apply Mineral Makeup

One of the many advantages of mineral make-up is that you can change the appearance and depth of the colors simply by changing your application technique. The colors will often appear deeper and brighter when you apply them to your skin than they appear in the bottle or palette. However, using the right applicator and technique will produce a color more closely matched to that in the bottle or palette. If you use a damp cosmetic sponge, for example, you will achieve heavier coverage and a more intense shade. Mineral cosmetics are very concentrated and you therefore need to use very little to achieve the desired effect.

Mineral cosmetics are extremely versatile, giving you the option of blending several colors to find a customized tone that perfectly matches your skin.

Application Tips and Tricks

" Blend a small amount of mineral powder with your moisturizer and apply to your face in the same way as a liquid or cream foundation
" Use a chisel powder brush (not a broad-headed one) to apply mineral powder and achieve a flawless look
" Use mineral powder as an eye color, lip color or blusher enhancement. Add to moisturizer to make a concealer or lip gloss
" Applying the minerals with the correct brush in thin layers with downward strokes. Keep building layers until the desired effect has been achieved
" For an even coverage of makeup, prime skin with a moisturizer that is easily absorbed and doesn't "sit" on the skin. Wait for the moisturizer to be completely absorbed before applying makeup
" For a sunkissed glow, add a bronze colored powder to your body lotion and smooth across your body

Once you try mineral cosmetics you'll never want to wear traditional makeup again. No other type of makeup will give you the same luminous glow that lasts all day without reapplication. In addition to making you look wonderful, it actually benefits your skin. Used by makeup artists and celebrities across the globe, mineral makeup is definitely the future of the cosmetic industry.

Recommended Products

Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics: President and founder of Iredale Mineral Cosmetics, Jane Iredale, was the first to supply the aesthetics industry with a full line of mineral-based makeup. She has worked with world-renowned plastic surgeons and dermatologists in the development of her line and lectures all over the world on its benefits.
http://www.janeiredale.com/

Herbs of Grace: Herbs of Grace provides quality mineral makeup using the finest natural ingredients available, chosen especially for their skin softening and healing qualities.
http://www.herbsofgrace.com/

Bare Escentuals: Bare Escentuals offers a full line of products: creamy, all-mineral blushes, all-over face colors, eyeshadows, glimmers, lipsticks, lip glosses, lip liners, mascaras and natural bristle brushes.
http://www.barescentsations.com/

Pure Minerals.co.uk: PureMinerals is the alternative to more expensive brand names. UK delivery takes 2-3 days.
http://www.pureminerals.co.uk/