A different kind of makeup may benefit skin health and look fabulous as well. Most women wear some kind of makeup and for the most part it is used to accentuate the natural beauty of the wearer and their best traits. But in some cases make up can have some health benefits and because of that the popularity of mineral makeup has increased in recent years.
What is mineral makeup?
A number of natural minerals are sterilized, ground up and pulverized into a very fine powder and combined with other materials so that it can then be used as a makeup. It is now a normal part of professional makeup kits. Many different minerals can be put in makeup to enable it to be utilized as make up and as a mineral supplement for the skin all at once. One such ingredient is talc. Talc is a mineral but for the purposes of mineral makeup it is often utilized as a filler to bulk the mass of the makeup. Check the ingredients for mineral makeup and avoid ones that have too much talc if you are allergic to it.
Benefits
It is oil free and non-comedogenic, which means that it will not stop up your pores. These two facts, in and of themselves, are the main reasons many women like it. It allows your skin to breathe while you are wearing it. Because minerals are inorganic compounds, no bacteria or microbes can grow in the makeup and be transferred to your skin.
Mineral makeup has a long shelf life since it contains no preservatives. Additionally the lighter weight of the makeup on the face is a huge upside for many women. When applied, the makeup enhances your natural beauty and you don’t look “made up’”. And lastly, most of these mineral make ups contain some UVA/UVB for sun protection.
There are many skin types that benefit from the properties of mineral makeup. For example, it is known to be good for sensitive skin. However, if the makeup includes ground mica or sericite, those with very sensitive skin should be cautious. The mica contains tiny sharp edges and these can really make sensitive skin hurt, almost like rubbing the skin raw. Mineral makeup in general is also considered beneficial for Rosacea and acne issues but makeup containing mica in particular, may agitate these two skin ailments the same way it does sensitive skin, so be careful.
Natural mineral makeup can be found that can work for any skin type. Since there is no oil used in the production of this makeup both dry and oily skin can benefit from using it regularly. Additionally, it is considered a great option in the fight to keep skin from aging and looking old. The ingredients in the makeup tend to make the skin glow and feel natural. The mineral absorption into the skin will help the skin in staying healthy and vital.
How to apply:
1. Moisturize your face beforehand. The mineral powder (so to speak) adheres to the natural oil of your skin, and if your face is too dry, the powder might end up looking like just that – powder. Apply lotion and wait 10 minutes, as a face too oily would melt the make-up. Trial and error might be needed to find the perfect balance.
2. Pour a small amount of foundation into the cap of the jar. This helps avoid using too much, and you could always add a layer if needed. Use maybe a little more than a pinch or so.
3. Apply eye liner next and use your brush to dust off any powder droppings from your cheeks.
4. Dab on any enhancers that you may need to specific areas, such as under the eyes. Press fingertip in foundation for a concentrated amount and dab your blemishes to make them disappear.
5. Swirl the brush in the cap, then tap the brush to dust off the extra powder. The brush is most important in covering large areas of your face, and an inferior brush might make the make-up look artificial. You might want to invest in a decent one.
6. Apply the foundation by rubbing the brush on your skin in a circular motion. It is recommended to start lightly on the cheeks and move off to the side of your face. The brush isn’t supposed to just dust your skin with powder, it is intended to BUFF the powder, and help it adhere to the oil in your skin. The more you buff, the heavier the coverage will be. This takes practice to find the right technique.
7. Once you have the look you want with foundation, apply a setting powder. Apply it the same way you would the foundation. Without it, the make-up will eventually look a little tired. With it, the makeup will hold much longer and look less sweaty. You can really tell the difference between using it and skipping it.
8. It is not recommended to sleep in ANY sort of make-up, so while this might not have the chemicals that can harm your skin, it still covers your skin. Pores open and skin heals when you sleep, so wash your face before bed. Also use natural lipsticks that do not contain perfumes and dyes.
Christina Adegbaju
