Going Natural: Choosing the Right Mineral Makeup for You
Mineral makeup is natural, good for the skin cosmetics containing minerals from the earth with no fragrances, preservatives, or other chemicals added. These makeups also have natural sunscreen in them to help shield your skin from the sun's harmful rays. More and more women are turning to natural cosmetics to enhance their looks while avoiding all the chemicals that traditional cosmetics companies use in their formulas.
Are you considering switching to a mineral make up line? There are a few things you need to know before choosing. I have done the research for you and have some tips and suggestions. Naturally, everyone's skin is different and what works for one person may not work for another but, based upon my research, some brands stand head and shoulders above the pack.
One thing you must know before investing in mineral makeup is that not all makeup that has the word "mineral" in its name is actually true mineral makeup. Drugstore brands like Maybelline and L'Oreal have jumped on the mineral bandwagon but they're only half on it. They continue to use chemicals, preservatives, and other undesirable ingredients along with the minerals. Be sure when shopping to look at the ingredients label and the claims. No cosmetic company can call their make up "all natural" without being just that. If it doesn't say that, it isn't and you should move on if your goal is to find the very best that nature has to offer.
Now, let's take a look at mineral makeups together, shall we?
Things to Consider Before Buying Mineral Makeup
- Is the makeup truly all natural? As I mentioned above, the biggest trap women get into is thinking they are using true mineral makeup when, in fact, they are using chemical laden cosmetics with some minerals added. True mineral makeup is free of artificial colors dyes, preservatives, oils, alcohol, and chemicals. The labeling must assert that the product is "all natural" or "100% natural". Don't be fooled by labeling such as "From Nature" or "Natural Beauty". That doesn't mean the makeup is natural!
- Are you going for the purists' version of all natural mineral makeup? Mineral purists will not wear mineral makeups that contain Bismuth Oxide, talc, or corn starch despite the fact that these ingredients actually ARE natural minerals. Bismuth Oxide creates a sheen on the face which many of those with dry skin prefer. Those with oily or sensitive skin sometimes report breakouts from Bismuth Oxide. I would suggest using makeup with this mineral in it if you have dry skin and/or like a dewier, glowing look. Talc is a great covering mineral but has been linked with incidences of cancer. Inhaling talc can be dangerous. However, the trace amounts used in mineral makeups seem not to cause issues with users. Corn starch is the least favorable ingredient. It is a natural filler but tends to expire quickly rendering your makeup useless if you don't use it fast enough.
- How Much Coverage Do You Need? In general, mineral makeups are sheerer and much less heavy than typical make up. However, because they are very finely milled powders, they are often buildable and you can attain good coverage from many mineral makeups despite claims to the contrary by mainstream cosmetics companies. Look for the words "buildable coverage", "full coverage" or "adjustable coverage" if you feel you need more than just a veil of foundation on your skin. There are also a few cream and liquid mineral foundations that will give you better coverage than the powders.
- How Much Are You Willing to Spend? Mineral makeup can be somewhat expensive. It's certainly more expensive than typical drugstore brand cosmetics. If you're prepared to invest in your skin, you can experiment a bit to find the perfect mineral makeup for you. If you're on a tight budget, there are inexpensive mineral makeups that have very similar ingredients to the expensive brands - without the hype. You can find good mineral makeup on a budget!
Now that you have an idea of what you're looking for and how much you're willing to spend, you can begin your expansive search. There are literally hundreds of companies cranking out mineral makeup lines and the search can be confusing and frustrating. This can lead you to buy the wrong shades, products, and brands and cost you money. From searching blogs and reviews about women's experiences with mineral makeup, most have tried a few before settling on one brand that they love. Some are still searching for that perfect mineral makeup while others get lucky and find their dream make up on the first try.
Unfortunately, there is not a website comparing different brands of mineral make up and nowhere to actually see a side-by-side comparison of the top brands. However, I have combed the web, read hundreds of reviews from women all over the world, and have even had experience with several brands of mineral makeups myself. With the reviews and help from the ingredients labels of several different brands of mineral makeup, I have been able to compile a guideline for you that will give you a head start on your quest for a beautiful, all natural complexion.
Based on consumer reviews of Mineral Makeup, here are the winners in several categories based on research culled in March 2008.
Best Overall Mineral Make up
Although many people inadvertently spell the name "Bare Essentials", the vast majority of reviewers feel that this mineral makeup is indeed, essential. Ironically, this line includes Bismuth Oxychloride (Bismuth Oxyide), an ingredient that purists shun. This ingredient is responsible for the "glow" that women get when using the makeup. The Mineral Veil (finishing powder) also contains corn starch, another ingredient that generally gets the thumbs down from mineral makeup aficionados. Although one of the higher priced brands - and one of the few that has both Bismuth Oxide and corn starch in its products - Bare Escentuals Bare Minerals gets high marks from nearly everyone who has tried it and stuck with it. There is a learning curve to using mineral makeup but creator Leslie Blodgett generally includes a "how to" DVD with purchases to guide new users and show them proper application. Bare Escentuals Bare Minerals is the number one selling make up in the world - natural or not. If you can afford this brand and don't have super sensitive skin that may react to the Bismuth Oxide, this is the overall pick.
Bare Escentuals carries a full line of mineral makeup from foundations to blushes, eye shadows, and so much more. You pay a premium price but you get the products are fresh, concentrated, and natural. The foundation only has five ingredients in it! Bare Escentuals has several "try me" or starter kits which are generally affordable and will give you an idea if the brand if the right one for you. The "Get Started Kit" sells for around $60.00 and includes trial sizes of two shades of foundation, Skin Rev-er Upper, Mineral Veil, Warmth All Over Face Color, three full sized brushes, and an instructional DVD.
Best Pressed and Cream Mineral Makeup
This line of all natural mineral makeup does not contain Bismuth Oxide. Most of the line is pressed powders and cream blushes, shadows, and lip colors. For those who shun loose powders but want pure makeup, this is the line for you! However, prepare to shell out a pretty penny for this premium line. It is one of the most expensive mineral lines but comes highly recommended by dermatologists for its purity and its lack of allergens. You can buy a sample kit for around $28.00 that contains two foundations, blush, eye shadow, concealer, lip plumper, lip balm, and lip color.
Best Liquid Mineral Makeup
This unique mineral makeup comes in three different liquid foundation formulas and as many blush formulas. They also have liquid mineral eye shadows and more. If you like the idea of liquid makeup but want the purity of minerals, this line is perfect for you. Also, this line has the most coverage of any line out there. They even have a foundation/concealer in one that covers large discolorations, flaws, and other skin issues. Illuminaré Cosmetics is world's first liquid mineral makeup line and they have extremely loyal customers who insist that the liquid product far exceeds the coverage and longevity of any powder mineral line. You can buy several little tubes of foundation, blush, or eye shadows for a nominal price to test the formulas and shades before committing to one formula/shade.
Best Sheer Mineral Makeup
Sheer Cover
Liza Gibbons is the spokesperson for this line. The line does include Bismuth Oxide but Gibbons asserts that the products are safe for even the most sensitive skin. This line is unique because it contains age-defying Green Rooibos Tea, which is a great antioxidant. Sheer and natural looking, this line is for you if you want to look like you aren't wearing makeup but want to even your skin tone and give it a soft glow. A 30-day supply of everything you need to sample the products is available for $29.95 on their website.
Best Value Priced Mineral Makeup
Affordable Mineral Makeup
This line is extensive and very pure. They have many shades and a huge variety of products to choose from. Their formulas have as few ingredients as possible and reviewers enjoy the look of natural make up without the high cost. Consumers are loyal to this brand and feel that they are getting the high quality of pricier brands without the high cost. Samples are available.
Joelle Mineral Cosmetics and Dermassentials (aka My Mineral Glitters)
This is another value priced line that is all handmade by the owner, Joelle. There is no Bismuth Oxide in any of their products and no fillers. Lots of shades and products at very reasonable prices have led women to choose this line over the pricier more commercial lines. Sizes are large and concentrated. This line is a touch more shimmery than the others recommended. If you like shimmer, check out this line of mineral makeup. It's great for brightening up the face and for making eyes "pop" when the shadows are worn on the eyelids.
Best Budget Mineral Makeup
e.l.f. - EyesLipsFace.com's Line
e.l.f. is known for its one dollar makeup. Their new mineral line is a bit more than a dollar but the lowest priced of any natural mineral makeups I have seen. This line does contain Bismuth Oxide but also includes silk powder which is a high-end ingredient. Sizes are large and a full sized starter kit containing mineral foundation, mineral concealer, mineral blush, a total face brush, a blush brush, and a canvas carry case is $20.00.
Where to Buy Guide
Here is a list of websites where you can find the mineral makeup I suggested above.
- http://www.bareescentuals.com/
- http://www.janeiredale.com/
- http://www.illuminarecosmetics.com/
- http://www.sheercover.com/
- http://www.affordablemineralmakeup.com/
- http://www.mymineralglitters.com/
- http://www.eyeslipsface.com/
Bare Escentuals and Jane Iredale products are available on a number of beauty websites as well as their official ones.
Sources:
My information was based on research from all major consumer review websites. I also read all ingredients labels of dozens of mineral foundations to come to my conclusions. My experience with most of these brands played a small part in my overall recommendations.
