What Is Mineral Makeup is a brief guide for mineral or natural makeup users. It consists of a few top articles about mineral makeup benefits and application tips. I recommend it to all mineral makeup users.

1. Mineral Makeup-A Mini Guide
I have tried to collect some of the best articles about mineral make up here. They have been
written by specialists or professional users. I read them and learned a lot. I hope you can take
some minutes and read them too. Enjoy! Lena George, Mineral Makeup Fan
Mineral Makeup-Natural Beauty
By Lynn Starner
As we become more aware of our application. However, it still allows natural
environment and more aware of the products skin radiance to show through, so you don't
that we are putting into and onto our bodies, get the dreaded "mask" look. It is typically
natural and homeopathic products are taking free of fragrance and preservatives. Minerals
the cosmetic industry by storm. cannot feed bacteria, so there is no danger of
spoilage, thus it needs no preservatives. It
It's likely you've noticed new skincare and does not go bad. It is very good for oily skin
cosmetic companies popping up with "all because it has several oil- absorbing
natural" and "organic" products. Of course, components.
just because they say they are, doesn't
necessarily make it true. That is where It is usually applied with a brush, and is
consumer education comes in, and why it is typically shown to be "buffed" into the skin.
so important. This technique forces the makeup into your
pores, which is never a good thing. A
The title of this article is "Mineral Makeup". technique that works with better quality
After learning what mineral makeup is, what mineral makeup (which we'll discuss later)
products go into it, and what its benefits are, is to "dust" the makeup on, instead of
you can decide if this is the right choice for "buffing" it. If a brush irritates your skin,
you. you can also use a non-latex or flocked
sponge. Application can be done either wet
What Is Mineral Makeup? or dry.
Mineral makeup is designed from all What Are The Ingredients?
naturally occurring products. It is often
recommended by dermatologists to women This is the most important part. Learning
with sensitive skin, rosacea, post operative, what is in your makeup will give you the
laser and other procedures because of its ability to choose what will meet your needs
intrinsic skin soothing and anti- best. These are the ingredients you will most
inflammatory properties. It is a powder likely come across.
makeup of finely milled minerals. It can
provide very sheer or very opaque coverage, · Titanium Dioxide- A white natural
depending on the formulation and sunscreen and anti-inflammatory agent. It is

2. highly reflect, with only a diamond being · Carmine- Crushed beetles.
higher, and thus minimizes fine lines and
some skin discolorations. What Brand Should I Buy?
· Zinc Oxide- A natural sunscreen providing Well, if you're familiar with mineral
broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. makeup, it's likely you've seen the
infomercials. After further research you'll
· Sericite- A colorless mica that can be used find these companies use controversial
to cut the opacity of Titanium Dioxide and ingredients, and charge quite a bit for their
also works as an oil absorber. products.
· Cornstarch/ Rice Powder- Cosmetic grade- There are several good mineral makeup
An oil humectant (draws oil out of the companies out there that provide a much
pores). Can make acne worse as it is a better product at a more affordable price, as
source of food for bacteria. well as a superior customer experience.
They also offer samples, which the larger
· Kaolin Clay- Natural oil-absorption. companies do not. You'll get to try the
makeup (unlike in the drugstore!) for a
· Mica- Natural "glitter". Provides shimmer fraction of the cost before you buy it. They
and sparkle. don't have expensive advertising and
packaging to pay for, so the savings are
· Iron Oxides- Natural pigment- very often passed on to you.
opaque. Used for tinting cosmetics.
Ingredients To Avoid
These ingredients are also common, but can
cause problems so are best to avoid.
· Talc/ Various Powders- Common fillers-
can cause respiratory problems.
· FD&C Dyes- Derived from coal tar.
· Bismuth Oxychloride- Known skin irritant-
causes itching, rashes and breakouts.
Especially prevalent when the wearer
sweats. Lynn is the proprietor of Beauty Bliss
Mineral Cosmetics at
· Ferric Ferrocyanide- Controversial because http://www.beautyblisscosmetics.com
of its suspected toxicity.

3. Mineral Makeup - A Cosmetic Evolution
By Ananda Mahony
As a skin care specialist and someone that cause problems. The main disadvantages of
has suffered from skin problems in the past I talc as a cosmetic ingredient is its
am always looking for quality cosmetics and comedogenic effect which means it will clog
make up that minimize the impact of skin and block pores. Those particularly
synthetic chemicals while at the same time affected by this will be people with acne,
support skin health. With commercial pimples, rosacea and anyone who has
foundations this has always been difficult. undergone cosmetic treatments. Talc can
Despite their ability to "cover up" many also have an occlusive effect on the skin,
foundations contain a raft of chemical trapping heat and toxins and eventually
ingredients that actually worsen skin interrupting the normal function of the skin.
conditions such as acne and rosacea, irritate
sensitive skin and significantly contribute to Rather than sinking into or filling pores, the
pore congestion. particles sit on the surface of the skin
allowing the skin to breathe properly. The
One solution to these cosmetic issues is pigment used is generally iron oxides or
professional mineral make up. Relatively mica combined with titanium dioxide or zinc
new to the skin care market, this cosmetic oxide which very effectively covers redness,
emerged from the US about 5 years ago. sun damage and blemishes without
Since then, a number of Australian brands contributing to congestion or stopping the
have brought out quality ranges which have skin from breathing. The other advantage is
proven to be highly effective replacements that the dense pigment of the minerals gives
to conventional liquid, powder and crème full coverage to skin conditions without
foundations. looking unnatural or heavy on the skin.
These features mean it provides ideal
A key feature of professional mineral make coverage for those with the above mentioned
up is its purity. The genuine product skin conditions.
contains none of the potentially toxic or
occlusive ingredients of conventional Another benefit of the mineral sitting on top
foundations such as mineral oils, fragrances, of the skin means that it doesn't fill up lines
colors, preservatives and petrochemicals. and wrinkles thereby making them more
For this reason it is of enormous benefit to noticeable. The minerals overlap like fish
those with skin sensitivities as well as scales and don't fall into fine giving a "soft-
reducing the overall toxic load for all users. focus" look to the skin.
Based primarily on titanium or zinc oxide Professional mineral make up is generally a
mineral make up contains less ingredients in dry powder, either pressed or loose. This can
general thereby avoiding fillers such as talc, take some getting used to after liquid
used to "bulk" out the formulations. As an foundations however, when applied
ingredient, talc it is very cheap so offers correctly, that is within 5 minutes of using a
great profit margin for producers, however it moisturizer, it goes onto the skin smoothly
offers no benefit for the skin and can in fact and settles down so that any powdery look

4. quickly disappears. Within 5 minutes of Mineral Make Up Benefits
application, a professional version feels
weightless and looks soft on the skin. « Does not clog pores
The key ingredients are Zinc oxide and « Gives full coverage for skin conditions
titanium dioxide which are also commonly
found in chemical-free sunscreens and offer « Allows skin to breathe
protection from UVA/UVB rays. Use of
these ingredients provides a broad spectrum « Pure minerals are ideal for sensitive skin
sunscreen protection. While the sunscreen
protection can be quite high (up to the « Minimizes soft lines & wrinkles
equivalent of 30 SPF) it is important to note
that most mineral foundations aren't « Easy to apply
therapeutic products which means that they
haven't been specifically tested for sun « May offer sun protection from UVA/UVB
protection (unless otherwise stated). Useful rays
as day to day protection, alternative
sunscreens should be used for extended sun « Feels weightless
exposure.
Ananda Mahony ND is a naturopath and
One note of caution is that not all mineral holistic skin specialist. Her practice focuses
make ups are the same. While professional on the treatment of skin conditions and Food
versions are generally very pure, some As Medicine. Ananda also owns Vitale
commercial versions may contain talc and Natural Skin & Body Care, a natural &
other potentially irritating chemical organic skin care store in Paddington.
ingredients. The best way to choose a good http://www.vitalenatural.com.au
one is to read the ingredient listing on the
label of the product. It is an Australian
labeling requirement that all cosmetics
contain a full list of ingredients so avoiding
talc should be easy. If you want to ensure
your version is as natural as possible avoid
those with talc (known comedogenic),
bismuth oxychloride (known allergen and
irritant) and parabens (potential toxicity
issues).
Easy to apply, mineral make up is long
lasting and ideal for anyone with sensitive
skin, allergies, skin conditions such as
rosacea, acne, pigmentation or uneven skin
tone as well as those that want a natural, As a naturopath Ananda has been involved
high performance foundation. in the natural skin care industry for many
years. She specializes in the treatment of
skin disorders such as acne, eczema, rosacea
and dermatitis as well as anti-aging.

5. Natural Mineral Cosmetics: Simplified Application
By Sherry Frewerd
You've seen them, china doll perfect with container and swish brush lightly, tap, apply
flawless skin, adorably kissed with dewy in small circular motions all over face. (Use
fresh makeup applied with the lightest of a feather light touch! You'll need to redip
touch to impart a glow only an airbrush your brush five times for complete
could possibly contrive. And you know they coverage.) Apply eye shadow with a foam
probably spent three hours on the eye applicator to contour of eyes. Apply blusher
shadow on their left eye, alone. in the hollows of your cheeks, lightly; you
don't need much! Dip large brush in
Shhhhhhh - I have a secret. She probably translucent powder and lightly blend over
didn't spend more than fifteen minutes, but face. Use fluffing motion to keep application
she had the right tools and the right very light and blending. Apply eyeliner just
cosmetics. With Natural Cosmetics, mineral behind lashes, very carefully over top of eye
make up made with finely micronized shadow. Apply mascara to lashes and
titanium dioxide; you too can have that separate. Apply lipstick with a lip brush and
flawless complexion, dewy and fresh as a gloss lightly.
sun-kissed daisy on a summer morning.
You're so gorgeous! Yes, that stunning
Natural cosmetics are becoming more and reflection in the mirror is definitely you
more popular as many cosmetic companies delicately touched with color, and china doll
are replacing their regular heavy oil packed perfect.
liquid make-up with mineral make-up.
Mineral makeup lasts longer, is readily Mineral makeup is good for your skin. It
available, doesn't leak, and offers a much allows your skin to breath, absorbing
simpler application process than liquid necessary oxygen for youth and refreshment.
makeup. Natural cosmetics last all day long, Natural cosmetics fill up the tiny lines in
without feeling heavy, weighing you down, your skin, cover blemishes, and protect you
or streaking, like liquids. And the very best from damaging sunrays with a high SPF and
part, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to natural coverage to keep UVA and UVB
apply them in the morning. rays from your skin. Mineral makeup offers
many benefits, and you don't get brown
It's easy to achieve perfection; just follow liquid foundation on your favorite white
these simplified directions: blouse.
Start with a clean moisturized face. Dampen You can leave your makeup case at home;
your face with a few spritzes of mineral you won't need a touch up all day. A bit of
water from an atomizer. Blot with a very gloss in your purse and you're ready to go.
soft cloth (do not rub completely dry).
Sprinkle a small amount of mineral For an evening out on the town, a bit of
foundation in the lid of your powder mineral makeup glitter sprinkled liberally

6. across your shoulders and just a hint across
your cheeks should dress you up
appropriately!
Sherry Frewerd publishes websites on
various subjects from recipes to mineral
makeup to toddler learning. A nature girl at
heart, Sherry believes in the benefits of
natural mineral makeup and skincare. Stop
over to http://naturalyoumineralmakeup.com
for some helpful and fun natural remedies,
tips and product suggestions. Forget the
Botox, talk to Mother Nature today!

7. Applying Mineral Makeup
By Lynn Starner
It seems that for every type of mineral Buffing techniques, usually with a kabuki,
makeup there is also a different technique to are known to irritate sensitive skin. Even
apply it. Now, each company may have women without sensitive skin have
slight differences in their makeup that when problems with irritation. Remember, it's
it is applied a certain way will make it look "swirl, tap, buff."
or adhere better. However, there are some
very basic guidelines to applying mineral Fluffy Brushes
makeup that will work with almost any
brand you buy. Of course, it's always Using a fluffy face brush is the other popular
preferable that you develop your own way to apply mineral makeup. Better quality
personal style- your own touch. You know makeup is more pigmented, so using a
how you like your makeup to look, so kabuki is out of the question for most
practice, practice, practice until you get your women. But a nice fluffy brush is just the
application method how you like it. After ticket since a little makeup goes a long way.
all, it is your face. Whether you choose synthetic or animal hair
brushes is up to you. Both can be equally
Applying Foundation/ Finishing Powder good, depending on the quality. The same
basic rules apply as with the kabuki- swirl
Foundation is admittedly the hardest to your brush in the makeup, tap off the excess
apply. You see some brands that say "swirl, and the brush in a downward motion over
tap, buff" and other brands that say "don't!" your face. No need to buff. If you'd like
What are you supposed to do? more coverage, just repeat the steps again.
The general rule of thumb is that if a mineral "Swirl, tap, brush." Almost the same words,
makeup contains bismuth oxychloride, you'll but incredibly different effects.
likely have to buff it in, and buff it in well,
for the makeup to look its best. Generally a Applying Foundation Wet
kabuki brush is used with this technique.
Wet? Yup. There are some gals who prefer
What's A Kabuki? the finish when mineral makeup is applied
wet. There are a couple of ways to do it.
Good question! It's a very densely packed
brush. It gives very heavy coverage because With A Brush- Mix your foundation and
so much more makeup is left on the bristles some water/moisturizer/lotion, etc. until a
after you tap. It's a good option for people creamy consistency. Then dip your brush in
who want a more opaque look or need it and apply in a downward motion. It will
heavier coverage. Usually with a kabuki you dry to a soft powder.
must buff the minerals into your skin, or else
you'll look streaky, emphasize your pores, With A Puff/Sponge- You can either
etc. dampen your puff or sponge and dip it into
your foundation and apply in a downward

8. motion or mix the foundation with is called "foiling" and makes the colors
water/moisturizer/lotion and apply with a more bold and can even change them
sponge. It will dry to a soft powder. slightly in some cases.
Finally, you can apply your foundation dry, For regular application, simply dip your
then mist with a hydrosol or something brush into the color, tap off the excess and
similar and either use a brush or a sponge to apply like you normally would.
smooth the moisture into the powder. Be
sure to use a downward motion. Some gals For foiling, mix some minerals with water,
even like to layer their makeup this way. hydrosol, eye primer, etc. until a creamy
Powder, mist, smooth. Powder, mist, consistency. Then apply as you normally
smooth. would. When dry you can buff with a dry
brush to blend (but this may cause some of
Why The Downward Motion? the mica to come away).
Good question. Your pores and facial fuzz The foiling method works very well for eye
lay that way naturally. When you smooth lining. Colors that might be too bold to wear
your makeup that direction it makes a more on your eye make great liner colors. Foiling
"natural" look. them will help them last longer and show up
better.
Other Facial Applications
And that's it! These basic tips should help
For your other color cosmetics applied to you apply mineral make up like a pro. Play
face, here are the general outlines. around with it, develop your own style and
technique, and most of all...Have Fun!
Concealor- Using a taklon concealor brush
or an all-over eyeshadow brush, dip it into
the concealor or foundation you're using, tap
off most of the excess and apply directly to
the area you want to conceal. Blend very,
very well. If you're using an all over
concealor, complexion enhancer, finishing
powder, etc. use a fluffy face brush and
swirl, tap and brush lightly in a downward
motion.
Blush- Swirl, tap, brush in a slight curve
from the apple of your cheek to your
hairline. A nice fluffy blush brush works
best.
Lynn Starner is the proprietor of Beauty
Eyeshadow/ Eyeliner Application Bliss Mineral Cosmetics at
http://www.beautyblisscosmetics.com
This is the really fun stuff. You can apply
mineral makeup wet or dry. Applying it wet

9. How to Avoid the 4 Most Common Problems with Applying
Mineral Makeup
By Naweko San-Joyz
Is mineral make-up causing your more 2. Dryness
cosmetic problems that it seems to be
solving? Well, relax. In just four easy steps, Mineral make-up can be great for acne and
you can overcome the most common large pores because of the drying effect of
complaints associated with applying mineral its common ingredients like titanium dioxide
make-up including itchiness, dryness, color and zinc oxide. However, this trait my not
imperfections and messiness. prove ideal for dry skin. To help minimize
moisture loss, apply a rich moisturizer, or
1. Ending the itchiness nighttime face cream before dusting on the
mineral make-up.
Itchiness and dryness connected with
mineral make-up must be tackled as a Moreover, mineral make-up exhibits an
relational problem because the dryness exfoliating effect on the skin which is
could provoke the itchiness. So, let's rule out superb for acne, but potentially excessive for
possible causes of itchiness first by ensuing dry skin. To compensate for the extra
you have no allergies to the mineral make- exfoliation that mineral make-up delivers,
up. This requires a simple forearm patch you can reduce your usage of other
test. exfoliating products like astringents or at-
home microdermabrasion treatments.
To perform the test, cleanse a roughly one-
square inch area on your forearm. Let area 3. Color
dry. Then apply a light layer of mineral
make-up to the skin. Leave the cosmetic on The titanium oxide inside mineral make-up
for 24 hours, then rinse it off. If no rash, reflects and diffuses light, which helps
redness or itching occurs, you should not camouflage skin blemishes like age spots
need to worry about having allergies to and acne scars. Because the look of mineral
mineral make-up. If you do have allergy make-up is so readily influenced by light,
symptoms, stop using the mineral make-up. you need to apply this product in full
spectrum light to view how your selected
Another indirect source of allergies arising make-up shade truly looks on your skin.
from mineral make-up could be the brush
applicator. People develop allergies to cat For instance, once you apply your mineral
hair. Similarly, you could develop an allergy make-up in the bathroom, go outside into the
horse hair, which is sometimes used in sunlight and view how your make-up looks
cosmetics brushes. Make sure you are not in full spectrum daylight.
allergic to your brushes.
The results may scare you. You may look
two shades lighter or darker than you did in
the bathroom. Now that you know how the

10. mineral make-up appears in full spectrum dip the foundation brush into the
light, you can adjust your cosmetic shade as sifted foundation. You don't want a
needed. thick layer on the brush because this
creates dust. Furthermore, when
4. The mess trying to correctly apply a
foundation, it is always easier to
How can getting pretty create such a mess? apply more foundation than it is to
Mineral make-up by nature is dusty and so remove excess foundation.
to keep your cosmetic application as tidy as
possible, you have to practice dust control. Now, perhaps you will have four less
Here's how: problems when applying mineral make-up.
Enjoy.
a. Set the foundation jar on a paper
towel. b. The foundation jar should Naweko Nicole Dial San-Joyz founded
contain a middle, porous lid that sifts Noixia, a San Diego based research firm
the foundation for a more sheer dedicated to helping people intelligently,
application. As you shake the safely and affordably enhance their image
foundation jar to sift the mineral by offering custom skin solutions to people
make-up, your create dust. To avoid with acne scars http://www.Noixia.com on
a sifting dust cloud upon opening the the face and body. San-Joyz She has
jar, after your shake the closed appeared on radio stations, in newspapers
foundation jar, let the jar set for 10 and on TV shows across the United States
seconds so that the mineral make-up promoting beauty through health
dust can settle and not fly all over consciousness. Anyone seeking to enhance
your countertop. c. Next, to avoid their image and remove acne scarring can
creating a mess on your face, lightly find custom, clinically proven solutions at
http://www.Noixia.com
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