A vast many of you out there were taught to conceal rather than to treat, and to conceal with products that are basically grease paint. Those were the days!
Because makeup was touted as the solution to all skin woes, it is hard for us to believe how damaging some cosmetic makeups can be to the skin. So, why is mineral makeup the most skin-friendly alternative?
Why Mineral Makeup is Beneficial
Mineral makeup sits on the pore due to its molecular make up, rather than in the pore as cosmetic makeup does. Mineral makeup still reduces visibility of pores and blemishes without intruding on your skin and disrupting its natural mechanisms of protection.
Minerals (for example, zinc, mica, titanium) are not corrosive to the skin, even in their makeup-safe forms of zinc oxide, zinc mica and titanium dioxide. They respect the skin and do not dry it out.
Minerals bind to oils! It is no secret that powder foundation can be key for those of us trying to get rid of the midday makeup slip and slide. The oil-binding properties of mineral makeup means that the natural oils your skin produce become a base for your makeup, meaning that it will go on easier and have a glowy finish.
Both titanium oxide and zinc oxide, two ingredients commonly found in mineral makeup products, act as a physical block from sun damage. I’m not saying to skip applying SPF altogether but it is nice to think of it as a safety net to doubly protect you against those rays.
Zinc oxide has anti-inflammatory properties, and seeing as it is in a much higher dosage than it would be in a cosmetic makeup, it can soothe conditions such as rosacea, eczema and inflammatory acne.
Many mineral makeups contain antioxidants to provide protection against free radical damage.
Liquid Vs. Powder Formulations
When many think of mineral makeup, they think powder formulations. The misconception is that they don’t provide enough coverage. On the contrary, mineral powders are incredibly buildable so you can get as much coverage as you’d usually like from them. You can even spot conceal with them and, as they are a powder, they don’t draw more attention to lumps and bumps as liquid foundations can!
If powder formulations really aren’t for you, there are liquid mineral foundation options available and some are genuine full coverage, just like a cosmetic liquid foundation.
Making the Big Switch
Trying mineral makeup for the first time can be daunting, especially powder formulations as they need an entirely different mode of application. Get yourself a flat-headed stippling brush or a fluffy kabuki brush – a kabuki brush is better for if you want a light dusting and minimal coverage whereas a stippling brush will help you pack on that pigment. If you need to spot conceal as well, invest in a concealer brush.
To be a true mineral convert, you need to swap out your blushers and highlighters, not just your foundation!
Find out more about the benefits of mineral makeup in my debut book, “The Skin Nerd: Your straight-talking guide to feeding, protecting and respecting your skin”, released on the 13th of September.
This article was taken from BeautifulJobs E-Magazine September 2018 Issue. The full issue is available to read here.
