Makeup isn’t a modern idea. Ever since ancient times, people have been decorating their bodies with paints, clays, and dyes with natural materials. Meanwhile, mineral makeup is a more recent innovation. In the early 1970s, a kindergarten teacher named Diane Ranger was inspired to make her own body products made of natural ingredients and minerals, because she found out about the adverse effects of the preservatives and other synthetic materials in her makeup. So, in 1976, she found Bare Escentuals, the first mineral makeup brand. After four decades, she has started several mineral makeup companies, and a lot of competitors have popped up around the globe.
But do you know that mineral makeup’s technology has been around since ancient times, as well? Yes, many ancient cultures and civilizations have ground-up natural minerals as a way of applying colors to their skin. The modern mineral makeup today actually used the original idea of what makeup is. The only difference is it’s formulated in laboratories to ensure consistency, and it’s packaged and advertised in a more modern way.
Mineral makeup was a large part of the cosmetics revolution of the 1970s, wherein it became a law for cosmetic brands to state the ingredients on their labels. This means that before the ‘70s, the public has no idea about what they are putting on their face. Since then, it has taken a large part of the sales in the beauty product market.
Many other mineral makeup brands have been established and became successful also because of public awareness and desire to go green or opt for more natural alternatives. Walk through grocery shelves, and you’ll see a lot of “natural” and “organic” at the labels. But not all makeup is made of pure minerals and natural ingredients only. What distinguishes true mineral makeup from makeup with minerals, is that all ingredients are derived from naturally-occurring materials.
The idea about using naturally-occurring ingredients for makeup like in mineral makeup is to have a safer cosmetic alternative for the skin. It’s not just for covering up imperfections, but also for allowing people with sensitive skin, rosacea, or acne to wear makeup without putting their skin at risk of irritation.
These are the benefits of using mineral makeup
Mineral makeup offers extra sun protection
You may not know this, but mineral makeup also works as a natural sunscreen to promote a natural glow. Two of the ingredients in mineral makeup, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, are common ingredients that makeup sunscreen. These are natural minerals that serve as a natural filter to protect the skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays. However, the makeup itself may not be able to offer a substantial amount of sun protection, so it helps to use an SPF facial moisturizer under the makeup to entirely block harmful rays.
Mineral makeup gives better coverage
Conventional makeup can conceal skin imperfections, such as uneven skin tone, blemishes, dark spots, and eye bags. However, these concealers may not always be healthy for your skin. These products may even be the cause of you having unhealthy skin. Applying thick layers of this makeup everyday prevents the skin from breathing. This can prolong any dryness, redness, and blemishes in your skin, which results in a constant need to apply makeup to conceal it.
But if you go for mineral makeup, it can offer similar coverage but with a healthier appearance, not a cakey makeup look. Most mineral makeup doesn’t use talc, which results in less pigmentation. If the makeup is less pigmented, you will need to add more of the product to achieve your desired look. The exclusion of talc leads to a pigmented and natural finish.
Mineral makeup is great for all skin types
If you have oily, sensitive, acne-prone, or combination skin, you can benefit from using mineral makeup. It is hypoallergenic, and it works with your own skin and natural oils to create even coverage. It contains no artificial preservatives, oils, or synthetic fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin.
Mineral makeup can soothe sensitive skin
It sucks to have sensitive skin, especially on the face. You can’t wear regular makeup without putting yourself at risk of dryness, itching, or even a stinging and burning sensation. Sometimes, the very thing you’re using to make your skin look better can be the thing that causes it to freak out in the first place. The ingredients found in mineral makeup can provide anti-inflammatory properties that don’t just avoid adverse reactions it can aid problematic skin. It’s the ideal makeup for use in people suffering from skin conditions such as acne because it can’t cause breakouts. Also, experts report that mineral makeup can help reduce redness caused by rosacea.
Mineral makeup can be used after a facial treatment
Facial peels, microdermabrasion, and other facial treatments are designed to leave your skin glowing eventually. But right after your salon appointment, you have to make do with the red and blotchy skin temporarily. Pure and quality mineral makeup can be applied right away after a facial treatment. It would not just conceal any redness, but it can also help heal the skin as well.
Mineral makeup helps keep the complexion clear
Mineral makeup is not the only kind to sensitive and allergy-prone skin – it’s also non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t block pores. Clogging of pores leads to blemishes, irritation, and breakouts. If you regularly experience congestion or acne, it’s better to opt for a non-comedogenic formula like mineral makeup. Mineral makeup is designed to blend flawlessly to your skin, to ensure that it looks as healthy as it feels. Also, if dry and dehydrated skin is your main concern, mineral makeup can keep it clear and calm. There is mineral makeup that contains hydrating ingredients to protect and nourish the skin.
Mineral makeup allows the skin to breathe
The fine minerals in mineral makeup can give you a light and sheer coverage without blocking your pores. This allows your skin to breathe and avoid nasty breakouts. It soothes the skin and prevents irritation as it blends beautifully with the skin’s natural oils.
Mineral makeup is great for contouring
The blinding strobe highlighter and over-the-top contouring may be over, but it doesn’t mean you can’t use the technique to define your cheekbones. Mineral makeup works really well for contouring and highlighting, but choose a color that perfectly matches your complexion. Use a dark bronzer to shade and deepen, and a lighter one for the highlights.
Mineral makeup is long-lasting
When you apply mineral makeup, it can withstand varying temperatures. It stays in high heat or water, instead of melting off like conventional makeup. It also doesn’t cause itchiness of flaking when in cold water. And when it comes to longevity, you can also rely on mineral makeup as it comes with a long shelf life. This is because there’s no content in it that can help bacteria grow. This means you’ll get the bang for your buck.
Mineral makeup prevents an aging appearance
The traditional foundation is heavy, and it often settles into fine lines, creases, and wrinkles on the face. Because mineral makeup is lightweight, it will not settle into the lines, preventing an aged appearance.
Mineral makeup is versatile
When applied correctly, mineral makeup can be more versatile than other makeups. You can easily mix loose powder mineral makeup with moisturizers or creams to liquefy it. When you’re working with pure pigments, those found in mineral cosmetics can blend with everything.
Mineral makeup is environmentally-friendly
Since mineral makeup doesn’t have chemicals and harmful ingredients that are often found in conventional makeup, the ingredients used in mineral makeup is all-natural and sourced from the earth, as it contains pure and crushed minerals. Traditional makeup is often produced with a large carbon footprint, but if you want to go green, go for mineral makeup.