Mineral Foundation Makeup

How to Find the Best
Mineral Makeup for Sensitive Skin

Mineral foundation makeup products are all over the market right now, but many contain ingredients that irritate sensitive skin. How do you find the best mineral makeup for sensitive skin?

These products have slowly been making a real impact on the makeup industry over the last several years, giving women a more natural and wholesome choice for their skin.

What are the advantages and drawbacks of using mineral makeup? Are they all created the same? Please read on to see why women with sensitive skin need to be careful when choosing a mineral product for their skin.

Benefits of Natural Mineral Foundations

• Safe for most skin types
• Can be matched on any skin hue
• Available in several forms - crème powders, liquid, pressed powders, and loose dusting powders
• Built-in sunscreen to protect your skin
• No artificial ingredients
• Low allergy risk for those prone to acne breakouts or who struggle with sensitive skin
• Excellent oil absorption, which is especially nice for those with oily skin
• Won't clog pores, which means less chance of breakouts
• Anti-inflammatory
• Excellent coverage of blemishes
• Evens out skin tone
• Water and sweat resistant
• Matte finish throughout the day
• Use less to get optimal coverage - saves money and time

What Are the Drawbacks of Using Mineral Foundation Makeup?

Despite the hype and marketing of mineral-based makeup products, there are women with sensitive skin who have experienced breakouts and itchy skin after using these products. Why does this happen?

Unfortunately, there is no regulating body for the manufacturing and production of mineral makeup, so the companies producing and marketing these products are not restricted to a specific ingredient list. As a result, some mineral makeup contains harmful chemicals and dyes that can wreak havoc on sensitive skin.

The customer finds out only after using the product that there are less than natural ingredients contained in the makeup that are causing breakouts or itchy, red skin! These ingredients can cause women with acne-prone skin or rosacea to experience adverse reactions as well.

One last drawback for some people is the higher price point of mineral products compared to conventional makeup products.

How Safe are Mineral Foundation Makeup Products?

Mineral foundation makeup products are not all the same. Some contain synthetic ingredients including: paraben preservatives, chemicals, dyes, binders, and fillers.

One ingredient in particular, called Bismuth Oxychloride, tends to be particularly offensive to sensitive skin, so be sure to check the label of the product you're considering before making a purchase.

Women struggling with acne, rosacea, or extremely sensitive skin should avoid all products with this ingredient, no matter what.

Beware of mineral makeup with a label that says "all-natural" unless you check the label, or unless it is actually certified by the Natural Products Association (which does not allow these kind of toxic ingredients).

Women with damaged skin need to be aware that mineral makeup contains zinc and titanium, two minerals that help protect healthy skin from the sun's harmful elements.

In some cases, sensitive skin can react adversely to these two ingredients that are very often included in mineral foundation makeup products.

Some brands of mineral makeup contain only zinc oxide, without the titanium dioxide. Zinc oxide has been used in some natural skin treatment products for rosacea and other skin conditions, so if you can find a mineral makeup with just the oxide, your skin may tolerate it better.

Liquid Mineral Makeup vs. Loose Mineral Foundations

Is there a difference between liquid mineral and powder mineral foundations? Your skin type may determine which one works best for you. Those with dry skin tend to gravitate toward the liquid mineral foundation because it helps to hydrate the skin and helps to control shine. Powder foundation applied to dry skin tends to appear chalky or flaky.

Women and men with combination or oily skin typically opt for the powder foundation. It evens out the skin, absorbs the oil more efficiently, and delivers sheer coverage without adding more "liquid" to the skin surface.

People with mature skin should use the liquid makeup products as opposed to the powder foundations. The liquid products lend moisture to the skin, giving it a more even and less wrinkled appearance. Mineral powder settles in fine lines and wrinkles, which isn't a desired look for any of us!!

What If You Can Only Find Loose Mineral Powders?

The first time I tried mineral makeup, I dusted the poweder on my face, and frankly, I was NOT impressed. Actually, I looked terrible!!

As I mentioned, the mineral powder DOES settle into wrinkles and they actually made my face look older than it is!

One of the things I've recently learned is that you can add your loose minerals to your moisturizer, which is like creating your own homemade liquid mineral makeup!

This approach will allow you to have the maximum amount of control over your mineral foundation makeup.

Men Use Mineral Makeup Too!

Surprised? I sure was!! One of the things I've learned about a good quality mineral makeup is that it is actually GOOD for your skin, and can provide some sun protection and protection from environmental pollution.

More and more men are choosing to use mineral foundation and loose mineral treatments for their skin. These kinds of mineral makeups do not look artificial, use correctly and will only enhance your own beautiful natural appearance!

Recommended Safe Mineral Makeup

Some brands of mineral makeup can irritate sensitive skin, and so your best choice for avoiding irritation is to use a safe hypoallergenic mineral makeup line that is free from the chemical irritants that cause skin problems.