Do you use mineral make-up?
Minerals were slathered onto the skin of men and women in the ancient times, and smoothed onto NYC plastic surgery patients in the 90s to cover their sore redness.
Mineral makeup has always been around, but it’s never quiet become a “thing”. Attention must be paid to bring it to the limelight, highlighting its skincare benefits, growing popularity and how they are best applied.
The low-down
Mineral makeup is based on the inorganic natural solids such as zinc and iron, which are compressed with wax or oil. Most brands are 100% pure, but check the label first. They leave out the nasty irritants, chemical dyes and preservatives that traditional cosmetic products otherwise use. The purified makeup mostly comes in powdered form but some brands produce liquids, and branch into foundation, eye shadows, bronzers and blushers.
Skin-savvy
We all have our skin concerns— too oily, too dry, too sensitive...mineral makeup preaches to the masses to show that you can look beautiful and natural with makeup, no matter what skin type. This 100% pure mineral goodness has none of the nastiness sensitive skin often reacts to, particularly those suffering from eczema, rosacea and broken capillaries. It also has ever important SPF, which the popular minerals titanium oxide and zinc oxide provide (it’s the stuff lifeguards use in zinc block to put on their nose whilst on duty). What’s more, these minerals have natural pigments that contain light-reflecting properties to make you look more rejuvenated and refreshed. It’s important to remember that for the best results, incorporate the application into a healthy skincare regime.
Simple steps
The application of mineral makeup is no different to how you put on your everyday cosmetic makeup. A handy tip, though, is to put on a good moisturiser as a base beforehand to ensure the makeup sits on the skin’s surface and doesn’t sink into the skin. Even if you have an oily complexion, the powder absorbs excess moisture. For best results with foundation, apply from the jaw line and smooth upwards using a clean sponge or brush, and apply through layers. This gives your skin the optimum even skin tone. And the strong staying power of mineral makeup means that there is very little need to re-apply throughout the day, which makes this type of product all the more cost-effective.
The bandwagon
Yves Saint-Laurent once said, ‘the most beautiful makeup of a woman is passion. But cosmetics are easier to buy’. Mineral makeup follows this principle, with prices ranging from £5 to £50 depending on what type of product or brand you buy. Dr Patrick Bowler from Courthouse Clinics agrees that such products should be a beauty staple for any one, with its friendly-costs as well as the combined cosmetic and healthy result. It’s been a hit on all the fashion weeks, Madonna swears by it, and it’s time for you to cue entrance and give it a go.
Guest writer Fina Charleson
Tagged in Yves Saint Laurent Beauty Tips makeup