Mineral Makeup Blog » Mineral Makeup Tips

Mineral Makeup vs. Mineral Based Makeup

Suzanne Prochaska, RN, BSN — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:40:16 +0000

Katrina, an Asthetician from Washington made an interesting point in her recent review – Mary Kay Mineral Foundation is Glorified Loose Powder – that I wanted to highlight and discuss.

Katrina wrote “What makes a mineral makeup, MINERAL MAKEUP? The two top ingredients should be Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide!! Where are they in their list of ingredients!!! They are the basis of a great mineral foundation. They are both awesome UVA & UVB natural filters. Zinc oxide is also a wound healer that is why it is fantastic in treating acne.”

My own opinion regarding the new (what I have been calling second generation) Mineral Makeups from Bargain Mineral Makeup: “However, drugstore and discount minerals aren’t “pure” mineral makeups – which is one of the reasons many women have switched to minerals. If you are OK with that, there is a chance that you can find a cheap mineral makeup than you can live with.” and What is Mineral Makeup?: “What is mineral makeup? Mineral makeup is made from pure crushed minerals. The “true” mineral makeups only have 4 or 5 ingredients. (The 2nd generation minerals from manufacturers such as Mary Kay, Neutrogena and Loreal have a lot more ingredients, which lead some to declare that it isn’t “true mineral makeup”, but rather mineral based makeup.)”

Everyone can make their own decision regarding which brand is best for them. But please be aware that the foundations that are not “pure” minerals will not provide you with the Benefits of Mineral Makeup and it may not be the Best Makeup for Acne.

Allergy to Mineral Makeup?

Suzanne Prochaska, RN, BSN — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:55:39 +0000

Is it possible to be allergic to Mineral Makeup? Some people complain of allergic type skin reactions after using mineral makeup. I believe that in most cases the problem is caused by one of two things.

First, the Bismuth Oxychloride in some Mineral Foundations can be problematic for some. The most common effect is itching, especially when the face gets warm and/or sweats. You can read about it here – Bismuth in Mineral Makeup and check out the Bismuth Free Mineral Makeups. Bismuth can cause itching and irritation.

If you are having a full blown allergic type reaction – redness, swelling, even hives – your makeup brush may be the culprit. Most makeup brushes are made of animal hair and many people are allergic and/or sensitive to it. If you think the brush may be your problem, apply a small amount of the mineral makeup to the inside of your wrist with your finger. If you have no problems – try putting some on your face (with your finger). If you don’t react, then you know the problem is the makeup brush you are using. You will need to use Synthetic brushes and avoid all animal hair brushes. Look for brushes with Nylon and Taklon fibers. Synthetic brushes are also ideal for Vegans – those who avoid all animal products. You can read more here - Natural vs. Synthetic Makeup Brushes

Concealing with Mineral Makeup

Suzanne Prochaska, RN, BSN — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 18:18:38 +0000

If you are unhappy with the coverage you get from mineral makeup, don’t give up. There are several ways to conceal discolorations under your mineral foundation.

First you can try applying you regular foundation over your areas with a concealer brush. Concealer brushes are made of synthetic fibers and give a heavier application of minerals.

If that doesn’t for the trick, try dampening the concealer brush slightly and spot applying the foundation very slightly damp.

If you need more coverage than that, try Bare Minerals Bisque (available in regular, summer bisque & honey bisque). The bisque colors are more opaque and they cover very well.

Bisque is best for covering up spots – like old acne spots and scars or sun damaged areas. If you need all over help, consider these color correctors from Affordable Mineral Makeup™:
Apricot Concealer -is a matte creamy apricot concealer and corrector. It is a matte peachy apricot shade with good coverage and it helps to warm up olive and yellow skin tones and corrects purplish bluish bruising.

Bisque Concealer – covers blemishes, red areas, dark circles or any other problem area of your face and also aids in oil absorption. It will work for light , medium and some tan skin tones.

Light Green Concealer – is a light almost non existent green shade, it is just enough shade to correct redness, without looking green. It is ideal to cover redness – blotches, acne, rosacea, sunburn or any redness. You can also mix this with your foundation.

Yellow Concealer – covers darkened areas – especially blueish tones, ideal for concealing under eye darkness.