Mineral cosmetics in brief. I’ve learnt a lot of good things about them recently. Have you ever wondered what makes traditional and mineral beauty products different? If so, you’ll find this post useful. If not, you should start thinking about it and read on too 🙂

Mineral beauty products. What are they?

We mostly think about mineral cosmetics when shopping for make-up products. We discover mineral powders, mineral foundations and even mineral eyeshadows.

I’ve heard they are gentler for skin. Is that true?

Mineral products have been designed for sensitive skin to soothe it after various procedures e.g. laser peel or microdermabrasion. An ordinary product could weigh down the skin, clog it and intensify irritation. Mineral formula is very gentle even though it keeps all properties of standard make-up products.

What makes mineral cosmetics outstanding?

The secret is their formula.

They are truly well-composed and all-natural (unless a manufacturer just puts ‘mineral’ on a label as a marketing gimmick). Their ingredients are minimalist and kept to the necessary minimum so the risk of irritation is very low. In a mineral product you won’t find any chemicals, that is preservatives, mineral oils, fragrances, colorants or other additives.

Thanks to that, mineral cosmetics are mild, hypoallergenic, tailored to problematic skin and not causing irritations.

Mineral cosmetics: formula

One question arises. What is mineral product made up of since it’s all-natural?

As the name suggests, minerals make up the main ingredient. Crystal clear minerals such as mica, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide are the secret of mineral product formula. When it comes to the color, it’s achieved thanks to natural pigments e.g. iron oxides, chromium, manganese, ultramarine whereas zinc white and titanium white determine the color’s intensity.

The most popular ingredients in mineral cosmetics

If you want to get a quality mineral product, check INCI for the following ingredients:

1. Titanium dioxide: a natural sunscreen of 15 SPF which provides coverage in makeup.
2. Zinc oxide: has antibacterial, tightening and soothing properties, as well as balances sebum production so it deals well with pimples and other skin blemishes having similar causes.
3. Iron oxides: natural pigments which give products certain color, not irritating the skin at the same time.
4. Mica: highly popular in eyeshadow as it gives skin sateen and pearl shine, illuminates and makes face lines appear smoother.

Do mineral make-up products give better effect?

Lots of myths have arisen around the properties of mineral cosmetics (such as their formula or durability) and I’m going to dispel them now.

Mineral products last really long because despite the loose formula, they blend with skin. Tiny particles of the minerals first combine with a brush and then effortlessly ‘catch on’ skin, blending with it and giving a truly natural coverage. You can apply them in layers (if you need full coverage) not worrying about the cake face effect. The look is really nice. Wanna know a fun fact? Mineral make-up won’t smudge your clothes! 🙂