Mineral Foundation
From Domicella's wikiStyle
Mineral foundation is made of finely ground loose minerals that are buffed into the skin using a wide, fluffy brush.[1] It has a high amount of pigment, so it gives medium to full coverage without looking heavy.[2]
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Mineral Makeup Benefits and Criticism
Many dermatologists report that because mineral makeup frequently eliminates classic "irritants", like fragrances, binders, synthetic dyes, and preservatives, it is considered "purer" and can be kinder to the skin. Titanium dioxide [and zinc oxide] have anti-inflammatory properties, and therefore certain mineral makeups can also have a calming effect on the skin, particularly important if you suffer from inflammatory problems such as rosacea or acne. However, never sleep in any kind of makeup because it's not a good idea for the skin to be covered at night, no matter how pure a makeup might be.
Other experts feel that mineral makeup has no special health or beauty properties and many of the the same ingredients (minerals such as mica, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide) have been the basis of most makeup foundations for decades. One of the factors that makes mineral makeup so popular is the smooth, natural, long-lasting coverage, a feat that's some companies accomplish by pulverizing or "micronizing" their minerals into microscopic or even nanoparticle size. Some experts contend that research shows that when some molecules are dramatically reduced in size to the level of a nanoparticle, they can have very different and very toxic properties than that same molecule would have in its conventional size. Minerals like zinc and titanium are safe when applied to healthy skin but in a micronized nanoparticle form, there could be a concern, particularly when applied to damaged skin, or when inhaled.
All materials from this section is from "The Lowdown on Mineral Makeup"[1] unless otherwise noted.
What Constitutes Mineral Makeup
Since there is no set regulation for what constitutes a "mineral” makeup, any product containing minerals as a primary ingredient can be marketed as such, even if it contains a whole lot of other "less natural" ingredients.
Mineral makeup formulas generally fall into two large camps, those that take care not to use synthetics (like paraben preservatives and other fillers) and stay true to the original intent of pure mineral makeup, and those that do add the fillers, colors, binders, preservatives, and other chemicals to their formulas. Within the brands that claim "pure mineral" formulations, there is still another category breakdown, those that contain an arguably "natural" mineral known as bismuth oxycholoride, and those that do not.
A pearlizing agent that gives mineral makeup that "candlelight glow," bismuth oxychloride is a mineral, but it's not found in the earth. Bismuth is a byproduct of lead and copper processing. Bismuth oxychloride is also frequently used to fill or "bulk up" or bind products. Bismuth oxychloride is considered a skin irritant and can cause itching and rashes and in large amounts it can cause cystic acne as well; it's one of the ingredients you should try to avoid if you have acne or rosacea or sensitive skin.
All materials from this section is from "The Lowdown on Mineral Makeup"[1] unless otherwise noted.
Choosing a Mineral Foundation
To find a mineral foundation that matches your skin, test it on your cheek, not on your hand. If you can't find an exact match, go with one that's slightly darker; a powder that's too light can make skin look sallow. Women with oily skin should use a silicone-free primer to absorb excess oil that could otherwise stick to the mineral powder. Blend a small drop of the primer over your entire face after moisturizing.[2]
- A paraben-free mineral foundation is an ideal choice for sensitive skin.
- If you have acne, make sure your mineral foundation doesn't contain dimethicone, which can cause breakouts.
- If you have dark skin, avoid any powder that's too light, which will make skin look ashy.
- For a luminous finish, look for a mineral powder with mica.
Applying Mineral Foundation
Use a short-handle, firm-bristle powder brush and small, circular buffing motions to apply the mineral foundation.
- Prep - Start with clean skin. Apply moisturizer and sunscreen, and give them a minute to sink in. If your face is still moist, lightly blot it with a tissue, otherwise the powder won't blend well. Dab regular concealer on under eye circles.
- Load - Shake some powder into the container's sifter. Dip a short-handle powder brush with firm, domed bristles into the powder. Tap off excess, then swirl the brush on the back of your hand to work the powder into the bristles.
- Apply - Working inward from the perimeter of your face, apply the powder by making small, tight circles with the brush. Start at ear level and buff each side of your face, then move on to your forehead, nose, chin, and jawline.
- Adjust - If you need more coverage in areas, don't dip into the powder again. Instead, go back over those areas with your brush alone. To hide a zit, dip a concealer brush in the powder and pat it over the blemish only.
- Color - Blend away the line where the powder meets your under eye concealer with a clean, fluffy eye shadow brush. Sweep on a powder blush or bronzer, not a cream, liquid, or gel, which can cause mineral powder to cake or streak.
- If you've applied too much mineral foundation (you can tell because your skin will look dull, cakey, or ashy), take a clean powder brush and whisk it over your face. If certain spots still look heavy, apply the tiniest drop of moisturizer to your fingers, press them together, then gently pat, don't rub, the pads of your fingers on those areas. This will remove some of the excess foundation without smearing your makeup.
- Mineral powder touch-ups during the day can look heavy. If skin becomes oily, use blotting papers instead.
All materials from this section is from "Beauty 101: Mineral Foundation"[2] unless otherwise noted.
