Kiss And Makeup: What is mineral makeup? The whys and whatnots

Browse by:

Get daily news round-up

« Body Shop new Aqua Lily range | Main | Enamelled boat mirror from Johnny Loves Rosie is nautical chic »

What is mineral makeup? The whys and whatnots

In the first part of our mineral makeup feature I'm bringing you the whys and the whatnots of the so-called miracle product that is now sweeping the nation. You've probably heard plenty about mineral makeup before (unless you've been living in a hole) but you may not understand quite what it is or how it works. Well, never fear, Kiss and Makeup is here to answer all the questions you didn't want to ask, and show you just how to use this product successfully without a makeup artist on hand 24/7...

So what is mineral makeup and why are people going on about it so much?

Basically the exciting thing is that mineral makeup is created OUT OF MINERALS. (Duh). And that's it. No parabens, no free radicals and no extra oils. This makes is non-comodegenic, which means it doesn't block pores, so it's perfectly fine to sleep in it. I'd advise against that as a rule (!) but compared to when you feel asleep in your usual slap it's 100% better for your skin.

So how do I apply it?

Depending on the brand you opt for, there are a few variantions in application technique. Bare Escentuals likes the 'Swirl, Tap, Buff' method which involves dusting powder into the lid, swirling it with the brush, tapping off the excess and then buffing it across your cheeks. Other brands suggest a slightly different application method, but it's all down to brushing the mineral powder foundation 'into' your cheeks and blending well with a big, fat brush.

It looks just like powder, can it really give me full coverage?

Coverage can be built up with more powder and different brushes, and there are also mineral concealers to hide any under eye circles or blemishes. Because of the nature of mineral makeup it can actually improve you skin tone, and it generally includes UVA and UVB protection too.

Do I have to use brushes?

I'm afraid so. Because of the triple milling process used to create mineral makeup, the texture is different to regular powder and won't apply well from your fingers. You also may have to use SPECIFIC Mineral make up brushes as regular make up brushes may apply the product on too thickly and give you a strange caked look. Thankfully most mineral starter kits include brushes as standard so you won't have to splash out there.

I'm still a bit unsure about applying it...

Not to worry - watch this space for a how to video shortly!

Like that? Read this: New UK mineral make up brand: LVF Mineral Makeup

Want to watch Shiny Fashion TV? Click here for the latest videos

Came straight to this page? Visit www.kissandmakeup.tv for loads more stories!

Posted by Zara Rabinowicz on March 17, 2008 in Ask The Team, Beauty News, Foundation & Powder, Green Beauty, Mineral makeup | Permalink

Comments

I was trying a L'Oreal Mineral Makeup tester the other day in a shop, and the powder went absolutely EVERYWHERE when I tried to "swirl" it! Did I do something wrong, or is the pot just too small for the brush??

Posted by: Michelle | March 17, 2008 11:24 PM

Can't wait to see the video!

Grayburn

Posted by: Grayburn | March 18, 2008 10:36 AM

Mineral makeup is a god-send for us oily-skinned, acne prone girls. Since I started using L'oreal's Mineral makeup my skin has been crystal clear - something it's never been before. =D So, even if the finish isn't perfect, even if it sometimes cakes... I'm not straying! As the more I use it the less foundation I need to use. I do find that I need a really good undereye concealer as the mineral foundation tends to crease as the day goes on giving me fine lines where there are none.

Posted by: Emily | March 18, 2008 11:11 AM

Michelle - it does have a tendency to go everywhere. I've been using Bare Minerals for over a year and I still often end up having to dust off my clothes once I'm done. It's worth it though - like Emily says, it's so much better for problem skin than a liquid.

Posted by: Gemma | March 18, 2008 12:08 PM

My wife uses Arbonne's makeup. ALL of their pigments are from minerals, in addition to having the staple mineral powder mentioned here.

As I'm sure you know, Zara, caution is to used in selecting mineral makeup as not all are created equal. Many are still talc based, have chemical colors added to them, or contain other disgusting animal products/by-products.

That's another reason we like Arbonne, no artificial colors/fragrances, animal products, (or animal testing, for that matter). For our money and values, it's just the best!

Posted by: Jeffrey | March 18, 2008 6:07 PM

Some of the lower priced drugstore brands that have been hopping on the bandwagon of mineral makeup contain talc. Read the labels or you may not be satisfied with the results. I've been using Bare Minerals for years now and would never try anything else. It may be pricier but it lasts for forever and the blush goes and exceptionally long way. I'm now venturing into their eyeshadows and LOVE them! Since such a little goes a long way, a lot of people are selling small amounts in sifter bottles on eBay. You can try them out for a small price to see how you like the color, etc.

PS- The Loreal powder container is absolutely awful product design!

Posted by: Lara | March 18, 2008 7:10 PM

I use Lily Lolo mineral makeup and I really like it. It's great when I'm having a spotty phase. But it does tend to be quite messy. Now I do my makeup over the sink in the bathroom, which does the trick.

Posted by: Katie | March 19, 2008 4:09 PM

I just need this, Well done! Many thanks.

Posted by: abercrombie | April 26, 2010 8:38 AM