Mineral makeup is one of the hottest beauty trends. But what exactly is it? Is it really different from more traditional makeup, or is the whole idea of mineral makeup being healthy for your skin just another marketing ploy?
What Is Mineral Makeup?
This question is difficult to answer because no universal definition exists for what can or cannot be called "mineral makeup." A typical general definition of mineral makeup is that the products are made of finely ground minerals from the earth, so they shouldn't include the dyes, preservatives and chemicals that are found in traditional makeup. This makeup tends to come in the form of finely ground, loose, lightweight powder that you apply by buffing the powder into your skin with a large, fluffy brush.
Mineral makeup is usually made up of zinc oxide, mica and titanium dioxide. Many formulas also use iron oxide for pigment. What most people don't know, however, is that most makeups, not just the mineral-based ones, are also made from zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and mica. For that reason, the ingredients in mineral makeup aren't radically different from what you'll find in regular makeup.
Zinc oxide is a mineral that is used to thicken, whiten and lubricate. A natural sunscreen, it is popular because of its anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. Titanium dioxide is another mineral that is also used as a thickening, whitening, lubricating. Like zinc oxide, this ingredient protects skin from UVA and UVB radiation, which has recently become a lucrative selling point.
Mica is an earth mineral that provides shine and sparks to cosmetics. As for iron oxide, it is used as a metal polish called jewelers' rouge, and, unfortunately, we are all aware of iron oxide in its cruder form, commonly known as rust.
Certain mineral makeup brands also use Bismuth Oxychloride, one of mineral makeup's most controversial ingredients. Other brands proudly, even vehemently, promote the fact that their product does contains absolutely no Bismuth Oxychloride.
What Exactly Is Bismuth Oxychloride?
Bismuth is a byproduct of lead and copper refining that is mixed with chloride and water and is used in some mineral makeups because it gives off a luminous glow. Bismuth can be found in nature, but that is rare. The manufacturing by-product is inexpensive and is widely used as a binding ingredient and filler in mineral powders.
Since Bismuth Oxychloride is a byproduct of refining lead and/or copper, the reality is that it consists of microscopic pieces of metal that you force into the pores of your skin through the buffing technique in the application process. Many women, especially those with sensitive skin or rosacea, are allergic to Bismuth Oxychloride and experience itching and redness if they use products containing this ingredient.
The argument in favor of Bismuth Oxychloride is that it is all-natural and better for skin than talc, another makeup ingredient that gives rise to debate. But talc is actually a more natural and pure ingredient than Bismuth Oxychloride. It serves as a thickener and absorbent agent in cosmetics. If you don't have a reaction to Bismuth Oxychloride, you may like the shimmer it provides.
The arguments against Bismuth Oxychloride are somewhat more compelling. Many women are allergic to Bismuth Oxychloride and develop painful, ugly reactions to it, such as redness and itching.
Is Mineral Makeup Organic?
You will often see mineral makeup defined as "organic," but this label can be confusing. Organic refers to living material, and mineral makeups are supposed to be from minerals, which are rocks and not living at all. When a mineral makeup states that it is organic, other ingredients in the product come from plants or other organic matter.
This is not necessarily a bad thing, but you should understand the true meaning of the word "organic." Many botanicals are said to provide great benefit to the skin. Just be certain to read the label carefully to determine whether you are allergic to any of them, and always test a new product on a small patch of skin before applying it to your whole face.
What Kinds of Mineral Makeup Are Available?
Foundation makeup is the most common type of mineral makeup. You can also find blush, eye shadows and lipsticks within the category. Lipsticks can contain ingredients other than minerals, so be sure to check the labels.
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