Amazing Minerals
Try these all-natural cosmetics for sun protection as well as beauty.
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The Minerals in Mineral Makeup
- Titanium dioxide is a natural sunscreen and anti-inflammatory agent.
- Zinc oxide is a natural sunscreen that provides broad spectrum
UVA/UVB protection. - Iron oxides are natural minerals that add color to makeup.
- Mica, a mineral that sparkles, comes in a variety of colors, from pale green to brown or black to colorless. It reflects light from the face, creating an illusion of a smoother, softer and more radiant skin tone.
- Sericite is a fluffy translucent mineral that provides a silky texture.
- Ultramarine pigments are derived from limestone containing the blue mineral lazurite.
Did You Know? To set mineral powders and make them last longer throughout the day, you can spray with a fine mist of light toner, spring water, or rosewater.
Mineral makeup makes it easy to incorporate sun protection in your daily routine. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the keys to the sun protection in mineral makeup. These inorganic, insoluble minerals are considered “physical sunscreens.” They form a shield on the skin’s surface and diffuse the sun’s ultraviolet radiation before it can penetrate and damage your skin.
For more than incidental exposure, be sure your mineral makeup packs an SPF of at least 15, or layer it over sunscreen to enhance its broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Why bother with SPF makeup?
Sunscreen lotions and creams alone let some UV light sneak through, especially if you skimp on application. The best way to stay protected is to double up. And because the natural minerals in the makeup are water resistant and bond to the skin, they won’t wash away or melt when you sweat, making mineral makeup ideal as a sunscreen supplement.
Natural high-pigment minerals also provide sheer to opaque coverage that helps correct and protect your skin. Mineral makeup is all-natural; its main ingredients are colored minerals and pigments that exist in nature, such as titanium dioxide, zinc and iron oxides, mica, and ultramarine pigments.
Mineral makeup is made up of microscopic flat crystals that overlap one another on the skin to create a filtering layer that allows the skin to breathe, while protecting from environmental pollutants. Mineral makeup is ideal for sensitive skin because it’s oil free and won’t clog pores. Composed of inert minerals, it does not support bacteria and needs no preservatives. And its natural anti-inflammatory properties soothe and reduce skin redness.
Some mineral makeup brands may use the ingredient bismuth oxychloride, which is a skin irritant and can cause itching, rashes, and cystic acne. Stay away from products containing this mineral component if you suffer from allergic skin conditions.
Mineral makeup is becoming so popular that it is the base for liquid foundation, loose and pressed powders, concealers, blush, bronzers, eye shadows, and lipsticks. Long-lasting, it rarely requires a touch-up during the day. The powders are silky-feeling and water-resistant, allowing for all-day coverage, and they don’t fade, crease, or smear-even with exercise.
Be careful when shopping for your mineral makeup. Find one that is a pure mineral formulation and not just mineral-based with other toxic chemicals added.
Product Examples (below, left to right):
Multitasking as a moisturizer, makeup, and sun protection, Sukicolor Tinted Active Moisturizer is packed with natural pigments, anti-inflammatory white willow bark, and antioxidant rose extract. Fair complexions can add a few drops of moisturizer and blend to customize your color.
Soften imperfections, even skin tone, and protect your skin from the sun with the light, velvety coverage of Gabriel Cosmetics Zuzu Luxe Oil Free Liquid Foundation SPF 18.
Larenim Mineral Airbrush Pressed Foundation provides a flawless finish with high coverage. Or dust with a brush for lighter coverage. The handy mirror compact makes application and touch-ups easy.
Get a natural, healthy, sunless glow with Mineral Fusion Bronzer for face and body. Minerals plus antioxidants protect skin from environmental stresses.
