9 Hidden Benefits of Mineral Makeup
Mineral makeup is all the rage, and for good reason. Made from minerals like mica, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, mineral foundation is better for your skin than regular makeup. Here are nine things you probably didn’t know about mineral makeup foundation that might make you make the switch.
1. Mineral Foundation Helps Provide Sun Protection
Used in conjunction with your daily SPF, mineral makeup foundation can help defend your skin against the sun’s damaging rays. There are two types of sunscreen, physical and chemical. Physical sunscreen contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, the two minerals most commonly found in mineral makeup. While chemical sunscreen contains ingredients like Oxybenzone and Octinoxate that absorb the sun’s rays, physical sunscreen blocks the sun, deflecting UVA and UVB rays.
2. Mineral Makeup Foundation Provides Better Coverage
Traditional cosmetics often contain talc, a bulking agent that leads to a formula that’s heavier on the skin and less pigmented. With a poorly pigmented foundation, you might find yourself layering on more and more product to get the look and coverage you want.
3. Mineral Makeup Looks Great on Camera
“With HD cameras you can see everything,” says Stephanie Panek, Key Makeup Artist on Netflix’s Grace and Frankie. “A makeup artist has to go in and cover any spots, flaws or discoloration with makeup so that it doesn’t show on camera.” She loves using mineral powder foundations because of their natural, full coverage look. “Two of my male actors do not like to wear makeup but allow me to use the mineral foundations because it’s fast, gives full coverage, and it doesn’t look like they are wearing makeup.”
4. Mineral Makeup Foundation Won’t Settle into Fine Lines
The best foundation is one that you apply and forget. However, many traditional foundations contain talc, which feels heavy on the skin. Traditional foundation also commonly settles into fine lines and wrinkles, causing creasing. Mineral makeup is like a second skin, with a barely-there feel.
5. Mineral Makeup Is Suitable for All Skin Types
Oily, dry or combination, mineral makeup foundation works well for every skin type. However, your skin type will determine the manner in which you apply your foundation. For all skin types, it is essential to moisturize every morning before your makeup application, so your minerals have a hydrated surface to lie on. For oily and combination skin, use a mattifying powder on your t-zone to keep the midday oil at bay, and for dry skin, use a hydrating mist to hydrate your minerals and refresh your skin.
6. Mineral Makeup is Rosacea-Friendly
Since mineral makeup is free of skin-irritating ingredients like talc and chemical dyes, it’s a good choice for those that suffer from rosacea. Not only is mineral makeup rosacea-friendly, it effectively helps cover and correct surface redness to conceal the side effects.
7. Mineral Makeup is Good for Acne-Prone Skin
Mineral makeup is good for acneic (or acne-prone) skin for the same reason mineral makeup is good for rosacea. With a non-irritating, non-comedogenic formula, mineral foundation won’t clog your pores, causing further breakouts.
8. Mineral Makeup is Good for Sensitive Skin
Minerals are non-occlusive, allowing skin to breathe and function normally without being suffocated. Dermatologists and skincare professionals often use mineral makeup to help protect their clients’ sensitive skin.
9. Mineral Makeup Foundation is Long-Wearing
Makeup artists often use mineral makeup on set because it creates a smooth, even complexion and it lasts. Michelle Radow, makeup artist of HBO’s The Brink, says of Glo Skin Beauty: “[Their] mineral products are such high quality, you can feel it during the application process and see it after a 14 hour shooting day.” Wear your mineral foundation with primer and a setting powder to make it last even longer.