Mineral Madness

I don't know about you, but I haven't been able to turn on the TV or flip through a magazine recently without seeing an ad promoting mineral-based makeup. Both mass market and niche cosmetic companies have been following this trend quite closely, which makes me wonder- what's enticing everyone to go mineral? Are brands just trying to cash in on the 'green' movement by adding (more) natural products to their collections, or is it that minerals are actually beneficial enough to become a key ingredient in the coming years? Maybe it's a bit of both.

Until this week, I didn't know much about mineral makeup (apart from its existence), so I did a bit of research and found that it does indeed have many benefits, some of which are:

• A lighter, more weightless feel
• Non-irritating
• Does not clog pores
• Naturally reflects sunlight to help mask imperfections/wrinkles
• Provides a youthful glow
• Requires little to no preservatives
• Nourishes and protects the skin

Though it all sounds wonderful, I've been devoted to Chanel's Poudre Universelle for as long as I can remember, so the idea of trading it in for a mineral powder is a bit daunting. I don't think I'm ready to make that switch quite yet, but I did play with an assortment of mineral-based products this week and the majority had a really nice texture and pigment to them.

A few of my favorites:

• Laura Mercier Mineral Eye Powder
• Bare Escentuals Buxom Lips Lip Plumper
• Tarte Mineral Powder Bronzer

I think mineral-based cosmetics are much like organic foods or natural skincare, you can become totally taken by it all or just supplement a few things and find your own balance. From what I've tried, I think mineral makeup is definitely worth the fuss and hope it becomes more than just a trend in the coming years.

Pictured above (from left): Pur Minerals Mineral Lip Tint SPF 15 (Tropical Bronze pictured) $16.50, Tarte Mineral Powder Bronzer $28, Youngblood Mineral Eyeliner Pencil $10, La Bella Donna Mineral Mascara $22.50, Bare Escentuals Buxom Lips $18, Jane Iredale PurePressed Blush (Sheer Honey pictured) $26, and Laura Mercier Mineral Powder SPF 15 $35.

Comments

[Claire Ellen]

I love the idea of makeup that's actually good for your skin but I don't like a matte look. Any tips on how to use mineral makeup as a base and still achieve a dewy look?
Thanks

[lily]

It's interesting you ask as mineral makeup is perfect for the look you're trying to achieve as it absorbs into the skin quite well, so perhaps it's the application that's giving you a matte finish.

I'd try using a loose powder with a brush (dust it off lightly before applying) as oppose to a compact and puff/sponge if you're finding the finish too heavy. This should allow more of your skin's natural oils to surface, giving your complexion a nice glow.

Let me know if that helps :)

Lil x

[c. drummond]

check out this:

www.christopherdrummond.com

a very different kind of mineral makeup