I was asked by so many of you about Mineral makeup. So as always, I went in search of all the information I could muster. Here it is! Mineral makeup is as about pure as it gets, almost all manufactured are void of talc, chemical additives, fragrances, fillers, preservatives and dyes. Mineral makeup is actually made from minerals from the earth. They contain a combination of natural ingredients such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, bismuth oxychloride, iron oxides and others. These minerals are mixed with other inorganic pigments to get color. Mineral makeup should not contain artificial fragrances, colors and preservatives. These ingredients are some of the causes of allergies in many people. They also can be irritating to the skin. Mineral Makeup came about from a need for cosmetics gentle enough to use on skin after chemical peels or resurfacing treatments, mineral makeup is made from finely crushed, high pigment minerals. It has virtually no allergy risk and will not clog pores or irritate sensitive skin. So, many Dermatologists, Plastic Surgeons, Skin Care specialists and Professional Makeup Artists are recommending Minerals for their patients after laser or a chemical peel. This is because minerals such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are used as the base; these cosmetics are loaded with natural UV protection, are water resistant and will not irritate the skin, As well they don't clog the pores. So why not use them all the time? I do!

The beauty of mineral makeup is that it can be used by all skin types, all skin colors, regardless of our age. One of the base minerals used is zinc oxide, it has anti-inflammatory properties, which means it calms the skin down. So it's perfect for people with blemishes, oily skin, dry skin, and rosacea. I use it on Models that are sun burned. It is the only makeup on the market that I know of that is recommended for use immediately after a skin care or surgical procedure. Mineral Makeup is talc-free; this enables our skin to retain its moisture balance. It basically holds in moisture, keeping skin hydrated and as we all know, skin that is hydrated has a smooth resilient look! Hydrated skin shows little signs of ageing!



Types of Mineral Products and What to look for before you buy.

There are many types of mineral makeup products on the market, Foundations or bases, under eye concealors, as well as powders and eye shadows. I always look for pressed bases, they are much easier to use and not messy: Same effect as the loose but no mess. They are easier to carry in your purse or makeup bag. As well there are a lot of ways to use them. They all work on the same theory. If you apply them dry, right from the container, they will be soft and subtle. When you wet them they become much more intense.



Features and Benefits of the Mineral Products! Anti-inflammatory! Two of the main ingredients in most mineral based makeup are, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, they are anti-inflammatory and actually help calm the skin. Zinc oxide also has antimicrobial properties. Properties that actually help keep the risk of any type of infection down! Will not clog the pores! With no oils, fragrances, fillers, chemicals or synthetic ingredients, there is not much that can clog your pores. The light mineral powders also let skin breathe naturally. Best of all, because mineral powders are inorganic and contain no moisture, bacteria do not grow and no preservatives are needed. Plus it absorbs oil, so anyone with oily skin just doesn't look or get as shiny. Works like a natural sunscreen! Minerals have a reflective property that reflects the suns rays, in addition substances like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide offer natural, sun protection.

Many application features! One of the very best features is in the application process; here you have one product that can be used for so many types of coverage! First if you just want a light application, you can apply the minerals with a brush. I recommend a kubuki type, a soft look with just a hint of color will be released, with coverage in the 25% range, perfect for young skin, great for when you would like to have a tinted moisturizer type look. The second is with a dry sponge, this will give you about 50% coverage, better than most foundations on the market today. Last is with a wet sponge, this is what I would use for that fully covered flawless skin type coverage. Now you can wet the sponge with water or a good moisturizer.

Use as an under eye cover! If dark circles are a problem or you need a concealor, I always use the minerals with a wet sponge under the eye, actually I use it all around the eye area, it makes a great base for eye shadow as well as keeps your eye pencils from smudging during the day.

Perspiration & water resistant! This means that the mineral makeup will hold up well in moisture. Whether you get damp from perspiration or being in the rain, your mineral makeup should hold up. Blot when wet, don't rub and the pigment will last. Mineral Makeup works with humidity. So that means even if you sweat, your makeup stays put. A lot of women going thru hormonal changes: including menopause can now have some relief as to sweating all their makeup off!



The Bottom Line

Before you apply any makeup product, always make sure you skin is in the best shape possible. I as always recommend proper skin care. Cleanse to remove all excess dirt and debris, tone to pick up any excess cleanser so it doesn't eat thought your new makeup application and moisturize to restore the ph balance of your skin. Use an micro dermabrasion product twice a week. Then if you go ahead and use the minerals, well what more can I say! The bottom line is to try the Minerals, have fun with the colors and know your doing something great for your skin!

www.virginiaalexander.com



About the author:

Virginia Alexander International - National Make Up Artist Union Local 798 Iatse

Virginia Alexander began her career in the beauty/ make up industry in Washington DC. In 1973.catering to political figures and business professionals who needed to project their individual image in a professional manner. She increased her horizons to include the production level by providing her talents as a make up artist for Video, Photography, Motion Picture