Five years ago, I began experimenting with a wide variety of mineral makeup brands to compare products. What began as curiosity turned into an active quest to find the best mineral makeup!
As a professional Makeup Artist (and a true makeup junkie!), I have met many clients from all walks of life who have shared with me that they were disappointed with some of the top mineral makeup companies after they experienced unpleasant reactions. Countless clients have complained of experiencing itchy, red, swollen, burning, irritated skin with small bumps or pustules.
Due to such a large group of females complaining about harsh ingredients in various brands of mineral makeup, I decided to discover for myself which brands of mineral makeup were the highest quality as well as which brands to avoid.
To do begin my beauty investigation, I considered several pertinent details to determine the quality of many different brands of mineral makeup. Here is my list of important qualities to examine and compare from brand to brand to draw an accurate conclusion regarding the best mineral makeup:
1) MUST CONTAIN PURE INGREDIENTS WITHOUT NEGATIVE REACTIONS, ALLERGIES OR SENSITIVITIES.
2) MUST PROVIDE A NATURAL APPEARANCE WITHOUT SKIN APPEARING "CHALKY," DRY, WRINKLED OR OILY.
3) MUST HAVE THE ABILITY TO PROVIDE A COMPLETE COVERAGE WITHOUT FEELING AS IF YOU ARE WEARING A MASK.
4) MUST CONCEAL BLEMISHES, IRREGULAR SKIN TONES AND MINOR IMPERFECTIONS.
5) MUST PROVIDE A WIDE SELECTION OF SHADES FOR ALL SKIN TONES AND COLORS.
6) MUST BE AFFORDABLE, ESPECIALLY DURING THIS ECONOMIC CHALLENGING TIME.
During five years experimenting with numerous selections of mineral makeup brands for myself and for my clients (from every ethnic race, age and skin type), I came to the conclusion that NOT all mineral makeup is created equal. What I discovered is that the one ingredient that was continually the root cause of negative skin reactions, allergies and sensitivities was bismuth oxychloride.
To better understand this ingredient, let's take a closer look at it. Bismuth oxychloride is a colorant, adding a white pigment to cosmetics. Typically, it is available in diamond and pearl finishes. The diamond is shimmery and the pearl is more matte.
It is often contained in cosmetics because it provides a silky feel, a good slip (easily applied nicely to the skin without dragging it) and the ability to adhere to your skin. Bismuth oxychloride is used in much higher concentrations in mineral makeup, which could explain why there are more frequent reactions from mineral makeup containing bismuth oxychloride, rather than liquid or cream foundation.
In my professional and personal experience using all types of mineral makeup, from the high end department stores to the inexpensive discount stores, I prefer organic mineral makeup that is fragrance-free, paraben-free, talc-free, bismuth oxychloride-free and contains no harsh ingredients. Professionally, one of my tips from the trade is that mineral makeup is best applied to freshly cleansed skin, which has been moisturized for added hydration. If your skin is oily or combination, choose an oil-free, lightweight lotion that absorbs easily into the skin.
Another helpful makeup tip to promote flawless skin is to apply foundation primer following your moisturizer. For best results, allow your moisturizer or oil-free lotion to totally absorb into your skin BEFORE applying foundation primer.
The purpose of a foundation primer is to prepare your skin BEFORE applying mineral makeup or liquid foundation. Foundation primers are available in many different sizes, prices, colors and formula's, depending on where you shop. Usually, foundation primers have a clear color, unless you need to reduce redness, sallow or uneven skin tones.
Whether your skin is dry and dehydrated with fine lines or your skin is very oily, blotchy and has blemishes, the BENEFIT of using a foundation primer is to fill in fine lines, pores and facial crevices to provide a smooth, flawless finish. Your skin will feel softer than a babies bottom!
Now that mineral makeup has been on the market for many years, brand new cosmetic companies have jumped on the bandwagon to retail their own mineral makeup line. However, keep in mind that NOT all mineral makeup products are the same. The KEY is to actively look for ingredients to determine how natural, pure and safe the product is, especially if you are prone to experience allergic reactions, breakouts or sensitivities with cosmetics.
One excellent website to find higher quality ingredients and mineral makeup is at The Campaign For Safe Cosmetics. This nonprofit and environmental organization works with more than 100 endorsing organizations, responsible businesses and thousands of citizen activists to shift the cosmetics market toward safer products as well as advocate for smarter laws that protect our health from toxic chemicals and encourage innovation of safer alternatives.
To check it out, go to CAMPAIGN FOR SAFE COSMETICS:
http://www.safecosmetics.org/display.php?modin=50
After spending much time, energy, research and money to determine which mineral makeup brands stand up to my strict criteria, I have been able to successfully weed out the "not acceptable" brands of mineral makeup to the TOP QUALITY mineral makeup companies. If nothing else, this has been extremely educational for me and I hope it will prompt you to check out the ingredients of beauty products the next time you go shopping or order cosmetics on your favorite website.
Stay tuned for my next beauty blog in which I will share my favorite brands of mineral makeup that stood up to my rigid beauty test!
Copyright © 2009 by Dana Arcuri. All Rights Reserved.
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