I’ve recently been developing an organic/naturals kick, thanks for certain bloggers (*cough* I’m talking about you Ms. Christiana!). While I haven’t completely changed all of my makeup/skincare to more natural alternatives, I’ve started by switching to mineral foundation. I still have my liquid foundations for heavier coverage, but I use mineral foundation almost daily. Most people have discovered mineral makeup, but for those who don’t quite know, or understand how it’s different, please sit back and relax, because you’re in for a…long read. Haha.

WHAT IS MINERAL MAKEUP?

Mineral makeup is made up of completely natural minerals, such as zinc, iron oxides, titanium oxide, bismuth oxychloride, mica etc. All these minerals are grinded finely into a power that can be applied with a makeup brush. By dusting the mineral powder all over your face, you can achieve a natural-looking layer that evens out your skintone, and can give a healthy glow due to properties of certain minerals. It contains no oil, perfume, dyes, alcohol, or other comedogenic (pore clogging) ingredients. In fact, Bare Minerals, one of the most well-known mineral makeup retailers, advertises their makeup as “So pure, you could sleep in it.” While I wouldn’t recommend sleeping in your makeup, their slogan hold an ounce of truth.

ADVANTAGES OVER “TRADITIONAL” MAKEUP

SPF

Mineral foundations all have natural SPF properties, but due to FDA guidelines, most companies cannot advertise a specific SPF rating. It doesn’t mean you should completely reply on mineral makeup for sun protection, but it’s a start.

Shelf Life
Most traditional makeup is either in liquid/cream form, or uses some type of bonding materials to hold it together*. As mineral makeup is a completely dry powder, it will essentially last forever until it gets wet. Since wet/liquid environments promote bacterial growth, you do not want to get your mineral makeup wet. It’s also why you should throw out mascara and/or liquid products after a certain period of time.

*MAC has a foundation called mineralized satinfinish (also as an MSF baked form), but the MA was quick to tell me that it’s not completely natural as they need to add certain ingredients to bond it together and turn it into a liquid. Take a look at the ingredients on liquid foundations as compared to mineral makeup!

Skin quality
Most users of mineral makeup report skin improvements after switching. This is because mineral makeup helps in blocking harmful UV rays, as well as providing coverage without the ingredients in traditional makeup that can irritate sensitive skin. Since everything is pure, it’s also non-comedogenic.

DISADVANTAGES OF MINERAL MAKEUP

Application
Mineral makeup generally comes in a powder form, which means that it can get messy when you apply it.

Really, that’s about all the advantages I can think of! I rarely break out these days, and a big part of it involves switching over to mineral makeup.

HOW TO APPLY MINERAL MAKEUP

Mineral makeup is a little different to apply than traditional foundation, but it really isn’t that much more difficult. If you’ve ever watched the Bare Minerals commercials late at night, this will be very familiar to you.

Step 1 (Optional): Primer
For people with oilier skin such as myself, I usually use a primer to prep my skin for the foundation so that it lasts all day (or at least a majority of the day). Make sure to let your primer/moisturizer completely sink in before applying your mineral foundation, as any moist patches can cause the powder to stick and get blotchy.

Step 2: Foundation
Pour a small amount of foundation into the lid of the container, or any simila surface. Swirl your brush (what brush? Read below!) in the powder until you have an even coating on top of the brush. Tap the brush a few times to remove any excess powder, and start “buffing” it into your skin.

Step 3: Buffing & Concealing
Buffing involves using small circular motions to blend the foundation into your skin. For problem areas or small areas, you can use a concealer brush to apply a heavier layer. Keep adding powder until you get your desired coverage.

Step 4: Blush
Applying blush uses the same technique as mentioned above. Make sure the blush powder is distributed evenly otherwise you’ll get a super pigmented spot on your face!
TIP: If the blush is too pigmented, add foundation on top to even things out a bit.

BRUSHES FOR MINERAL MAKEUP

There are several types of brushes that can be used, but the general rule of thumb is that brushes with dense bristles will give a nicer coverage.

(Picture courtesy of runtagua on MUA)
L-R: Alima #25, Alima #25 (new), EM flat top, EM kabuki

Alima #25 ($27)
I own the older version version of this brush, but it’s the best brush that I’ve tried. I’ve tried numerous kabukis and flat-tops, but Alima’s the only one that gives a flawless coverage. It’s actually synthetic, even though it doesn’t look like it. Either way, it’s a soft yet dense brush that gives the right coverage. To me, it’s like a mixture of a kabuki and flat-top – it’s not as round or fluffy as a kabuki, but not as flat either. The only issue is that since it’s so dense, it takes a while to dry.

EM Flat Top ($10)
Mine is coming in the mail, but I’ve heard a lot of good things about this brush. The general consensus is that while Alima #25 is still more preferable, the flat top is worth it considering the price difference. Since it’s dense, it’ll provide more coverage.

EM Kabuki ($10)
A standard kabuki brush, but with a long handle. I don’t have this version, but I have the standard kabuki (which seems to have disappeared from the website?). My kabuki has a bit of a problem with shedding, but since I didn’t pay full price for it (bought it in a kit), it’s not bad. I still like a denser brush for more coverage, but kabukis work. MAC’s 182 is a kabuki brush, and quite possibly the softest thing I’ve ever tested. It’s expensive at $45, but definitely worth the splurge if you wish.

EDIT: Thanks Sherlock for the following information!
“Avoid mineral makeup products that contain Bismuth (a by-product of lead & copper processing, and itchy to a lot of people), talc or parabens (linked to breast cancer). None of these products are necessary, they’re just fillers to bulk up the product. The most pure mineral makeup will only contain mica, iron oxide, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Those will be the best quality. ”

There are many, many retailers that sell mineral makeup. Below is a list of a majority of brands that exist (most e-tailers). Most offer sample programs, so it’s definitely worth a try!
Key: bold = well-known, * = I’ve tried