Mineral Makeup Hype

"Mineral makeup" has been around since the 70s at latest. I put the words in quotations because minerals have been included in makeup pretty much as long as cosmetics have existed. But products advertised specifically as mineral makeup came into popularity a few decades ago and have grown in hype ever since. The original intent of this phrase was to indicate a product that was all natural, made from minerals from the earth and without chemicals, dyes and perfumes added. Take a look at the components in any traditional makeup, like Dermablend for instance, and you may be dismayed by the array of chemical names you'll find. I opt to wear my perfume on my neck and wrists, not my face, don't you? Since they leave out these ingredients frequently contained in other makeups, mineral makeups claim to be less irritating to the skin or even good for it. Many say they obstruct harmful effects of pollution and sun exposure too.

But be aware, not all brands claiming to be mineral makeup meet these specifications. A company can label its products mineral makeup as long as minerals are a significant ingredient in the recipe. That's why it's important for buyers to look into the brands of cosmetics they intend to buy. Jane Iredale mineral makeup is one line of cosmetics that does meet the standards I've described above. It is recommended by many dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons internationally. It includes only inert minerals that bacteria cannot grow in, plus it won't block pores or cause irritation. There's virtually no allergic reaction risk.

There is some controversy whether any mineral makeup is in truth better than traditional ones. Some scientists suggest that because the minerals for such makeup are ground so incredibly fine, they present toxicity risks that the same minerals in their normal size would not. Others say that mineral makeups tend to magnify the appearance of wrinkles and skin flaws. But for myself, I feel safer wearing ingredients that come from the earth on my face rather than ones that some technician cooked up in a lab.