Why mineral make up is the latest phenomenon in the world of health conscious cosmetics.

From Good Medicine

Imagine make-up with in-built sunscreen. Make-up with no unnatural chemicals, made from a pure substance that won't irritate skin or clog pores. Make-up that boosts the skin's health, and can be used as lightly, or as heavily, as needed. Sounds too good to come in a compact? Enter mineral make-up, the latest phenomenon to arrive in the world of health-conscious cosmetic consumers.

THE MINERAL STORY
The concept of make-up made solely of minerals began in the US when Jane Iredale, the pioneer of this make-up category, was working in television and theatre. Here she was exposed to the fact that skin disorders and sensitivities could destroy self-confidence, and even threaten careers. It was this observation that led her to look for a substance that could offer benefits to the skin, as well as provide colour enhancement. Pure micronised minerals fitted that niche and, in 1994, Iredale's make-up range was the first to offer full coverage for people with specific skin problems without the risk of irritation. Initially, it was mostly embraced by cosmetic clinics and surgeons and dermatologists around the world, who loved the fact that it provided sun protection as well as effective camouflage for patients who were battling with scars and post-laser redness.

Now, the secret is out. The mineral make-up market is booming as its benefits are discovered by cosmetic connoisseurs all over the globe. The post-surgery tag has been dropped as more and more women with no particular skin concerns are swapping traditional make-up for pure-mineral formulas.

WHY MINERALS?
Pure-mineral make-up is made without fillers and binders, such as talc or mineral oil, which are found in most make-up products. Neither does it contain chemical dyes, fragrance or preservatives, the most common allergens in cosmetics. Inert minerals cannot support bacteria, so the risk of contamination is diminished. The minerals and pigments used come directly from the earth (except for some of the deeper reds, which come from carmine, a pigment obtained from cochineal, which is made from the wings of a beetle native to Mexico).

Because the pigments are so dense, complete coverage can be achieved for skin conditions including acne, rosacea, scarring or excessive redness. Mineral make-up is recommended widely by doctors for use after laser resurfacing, chemical peels or cosmetic surgery. It's suitable because, as well as covering up any imperfections, the minerals have anti-inflammatory properties that actually have a soothing, healing effect.

Zinc oxide and titanium oxide are natural sunscreens, and are found in increasingly popular chemical-free sunscreen formulas. They give mineral make-up its in-built broad-spectrum sunscreen protection. The minerals are very resistant to water, too, so are a good option for those who like to wear make-up when they're going to the beach, swimming and exercising.

HOW TO WEAR IT
To get the best results from mineral make-up, it's important to learn how to apply it properly. It's no more difficult than applying other types of make-up, but people who are used to conventional formulas may tend to be a tad heavy-handed when using minerals for the first time.

Because this make-up is so pigment-dense, at times just one stroke of the brush is all that's needed, in place of several with another product. Any desired coverage can be achieved, from a very light, sheer look, through to full coverage to disguise scars, acne, or redness caused by laser surgery.

WHO IS IT FOR?
It's for anyone seeking camouflage for medical skin conditions, as well as for people with sensitive skin, allergies, and those who prefer to use a more natural product. It's long-lasting, doubles as a sunscreen and now comes in comprehensive colour ranges — these factors all make it well worth a try