Mineral Magic

The benefits of mineral make-up

Mineral make-up can really turn around the health of the skin. It is suitable for all skin types and is particularly beneficial for sensitive skins or those with challenges such as acne and rosacea.

Many products in the beauty industry, including mineral make-up, are defined as ‘natural’. With no industry definition of the word ‘natural’, what most people actually mean when considering if a product is natural is ‘Does it contain ingredients that could be harmful to me?’. 

Mineral make-up was originally formulated with this in mind. Ingredients with the potential to damage the skin or the overall health of the wearer were removed. In addition, ingredients that diluted the pigments were also removed (talc, often called a filler, is the most common dilutor). Among other ingredients eliminated were synthetic preservatives, fragrance and FD&C dyes (colour additives), which can cause acne and sensitivities.

Mineral make-up has become a popular marketing term, however not all mineral make-up is created equal! With so many brands entering the market, the original formula of mineral make-up has been compromised. It is essential to read the ingredients list when selecting products as there are no restrictions, meaning it is possible to call anything a mineral make-up, even a traditional make-up that contains 70 – 90% talc.

Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are two of the most important ingredients in mineral make-up. High quality mineral make-up will list these at the top of the ingredients list together with others such as iron oxides, bismuth oxychloride, mica or boron nitride.

Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are physical sunscreens approved by the FDA (US Food & Drink Administration). They perform well in water resistance tests and titanium dioxide prevents water loss from the outer layers of the skin. Not all mineral make-up provides adequate sun protection. The level of protection depends on even application and the percentage and type of active ingredients used. Therefore it is extremely important to look for the sun protection level on the label. 

Over the years there has been some concern over bismuth oxychloride, which is a metal and can irritate some skins. A reaction will present itself as an itching and burning sensation, which ceases once the product is washed off the skin. These reactions are rare. Bismuth oxychloride is not restricted to mineral make-up and can be found in most traditional make-ups, though in smaller percentages. In order to eliminate the potential for irritation, our Jane Iredale products do not contain this ingredient.

How to apply

Because a good mineral make-up is pure pigment, a little goes a long way and the coverage is more effective than that from traditional make-ups.  When applied, the mineral particles overlap to ensure the make-up stays evenly distributed and requires very little touching up. The best way to apply mineral make-up is to layer the product and build the coverage. The correct brush is also important to ensure the make-up is even and well blended. Applied correctly mineral make-up should look natural, luminescent and youthful.

Mineral make-up allows the skin to breathe and function normally. This extremely important process takes place 24 hours a day and interference in the process can produce negative effects and manifest as skin issues.

Minerals have not only proved an asset to dermatologists, plastic surgeons and beauty therapists, but also to some of the most creative make-up artists around the world. The options are endless and the benefits increase continually as more is learnt about incorporating active ingredients in to the products.

Euphoric stocks Jane Iredale mineral cosmetics as part of their Feed, Fortify, Finish philosophy for skin care.

A professional Jane Iredale make-up artist visits the salon monthly to offer clients one to one consultations. To book, please contact the salon on 01903 206600.