Mineral Makeup Making Waves in the Beauty World

Go natural for healthier looking skin

If you've ever lived with a female then you're familiar with the sight of bathroom counter tops littered with cosmetics, and the adeptness with which the lady in question works around her clutter to emerge with a perfectly made up face. Because women know that their face leaves an instant impression, they spend hundreds of dollars to put their best face forward. For those seeking to embrace beauty and health, mineral makeup aims to fulfill both these needs.

Mineral makeup uses inorganic pigments that exist in nature, and first came on the market two years ago.

"There has definitely been a switch to mineral makeup in educated people,” Cynthia DeBeer, owner of Cynthia's Hair Salon, said. “It's mostly among those people who are reading magazines and are up to date.” DeBeer, who sells mineral makeup from the line Keyano, expressed that she uses the line herself and that nothing compares. She especially likes it because it contains Lycra which reflects light so imperfections aren't visible.

"Whereas many of the makeup lines offered today use talc, fragrances, preservatives or chemical dyes that are harmful to the skin, mineral makeup uses natural products."

According to another popular mineral makeup line, Jane Iredale, the biggest selling point is that it is all natural. This is the reason why it is being used in spas, salons, and medical clinics worldwide.

Whereas many of the makeup lines offered today use talc, fragrances, preservatives or chemical dyes that are harmful to the skin, mineral makeup uses natural products. Jane Iredale's cosmetic line is made from micro ionized minerals that do not use any of these ingredients so people who are typically allergic will see no redness, swelling, itching, or fluid-filled blisters. Prices are also comparable to Lancôme and Clinique.

The Adirondack Plastic Surgery Center in Plattsburgh has been using mineral makeup for two and a half years now, and Becky Branham, a licensed aesthetician, can count on one hand the number of customers who didn't like the products. “People with the most sensitive skin are the ones turning to this natural line of product because they want less clogging of their skin,” she said. More than 5,000 fragrances are used in cosmetic and skin care products unlike the mineral based cosmetics that use less "allergenic" fragrances to minimize the problem.

The center is also a spa and cosmetic surgery clinic, and has seen a high success rate from the line since they began using it.

"With this line less is more so you don't want to lay it on too thick...putting on too much will cause it to crease."

Another local spa/saloon, Reflections and Relaxation, will launch the Jane Iredale line on October 13. “Jane Iredale's makeup is great because it nourishes the skin with vitamin E, vitamin C, willowbark and coenzyme Q10," said Trudy Hallett, owner of Reflections and Relaxation. To officially start sales of the line, a makeup artist from Massachusetts will be coming to educate customers on how to use the products effectively. "Many people lay on their makeup very heavily," Hallett said. "But with this line less is more so you don't want to lay it on too thick. The makeup works naturally with your skin so putting on too much will cause it to crease."

Jane Iredale's line comes equipped with application brushes, blotting paper (made with rice paper) to remove excess oils on the skin during the day and a "magic" mitt. The mitt, used with water to wash off makeup, is made of knitted microfibers thinner than human hair which penetrates the top of oil films. There is no need to use soap with the mitt. Washing with soap opens up the pores, causing sebaceous glands to secret more oils.

The woman of the 21st Century has one less thing to worry about, between taking care of the kids and holding down a nine to five job, she no longer has to worry about skin damage if she forgets to wash her makeup off every now and then.

Have you ever tried mineral makeup?

Skin Essentials

There is one thing that can help ensure you young healthy looking skin. Although makeup plays a big part in how you look, it is what you nourish your body with that will ultimately determine how you skin looks and how well it ages. Experts agree that the following vitamins can help do the trick:

Vitamin C and E– offsets the effect of sun exposure and risk of DNA damage. Vitamin supplements (400 units per day) can be taken orally or applied directly to the skin to prevent the risk of skin cancer. Citrus fruits give a good dose of vitamin C along with vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers and leafy greens. Vitamin E is contained in oils, nuts, spinach, olives, seeds and asparagus.

Vitamin A- generally found in fruits and vegetables as well as helping with the repair and maintenance of skin. The prescription treatment for acne called Retin-A is derived from vitamin A