Mineral Meltdown

In the 70’s up-and-coming Bare Escentuals created their line of mineral foundation (aka- make-up ‘base’)to fill a need for customers suffering from extremely sensitive skin, rosacea or acne. During that time, traditional foundations were deemed too heavy. Today, you can have it liquid, loose, whipped, souffle and sprayed to your hearts content.

<<< icky, gross minerals… puke!

But still, women come out in droves and ask for “minerals”. Do they even know what they are asking for??? A mystery blend of the finest milled minerals??? What is that? What does it do? It’s difficult to find a definitive answer to the benefits of the mystery ingredient. While many minerals promote themselves as being light weight, free of preservatives, talcs, oils and waxes, there are down sides. Mineral-based make-up can be drying.  There is also a distinct ‘look’ you get when you use some mineral products and for many of us, it’s not a flattering look.

Exhibit A: mineral mis-use is evident by a telltale frosty sheen across the cheek plane.

Exhibit B: the excenuation of every line and wrinkle… even showing evidence of wrinkles  you didn’t even think existed.

Again I ask, why minerals? I think along with words like “antioxidant rich” and “vitamin infused”, there is a healthy connotation associated with minerals. Being a child of the era of excess (the 80’s), I am not flocking with the masses that easily. A cosmetic item has to make me look good first and foremost. Being ‘of the earth’ or biodegradable or plant-based or sustainable is a nice little bonus after, and only after, my appearance. Does that make me vain??? Perhaps that’s why the rest of cosmetic companies have been late to the mineral party… it’s because of how difficult it is to take the bad stuff (preservatives, oils, parabens), while still producing a product people would want. Before you buy, ask yourself, “What do I want this product to do?” If you simply want to join Mineral-Mania buy whatever strikes your fancy. If you are looking for a truly remarkable product that will really rock your world and make you look gorgeous, check out my reccomendations. This small list is a group of great products, that just so happen to contain minerals too.

Smashbox HALO Hydrating Perfecting Powder. How do I adore this product? Let me count the ways:

1> Resolves the many mysterious myths of mineral make-up with these clinical stats: After 10 minutes there is a 33% decrease in the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes.  After 6 weeks of use, there is a 67% decrease in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles overall. I like clinical stats!!!

2> Loose powder finish in a pressed formula that uses a unique ‘shave’ container to keep make-up clean and fresh. $59, Available at Sephora.

Clinique Redness Solutions Powder: Although it is loose (read: messy) this yellow toned powder is infused with treatment properties that instantly ‘cools’ down red complexions for hours.  Think of it as a treatment and make-up in one. For extremely red complexions, ‘sandwich’ the powder. How to: Apply yellow powder to clean skin, apply liquid or powder foundation, top off with more yellow powder.  $32.50, anywhere Clinique is sold.

Pur Minerals 4-in-1 Mineral Make-up. It doesn’t get any easier than this. Pressed in a compact, this is a foundation, concealer, powder and SPF 15 in one. No crazy cheek sheen here. It’s completely matte and offers buildable coverage. This is a MUST for everyone’s make-up bag. Wear it alone, with foundation, or with tinted moisturizer to give a variety of looks. $24.50, available at Dillard’s and Ulta

Estee Lauder Nutritious Vita-Mineral make-up. If liquid formulations are more your cup of tea, Estee Lauder’s Nutritious is THE BOMB. Silky, lightweight and oil-free, Nutritious uses Vitamin C and Pomegranate to feed the skin’s defenses and improve the overall condition of the skin. $33.50, anywhere Estee Lauder is sold.

Lucky for the consumer the buck does not stop at Bare Escentuals (thank goodness). Do your homework, sample, dabble and…Stay Pretty!