The Mineral Takeover.

Lately, you can’t bat an eyelash without seeing a new mineral range of makeup by every Tom, Dick and Harry brand name on the market. Those inexperienced with minerals can, and mostly probably will, assume that they are all quite similar, posses the same skin benefits and general long wear. Wrong. Unfortunately, (this may not come as a surprise) many cosmetics companies lie to get your money. Often products labelled “mineral” or “mineral rich” tend to be not very pure. A good example of such con-artistry is CoverGirl’s so called mineral makeup. Their powders say “mineral enriched”, yet they contain mostly the same ingredients as normal powders and only tiny amount of minerals, just so they can say “mineral” on the packaging and hence people will flock to the product. Clever. Very clever. Just not enough for those who know how to read an ingredient label.
Pure mineral makeup should only contain 4 to 7 ingredients, none of which are talc, or oils. They give very good sun protection are quite opaque. If you like the texture and feel of hybrid mineral powders (those with pure mineral and synthetic components), than feel free to purchase them and use them to the last particle. If, however, you are looking for 100% pure minerals and their skin friendly benefits, these are two of the best in the industry;

Jane Iredale was the first brand to base their products on minerals, and funnily enough, still has probably the best mineral bases and most natural looking colours you will find. They’re quite pricey but if they suit you and you like the feel, they are worth the money. Another bonus is that Iredale has a pressed powder which is a lot less messy than the usual loose one. There is also a liquid mineral base for those with dry skin.

i.d. BareEscentuals have loose powders similar to the ones from Jane Iredale. Their shades can sometimes be too peachy or pink for the skin, but otherwise give a nice glow.

..oh and fyi, big cosmetic companies such as L’oreal etc.; mineral makeup has been around for years, so don’t claim its the newest technology just because you only now are bothered to make them.