7 reasons why you should replace petroleum-based makeup with mineral makeup

Why use Mineral Make-Up?

1. Does not clog pores
2. Hydrating
3. Soothing
4. Anti-bacterial
5. Protective 
6. Longer shelf life (inert and in powder form)
7. More water resistant (rain, humid summer and tears)

It is really what mineral-based make up lacks that makes them so good for the skin.
The best-selling mineral make-up brand, Bare Escentuals, claims that their make-up is so good for the skin, you can actually sleep in it! Tempting idea but I will test that on one of the days when I am absolutely tired!

What is Mineral Make-Up?

Mineral make-up is made from minerals ground into an ultra-fine powder. Different cosmetic companies have different recipes, but most formulas contain the following: 

• Titanium dioxide (natural anti-inflammatory and natural sunscreen)
• Zinc oxide (natural anti-inflammatory)
• Pure pigments (natural colour)
• Mica (smooth texture and glow)
• Clay (creamy texture and natural oil absorption) 
• Rice starch (natural emollient and anti-inflammatory)

What  most Mineral make up does not contain: 

• Artificial colours
• Oils
• Perfumes
• Preservatives

Mineral makeup comes in powder form and acts as multiple products in one (foundation, concealer and powder and many brands contain enough SPF to replace daily sunscreen application). There are also mineral-based eye shadows  blushes, glosses, lipsticks and mascara which share the benefits of the more-common foundation/powder products, but these types of products may contain other ingredients (particularly "wet" products such as lipsticks and mascara) such as oils, waxes and colour. Be sure to check a product's ingredient information if you're concerned about the use of animal by-products or possible skin-irritating ingredients.


My personal experience
After trying Bare Escentuals BareMineral foundation for a week, I agree that it is more gentle on my skin than regular make up. My face does not feel oily or dry at the end of the day. In fact, it feels so natural that I am motivated to apply it every day. The suncreen portion seems to work better than my Clarin's sunscreen. I do not totally agree that it does not clog pores at all but my skin can definitely breathe much better compared to using normal make up or even the Clarin's sunscreen! I still feel the need to use my Thomas Roth Clinical Peel at least once a week. Just to prevent a build up of clogged pores.