When you’re deciding whether or not to use mineral cosmetics you probably have a lot of questions. After all the hype, you’re left wondering “Are they really that good?” Sure, there are lots of positive things being said about mineral makeup right now, but before you invest in it you should make sure all your questions are answered.

These are common questions people ask before choosing to buying any mineral cosmetic brand.

Is it waterproof?

No, it is not. It is water resistant. This means that mineral cosmetics hold up well in moisture. Whether you get damp from sweating or being in the rain, your mineral makeup should hold up. Simply dab the excess water off, instead of rubbing it off.

Is it hard to remove?

No, it isn’t hard to remove. Using any type of facial cleanser, cold cream, eye makeup remover, etc.- even soap and water- will remove it very effectively.

How can it last all day and still be easy to remove?

The basic properties of mineral makeup (titanium dioxide and iron oxides) have great adhesion properties. This means they bind well to the skin. There are no oils or waxes, which helps them to stay on longer. Finally, each ingredient is water- soluble. This makes them easy to remove, and is why they are not waterproof.

Does it really look natural?

Yes. It won’t leave that tell-tale “mask” on your skin like a liquid foundation. Plus you can easily mix colors to give yourself the best match to your natural skin, which helps it look better.

What makes it matte?

A matte mineral cosmetic will not have any mica in it. Mica adds the sparkle, shimmer, interference, etc. Some micas even give makeup more depth so that it is more compatible to different skintones. Without it, the mineral cosmetic can look really flat, like paint.

Isn’t serecite a mica?

Yes, it is colorless mica. It adds a little more “slip” to the makeup, giving it a silkier feel. It has a very low shimmer to it and it becomes unnoticeable when mixed into the makeup.

Will it clog my pores?

No it won’t. It is considered non-comedogenic and safe for women with sensitive skin. IT is lacking the oils and parabens associated with clogged pores.

It shouldn’t. Most mineral cosmetic brands are non-acnegenic, which means they won’t irritate acne-prone skin. In fact, many women with acne that use mineral makeup see their faces clear up after using it consistently for awhile. Those that do have trouble can usually attribute it to the “buffing”, cornstarch/rice powder (which is a food product for bacteria), or bismuth oxychloride. Finding a brand free of these ingredients will ensure the best possible chance of not irritating your acne.

Is it ok for oily/dry skin?

It is highly recommended for oily skin because of its intrinsic oil-absorbing properties. It tends to work very well on oily skin. Dry skin can be more problematic because of all those drying ingredients. However, there are formulations out there specifically for dry skin, so those will probably work best.

Which brand is the best?

Choosing a mineral cosmetic company depends on what you are looking for. Many women focus on ingredients, color selection, quantity vs. price and customer service. You know what you want, so the best idea is to base your choice on your priorities.

Are Ebay brands good?

This is a bit tricky. Yes and no. Some are and some aren’t. Unfortunately, many people selling on Ebay under their own brand are simply resellers of someone else’s wholesale brand. It’s called a “private label.” They buy someone else’s products at a reduced price because they’re buying in bulk and put their stickers on it. The problem with this is that they don’t know anything about the ingredients or how to help their customers make an appropriate match. But there are also some reputable sellers on Ebay. Buying off Ebay depends solely on your personal preference.

Now you have the information to decide if mineral makeup is for you and how to pick a brand that will meet your needs.

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Copyright © 2005, Lynn Starner, All rights reserved