Considering mineral makeup - what you need to know

Mineral makeup seems to be the latest craze in the cosmetic industry. But what exactly is mineral makeup and what makes it so much better. I have read various articles on the pros and cons of mineral makeup; additionally I have found that there are those people that love it for its smooth texture and those that do not for various reasons.

The main ingredients in mineral makeup are mica, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide. Ironically though these ingredients have been in cosmetics for years so what is the difference in today's mineral makeup? The mineral makeup advertised today is (or supposed to be) free of fragrances, binders, synthetic dyes and preservatives thus they are considered to be purer and gentler to the skin than traditional cosmetics. Additionally, the titanium and zinc oxide in mineral makeup have anti-inflammatory properties which is useful for those suffering with problem skin such as acne or rosacea.

Mineral makeup will not clog pores as it is non-comedongenic. True mineral makeup is also great for those that have sensitve skin as it is free of synthetic chemicals and perservatives, which are usually the cause of skin dermatis and rashes.

Mineral makeup also claims to provide sun protection with an average SPF rating of 15, however most experts agree that it is not enough sun protection and a sunscreen should still be applied for extra assurance against harmful UV rays.

Another advantage of mineral makeup is it long lasting wear and easy application.
So based on the above information, mineral makeup seems to be the best choice to create a beautiful complexion, but is it?

Not all mineral makeup is created the same, they generally fall into two categories - those that stay true to the origin of mineral makeup without the extra ingredients and those that add the synthetic fillers, fragrances and preservatives (such as parabens) just to name a few.

Unfortunately cosmetic manufacturers can claim their mineral makeup to be pure and/or natural, but that may not always be the case. There is no regulation for what constitutes a mineral makeup, which means any product containing minerals as a primary ingredient can be marketed as such, even if it contains a whole lot of other less natural ingredients.

Another ingredient to be wary of is bismuth oxycholoride, this ingredient gives the mineral makeup a candlelight glow. Bismuth oxycholoride is a byproduct of lead and copper processing. Although lead and copper are minerals the byproduct through processing is not found in the earth. This mineral is used as a fill product which is not found in the earth naturally. Bismuth oxycholoride is a skin irritant and can cause itching and rashes and in large amounts can cause cystic acne. If you suffer from any skin irritation such as acne or rosacea or have sensitive skin, avoid any cosmetic that lists bismuth oxycholoride. However, some mineral makeup may contain just a small amount and may not cause a skin reaction, but you will never know until you try it. Again mineral makeup can be labeled pure and/or natural and contain the skin irritant bismuth oxycholoride.

Another factor that makes mineral makeup so popular is its long lasting wear, smooth finish and natural look. In order to make mineral makeup smooth manufacturers pulverize the minerals into microscopic or even nanoparticle size. Research studies have shown that that molecules that are dramatically reduced in size to a level of a nanoparticle will change the properties of that molecule leaving the nanoparticle with toxic properties. There is also concern about the health effects of inhalation of these nanoparticles. Zinc and titanium are safe when applied to healthy skin but in a micronized nanoparticle form; there remains a concern, particularly when applied to damaged skin, or when inhaled according to the Environmental Working Group.

If considering a mineral makeup be sure to read the ingredient label, the ingredients at the top of the list are the most predominant. Also, as with any new skin care product, do a patch test on the inside of your wrist.

For more skin care recipes and skin care articles, visit Complete Skin Care Therapy

This mineral makeup gets great reviews - Bare Escentuals i.d. bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation

Selecting the Right Foundation for Your Skin Type and Skin Tone

Have you ever met women that cover their face with the wrong color or type of foundation? It is a shame that women will take the time to apply foundation and take care for their skin and end up with an unnatural appearance. Additionally, too many women think that they need a heavier foundation to cover wrinkles and discolorations. However, heavy makeup and powders only accentuate fine lines and wrinkles and gives a cakey appearance.

The purpose of foundation is to smooth out skin and create a flawless finish. Foundation is not supposed to be used to change the color of your face but is used to create a natural canvas for the rest of your makeup.

To achieve beautiful makeup you must have the correct foundation suited for your skin type and skin tone. When the correct foundation is applied the rest of your makeup such as eye shadows, blush, etc., will be enhanced and promote a natural appearance.

A key step in your makeup routine is moisturizing. Prior to applying any foundation, always prep your face with moisturizer. Moisturizing is one of the fastest, easiest ways to give your face a youthful appearance and helps with blending your foundation.

Foundation Colors:
Basically foundation falls into two categories; they are bases with yellow tones and bases with pink tones. The most common yellow toned or known as a warm skin tone are Asian, sallow and black skin. Those people with a pink skin tone also known as a cool skin tone are usually fair skinned. If you are not sure of your skin tone, read my article "Tips to Determine Your Skin Tone".

Always try and select your foundation in a natural light and test the color on the jaw line. It is important to select your foundation based on your skin tone; otherwise your foundation will not look natural and will not blend well no matter how well you apply it.

Foundation Types:
Cream-to-powder foundations: this foundation is applied with a sponge and dries to a powder like appearance and provides better coverage and longer wear than regular pressed powder. Not recommended for those with oily skin due to the creamy formulation which adds more oil to the skin. This foundation is not recommended for dry skin because the powdery finish will dry the skin even more. Therefore this type of foundation should be used for a normal skin type.

Liquid-to-powder foundations: This foundation is applied with a sponge, are fast drying and quick drying. They are lighter than the cream-to-powder foundation and are good for oily and combination skin types.

Liquid foundations: a water based foundation and flattering for most women. They create a natural glow and smooth finish. Furthermore, an application of pressed powder can be applied to reduce shine to your liking. These foundations are good for normal to dry skin.

Oil-free liquid foundations: Although these foundations claim to be oil free, most foundations do contain some oils. Oil free foundations are similar to liquid foundation but have a tendency to be heavier and leave no shine. These types of foundations are best for those with oily skin. On dry skin, they have a tendency to make the skin look dryer and flaky.

Oil-based foundations: as the name implies these foundations contain a significant amount of oil. They tend to be thick and greasy however they do blend nicely and provide a flawless finish. Oil based foundations are best for very dry skin and aging skin.

Pressed-powder foundations: Similar to pressed powder except it is applied with a brush or sponge and provides longer wear. They tend to be drying so those with dry skin or aging skin should avoid this type of foundation.

Stick foundations: As the name implies this foundation is in stick form. They are considered a cream to powder formula. These are good for spot coverage and concealer.

Ultra-matte foundations: This type of foundation dries fast and therefore needs to be applied quickly and well. Additionally they tend to be heavy and leave the skin feeling dry.

Foundation for Skin Types:
Oily Skin: An oil free foundation is recommended for those with oily skin. Oil free foundations usually contain extra powder to dry any excess oil on the face.

Normal Skin: Almost all foundations will work with normal skin, however a liquid will give the best coverage without looking cakey or to heavy.

Dry Skin: Select a foundation that contains extra moisturizes qualities. This will keep the skin supple. Additionally applying moisturizer under your foundation will help soothe dryness. A cream foundation is recommended for dry skin.

Mineral Makeup - mineral makeup is the latest craze now in the skin care industry. There are those that love it and those that do not. I just wrote a post "What You Need to Know About Mineal Makeup Before You Buy It. So if you are considering mineral makeup you may want to read that post.

There is a wide variety of makeup foundations and finding the one that looks best on you will not be easy. However, knowing your skin type and skin tone will make finding your perfect foundation that much easier.

For more informative skin care articles, skin care recipes and how to videos visit Complete Skin Care Therapy

Carol Belanger, author of 300+ Skin Care Recipes

Below are some exceptional foundations!

Clinique Superbalanced Makeup

Clinique Perfectly Real Makeup

Bare Escentuals

Benefit Cosmetics

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup Spf 10

Home Remedy to Eliminate Brown Spots and Age Spots

Age spots, also known as browns spots are caused from excessive exposure to the sun. These dark spots are usually found on the face, neck, and hands as these are the areas that receive the most sun exposure. Although brown spots are not necessarily caused from ageing, they are caused by overexposure to the sun and as we age our skin's ability to fight back is lessened thus producing age spots on the face, neck and hands.

The skin produces melanin to absorb the UV rays from the sun and protect the underlying skin cells, thus this is how we get a suntan. However, melanin will not always be distributed evenly throughout the skin thus leaving darker areas or brown spots.

Preventing age spots is easy just by following these simple tips:

Apply a sunscreen faithfully everyday. It should be applied 20 minutes before going outdoors and then reapply in two hours.

Wear a long sleeve shirt and hat if you are outdoors for an extended length of time

Try to avoid the strongest sunrays between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Although you may be annoyed with the repeated advice of wearing sunscreen, there are numerous studies supporting that those people that use sunscreen regularly had the largest reduction in actinic keratosis. Actinic keratosis also known as a solar keratosis, is a small, rough spot occurring on the skin that has been chronically exposed to the sun. They measure anywhere from one-quarter to one-inch in diameter and are usually considered precancerous spots. These legions can appear years after sun damage so regular applications of sunscreen are important at all ages.

It is also important to note that overexposure to the sun while wearing sun-sensitive chemicals in cosmetics or perfume will produce poikiloderma which usually appears on the neck and checks. Poikiloderma: extra pigmentation of the skin demonstrating a variety of shades and associated with widened capillaries (telangiectasia) in the affected area.

Skin Care Remedies to reduce the appearance of age spots:

Diet - research studies have shown that a diet that includes flavanoids and antioxidants found in most vegetables, fruits, and grain has shown to reduce the appearance of age spots. Furthermore in animal laboratory testing flavanoids has prevented cancer formation

Kitchen recipes - Lemon juice has a bleaching agent that will lighten sunspots. Dab a cotton ball of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the brown spots in the morning and evening. Note - lemon juice is photo-sensitive so protect your skin with sunscreen.

Apply the fleshy side of a green papaya, right out of the fridge to reduce age spots. Just apply the papaya to the spots for 15-20 minutes daily and repeat until you attain the desire lightness.

Home remedies are inexpensive and offer a natural solution to reduce the appearance of age spots. Additionally, home skin care recipes are eco-friendly and there are no chemicals involved. However, for a natural skin lightening treatment a home remedy may require 6 to 8 weeks to see results.

As summer approaches we all like to get outdoors and enjoy the summer sun. However, please keep in mind the detrimental effect the sun can have on your skin without the proper protection. Additionally, if it is within your budget, visit a dermatologist yearly for a skin checkout.

For skin care recipes and skin care articles, visit Complete Skin Care Therapy


Carol Belanger, author of 300+ Skin Care Recipes