A closer look at ingredients

Mineral makeup doesn't generally contain what people like to call "fillers". The ingredients in mineral-based makeup is actually good for your skin. They are hydrating, soothing, anti-bacterial and protective.

Bismuth Oxychloride: Translucent mineral used to add shine to mineral makeup formulas. It does not settle into fine lines or wrinkles, but can cause a "shiny" look on some people.
Boron Nitride: This is an ingredient that said to have anti-bacterial properties. It's also oil absorbing, glides on smoothly, and offers good makeup adherence. Some companies use this in their "glows" and "veils".
Iron Oxides: Cosmetic grade iron oxides are oxidized to remove heavy metals that may be harmful. They produce beautiful earthy colors and are great in foundations.
Kaolin Clay: Creamy texture. Very absorbent and used in small amounts to increase adhesion or oil absorption. It reduces shine on the skin as well.
Magnesium Stearate: Used to increase adhesion in some mineral makeup formulas.
Micronized Titanium Dioxide: More expensive, more translucent, and more UV protection than regular titanium dioxide.
Rice starch: Considered to be a skin soother and natural emollient.
Sericite Mica: Translucent mica used to add shine to mineral makeup formulas. It reflects light and reduces the appearance of enlarged pores and fine lines. Silky to the touch.
Silica: Silica is absorbent and used for oil control in products. It has great light scattering properties that reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It has successfully been used in hypoallergenic and allergy tested formulations. It can also help keep your makeup on longer.
Talc: Translucent, silky mineral. Has less of a dehydrating affect than kaolin clay. A number of harmful trace minerals are removed from the talc. The talc used today has been milled and processed to be safe for use in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products.
Titanium Dioxide: This is a major ingredient in many mineral makeups. It offers sun protection, reflects light (only surpassed by diamonds), has high coverage, and helps adhere makeup to your skin.
Ultramarine Colours: Some ultramarine colours are used to cool down foundations. They are also used for eye and cheek colours.
Zea Mays: Technical name for corn starch. Very translucent with good absorbency and silky texture. Has poor adhesion alone so should be combined with minerals which increase cohesion, such as kaolin clay.
Zinc Oxide: Another major ingredient in mineral makeup. Zinc oxide can calm irritated skin and helps with certain skin conditions such as rosacea. It also offers sun protection.

What is mineral makeup made of?

Mineral makeup is made from minerals ground into an ultra-fine powder. Different cosmetic companies have different recipies, but most formulas contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, blended with pure pigments. Other common ingredients include mica, clay and rice starch.

Mineral makeup contains no (or very few) artificial colours, oils, perfumes or preservatives to clog pores and irritate your skin. The best-selling mineral makeup brand, Bare Escentuals, claims that their makeup is so good for the skin, you can actually sleep in it!

What is mineral makeup?

Mineral makeup is sizzling hot at the moment, with more and more brands making their own versions. It is supposed to be all pure and natural, and even beneficial for the skin.

Mineral makeup can block UV-rays, and provide total yet natural-looking coverage. It won't clog pores or worsen acne. It is suited to sensitive skin, and can even improve the condition of the skin. If we are to believe the hype.

Mineral makeup comes in powder form and acts as multiple products in one (foundation, concealer and powder). There are also mineral-based eyeshadows, 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.

Technically speaking, mineral makeup is simply a kind of powder foundation. It is applied with a brush, and you get more coverage the more layers you apply. The powder can be either loose or pressed.