I asked my makeup artist friend Nicole Shelley for some advice on mineral makeups - why natural mineral makeups are better than other makeup brands and why they’re so good for acne sufferers. She replied with this article …
Hopefully we’ll be getting a lot of advice from Nic in the future, she has stunning skin!
******
As our consumer markets shift towards natural, organic and ethically sound options, it is no surprise that the cosmetic industry is following suit, with some huge successes.
I am a makeup artist based in Brisbane, Australia and have been following the mineral makeup trend that is sweeping cosmetic counters. Brands such as L’Oreal and Inglot have all released mineral based cosmetics, in liquid foundation or powder form. Mineral Cosmetics have been dubbed the next big thing in the beauty industry.
Why Use Mineral Makeup?
The minerals used in most forms of mineral makeup are Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide and Iron oxide. Zinc Oxide has been known to have anti inflammatory properties, and Titanium Dioxide and Iron oxide have natural sunscreen capabilities.
Pure, Mineral Cosmetics are free of chemicals which irritate the skin, such as Talc and Nylon Fibres, so I recommend it for people who have sensitive skin, rosacea, and acne. There is no need for added preservatives as the minerals prevent bacteria from growing in the product. It is weightless, natural and extremely long-wearing.
I have recently decided to try some mineral makeup on myself, to see what the hype was all about. I chose an industry only product, and received samples of the foundations, bronzers, blushes, shadows and lip colours. I don’t have any major issues with my skin, apart from an oily T-zone and dryness around the eyes, and I loved the results!
The foundation was so light, I felt as though I wasn’t wearing any. It lasted all day, and all night. It looked great the next morning as well. My only concern with the product was that it is a loose powder and can be a little messy to use.
I have tried it on clients as well and they were all pleased with the results as well. It worked especially well on those with acne scarring and wrinkles, as the product doesn’t sit on the skin like it would with a talc base. Talc also tends to reflect the light, so it has an exceptionally natural finish.
Why Not to Use Mineral Makeup?
The biggest issue I can see with mineral cosmetics is knowing what to look for and buying the genuine product. There are a lot of competitors out in the market, many of whom are making unsubstantiated claims about the mineral content in their products. These are still ‘watered’ down with talc and nylon fibres.
I haven’t heard any good feedback on L’Oreal’s mineral range and most people in the industry are turning their backs on it. The products I would suggest you look into buying are Inglot’s pure mineral shadows which retail for around $50 a tub. It is rather expensive but the pigments are sensational and are 100% natural.
I have also decided to market the range of products I mentioned earlier, and will inform those who are interested about the launch date. I can only go on experience, but I have loved using the makeup and wear it daily.
Nicole
Fran Kerr is the founding editor of High on Health. To cure your acne, sign up to Fran's FREE acne cure mini-course or download her latest how to guide, Eat Away Your Acne.
22 responses ↓
I use Jane Iredelle Mineral Make up. Have you heard any feedback on that brand? I have also been told to “set” the powder by spraying my face with water after I’ve applied it. It works well and keeps it in place all day.
I’ll have to get Nicole to reply to this one!
I did a quick search and it sounds like Jane Iredelle is great for acne sufferers. Did you know it was first developed for burn victims? Sounds like it has really good coverage.
I’m currently using one that is made locally here in Queensland. I’m thinking of trying Earthly Essences because it had a really good review in a vegetarian magazine, it’s 100% natural and not tested on animals. …but you’ve sparked my interest with Jane Iredell, I might look into it more
Hi Carrie.
i haven’t heard much about the Jane Iredale range of Mineral makeup, it seems to be based in the US. Do you order it from the net or do you have a supplier?
If the product is working for you, thats great. stick with what you love. I don’t think it need to be spritzed with water though, i find the faces natural oils set the products on there own.
Try out Everyday Minerals they are an online company that sells mineral makeup. The products are all natural too. check out the mineral makeup ingredients its just the basic 4: Mica, Titanium, Zinc, Iron Oxides. They have free sample kits and you just pay shipping. Also their Mineral makeup kits for full sized products are highly affordable so check those out!!! I’m loving this company and your blog is just as great
Thank-You!!!
[...] For more information about mineral makeups and acne, read this post ‘Is Mineral Makeup Better For Covering Acne And Rosacea?’. [...]
Thanks for the tip Jon, I’ve written a blog post about it.
And thanks for ready my blog
Mineral Makeup is fantastic!!! But there are so many different variations out there in the market it is hard to know what to choose. Response Cosmetics Mineral Makeup is pure and concentrated, leaving out the ecconomical fillers used by many others.
Mineral Makeup suits such a wide variety of skin types as well as lifestyles. The price tag is very reasonable considering that the product is concentrated meaning you have to use a lot less.
It is quick and easy to use, great for your skin as well as containing a high natural sunscreen. What more could you ask for in makeup?
I need to find a makeup artist in Sydney who uses mineral makeup on their client. I need it for my wedding. Can someone direct me.
Perhaps you could supply your own mineral makeup and just use the services of a makeup artist???
I live in Canada and I am trying my best with the natural aproches to my ance. I was seriously considering acutane, but I feel if i can just get results naturally I would rather keep far away from chemicals. I want to use mineral makeup, but I have no idea where to find the right one for me. I tryed bare minerals and it made my skin break out…like always. I am not depressed, but I am sad. I wish my skin would just improve. I take natural medicine and I eat well yet nothing seems to help. I suspect that my body needs a long detox where I am only ingesting whole raw foods, but I am a student and it is expensive and very hard to do. Anways I am doing my best and I love your website. I found out about this website on youtube when I was searching for Acutane. Alright, so if there is any advice you could swing by my way that would be great…thank-you!
Hi Andrea,
First, have you considered a milder form of conventional medicine like antibiotics or the contraceptive pill? I find that natural remedies clear 95% of my skin, but for that last little bit this time around I need a little help. So I’ve resisted for a year but I’m going to try going on the pill soon to see if that clears up that final last bit. Accutane like you said is VERY strong and I can’t handle it …but the milder forms of conventional medicine seem to be okay with my body, and they work well combined with natural remedies.
It’s true, that sometimes natural remedies alone can take a lot of work and disipline. If diet is used on its own, then it requires you to be VERY strict which is alsmost impossible to do.
What I do, is eat well 90% of the time (I even prefer to eat good food now), take supplements and use good quality skin care products that won’t clog my pores (I’m writing an article about that soon so look out for it).
I know it’s difficult when you’re a student to eat well. Is there a farmers market or something around? I get all my fruit and vegetables from a weekend market, it’s heaps cheaper. If you don’t have a kitchen however that can be difficult. You can try to make good choices when you’re eating out or in a caffeteria. Opt for the meal that has the most vegetables in it, or something that looks really fresh. And add a salad to everything you eat
Hmm, I’m sorry bare minerals made you break out. I haven’t actually tried it …I use Minerelle which is made in Australia. You may need to try a few different brands until you find one that sits well with you.
I hope this helps - let me know if you need any more support.
Where do you get mineral make up??
How often you use OCM ?
Hi Simonetta, mineral makeup is becoming VERY popular so you can buy it just about anywhere now. My brand is made locally so I buy it from a store where I live, but if you do a search online you’ll find a heap of brands. ‘Everyday Minerals’ seems to be the most popular brand for acne-prone skin.
I used to use the OCM twice a day which I now realise is way too much. It clogged up my pores very badly. Now I’m having a break from it.
Fran,
If you are directing people to mediations and prescriptions, why even mention any other methods if this is what you must resort to??
To me this is what people are trying to avoid, and it seems the bottom line is antibiotics or birth control pills. Birth control pills have such severe side effects, I am surprised you are making that recommendation. You are basically telling the ovaries to stop making eggs.
So why even this blog and a video telling people what “worked” for you if what really works is RX’s?
Sorry if this seems harsh..it seems bottom line is there is nothing outside of prescription medication that will stop the breakouts.
Hi Debbie,
Thanks for your comment
It’s a difficult situation because everybody is different, and someone that visits my blog may have just one pimple a month, whereas another could have severe acne over their face, back and chest.
I’ve also been critisized in the past for not talking about medications as a treatment possibility! So I decided to put all acne treatment options out there (and I’ve even tried them all) and let people make their own informed decision.
Natural remedies can work, and they worked for me for about 10 years. My acne was mild and manageable. It was only through a traumatic event in my life that my stress levels and hormone levels led me to severe acne for about a year, which in turn led me to trying everything then writing this blog.
I then realized that while natural remedies DO work, and work for many, many people. There are a minority that will need professional attention in addition to natural remedies. Natural remedies are always essential because they fix the root cause of the problem. Prescription medications are sometimes needed to get over that first hurdle, to prevent permanent scarring from cystic acne, or to gain a life back after depression from chronic acne.
I agree though, it’s difficult and there are so many different treatment possibilities. And, each and to their own
Thanks again for your comment.
hi i got acne from over exfoliating my skin.
and i gained weight so my skin isnt elastic as it was… do you think the mineral makeup can still help me cover up?
Hi Erika, yep mineral makeup is great for everyone
Give it a go.
I just ordered my free sample from Everyday Minerals! WHOOo, thanks for that news! Have you heard about the mineral brand Bare-Escentuals? I wonder if that’s good, it’s quite popular at Sephora.
Hi,
Is there a natural way to help eliminate/lighten the dark marks left over from a cystic acne breakout?
I got a recommendation to use a Calsium,Magnesium and Zinc tablet. I crush it up w/ a bit of water and use it as a mask. What do you think? I would like to get more info on why it would work and how long of use to see results for my skin. Thank You!!
I just bought Loreal truematch minerals makeup. I have suffered from acne for a few years but lately my skin has been looking quite good. within days of using this makeup my skin became very irritated and I broke out with about 25 small red spots like I have never experienced before. I stopped using the make up straight away and the spots are now slowing disapearing. I did a bit of research and found out that loreal and a lot of other mineral makeups contain Bismuth which although it’s a mineral, it’s quite irritating to a lot of people’s skin.
Mineral makeup is wonderful. I don’t know if anyone else has covered this, but besides talc in other foundations that arent natural, there are usually parabens. Synthetic chemicals used as preservatives in makeup lotions shampoos and deodorants. These in one study were found in breast tumors, making it a link to breast cancer. theres no direct link yet, but they think there is. I wouldnt be fooled by products like L’Oreal that claim to be mineral makeup- they’re just regular foundations with added minerals-not natural! I use Everyday Minerals which works amazing and has great coverage since i have acne, scars, and large pores. Its 100% natural and organic and i love it.
Leave a Response