BARE ESSENTIALS MINERAL MAKEUP
Mineral makeup has exploded onto the cosmetics market recently, and for good reason. While many makeup products on the market today rely on fillers and binders, mineral makeup goes back to basics, using natural ingredients to create a modern look. Mineral makeup is created from micronized minerals, including colorants such as micas, oxides, and ultramarines. Titanium dioxide and zinc dioxide are also common ingredients, providing mineral makeup with broad spectrum UVA/UVB skin protection and making it a smart choice for your skin.
If you are at the point where you'd like to try mineral makeup, you may have noticed just how many mineral cosmetics companies are out there. The number of choices can be overwhelming for someone who is new to the mineral makeup scene, but never fear! This handy guide to finding the right mineral makeup company will start you on your way to becoming a mineral makeup pro.
Six Factors to Consider When Searching for Mineral Makeup
1. Brand Recognition: In your research, you will undoubtedly come across the "big names" in mineral makeup time and time again. These companies include Bare Escentuals (Bare Minerals) and Sheer Cover (Leeza Gibbons). Like many of us, you may be more comfortable starting out with a well-known brand, and there's nothing wrong with that! The larger mineral makeup companies can be found in a variety of online and brick and mortar shops, making them more readily available. However, you do not have to limit yourself to the larger names. There are literally dozens of mineral makeup companies out there, both large and small, which offer quality cosmetics and skin care.
2. Starter Kits: Mineral makeup kits are a fantastic way to begin your adventures in mineral makeup. The larger mineral makeup companies, such as the aforementioned Bare Escentuals and Sheer Cover, have a variety of kits for different skin tones. These kits have everything you will need to get started, including a variety of makeup brushes and, oftentimes, instructional booklets or DVDs. Most smaller mineral makeup companies offer mineral makeup kits, as well. Each company's offering is different, so be sure to compare in order to find the best kit for your needs.
3. Samples: Smaller mineral makeup companies tend to excel when it comes to samples. They usually offer (at least) their loose mineral foundation in sample or trial sizes for a small price, and they often offer much of their product lines in sample sizes. Sample sizes are a great option if you're looking to branch with regard to eye color or pigments, and they can be a great way to try out new products.
4. Variety: Smaller mineral makeup companies also tend to shine when it comes to variety. Because they are smaller and do not have the overhead that the larger mineral makeup companies have, smaller companies often offer a greater variety of products, as well as color options within product categories. A popular strategy is to buy the essentials (mineral foundation, all over color, concealer) at a larger company while purchasing items such as pigments, eye color, and bronzer at the smaller, independent companies.
5. Ingredients: Ingredients are a hotly debated topic within the mineral makeup community. While some say that ingredients such as bismuth oxychloride and talc should be avoided altogether, others argue that these products are perfectly fine for your skin. It really comes down to personal preference. If you have sensitive skin, some ingredients may cause irritation or breakouts. The key is to try the products on your skin to see how it reacts. If you see that a specific brand is causing skin problems, then discontinue use and move on. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions before you buy! Most companies will be more than happy to answer questions about their products and the ingredients that they use.
6. Price: Mineral makeup prices can vary widely, depending on the brand. More expensive does not always equal better quality. Many smaller companies can sell their products at a lower price point because they do not have to deal with the overhead that the larger companies do, but the lower prices do not mean that the products are not high quality. Your skin will tell you how much you need to pay for mineral makeup. If your skin is happy, then you know that you've found the right brand!
