Almost every woman I meet at social and business events has tried mineral cosmetics.  I know because when they find out what I do, they quickly tell me, “I already use mineral makeup.”  Maybe they are trying to relate to me, or maybe they are afraid I’m going to pull some makeup out of my purse and try to sell it to them. (Future contacts, please have no fear—I’m totally non-pushy—and besides, I couldn’t fit the 42 shades I carry in my purse. ) The funny thing is, for a lot of the self-proclaimed mineral wearers I have met, I  incorrectly guessed that they were wearing traditional foundation since I didn’t see any spark of the candlelight glow that makes minerals so delightful.  (And, I admit it, I secretly wished I could get them into my chair!)

Now when I say glow, I don’t mean shine.  To me, glow is the subtle fusion of light reflection and the “lit from within” enhancement that a perfectly color-matched, healthy foundation and blush accomplishes on the skin when, (a) it’s a good product, and (b) it’s applied properly.  Evidently significant numbers of women, based on the percentage I have talked to, have abandoned some of the well-known mineral foundations because they found them too….well, shiny.

The deeper reveal is this: most under-50’s with smooth skin want to look dry, and most over-50’s would love to look more moist and dewy.  There are some great liquid mineral foundations that can be used alone or as a concealer layer under brushed-on minerals.  Some, like Mineralogie’s Liquid Hydration are perfect for dry / mature skin.  Monave has a matte liquid foundation that keeps oily shine under control.

Monitoring the shine factor

In loose or pressed mineral foundation, it is high mica content that causes the overly shiny look that younger, oilier skin wants to avoid.  Mica (whose Latin name micare means  glitter) combines with iron oxides to give color to mineral makeup.   Bismuth oxychloride is another component that adds a somewhat-shiny pearlized quality to foundation formulas; it’s one of the more expensive ingredients, giving a creamy feel with good adherence.

Obviously, mineral companies have been adapting to under-50 anti-shine awareness by introducing matte foundation formulas or up-selling mineral veil finishing powders that give a matte finish. These setting powders generally contain absorbent natural ingredients like cornstarch, rice powder, arrowroot powder, serecite,  kaolin clay and silica.  Just Buyer-Beware yourself with any powder products:  safe application with the right brushes is ultra-important to keep from ingesting particles such as silica (derived from sand, and ground to fine powder) that are not meant to enter your lungs.

Makeup primers are hot right now, an under makeup solution to combat oiliness.  However, even those made by otherwise naturally oriented companies tend to be loaded with chemical ingredients that, among other negatives, can clog pores or cause breakouts. Try good quality mineral foundation and see if you can handle oiliness with blotting papers during the day and a light touch up with your mineral brush for evening.

What is your personal degree of glow?  Amp up your radiance with a customized makeup consultation with Barbara Carr.  You’re welcome to bring in your current makeup to review ingredients  and analyze the colors to choose the best for your skin tone!  Contact Nature’s Face for an appointment.