Minerals today are found in just about everything thing, from key makeup staples like foundation and powder to everyday items like body wash and soap. Before we delve into products we know and love, let’s first get to know the power of mineral makeup. Products made from finely ground, all-natural minerals on the earth are made without any chemicals, dyes or preservatives that usually are the province of traditional makeup. In this era of organic consumerism and extreme eco-consciousness, there is a movement on the part of both women and men to apply only careful and vetted choices on their faces and skin.

Loose powder foundations and blushes have become increasingly popular, especially among makeup fanatics. In fact, companies like Maybelline and L’Oreal (the latter’s Bare Naturale Powdered Mineral Foundation with SPF® was one of their 2009 blockbuster product launches) started offering the mineral variations from their more traditional, liquid foundations as the trend started to catch on like wildfire.

1. Many consumers, especially women who wear mineral makeup, say that it gives them a radiant, soft glow that lasts all day…. at least, well into the evening. Now, while this statement may be considered an overzealous claim on the part of marketing companies, it has been validated by several women. The facts speak for themselves: to know mineral makeup is to glow.

2. The main ingredients of mineral makeup include mica, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and these have been the province of makeup for decades. However, the added benefits of “non irritants” like fragrances, binders and synthetic dyes cause less irritation on the skin and are considered purer and less harsh – especially when it comes to sensitive skins.

3. Minerals can be anti inflammatory in nature: if you have skin that is prone to rosacea or acne, then minerals are likely a safe bet for your skin (however, when in doubt, always check with your dermatologist or doctor).

4. Minerals generally do not clog pores or stick to your skin like a wet tee shirt. This is good news to those women who generally suffer from the plague of acne, in part because much of liquid makeup tends to sit on your skin and skin into your pores, thereby stimulating skin irritation.

5. The SPF factor: much of mineral makeup has a natural SPF component to it, which is an added boon and thoroughly advantageous to the population that is trying to prevent and cure the effects of skin cancer and melanoma. This doesn’t mean that you should rely only on the thin veil of SPF protection that mineral makeup normally gives you (in the neighborhood of SPF 19 or so), but do the responsible thing and layer your face with a strong moisturizer (at least the strength of an SPF 30 or so) before you proceed to brush your face with mineral makeup.

6. Minerals are not only found in the makeup aisles. Now companies are starting to bottle minerals in hair care body washes. One such pioneering effort comes from the Softsoap® brand, which now has introduced a luxuriously nourishing body wash, called Nutri Serums Illuminating with Mineral Extracts. Not only is this a fine example when minerals layer your body and give you that soft glow that is described by many as “positively angelic,” it will moisturize your skin just as deeply as cocoa butter and shea will (but without that slick, sheen and greasy residue). Softsoap® has also introduced a deep cleansing hand soap that is enriched with mineral sea salt. Many housewives will be singing praises for these mineral-enriched products for years to come since they moisturize hands and take the dryness out during household chores.

Can we say that minerals, in the end, have much more benefit than synthetic compounds that have chemicals or dyes or preservatives? Yes, we definitely can, but we need to remember that there is a place for both beauty trends. Some skins just do not respond to minerals (those with sensitive skin tend to absolutely love it), and some skins respond beautifully to synthetic creams, makeup and gels. But it is hard to escape the fact that the natural glow and radiance that comes with the province of minerals is indeed both beneficial and healthy at the same time. We should raise a glass to toast this incredible trend that should have the lasting power as the organic movement.

Next Categories: Celebrity Close-Ups