Your Ultimate Guide to Mineral Makeup

Powders, foundations, bronzers, blushes, and even mascara’s in mineral makeup form have stolen the makeup spotlight. Read on to see our top application tips, product recommendations, and health benefits straight from the experts on mineral makeup.

From foundations and blushes to bronzers and eyeshadows, today’s makeup options that are available are endless. Whether you’re looking for a cream blush or a loose eyeshadow, you’ll be able to find it all. But with more and more people becoming aware of the benefits of mineral makeup, the hunt for this type of natural makeup has reached an all-time high.

“Seeing as how your skin is your biggest organ and absorbs whatever you put on it, natural mineral makeup is the best for your body,” says Achelle Dunway, makeup artist at e.l.f. Cosmetics. “Mineral makeup is generally made without the use of parabens, preservatives, or chemical dyes, so there are no harsh irritants in them that would disturb sensitive skin,” she says.

So, where did mineral makeup come from? While it may seem like it’s a newfound trend to jump on the mineral makeup bandwagon, this type of makeup has actually been around for quite some time.

From ancient Egyptians using the minerals malachite and red ochre as eye and lip makeup to ancient Grecians using minerals to make their skin appear paler, mineral makeup has been around for centuries. Plus, with all of the natural benefits mineral makeup has to offer, it’s proven that this type of makeup is more than just a popular craze: it’s a trend that’s here to stay.

Want to get in on the action? From pressed to loose, mineral makeup is available in a variety of formulas to satisfy every makeup lover. Read on to see our top picks!

Ava Naturals Blush in Pretty in Pink

Look pretty in pink in this mineral-rich loose blush. Made with Illiate, a French clay that’s high in mineral content and silk powder, this blush increases blood circulation in the skin, leaving it looking hydrated, bright, and youthful. Have fine lines, wrinkles, or broken capillaries?

Dust on a layer of this blush and it will reduce their appearance. With its naturally beneficial ingredients that make the skin glow, this skin renewing blush will add a delicate and feminine touch to your makeup look.

e.l.f. Cosmetics Mineral Eyeshadow in ‘Flirty’

elf Cosmetics Mineral Eyeshadow in

Rich in vitamins A, B, C, and E, this highly pigmented eyeshadow will make you feel supermodel sexy. Whether you wear it wet or dry, the all-natural formula hydrates the delicate eye area while also minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Best part? The light-reflective purple color will shimmer and shine no matter where you wear it for a shine effect all night long.

Pair a layer of this eyeshadow with a few coats of mascara and let your eyes do all of the talking!

Fashion Fair Refining Mineral Foundation

Fashion Fair Refining Mineral Foundation

Still on the fence about mineral makeup? Try swapping out your regular foundation for a mineral foundation, like Fashion Fair’s Refining Mineral Foundation.

“Mineral foundation is like a 3 in 1 product,” says Dunway. “They act like a foundation, powder, and concealer so you’re getting the best bang for your buck and cutting down your makeup application time.”

Made with semi-precious minerals that are rich in antioxidants, this lightweight foundation provides a smooth, even, and flawless finish. Available in 15 different shades to suit every skin tone, this oil-, fragrance-, and paraben-free foundation is suitable for even the most sensitive skin.

Get it here for $28

Alima Pure Luminous Shimmer Powder

Alima Pure Luminous Shimmer Powder

If you’re looking for an instant pick-me-up to brighten up dull-looking skin, look no further than Alima Pure’s Luminous Shimmer Powder.

Made with only four ingredients, mica, titanium dioxide, iron oxide, and ferric ferrocyanide, this mineral-rich powder provides a natural radiance to the skin that lasts even under the harshest weather conditions, from scorching heat to drying wind.

Apply it on your cheeks, forehead, eyes, and shoulders for an illuminating finish to the skin that will have everyone guessing. Perfect for adding a sun-kissed glow to your summer makeup look, this natural looking powder shimmers and shines for a beautiful, youthful appearance.

Get it here for $20

Skin Mind Body Essentials’ Get Loose Mineral Foundation

“Far too many foundations contain pore-clogging ingredients, which can lead to breakouts,” says Lake Louise, Founder and CEO of natural makeup line, Skin Mind Body Essentials.

“Mineral makeup is an alternative to traditional makeup because the latter usually includes fillers such as mineral oil, artificial dyes, and petroleum-derived ingredients.” For a lightweight foundation that lets your skin breath, try Skin Mind Body Essentials’ Get Loose mineral foundation.

Formulated to provide just the right amount of coverage and a flawless finish, this loose powder foundation won’t cake, clump, or dry up. With its ability to maintain a natural yet radiant complexion, this foundation can be used alone or to set liquid or cream foundations—the choice is yours!

Advanced Mineral Makeup Luxury Lash Mascara

Advanced Mineral Makeup Luxury Lash Mascara

If you thought the term “mineral makeup” only applied to foundations, blushes, bronzers, and eyeshadows, think again.

Advanced Mineral Makeup’s paraben-free Luxury Lash Mascara is made with all-natural minerals that will instantly lengthen and voluminize the lashes.

Made without coal tar and petroleum, which can cause the lashes to become weak and fall out, this mascara will last all day without smudging, clumping, or flaking.

Extra tips

“Priming is an important step to guarantee maximum adhesion and longevity of wear,” says Pamela Lesch, beauty expert and professional makeup artist. Especially when it comes to loose eyeshadows, which can get messy easily, Lesch recommends applying powdered eyeshadow from the lid of the container rather than the product pot itself.

“This is a more hygienic way to work with the product, and due to the micronized nature of the minerals, it’s important to work with miniscule amounts,” she says.

Looking for a unique way of applying loose mineral eyeshadow? Wear it as a show-stopping eyeliner! “Any loose mineral eyeshadow can be used as an eyeliner,” says Lesche. “Simply take your favorite liner brush, wet it with water, lightly swirl in your color of choice, and apply along the lash line as you normally would with any eyeliner.”

Cover photo: perfumeandskincare.com.au

About the author

Michelle

I love strawberries so much that I put it as my profile pic ;) And the only thing I love more than strawberries is Makeup. I'm passionate about all things related to skin care, beauty and looking your absolute best.

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