Mineral Makeup

Mineral makeup has been around for centuries – it’s only the last 20 years or so that top makeup brands produced their own versions and offered some form of mineral line. However, many people still remain unaware of the benefits of using this type of makeup. Non-comodegenic (it doesn’t block pores – you can even sleep in it), free from preservatives such as synthetic chemicals and talc make it suitable for the most sensitive of skins, it contains Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide natural sun protectors and as it doesn’t contain oil is often recommended to those who suffer from acne, eczema, rosacea or those who have sun sensitive skin. The colour is achieved by using pure iron oxides which absorb heat and when buffed onto the skin reacts with the natural oils which create an airbrushed and flawless finish - as we get older the rule of less is more applies to everyone and just because a colour is natural doesn’t mean it’s not heavy and mineral makeup texture is so sheer and light it’s incredibly flattering.  I looked at 5 top brands on the market all offering something slightly different.

My first was Susan Posnick the US makeup artist whose clients included supermodels Cindy Crawford and Amber Valletta. After developing facial skin cancer she channelled her work towards producing a range that was personal to her own beliefs in that everyone should be protected from the sun, also that products should be multi-purpose for busy lifestyles. Her range succeeded with items such as the double ended ColorCorrect a brightening/correcting pencil which hides imperfections and sunspots. ColorDuo lip pencil which has patent plumping ingredients and designed with two colours for day/ night and Mineral Colour for Cheeks and Eyes which won the prestigious Green Beauty Bible Awards – try Lily a natural soft rose which mimics a natural flush, this product is also anti-bacterial, water resistant and enriched with Vitamin A and E. For your nearest stockist contact www.skinbrands.co.uk.

Sold exclusively in Selfridges is Young Blood Cosmetics which offer a High Definition formula and is loved by celebs such as Jessica Alba and Kimberley Walsh - this fantastic range makes your skin look camera ready and is perfect for photographic/TV work. Their Hydrating Mineral Powder gives an airbrush quality and the formula hydrates dry skin by locking in moisture yet absorbs oil from greasy skin, it also calms down redness and inflammation whilst diffusing large pores. Ingredients read like top end skincare products such as Liquorice Root (anti-inflammatory) and Rhodolite (which protects and rejuvenates) - they also do a Liquid Foundation which gives skin a natural radiance.  I love their conditioning lipstick Barely Nude and Lip Pencil Au Natural a suit all shade, whilst the Pressed Mineral Eye shadow Quad Moulin Rouge is universally flattering. Available www.youngblood.co.uk

BareMinerals was one of the first major mineral brands to become nationwide available in department stores and was originally bought to the UK by QVC.  Their Mineral Veil became a cult product and the foundation formulas are so pure they can be slept in. Tuition can be given by booking in for a ‘make-under’ where you’ll be taught the skill of applying mineral make up powder as it’s not applied like most powders, mineral makeup works with the oils in your skin and must be pressed into the skin to blend with your oils and most should be used with a specialist brush.  Their latest collection for Spring include the sheerest of lip tints in juicy colours such as  Berry Remix and Tangerine Trance, whilst I love their compact blush in The Natural High, a flattering apricot shot through with gold shimmer which looks gorgeous on sun-kissed skin.  Available from House of Fraser, Lakeside.

Another brand from the US is Sheer Cover again the ethos is on skin looking its best using the minimum amount of makeup. Their introductory kit contains everything you need for your day to night makeup and the shades will suit every skin tone. I love the Base Perfector Primer which smoothes imperfections, minimises pores and gives a wonderful base for their Mineral Foundation which also has SPF15. Sophisticate is the name of their face palette and sophisticated is the look you’ll achieve – a compact of neutral colours for eyes, lips and cheeks and whether you need a light or heavy coverage then their concealer can hide birthmarks, age spots and redness. Stockists available at www.sheercover.co.uk

Finally I looked at the brand sold in most salons Jane Iredale. I love their mascara which is incredibly lengthening (I only need one layer to notice a huge difference), as well as their gorgeous Pure Gloss lip gloss in Soft Peach which gives the illusion of full glossy lips due to the shimmering particles.  24 Karat Champagne Dust is an eye shadow but its pink/gold texture makes it suitable for eyes, cheeksa and lips, I even mixed it with body lotion and put on my décolletage for a subtle gold hue.  If you prefer a liquid foundation try their unique formula of gel mixed with 2 different coloured micro-spheres, when the pump is activated the colours mix resulting in natural looking coverage which blend into your skin tone. For the full range contact Ace 01277 201200.

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