Don’t let the marketing claims of some mineral makeup brands pull the wool over your eyes! The moment we hear “mineral makeup” we tend to assume that it’s “pure” and “natural” (by the way, neither of these terms mean a thing). Anyway, NOT true! If a makeup product uses titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, legally they can call themselves a “mineral” makeup. However, these two ingredients are often alongside a slew of other somewhat questionable ingredients.
So, how can we tell if a brand is really a clean and natural brand or not? You have to be a diligent label-reader. Watch out for these ingredients: Parabens, mica (as the one of the first 2 ingredients), alumina, BHT, talc, and fragrance. You don’t want a products that has any of these ingredients listed. The only ingredient that is a gray area is fragrance because some really great lines scent their products with pure essential oils. If this is the case, these oils should be listed.
Also watch out for an ingredient called Bismuth Oxychloride. This is a synthetic mineral that is a metal derivative. It has been used for years in makeup because it imparts a shimmery glow, however, it can also cause rashes, irritation, itchiness and a number of other complaints.
The other area of concern is nano-particles. This is when a skin care ingredient is ground so fine (into tiny particles), that is can be inhaled, or even absorbed through the skin, and thus is a cause for concern health-wise. On your ingredient label, look out of terminology such as: “nano” and “micronized” and try to avoid these ingredients. When in doubt, you can send an email to the brand you are using and ask them. They shouldn’t use particles less than 2.5 microns).
Finally, some badly formulated mineral makeups can make your skin look older because they settle into your lines and wrinkles. You have to be especially careful with powder foundations.
Having tried most of the top, recognizable brands – and a few you probably haven’t heard of – here are some that I love:
Zuii Certified Organic Flora Foundation:$44.95 This is a liquid foundation that is absolutely beautiful. It gives a medium coverage and leaves a dewy, young finish.
W3ll People Narcissist Stick Foundation: $38.00 This is a really handy stick for travel. It leaves a soft-focus finish and you can easily layer it for more coverage. It also smells wonderful.
Lavera Liquid Foundation: $23.60 This is another lovely liquid foundation that leaves a soft, silky finish. It’s formulated with Argan oil and other wonderfully nourishing ingredients. Go a shade lighter than you think you are.
Christopher Drummond Powder Makeup Kit: $89.00 This is one of the few powder lines that doesn’t settle in wrinkles and leaves a flawless finish. It’s also really easy to layer for more coverage. This kit is on special offer on Open Sky and if you are interested in this makeup line, I suggest you get the whole kit because you’ll get the correct brush, finishing power etc – you’ll be very happy.
Jane Iredale PurePressed Base: This is great when applied with their Hydration Spray. I found it a little too dry without the spray. It also has an SPF 20 and a bunch of shades to choose from.
Tip: The best way to apply your powder mineral foundation is with a Kabuki Brush. You should be able to find a decent one at most drugstores. The brush that comes with the Christoper Drummond set is great.
Make sure your moisturizer and sunscreen is fully absorbed before applying. I usually wait a good fifteen minutes of applying sunscreen if I am using mineral powder. When your skin feels dry to the touch, tap some foundation into the lid of your jar. Swirl around your Kabuki brush and make sure to tap off excess powder before applying. Use circular motions starting in the center of your face and working outwards.
If you are applying liquid foundation, I recommend using a brush because a sponge wastes too much products. I love the Eco Tools foundation brush, which you can find at most drugstores. After applying with the brush, smooth over with your fingers.
Hi! I am new to your blog but I already love it! As a somewhat new eco-freak, I am really interested in eco and bio alternatives to conventional cosmetics.
Can you please tell me why is mica in the list of minerals to avoid? Is there a good reason for it? I though it’s safe… Thank you!
Greets from the Netherlands!
HI Laura
Mica isn’t a huge deal, and honestly is used in most mineral makeups, however, it can be irritating to the skin. The key to apply all makeup with a super-soft brush.
Hi Sophie!
I really love hearing all your information about going green. I recently purchased your books and hope to make my own skin care using your recipes soon. I was worried at first when you mentioned Mica as one of the first ingredients, because I use Alima Pure and Priia shadows – which I love! What tool do you recommend for the creme foundations like W3ll People or Lavera that are thicker than normal liquid foundations? I use Priia’s and they have the same consistency.
As I said in one of my previous comments, mica isn’t a huge concern and it’s in most mineral brands (there are a few that don’t use it, but hard to find), so don’t worry too much. W3ll People recommend using a foundation brush with their stick, but I actually smear the stick straight onto my skin and then smooth with my fingers. I think the whole beauty of having a stick is that you can pop it in your purse without necessarily having to use a brush. Lavera is not a thick consistency. It goes on very nicely with a brush.
Hello,
I’m just starting to look for healthier options for my family, not only in the food department but in skin care. I have a four month old baby, and while it’s easy to keep things simple for her and my husband, I’m finding that sorting out what make up and shampoo brands are safe for me to use is a bit harder. So thank you for blogs like this that help point me in the right direction 🙂
Thanks!
Thanks for joining our community and kudos for you for looking for healthy options for your family. I know, the natural personal care scene is confusing. If there is any specific thing you’d like to know about – please don’t hesitate to ask.
Sophie
Hi Sophie. I love your blog. I was wondering if Physicians Formula makeup brand is ok to use? I have seen mixed reviews on it.
I have mixed feelings on their products. I don’t think they’re the best, but budget-wise they are fantastic and the ingredients are fine. Sorry, not to be more helpful. I guess, if you’re on a tight budget – it’s a perfectly decent product, but if you want something that’s outstanding with minus all the irritating ingredients I mention in the article, you are better off with Christopher Drummond or Jane Iredale.
Sophie, thank you for your reply!
Thank you Sophie! Can you explain to me more about zinc oxide and titanium oxide? I see that in a lot of “natural” products, especially as the first couple of ingredients.