Mineral Cosmetics VS Traditional Cosmetics

by: Bryan Chase

Mineral Cosmetics VS Traditional Cosmetics

Mineral make-up has been around for more than thirty years already. However, it is only recently that mineral cosmetics boomed into the beauty market.

But what exactly is mineral make-up?

Mineral make-up or mineral cosmetics are products that are made up of all-natural, finely ground minerals that can be found on the earth. Unlike traditional make-up, this variety doesn't contain any chemicals, nor any unnatural dyes, and preservatives. Like traditional cosmetics, mineral cosmetics come in various forms and prices. However, the most popular among this kind of cosmetics, are the loose powder foundations and blushes. These powders are light and finely ground loose minerals that are used on the skin with a wide, fluffy brush. The prices range from an affordable $10 to a more luxurious $50 per product.

What's great about mineral cosmetics is that it's light, natural, and long-lasting. These effects cannot be duplicated by any other kind cosmetics. The main ingredients of mineral cosmetics are mica, zinc oxide, and titanium oxide.

Mineral Cosmetics VS Traditional Cosmetics

Mineral cosmetics, like any other kind of cosmetics, can cause skin problems. However, because it eliminates the irritants - like fragrances, binders, preservatives, and synthetic dyes - in traditional make-up, it can be milder and kinder to one's skin. Because make-up sensitivity is usually caused by synthetic dyes, preservatives, and fragrances, any kind of make-up that doesn't include these in its composition, also eliminates the problem.

Also, titanium-oxide and zinc oxide are both minerals that contain anti-inflammatory properties. So this kind of make-up has a calming effect on the skin, which is really important if you have skin problems like acne or rosacea. Mineral cosmetics are also non-comedogenic. This means that it doesn't clog pores and doesn't aggravate any acne condition that a person may have. It doesn't also cause a flare-up as easily as other cosmetics can.

Another thing that's great with mineral cosmetics is that it has a level of sun protection. Because of the two main ingredients previously mentioned, mineral cosmetics have a protective effect against the harmful rays of the sun. Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide are both ingredients found in traditional sunscreen. However, putting on mineral make-up doesn't complete you completely. Thus, you need to put regular cream sunscreen under your make-up for maximum protective boost.

However, consumers need to know that not all mineral cosmetics are the same. Actually, they fall into two general types: first are those mineral cosmetics that go out of their way to take care not to use any kind of synthetics, like paraben preservatives and other fillers, so as to stay true to the first and primary intent of providing pure, mineral cosmetics; second are those that add some fillers, binders, colors, preservatives, and other chemicals into their mixture.