Mineral makeup refers to a variety of products, most often sold in powdered form, that are used as foundations, blushes, eye makeup, and the like.

What they all have in common are they are made with minerals such as iron oxides, talc, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide are micronized, or ground and milled, into tiny particles to create makeup.

The higher the concentration of fine particles (micronized at higher levels), the higher the fine-sized particles will be that sit closer together and offer more coverage.

One of the key differences between conventional makeup and mineral makeup is that it generally does not contain the emollient oils, waxes, fragrance, and preservative ingredients found in conventional formulations.

All mineral makeups are not created equally. Many mineral makeup lines do contain similar ingredients, and for good reason.

These natural minerals are known to offer non-comedogenic and are anti-inflammatory.

Mineral makeup also offers broad-spectrum sun protection, so women with even the most sensitive skin can wear mineral makeup in comfort all day long.

What to Look For in Mineral Makeup:

Look for minerals such as these:

• Magnesium is a mineral that has absorbent properties that are ideal for helping to control oily skin in addition to having disinfecting properties. Magnesium can help re-mineral and soothe the skin.

• Potassium is a mineral that has absorbent properties that are ideal for helping to control oily skin; potassium also has disinfecting properties.

There are only three ingredients that are widely found in SPF products approved by the FDA that protect across the full UVA range, two of the three of these are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

• Titanium Dioxide is a mineral that is beneficial for its thickening, whitening, lubricating, and broad-spectrum (UVA & UVB) sun protection properties.
  
  
• Zinc is an anti-irritant and antioxidant as well as has anti-acne benefits.

UVA and UV B radiation are the portions of the sun’s rays that cause skin damage such as wrinkling, skin discoloration, sagging, and coarse texture.

Read the Label:

If it says "mineral-enriched" or if the formulation is liquid or mousse, these products may contain ingredients such as paraben preservatives or dimethicone added for a smooth texture. Items that aren't powders might also contain moisturizers, antioxidant vitamins, or other ingredients for your skin.