What is mineral makeup?

What is mineral makeup (MMU)?

Mineral makeup (MMU) is makeup made from powdered minerals obtained from mother nature. It’s historical roots go back thousands of years as women & men have been applying “coloured earth” on their skin since the beginning of time.

Why choose Mineral Makeup over the usual commercial makeup?

1) Many of the ingredients have special properties. E.g. zinc oxide is a proven anti-inflammatory agent (even safe to apply on babies’ faces!),which makes it great for skin which has just undergone cosmetic treatments such as chemical peels or laser rejuvenation.

2) Because it is non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) and oil-free, you can even sleep in it! It is the most ideal makeup for acne-prone skin.

3) It is a natural and effective sunblock as the formula contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. In light applications, the SPF is around 10. In heavier applications, the SPF goes up to 35.

4) Coverage is light-weight & complete, which is ideal for problematic skin with rosacea & hyperpigmentation.

5) Mineral Makeup is water-resistant & long-wearing. You can even swim in it & still look glamorous! It is a great choice for people who are physically active or live in hot humid environments like Malaysia.

6) It contains no chemical preservatives (the raw minerals are inert & cannot support the growth of bacteria or mould) so does not irritate even the most sensitive of skins or eczema-prone skin.

7) MMU is fast & easy to apply & gives a flawless finish.

“Bad” ingredients in existing brands of mineral makeup

1) Bismuth oxychloride – It is an ingredient used in cosmetics to produce shimmer. The only thing positive about it is it does not cause cancer (according to a study done by Carcinogenic Potency Project at the University of California). However, it causes bad acne flare-ups & may even cause acne cysts. It also causes rashes in sensitive skin sufferers of eczema & rosacea. Bare Escentuals, Glominerals & Youngblood are 3 common brands that contain this dreaded ingredient.

Pure MMU uses silk & pearl powder in its formulation to give the product a soft silky feel, not cheap fillers like bismuth oxychloride

2) Talc – It has long been known that talc causes ovarian cancer. A study from the Harvard Medical School showed that women who use talcum powder have a 40% higher risk of getting ovarian cancer – something recently highlighted by the Consumer Association of Penang (The Star 18/2/2009). It is also linked to all manner of lung problems. International makeup brands like MAC, Johnson & Johnson baby products all still contain talc!

3) Cornstarch – used as a drying agent for oily skin. It may irritate the skin in some individuals & is a breeding ground for bacteria so check expiration date of the product if it contains cornstarch.

1) Parabens – used in almost all cosmetics as a preservative to prevent contamination by bacteria, yeast & mould. There has been many internet rumours about parabens causing cancer but the National Cancer Institute has found no conclusive link between parabens & cancer. It can however, cause contact allergy. Pure MMU does not use parabens as preservatives, instead uses natural essential oils.

2) Mineral oil – used commonly in cosmetics as a barrier cream to prevent dehydration. If it is cosmetic grade mineral oil, it is safe & doesn’t cause cancer as propounded in internet rumours. It can however, aggravate acne in some people.

3) Lanolin – derived form wool grease is a great moisturizer however, it can cause allergic reactions and clog pores.

How to apply MMU

1. Apply your normal skincare first. The mineral powders adhere to the natural oil of your skin, and if your face is too dry, the powder might end up looking like just that - powder. Apply the base moisturiser and wait 10 minutes, as a face too oily would melt the make-up. Trial and error might be needed to find the perfect balance.
2. Apply eye liner first (to avoid smudges from sprinkles) and use your kabuki brush to dust off any powder droppings from your cheeks
3. Tap a small amount of foundation into the cap of the jar. This helps avoid using too much, and you could always add more layers if denser coverage is desired.
4. Dab on concealer you may need to areas such as under the eyes. Press fingertip in foundation for a concentrated amount and dab your blemishes to make them disappear.
5. Swirl the kabuki brush in the cap, then tap the brush to dust off the extra powder. The brush is most important in covering large areas of your face, and an inferior brush might make the make-up look artificial. You might want to invest in a decent one.
6. Apply the foundation by rubbing the brush on your skin in a circular motion. This is where you decide how the make-up will look. Start lightly on the cheeks and move off to the side of your face. The brush isn't supposed to just dust your skin with powder, it’s going to BUFF the powder, to help it adhere to the oil in your skin. The more you buff, the heavier the coverage will be. This takes practice. Keep applying light layers until you achieve the coverage you want.
7. Once you have the look you want with foundation, apply a setting powder. Apply it the same way you would the foundation. Without it, the make-up will eventually look a little tired. With it, the makeup will hold much longer and look less sweaty. You can really tell the difference between using it and skipping it.

Trouble-shooting Mineral Makeup Application

• Always use a moisturizer that will not clog pores. If your moisturizer does not absorb into your skin, neither will your mineral makeup!
• Use a setting powder on eyelids to set shadows and avoid creases.
• For those with oily skin, use setting powder as a base all over - it will help absorb the oil naturally. Also, finishing off with a setting powder will also aid in oil absorption & help you obtain a matte finish.
• Apply mineral eye shadow as usual- lighter colors under brow line and darker colors on the lid.
• Using a good quality mascara with keratin will help strengthen lashes.
• The foundation will look a little powdery when you first apply it. It will settle into your skin and look much more natural in a few minutes.
• A kabuki brush is essential to covering your face, but a smaller brush will serve to use the powder as a concealer if you want to use it that way.

• If the foundation looks too thick & pasty, check:

1) The brush – you need a brush that has a high density of hair which are short, firm & soft.

2) Is there too much product on the brush? Mineral makeup is very concentrated as it is made up of pure pigment; the same pigments that cosmetics companies use to add color to pressed and liquid foundations. Because there is little “filler” in this type of powder, it is imperative that you put just a little bit of powder on your brush and buff it in well in a circular motion before applying more.

3) Is it the right shade for you? Blending one shade with another will achieve the perfect shade for your desired look.

4) Not enough buffing - Buffing with the brush actually brings out the qualities of the minerals. Use a firm touch, and in a circular motion, blend, or spread the makeup around the cheeks, down the jaw line, over the nose. Do this several times, and you will begin to see your face glow and your skin look flawless and natural.