Mineral Makeup for Sensitive Skin Conditions
noun:
makeup
Cosmetics such as lipstick or powder applied to the face, used to enhance or alter the appearance
Using mineral makeup for sensitive skin conditions is not a new idea but it IS however far better marketed these days. Almost every makeup brand will now have a Mineral Makeup line but how do you choose the right one? Especially when you do not know how your face will react..
Our skin is already subjected to an amazing range of irritants and pollutants even daily. Smog, pollution, even chemicals in our water! We need to be aware of these and also do our best not to clog our pores with poor makeup choices. Read on to see how mineral makeup can help your sensitive skin.
Makeup Throughout History
The history of cosmetics bridges at least 7,000 years and has been seen in almost every society on earth. Painting of the face and body is seen in many cultures especially during rituals and ceremonies. Colour is applied to the skin for decoration, camouflage, war paint etc. During earlier times, the materials for makeup were derived from many different things; Plant-based dyes, clays, charcoal, ochres, lead, urine, berries and much more! Basically, anything with a pigment or ability to colour was put to use as people strived to change their appearance. Unfortunately, it turned out that several of these early makeup techniques were actually poisonous and toxic for the skin and body. People died from using lead, arsenic, and mercury to create a more pale complexion. Staying out of the sun would be enough for most!
What does sensitive skin look like?
Here is what dermatologists look for when diagnosing sensitive skin:
- Skin reactions such as pustules, skin bumps, or skin erosion
- Very dry skin which doesn't properly protect nerve endings in the skin
- A tendency toward blushing and skin flushing
How does sensitive skin commonly react?
The immune system plays a massive role in maintaining the health of bodily tissues. The skin is the body’s biggest organ, it covers the entire exterior and protects from bacteria, dirt, heat and cold. If the immune system is compromised, this can be displayed on the skin. Seen most commonly in the form of rashes, bumps, redness, itchiness, dermatitis, photosensitivity and blistering.
What is mineral makeup?
Mineral makeup is a collection of different mined minerals which are ground into tiny particles to create a powdered makeup. These minerals include:
Mica
Adds glow and shimmer to foundations and concealers.
Iron oxides
Helps match your skin tone and achieve your perfect colour.
Zinc oxide
A natural sunscreen. It is also an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
Titanium dioxide
Also a natural sunscreen. Gives skin a luminous look and covers imperfections. Anti-inflammatory, so it may help soothe and calm irritated skin.
The fineness of the grind defines the coverage provided. For example, a finer grind will give fuller coverage, while a less fine grind will give a more natural look. Mineral makeup has less fillers than traditional makeup and can last a long time even though it is preservative free.
How can mineral makeup benefit sensitive skin?
A good mineral makeup will be void of dyes, preservatives, and other chemicals. Sometimes the term mineral makeup can be misleading so be sure to read the ingredients and do some deeper digging. Dyes, fragrance and preservatives have been linked to skin irritation. Avoiding these additives can lead to undisturbed skin and less reactions. Less reactions means happy skin and happier customer! Zinc can have a calming effect on the skin. Zinc oxide has been approved as a skin protectant and titanium dioxide as a sunscreen. Bonus! Just be aware, this is not enough SPF by itself to provide sufficient sun protection on a daily basis... Always wear sunscreen!
How is mineral makeup used?
Mineral makeup is applied to the skin with a flat top brush in a circular, buffing motion. The amount applied is totally up to the wearer and depends on the coverage you are going for. You can combine it with a glow mineral for a more luminous finish or matte minerals for a finish with less shimmer or iridescence.
Tips for quick natural makeup application:
- Eye makeup can be applied first. This means any mistakes can be cleaned up quickly and effectively without the need to remove your foundation.
- Keep eyebrows well groomed and defined. This keeps your face looking tidy and frames the eyes. A little brow powder can give brows a fuller look.
- For concealer, apply a shade lighter than your foundation of choice. This can help to hide dark circles, redness, or imperfections.
- For foundation!
- Tap a small amount of powdered mineral makeup into the lid of your mineral makeup container.
- Swirl your brush through the foundation and work it into the bristles. This prevents the product from going on too thickly.
- Tap off any excess powder into the container lid.
- Dust the powder across your face lightly then buff in using a circular motion.
- Remember a little goes a long way! Start with less product than you think, you can always repeat the process for more coverage.
- Lipstick, gloss or balm is last to apply. Lip stains are a great, long lasting alternative to lipstick. Apply with a brush for a defined look or with a finger if you are going for something a little more casual.
Mineral makeup is a diverse way to update your look, manage makeup on sensitive skin, and remove nasty chemicals from your makeup routine. Colour matching to get the correct one for your skin tone can take some testing so try to get into a store where you can sample the products before purchasing.
There are some great options available here at Nezza Naturals, take a moment and check them out on the site!
Got Questions? Give us a shout!
If you have any questions about natural skin care for anyone, we are happy to help.
Visit our website at www.nezzanaturals.com for more essential oil information and DIY recipes.