What are the advantages of mineral cosmetics?
Mineral makeup - one of the main hits of the last time, but in the cosmetics bag of many of us there is hardly a pair of mineral remedies. We asked Alina Smirnova, a faithful adept of the “mineral water”, to tell why it is a panacea for many, what is the difference between mineral and mineralized means and what else should be borne in mind when buying.
Alina Smirnova illustrator
I met minerals by pure chance: a friend brought from Canada a jar with a bird - the famous Alima Pure, since I don’t understand why I should buy other cosmetics when there are mineral bases (mineral foundations). They are absolutely not felt on the face, do not clog pores and hide flaws.
What is mineral makeup
First you need to decide on the terminology. Mineral can only be called cosmetics, consisting entirely of crushed minerals - solid inorganic substances of natural origin. It can exist only in the form of dry bulk products that manufacturers pack in jars - fortunately, often quite nice ones. Most of the cosmetics of the mass and luxury segments with the marker "mineral" is mineralized: it contains not only minerals. If the product is sold in the form of a compact powder or cream - you can be sure that it has been supplemented with binders (binders) and emollients (emollients that can clog pores). Not to mention the oils, silicones and parabens, which are so difficult to refuse in mass production.
Distinguishing between mineral and mineralized is simple - just look at the composition: in mineral makeup, it fits in two lines (about five to seven components).
Main components
Mika Mica Sericit
The main component of mineral products. Mika successfully replaces talc: does not clog pores, mattes the skin, scatters light and can perform many other functions depending on the variety.
Titanium dioxide
Gives whiteness and is a natural Sanskrin. Due to its properties it is widely used in the manufacture of sunscreens. Another name for titanium dioxide is titanium white.
Zinc oxide
One of the components of the famous zinc ointment. Those who used it are familiar with its action: it dries inflammations. In addition, zinc oxide is an adsorbent and antiseptic.
Iron oxides
Used as dyes. Most often - red, orange and yellow: in conjunction with titanium dioxide, they create the whole range of skin tones. To obtain other colors, ultramarine and chromium oxides are added to them.
Bismuth oxychloride
The only ingredient that people who are allergic to heavy metals should fear is bismuth oxychloride - one of them. Used by Bare Minerals as part of bases and several other products. Creates a beautiful shine.
Mineral makeup features
If you have problem skin, you must have gotten used to this morning ritual: moisturizer, concealer, powder ... oh, concealer slid ... a little more powder - well, now there's a dark spot on your cheek, and you need to start over. Imagine a perfect world in which the base hides, if not everything, then almost everything. If not all, mineral concealer is easier to accumulate. And how many color options for your favorite tone? Five? For comparison, the foundation powder Alima Pure is presented in 61 shades. It is more difficult and interesting to search for “your own” tone of mineral powder: you will have to order dozens of jars and sachets from different brands in search of the one and only. Fortunately, the probes of most brands cost a penny. Unfortunately, will deliver "Mail of Russia".
Due to the absence of oils and liquids, mineral cosmetics are stored for up to three years (the average shelf life of the foundation is six months from the first use). Hence its hypoallergenic (loud statement, but almost close to the truth). If you avoid cosmetics containing talc and bismuth oxychloride, the chances of an allergic reaction are very small. This is largely due to the short composition: it is more likely that you are allergic to one of the 50 components than to one of the five.
Dry loose texture allows you to play with mineral makeup as you like: create new colors, mix concealer to the base for a tighter coating, dilute with your favorite cream to get tonal, and so on (if you like MAC pigments, mineral shadows, sorry, - have have ). You need to adjust to the texture: you need a brush with a dense pile; The technique itself is quite simple. In short, the foundation should be applied with light circular motions, as if polishing the face - a little longer than just applying tonal, but the result is worth it.
Perhaps the only lack of mineral resources - the bulkiness of the jars. Whether you can take your favorite base with you on vacation depends only on the manufacturer of the jar. But to work at work for five seconds will not work - it is better to carry matting napkins.
Stamps that are worth paying attention to
Bare minerals
If you often visit Europe, you can start exploring the minerals with the Bare Minerals Get Started Kit - this brand is sold in all European Sephora stores. In addition to decorative cosmetics Bare Minerals produce interesting care products.
Everyday minerals
The second (if not the first) in popularity among Russian girls is the brand of mineral cosmetics. Reasonable prices, wide range and availability have contributed to this. Pay attention to the brushes for the base and oil for the face - it is believed that it is not worse than the famous Clarins oils.
Jane iredale
Chanel in the world of mineral makeup. Elegant packaging, high prices, unusual ingredients. This brand is one of the few offering compact mineral powders and shadows in elegant cases with a mirror.
Lumiere Cosmetics
Until recently, inexpensive, but very high-quality Lumiere bases could be ordered with delivery to Russia. Due to problems with mail, this is now difficult, but dealers can still find the cashmere base, which is well-known in narrow circles.
Alima Pure
The American brand, which is remarkable for its charming jars with birds, a huge selection of colors and finishes, as well as seasonal collections of shadows and amazing power concealers. Alas, Alima Pure also refused to cooperate with our mail, so you have to look for other ways to order.
How to buy
You can easily find all the most famous Bare Minerals products in the Sephora chain of stores in Europe. On iHerb.com there is everything, including the ability to order Everyday Minerals with delivery to the nearest post office. Delivery times are usually reasonable, the cost also does not bite. If it’s completely unbearable to wait for the next trip or package with iHerb, you can contact dealers. With the order it is better not to delay: most of the dealers order goods one by one, and there is a risk to end up with nothing.
THE PHOTO: Photo via Shutterstock