Why Everyone Loves Mineral Makeup

A "new" makeup discovery that's been around for 30 years is taking the cosmetics, fashion and film industries by storm. Mineral makeup is the latest addition to an emerging beauty culture dedicated to better living. Unlike traditional products, mineral makeup, which is based on a hypoallergenic loose powder that naturallynourishes the skin, contains no perfumes, talc, alcohol, dyes, mineral oil or preservatives. Not surprisingly, dermatologists are pleased.

by Eileen Sutton

We asked two mineral makeup producers — Diane Ranger, who created Colorescience, and Dianne York-Goldman of the La Jolla Spa MD, who created DYG Mineral Makeup — why makeup artists say it's the best kind of makeup for your skin.

• Good for sensitive skin. "Lots of women struggle with acne, allergies, dryness and clogged pores from unfriendly commercial makeup," Ranger says. "Mineral makeup lets you enhance skin care with positive beauty choices, not create more problems."
• Doesn't feel like a mask. For some women, traditional makeup, often heavier, can feel like a mask. Mineral makeup's texture is lighter and different. Even with more coverage, experts say you'll see a natural, translucent radiance and more of your skin, which can breathe.
• Contains ingredients that are good for skin. "For women who can't get to a spa, triple-milled minerals like titanium, gold, zinc, magnesium and aluminum naturally relax, refresh and rejuvenate the skin, and offer a genuine beauty solution in the comfort of home," York-Goldman says.
• Does not enhance wrinkles like traditional powders. "If you have fine lines or crow's-feet, traditional makeup can cake in those places, often creating an illusion of deeper lines," York-Goldman notes. "Minerals create real health and aglow like we had in our teens and 20s through essential vitamins, antioxidants and ingredients that actually hydrate the skin and conceal wrinkles."
• Helps protect skin from sun. The sun is said to be the number-one aging agent. Mineral makeup's zinc oxide offers natural UVA-UVB protection. "I have 6 to 10 percent zinc in much of the line, and many of our products offer an SPF of 20 and 30," Ranger points out. "Forty products are now rated [for protection factor], and eventually 95 percent of the line could be rated."
• Can be used after peels. Skin procedures such aslasers and peels are common. "Minerals are the natural choice to calm and soothe red, bruised, itchy, inflamed and flaking skin," Ranger says. "This product hides imperfections, then camouflages with minerals that actually block the sun, which is crucial after aggressive treatments. In fact, after certain treatments, you shouldn't use sunscreens. Minerals cool the skin and encourage faster healing," she adds.
• You can sleep in it! "I can actually sleep with my makeup on if I need to," York-Goldman points out. "If I have to be up early, I apply it the night before. Plus, I know that if I work out or have a long night, my mineral makeup, which lasts longer than traditional makeup, is absolutely going to be there."
• Makes skin look better. The old makeup phrase "putting on your face" may soon be obsolete. "I love when people tell me my skin looks great, because the makeup is obviously invisible," York-Goldman reflects. "It can look and feel like you're wearing nothing at all, like a silky top layer of your very own skin," Ranger adds.