Mineral makeup is better for you

Natural organic makeup won't harm your skin - Bernadette Fallon checks out the latest new trends in mineral makeup

Mineral makeup is the new black. Or should that be ‘green’? Now that our new buzzwords are ‘eco-friendly’ and ‘organic’, it’s not surprising that we are starting to look very closely at the substances we put on our bodies.

 

Mineral makeup is big on the beauty scene right now. It’s exactly what it says on the tin – makeup made from crushed minerals from the earth, so it’s totally natural and completely pure. It’s free from preservatives, artificial colours, talc, oils, fragrances and other potential irritants – so is ideal for anyone with particularly sensitive skin.

 

But be wary! As it’s such a new product on the market, there is no set regulation for what constitutes a ‘mineral’ makeup so currently any product containing minerals may claim the label. On reading the small print however you may find that some products also contain less natural ingredients. So it pays to do your research before you buy.

 

My personal ‘make-under’

 

The bareMinerals range is one of the additive-free options and I recently went along to its beauty counter at Selfridges for a ‘make-under’. Working under the premise ‘less is more’, the aim is to create a look that is fresh and natural and not too ‘made-up’, while still hiding blemishes, evening out skin tone, and adding hints of colour to brighten and revitalise the appearance. As the foundation is oil-free, it actually blends with the natural oil in your skin for a perfect finish.

 

This foundation includes only five ingredients – all naturally derived from the earth – including zinc oxide which provides a natural SPF of 15 with both UVA and UVB protection. ‘And not only that,’ explains makeup artist SJ Froom, national makeup artist for the brand, ‘zinc oxide is incredibly healing for the skin and very soothing, so an ideal treatment for rosacea, sensitive and easily irritated skin.

 

How to apply

 

Because of its powdery particles, it’s important to apply mineral makeup correctly. Lather it on all in one go and you’ll look like you’ve been caught in a plaster dust explosion on a building site. It takes a bit of expertise to get the look right – so it really pays to have some expert help and a free makeup lesson to get you started.

 

Janine, my makeup artist, had just returned from a trip to New York where bareMinerals is the top selling foundation in the country. Not the top selling mineral foundation – the top selling overall foundation. Impressive!

 

And the trick to achieving a completely flawless finish she reveals, is to apply the foundation in layers. This evens out skin tone without the appearance of makeup at all. Using the right brush – quite large, with tapered edges – is essential. The brand offers a starter kit box that includes everything you need – perfect for beginners like me, more used to rubbing in foundation with my fingers than wielding something so sophisticated as a brush!

 

Makeup lesson

 

Janine applies two perfect layers of foundation to one side of my face, builds up concealer around the sides of my nose and under-eyes, draws a warm tone across my cheekbones for definition – then I do the same on the other side. It’s the best way to learn after all; rather than sitting there nodding and thinking how easy it looks before going home to pick up a brush, thinking ‘how did that work again?’.

 

Eyeshadow is carefully applied using a tissue under the eye area to catch any powder spills, a touch of mascara (not mineral, as it needs binders) and a lipstick in a neutral shade finishes off the look. And that’s it. My ‘make-under’ is complete and I’m looking effortlessly glowing – no mean feat on a Friday morning after a long week. Now I can’t wait to get my starter kit home and try it out myself ….

 

Where to buy

 

bareMinerals is available at Selfridges London and selected branches nationwide, and online at www.bareescentualsuk.com, phone 0870 850 6655 for stockists. Remember, it’s a good idea to have a makeup lesson at your nearest beauty counter to get you started. Prices range from £17.50 for foundation, £12 for lipstick and eyeshadows.

 

Other ‘good for you’ brands

 

Off to a good start with mineral makeup? Why not extend your natural regime into your skincare. Here are some top brands to look out for

 

Dr Hauschka – skin care products that are free from synthetic fragrances, colours and preservatives. They all carry the BDIH certification given to products that conform to the association’s strict criteria for natural skin care and is guaranteed by IMO, an independent body for organic produce.

www.drhauschka.co.uk

 

Neal’s Yard Remedies – organic skincare and natural remedies created using naturally derived materials and plant extracts, therapeutic organic herbal extracts and essential oils. Also offer therapies and treatments from centres around the UK – for more information click here.

www.nealsyardremedies.com

 

Green People - over 100 health and beauty products currently on the market, all 100% natural and certified organic with 10% of net annual profit donated to charitable causes linked to ‘green’ or environmental issues.

www.greenpeople.co.uk

 

More on natural beauty

 

Want to try out more natural and organic beauty products? See our favourite current buys here