Mineral Skincare and Cosmetics

Some people say mineral cosmetics are for oily skin.

Hi Gorgeus!!

Ever wonder what are these mineral skincare or cosmetics? Well, according to Merriam-Webster dictionary, mineral is:

1. a substance (such as quartz, coal, petroleum, salt, etc.) that is naturally formed under the ground
2. a chemical substance (such as iron or zinc) that occurs naturally in certain foods and that is important for good health

So, when we talk about mineral makeup or skincare, my thought refers to the first meaning, a natural substance from the ground. Hence, I would say that mineral cosmetics are made using some natural ingredients. 
I am sure you've already heard or even used mineral cosmetics before since this type of makeup or skincare has been around for a while ever and has become never ending trend. Some popular mineral cosmetics are mineral powder, mineral foundation, mineral eyeshadows, blush, etc. Some mineral skincare are clay mask, cleansers, moisturizers and many more.

I think the reason mineral cosmetics/skincare are good is that they are free of harsh chemicals (preservatives, fragrance, water, dyes) which would be overwhelming to some people with sensitive skins or acne prone. I myself am struggling with dry and flaky skin under my nose area. I used to wear regular foundation/powder and it emphasized the flakiness. Seriously, it looked terrible. Either the previous skincare I used had some chemical that my skin was prone of or not enough moisturizer agents, I don't know. But I suspect those were the most reasonable cause.

When Kiki introduced me to her skincare products, I was grateful. To be honest, I was skeptical at first, well, you know, natural versus regular brands. However, I'd love to try her products mainly because she says she has dry combination skin like me. Hey, I'd never seen she had flaky skin! So, I thought, this may work! Indeed it works. I started to get compliments of my skin. Ever since, I always look for mineral or natural skincare/makeup [if Qi Qi doesn't carry] or at least, I would read the ingredients of the products before buying. Something that takes some time.. but worth it! 


Now, let's dig deeper into these stuff.
Are mineral makeup or skincare only for oily skin? No. I have experienced that they shouldn't be only meant for oily skin. In fact, good mineral makeup could balance the oil level of the skin [make the skin less dry if you have dry skin and make the skin less oily if you have oily skin]. 

However, beware! Some brands may claim that their products are made using mineral ingredients or naming them after mineral skincare/cosmetics but they still use water and preservatives and perfume which mean chemical substance. Or they actually only use one or two natural ingredients [not all naturals]. Now perhaps these products don't have as much benefits from their natural ingredients. Keep in mind, the chemical substances/preservatives might reduce the mineral potentials.

Applying Mineral Powder Foundation or Finishing Powder
As I have dry skin, I apply powder relatively generous only on T-zone. Sometimes, I put on my cheeks and all over the face, but I think it's not necessary. For me, a thin layer should be enough. Liquid or cream foundation would work better for my skin. And when I use my liquid foundation, I use my moisturizer and sunscreen underneath. Lastly, I apply sheer mineral powder as finishing powder. Voila!


Mineral Skincare Ingredients
Let me write some ingredients that are usually part of mineral skincare/cosmetics.

Clay [Kaolin Clay, Rhassoul Clay, Australian Pink Clay, Bentonite Clay, etc]
Usually used in mask, cleanser, foundation, blush, any kind of dry cosmetic products.
Benefits: quick absorbent and some help with skin conditions (dry/flaky/oily).

Any Herbs Powder [Arrowroot, Kelp, Rose, Lavender, Lemon Peel]
Benefits: based on their natural contents such as vitamins, antioxidant and anti-inflammation, anti-bacterial agents.

Mica and Sericite Mica
Benefits: firstly, they are from natural source which are better than dyes or any coloring ingredients. They can be really good to your skin, however, if you have sensitive skin, you might want to test this first as they can be tricky to some sensitive skin.
I have no problems with them.

Titanium Dioxide
Benefits: Suncreen

Magnesium Stearate
[stearic acid salt] It is commonly used as thickening agent in many skincare and makeup; helps to get the desired texture of a product. It is also used to reduce the clear/transparent appearance of finished products.
FDA says it is safe to be consumed.

Zinc Oxide
A natural source of coloring agent, sunscreen, and skin protection.
Is it safe? FDA says it is safe as cosmetics ingredients.

All in all, Mineral Products seem to have more benefit than regular products. The choice is yours. Like I always said, believe your skin, if your products caused you breakouts or any uncomfortable sensations, stop using them! Mineral or not, your skin knows what works best!
Keep your natural beauty :)

-dora-