Mineral Makeup FAQ - Your Questions Answered!

Mineral Makeup formulas are as different as the companies that produce them, but for the sake of this FAQ, we've chosen to use basic generalities that apply to the inherent nature of mineral makeup. Please be sure to read ingredient labels and learn a little bit about the manufacturer before buying mineral cosmetics!

Q. Where Did Mineral Makeup Come From?

A. Researching the history of cosmetics, it's been discovered that, since the time of the Egyptians, people have used raw minerals, clays and crushed, soft rocks for sun protection and facial decoration. These easily acquired materials are still available today, and in the late '70's, the term 'Mineral Makeup' was coined. Of course, more sophisticated techniques are used today in purifying, crushing and blending minerals, but the concept is still the same.

Q. What Exactly Is Mineral Makeup?

A. Minerals from the earth, such as mica, clays, salts and oxides, are crushed into fine powders and blended to achieve particular benefits and shades of color. Many great advantages of mineral makeup include that it is completely natural, needs no preservative and provides some broad-spectrum protection from the sun.

Q. How Is Mineral Makeup Better Than Traditional Makeup?

A. Traditional cosmetics, many containing chemicals, synthetics and preservatives, can be absorbed into the skin, while Mineral Makeup cannot. It's the absorption of these chemicals that may not only compromise the health of your skin, but your overall health, as well.

Q. Are All Mineral Cosmetics The Same?

A. Definately Not! Not only will the quality of ingredients vary by manufacturer, so will the formulas. One company may include undesireable (and redundant) ingredients as fillers to increase the volume and density of their product, while another may have carefully chosen ingredients for a more healthful and beneficial product. It's also important to note here that Mineral Cosmetics are not regulated; as long as a list of ingredients includes one mineral material, a company may call their product Mineral Makeup! Please see my lens on Mineral Makeup Ingredients for more information on this topic.

Q. Does Mineral Makeup Have An Expiration Date?

A. No, Mineral Makeup does not expire or 'go bad' like traditional cosmetics can. Minerals are inorganic and inert and therefore cannot support fungal, bacterial or microbial growth. As long as you keep your brushes clean and avoid sharing your makeup with friends, your mineral makeup has an indefinate shelf-life.

Q. Is Mineral Makeup Hypoallergenic?

A. It's important to note that there are no federal guidelines defining the terms Hypoallergenic and Noncomedogenic. While most mineral makeup contains ingredients that very few people experience allergic reactions to and are not apt to clog pores, there is always a chance that these incidents could occur. However, Mineral Makeup is much more gentle to the skin and much less likely to cause skin irritation than traditional makeup.

Q. Is Mineral Makeup Waterproof?

A. While no makeup is truly waterproof, mineral cosmetics contain ingredients that have water resistant properties, making it more likely to last longer under wet conditions.

Q. Does Mineral Makeup Contain Sunscreen?

A. No, most manufacturers do not add sunscreen, but several minerals have natural sun protection properties. Ingredients such as Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide naturally filter both UVA and UVB rays, offering some sun protection at a factor of about 10-20, without causing skin irritation. You may want to increase your protection by applying sunscreen under or over your mineral makeup. Look for these ingredients when buying your Minerals.

Q. Can I Really Sleep In Mineral Makeup?

A. Yes.... and No. This statement is really an exaggeration to demonstrate how gentle most mineral makeup is. While yes - if you forget to wash your mineral makeup off before bedtime, you're less likely to experience any irriation or damage than you could with traditional cosmetics. But No - it is not adviseable to make a habit out of sleeping in your Mineral Makeup. And it is never advisable to abandon a regular skin care routine.

Q. Can I Use Mineral Makeup If I Have Acne/Rosacea/Skin Conditions?

A. Absolutely! And some formulas of Mineral Makeup may actually help improve the condition of your skin. Some companies formulate their mineral cosmetics with special ingredients that are particularly good for problem skin and help heal and promote healthy skin. Please see my lens on Mineral Makeup Ingredients for details on this topic.

Q. How Do I Know I've Chosen The Right Color(s)?

A. Choosing the right shades of Foundation, Blush, Bronzer, etc. can be difficult for many women. If you already wear makeup, it's safe to go with similar shades you wear in a traditional cosmetics line. If you do not normally wear makeup, it'll be important to learn about your skin tone before making your choices. And don't hesitate to contact the manufacturer (if possible) for their assistance with shades. For help on determining your skin tone, please see our lens: How To Choose Mineral Makeup For Your Skin Tone.

Q. Can I Apply Mineral Makeup the Same Way As Traditional Makeup?

A. No. To achieve the best results with Mineral Cometics, it's very important to learn the application technique. It's not difficult - actually it's much easier, faster and a lot more fun than applying traditional makeup! For a detailed How-To, please see my lens: How To Apply, And Learn To Love, Mineral Makeup!

Q. Do I need to Buy Special Brushes For Mineral Makeup?

A. Natural bristle brushes, such as Goat Hair, Pony Hair, Sable, etc., are the best for application of Mineral Makeup. The natural fibers pick up and hold the minerals better than synthetic fibers and will distribute the powder more effectively and evenly. But there are many economical natural hair brushes available - there's no need to spend a fortune on brushes! Brushes, just like your own hair, should be washed often for optimum performance. Once per month is fine, unless you have blemish-prone or oily skin, then wash your brushes once per week.

Well, we hope we've answered some of your questions, educated you and helped clarify some of the myths and misconceptions concerning Mineral Makeup. If there is a topic we haven't covered or a question we've left unanswered, please just ask!

Visit our other Squidoo Lenses to learn more about Mineral Makeup Application, Mineral Makeup Ingredients, How to Choose Mineral Makeup For Your Skin Tone - and even How to get FREE Mineral Makeup Samples!

We firmly believe that Mineral Cosmetics are a healthy alternative to petroleum-based, chemical-laden, traditional cosmetics. If we've convinced you - even just planted a seed - to try Mineral Makeup, we've done our job!

Bellissima is a Proud Signer of the Compact for Safe Cosmetics

Bellissima Trucco Minerale offers opportunities for Affiliates, Direct Sales Reps, Wholesale and Private Label Mineral Makeup.

Bellissima Trucco Minerale offers Affiliates and Direct Sales Reps home-based business opportunities in marketing 100% all natural, skin-healthy mineral makeup, including foundations, concealers, mineral veils, bronzers, blush eye shadows, lip butters and more.

Bellissima Affiliates and Direct Sales Reps are compensated for referrals, direct sales and for building their down line. Affiliates and DSRs may generate sales in person, by demonstrations, with home/hosted parties, classes & workshops and online.

Explore Bellissima's incredible ground-floor opportunities and experience a different program: no minimums, no inventory, no meetings! Enjoy lots of support, encouragement and fun ideas for making money from home with Bellissima.

Visit http://www.privatelabelmineralmakeup.vpweb.com for an overview of our Programs.

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