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Our friends at Kari Gran have been generous enough to provide this guest blog post plus an incredible giveaway.
Once reserved for green-loving hippies, earthy spas and the uber-health conscious consumer, mineral makeup is having its moment among mainstream consumers as women snap it up for its “newfound” health and beauty benefits. In social media terms: #mineralmakeup #hot #trending.
Newfound. I say this because many of us (moi included) have long known about and embraced the brilliance of mineral makeup, though it certainly wasn’t par for the course. In the last few years though, I’ve seen a dramatic shift in the beauty industry as mineral makeup products continue to multiply like bunnies. Today, they take up a notable swath of shelf space in shee-shee apothecaries and suburban drugstores alike.
Personally, I want the trend to stay. I have been using mineral makeup for many years and love it as much as I did on day one – as a self-proclaimed beauty junkie, for me to stick with any product longer than a hot minute is a really. big. deal. The benefits are many, the results are flawless.
I love it so much I created my own simple line of all natural mineral makeup, and am eager to share my insights about this beauty gem. So, whether you’re a long-time devotee, mineral newbie or just dipping your toe (brush?) in, here are some key things to know about mineral makeup to put your best face forward.
What is in mineral makeup?
A pure mineral makeup is typically made with a combination of Titanium Dioxide (applauded as a natural sunblocker), Zinc Oxide (used as white pigment and also for sunblock), mica (shimmery stuff for glow) and Iron Oxides (gives it color).
But, buyer beware! Now that the major cosmetic companies have jumped on the bandwagon, many mineral makeup products are compromised in the name of profit. Ingredients to avoid are Bismuth Oxychloride (a common skin irritant), talc and cornstarch (drying to the skin), and parabens (linked to cancer and other bad things). None of these additives provide function other than to preserve and stretch the product further. So not only are you paying more for less pure product, you’re also applying unnecessary ingredients to your skin that can be harmful. If you’ve tried mineral makeup in the past and your skin became instantly red and itchy, check your label – you can bet it’s the Bismuth!
How is mineral makeup made?
Simple – the minerals are mined from the earth and ground into a powder. Different products contain various combinations and amounts of minerals, which is up to the formulator. Where the real fun begins is color!
Iron Oxides are the ingredient that gives mineral makeup color and lets beauty addicts like me live in a fantasy world of vibrant, never-ending hues.Found naturally in yellows, reds, browns and blacks, it is a matter of mixing and matching to find the perfect shade. For example, our Kari Gran mineral foundation is available in eight shades, each of which are precisely hand blended.
What are the benefits of mineral makeup?
Lots! I’ll give you my top three.
1) Mineral makeup is all natural and kind to your skin, not irritating (assuming you’re avoiding the no-no ingredients above). It also does not contain petroleum oil, which is found in most non-mineral makeup and famous for clogging your pores.
2) Mineral makeup has staying power for days. No midday touch-ups needed.
3) Dewy. Dewy. Dewy. Mineral makeup has an ethereal glow (thanks to mica) that simply can’t be recreated with anything else.
What are some tips for working with mineral makeup?
Remember, a little goes a long way. The color in mineral makeup is highly concentrated, so you typically just need a small dab of product – don’t overdo it. And don’t forget to work your brush. Really get the product into the bristles so it goes on thin and evenly, not in concentrated clumps.
Also, make mineral foundation a multitasker. You can use it in powder form, mix it with Essential Serum for a beautiful liquid foundation, or mix it with sunblock for a tinted moisturizer. Pro tip: if mixing with sunblock, go one foundation shade darker in order to combat the bright white sunblock tone.
Lastly, use a finishing powder and a few spritzes of Hydrating Tonic to set the look and make it stay.
Is it hard to use mineral makeup?
Nope! It may take a little getting used to, but mineral makeup is simple and easy. I recommend using miniature spoons/scoopers so you’re not constantly tipping out the powder, as that can create a mess. Simply spoon a small amount of product into the product lid, work the brush and apply. You do not need longer than five minutes for a flawless face – see our Five Minute Face mineral makeup tutorial for proof!
Ready to fall in love with mineral makeup, rekindle the romance or keep the passion burning? Kari Gran All Natural Mineral Makeup is here to meet your needs.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I drink plenty of water, exfoliate, take my makeup off at night.
I have oily skin so I lightly exfoliate a couple times a week, use natural products instead of harsh chemicals that irritate things more, and I use coconut oil with some essential oils mixed in to keep my skin moisturized and clear
Moisturizer, chemical free makeup and sunscreen
Water, don’t over wash, SPF/sunscreen
Drinking a lots of water, getting enough sleep, and moisturizing!
Thank You for the great giveaway
I use sun screen every time I am out in the sun, moisturize my skin daily, and wash my face everyday.
keep you skin clean and hydrated, get plenty of sleep, get plenty of exercise!
1. Exfoliate and moisturize
2. Use sunscreen
3. Eat and Sleep well
I drink a lot of water, try to eat healthy & use natural products.
water early in the morning with lemons Sunscreen when out side. Exfoliation before bed. Thanks for the chance. Cheers.
Lots of water
Hardly ever wear makeup
Exfoliate
Drink water, wear a hat when I’m out in the sun, making the switch to mineral makeup
Drink lots of water
Wash face every night
Moisturize
I drink LOTS of water, I have a great night time routine, making sure I remove makeup, and I moisturize! :)
I dry brush my body, use a mixture of olive oil/castor oil/rose oil for cleansing, and moisturize.
I drink lots of water and green tea. I try to get 8 hours of sleep every night. I change my pillow case every night. My skin is very acne prone and I haven’t had much success with mineral makeup. I’d love to give this a try.
Would love to try mineral makeup. I always wash my face before bed, use sunscreen daily and drink lots of green tea.
Moisturize, use sunscreen, and drink the required amount of water per day.
I’m very cautious on what I use on my skin and use in my house!!! I use as much green, organic, eco friendly, cruelty free when ever possible!!! Healthy Life Happy Life!!!! XO
I moisturize, use sunscreen, and drink plenty of water!
I thoroughly clean once a day just rinse in the morning, exfoliate once a week and don’t wear much more than mineral powder on my face make up wise
I exfoliate, wash, retinal and moisturize!
I drink lots of water, I use sunscreen, and I always like to keep my face moisturized. Thank you for the giveaway!!
i use natural products, wash it and moisturize daily
I drink lots of water, wear sunscreen daily and make foods with EFAs apart of my daily diet.
I wash my face every night, always put on sunscreen, and I wear all natural moisturizers & make-up.
1. I drink lots of water
2. I wash and cleanse morning and night
3. I use makeup with spf
I wash my face morning and night. I use a Rose toner at night and I exfoliate at least twice a week. I try to remember to put use a moisturizer with sunscreen during the day!
I drink a lot of water, use mineral makeup, and try to protect it from the sun :)
Not much. Stay out of sun. Not much.
I stay out of the sun/ use sunscreen, moisturize, & exfoliate.
Sunscreen! Wash with gentle cleanser that also removes eye makeup, and see my dermatologist regularly.
I drink lots of water, use moisturizer, and slather on the SPF!
1 – I wash my face EVERY night.
2 – Moisturize after washing…morning and night.
3 – I wear sunblock (spf 30) on my face every day in my moisturizer.
I wash my face daily, moisturize and try to use natural make up products!
1) I always wash my face at night, no matter how tired I am! 2) I use organic skin care and makeup…it makes me feel better in an ethical sense but as a bonus, pampers my sensitive skin. & 3) I wear multiple forms of sun protection regularly!
Thanks for the awesome giveaway; I adore Kari Gran!
I use Norwex body cloths, sunscreen when out, and just smile.
Wash my face, moisturize, and use sunscreen (usually coconut oil, doubles as a moisturizer!)
drink water, go to bed with a clean face, don’t forget the neck region when applying face cream
Always wear sunscreen! Drink tons of water. And I use coconut oil as a moisturizer
Drink water, wash, moisturize.
Raw African black soap as my face wash
Baking soda mixed with my soap for exfoliation
And coconut oil as my moisturizer
I drink as much water as I can in a day, use coconut oil as a facial and body moisturizer and avoid getting too much sun.
I would LOVE to try this! Exfoliation, wear sunscreen and a hat! Drink lots of water!
drink lots of water, use coconut oil as moisturizer/make-up remover, use sunscreen.
Plenty of water, sun screen before applying make up in the morning. Nightly exfoliation finished with vitamin c serum.
I wear sunscreen, drinks lots of water, and exfoliate once a week
I drink a lot of water. I only use soap and water to wash my face.
I love mineral makeup. To care for my skin i use mineral makeup, natural oils to clean my skin and constantly lotion it to keep it hydrated and smooth.
Katy Emanuel
September 03, 2014
I drink lots of water, keep away from processed foods, wear a hat to protect my face from the sun