As clean beauty and natural makeup rise in popularity, so do the assumptions about what mineral makeup is and what it can (and can't) do. Some of the popular opinions are totally true.
If you're new to mineral makeup, you might be wondering what it's all about. Let's start with the easiest question: what is mineral makeup? Mineral makeup is composed of, well, minerals. And not just any minerals, but naturally-derived ingredients that are good for your skin.
Read on as we set the record straight and explain why our mineral makeup revolution has lasted for 25 years and continues to grow.
Mineral Makeup Is Good for Sensitive Skin
True. Due to the lack of parabens, binders and fillers, mineral makeup is hypoallergenic, making it the best choice for sensitive skin and those with acne concerns, rosacea, psoriasis and eczema. But mineral makeup works for all skin types, not just sensitive ones, with natural-looking foundation coverage available in many forms, from sheer tinted moisturizers to full-coverage performance wear that lasts up to 24 hours.
Our skin-improving foundation formulas are 'non-comedogenic', meaning they don't clog pores or cause breakouts. Because if you're trying to cover acne with foundation, the last thing you need is makeup that causes more breakouts. If you're allergic to lots of traditional makeup ingredients, our #1 recommendation would be ORIGINAL Loose Mineral Foundation, since it's made with just 5 natural mineral ingredients, that's it. It's good for all skin types though, and actually promotes clearer, healthier-looking skin over time.
Mineral Makeup Is Good for Oily Skin
True. Mineral makeup is good for all skin types, and that includes oily skin, as the natural minerals can absorb oils. Generally mineral foundations have a luminous finish due to the light-catching pigments used in the formulas, but if you prefer a matte finish you still have good-for-skin mineral options. Our long-lasting Matte Foundation with SPF 15 is made specifically to address oily skin concerns. It's lightweight and non-drying while providing buildable, sheer-to-full coverage with no shine.
Mineral Foundation Makes Wrinkles More Visible
False. To prevent any foundation from accentuating wrinkles, you do need to use the right type for your skin. We all have different needs when it comes to natural-looking makeup and it differs based on everything from genetics and skin conditions to environmental factors and age. If you feel that your mineral powder foundation seems to highlight your wrinkles, use a face primer to help fill in fine lines and help with smooth foundation application. Equally important: make sure you're buffing in powder foundation thoroughly. Warming the minerals properly (with lots and lots of buffing) is essential to a smooth look.
Mineral Makeup Has Natural Sunscreen in It
True. Another good-for-you advantage to using mineral foundations is the fact that most have a natural sunscreen as a main ingredient: Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide or both. Suitable for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin or rosacea, these natural sunscreen ingredients (which also have anti-inflammatory properties and a calming effect on the skin) make up two of the five total ingredients found in our bestselling ORIGINAL Loose Powder Foundation SPF 15. Oh, and if you've been reading about the potential effects of chemical sunscreen on coral reefs and other sea life, never fear, every one of our products is free of chemical sunscreens (experts recommend using mineral sunscreen instead!).
Mineral Makeup Doesn't Last
False. The natural elements in mineral makeup blend seamlessly with your skin and natural oils. Our BAREPRO Skin-Perfecting Powder Foundation is tested to last a full 16 hours and absorbs oil and controls shine for 24 hours. And if that's not enough, BAREPRO Skin-Perfecting Matte Liquid Foundation lasts up to 24 hours, improves skin texture and has SPF 20. What more could you want in a foundation?
Foundation is the Only Mineral Makeup
False. We get it, we've been famous for foundation for a long time. But at our core we're about minerals. These naturally occurring substances can bring a bit of magic to eye and lip makeup, and even skincare. Here are a few examples:
Deep Mineral Pigments
Beyond brown, beige or ivory, minerals are responsible for color in all kinds of bareMinerals products. Take STRENGTH & LENGTH Mascara. Deep black mineral pigments deliver maximum-impact color for that rich, blackest-black mascara that really brings the drama.
Minerals in Skincare
We make skincare, too! Our moisturizers contain minerals that help replenish essential moisture, our SKINLONGEVITY Serum is powered by Long Life Herb, a skin-strengthening superfood with more vitamins and minerals than spinach or kale, and many of our cleansers contain mineral-rich sea salts to help refine, purify and gently cleanse skin. (You know how soft your skin can feel after a dip in the sea? That's the idea.)