The thought of microscopic flat crystals overlapping each other on my skin to give it a silky, luminous and flawless finish has always appealed. That’s just what mineral make-up does.

We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to makeup nowadays. In the results-driven and highly competitive beauty industry, skincare and makeup technology is advancing at a rapid rate, and that’s no different in the mineral sphere.

It has a specific look and feel – one that’s smoothing and natural. The overlapping crystals create a breathable, filtering and light-reflecting layer on the skin as they scatter lightly and almost melt onto the skin’s surface to smooth pores and imperfections. The natural hypoallergenic qualities of mineral are also championed against other products on the market that incorporate synthetic ingredients. Due to this natural aspect, mineral is often recommended for women with skin conditions, such as acne and other skin sensitivities. 


However, not all mineral makeup products are created equal. The good news is that you can tell a lot about mineral makeup from its ingredients. Many of the ingredients found in mineral makeup are also found in some ‘look-alike’ products and traditional cosmetics.

There’s an easy rule of thumb to follow: pure mineral makeup is distinguished not by what’s in it, but by what’s left out. A truly pure, hypoallergenic mineral makeup won’t include products containing synthetic chemicals, parabens, Bizmuth Oxychloride, talc, dimethicone, rice powder, corn starch and other fillers. Mineral make-up purists also shy away from products containing Bizmuth Oxychloride.  It is well documented that this compound can cause irritations. So people with sensitive skin and those seeking the hypoallergenic benefits of mineral makeup should avoid products containing it.

Other elements to avoid include preservatives, parabens, mineral oil, chemical dyes, and fragrance. These all lead to possible causes of irritation, which is why many dermatologists recommend a high quality mineral makeup with no fillers. So make sure your choice of mineral makeup hasn’t been ‘cut’ with other fillers and that the quality of the minerals used is high and don’t be enticed by a lower price point.

Another factor to consider when making your selection is the micron size of the powder. If the micron size is too fine, the powder will sit in and accentuate fine lines and dry areas on the face. If the micro size is too big it will block pores and slide off the face.

When it comes to application, particularly of mineral foundation, there’s one simple choice of brush and that’s a dense, compact brush, otherwise known as a Kabuki brush (inspired by the brush used by traditional Japanese Kabuki performers to create their unique makeup displays). The dense, compact bristles of the Kabuki hold onto the minerals and make for even distribution over the skin.

Swirling it around in the lid to collect the mineral powder and then applying with a buffing motion will provide everything from medium to full coverage depending on number of applications.

Natural fibers are considered best for mineral powders because unlike synthetic fibers, natural hair has scales (when seen under a microscope), making them more porous and able to hold the minerals for longer. Natural fibers work best with powders (loose powder foundations, eyeshadows, bronzers and blushers), while synthetic fibers work best with creams (things like lipsticks, cream foundations, concealers and cream blush). Natural hair can at first molt a little from your brush, but will settle to a lesser degree after a short period of time. Kabuki brushes should be made of a high quality natural soft hair that is long lasting, such as high quality goat fibre.