What to look for in a mineral makeup

A pure mineral makeup should only have four or five ingredients

• Titanium dioxide – a natural mineral with particles that are not small enough to be absorbed by the skin.

• Iron oxides – used to produce skin tone pigment.  They are considered to be non-toxic, moisture resistant and non-bleeding.

• Mica – the shimmer from mica is used in makeup as it gives a translucent glow to the skin and helps to mask imperfections.

• Zinc oxide – used today as a sunscreen, zinc oxide has been used as a treatment for skin conditions dates back to the early 10^th Century.  With it’s soothing properties it is ideal for the most irritated, sensitive skin types or those who suffer from acne or rosacea.

Ingredients to avoid in mineral makeup

• Bismuth oxychloride – many people are sensitive to this bulking and filler ingredient that is a by-product of lead and copper refining.

• Talc - a known carcinogen, which is very drying and irritating to skin, accentuates lines.

• Parabens and Alkyl hydroxyl benzoate preservatives – true mineral makeup is inert and needs no preservatives.

• Corn starch and rice powder - cheap fillers, not minerals.

• Dyes – often coal tar derivatives.