Making Good With Minerals
I had a couple of readers write in about skin irritating ingredients in mineral makeup, foundation specifically. So many different lines are popping up these days that it’s starting to get confusing. So here’s what I thought we’d do – over the next two months, we’ll examine mineral lines on the rise, the kinds of ingredients they use and what that means for you. We’ve featured most of them on these pages before but let’s really get to the bottom of each.
And let’s really try and put the myth to bed that mineral makeup is actually good for your skin. Remember how everyone is throwing the word “natural” around these days? Well these companies are too and some of the ingredients can be just as irritating and un-natural as their non-mineral-based competition. This info from the Cosmetic Cop is worth the read. Don’t mistake this thinking we are not fans, as we are especially when it comes to the glimmer shadows from BE. *sigh*
Ok, onward. First up, the EVERYDAY MiNERALS line and their line which includes Foundations, Finishing Powders, Pressed Powders. Created by an ultra-busy Mom, the Founder was one of the first estheticians in California making headway into the area of all-natural and organic in the area of beauty.
Ingredient breakdown of powders:
Mica – transparent mineral mined from the earth that provides light reflection (think of those liquid foundations that contain ingredients to lessen the look of wrinkles to the naked eye)
Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide - sunscreens
Iron Oxide – a natural color without dyes or animal ingredients
(some of the shades contain) Ultramarine Blue – ingredient used in blue and purple shades (the cool shades)
What we like about this line:
* Besides having a vast array of foundation shades, they really go the extra mile in getting it exactly right with warm vs cool complexions.
* Doesn’t contain some of the well-known skin irritating ingredients.
* The packaging has some thought behind it. What I mean by that is I’m really not enticed by some of the Mom and Pop mineral makeup brands out there. Sorry but I need good-looking packaging too. So shoot me.
* The prices are very reasonable and most of them come in these three sizes: $2.50/sample, $6/mini, $12/big
* 100% money-back guarantee.
What we feel can be improved upon:
* The website is not the easiest to navigate.
* Sizes do not give you exact measurement of product. Did I miss this on the site?
So do you currently wear mineral makeup? Why do you like it? Check out this line @ everydayminerals.com
I just got some samples from Everyday Minerals as a gift but agree with you that the price for them are very reasonable. I'm currently using Maybelline Mineral Poower line (foundation and blush) and Everyday Minerals (concealer) and still need more time to exactly tell whether they work great. I like the brief but helpful entry.
Posted by: Halifax | Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at 09:32 AM
I've been trying to find a good mineral makeup. My mom tried the everyday minerals, and let me try hers, and we both liked them. I felt that it gave better coverage than some mineral brands, and the texture is really nice. I'll probably order some samples to see how they do long-term.
Posted by: mj | Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at 10:05 AM
I tried Everyday Minerals, as they were the first online mineral makeup company I found. Their semi-matte formula caused me to break out, but I was fine with their Original Glo. However, I felt like my skin looked chalky with their foundation. I also tried their lipstick, which feels really waxy, not very conditioning. I did like their Champagne blush/highlighter, and their puff jars. I really prefer Aromaleigh or Meow Cosmetics for great foundations.
Posted by: Decorative Diva | Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at 10:25 AM
I'm a new (loose) mineral makeup user. I've ordered sample kits, after extensive research- I only want natural, quality ingredients dusting my 50+ facial skin. Everyday Minerals was one I kept seeing and bumping early on, so I ordered their sample kit. I totally agree with you on packaging- do we wear blindfolds for the firing squad? No problem here, though, it's simple and custom. I'm starting slow. But I can report their Intensive Fair concealer covers my genetic dark circles, and New Car Smell is a blush that enhances my bones. The Silk Dust finishing powder is my final layer, dusted very fine. I examine myself in a x10 mirror in fear after each application. EM performs for me: No irritation nor age enhancement. Whew!
Posted by: Julie K. | Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at 05:49 PM
Something about loose powder in those annoying sifter jars just yells "NO!" to me.. no matter how cute the BE eyeshadow colors are in sephora, that one aspect is what keeps me from buying them :(
I got the free sample kit from EM (so nice! :D) but nothing I got stood out. Someday I'll try another one, but for now, not a fan.
Posted by: Kaley | Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at 06:42 PM
I'm a new (loose) mineral makeup user. I've ordered sample kits, after extensive research- I only want natural, quality ingredients dusting my 50+ facial skin. Everyday Minerals was one I kept seeing and bumping early on, so I ordered their sample kit. I totally agree with you on packaging- do we wear blindfolds for the firing squad? No problem here, though, it's simple and custom. I'm starting slow. But I can report their Intensive Fair concealer covers my genetic dark circles, and New Car Smell is a blush that enhances my bones. The Silk Dust finishing powder is my final layer, dusted very fine. I examine myself in a x10 mirror in fear after each application. EM performs for me: No irritation nor age enhancement. Whew!
Posted by: Julie K. | Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at 07:21 PM
I currently wear BE mineral makeup and love it in the summer. It is so light and just feels better than the heavier foundations. I think it works well to cover up imperfections as well. I am headed over to Everyday Minerals right now to look around!
Posted by: Kam A | Thursday, July 31, 2008 at 05:52 AM
I just have that cheap stuff, I think it is Cover Girl. It works pretty good surprisingly, but I'm not super sensitive with make up. What I like is that it seems to absorb oil without showing any make up at all. Also easier to put on then liquid foundation. I'd like to try one of the nicer lines after this is done though.
Posted by: Ginny | Thursday, July 31, 2008 at 08:17 AM
Hi Julie - I'm so glad to hear that this line works out for you! Their powders don't seem to have any of those skin iritating ingredients. There are a few that do so stay tuned for more in this feature.
Posted by: Cybele | Thursday, July 31, 2008 at 04:32 PM
Hi Kam - let me know how it goes if you pick up some of the EM line!
Posted by: Cybele | Thursday, July 31, 2008 at 04:33 PM
Hi Ginny - the CoverGirl one may be all you need. I would look at the ingredients and look them up online or email them to me and I can tell you. You may not need to "upgrade" as you said. If the CG one works, stick with it!
Posted by: Cybele | Thursday, July 31, 2008 at 04:34 PM
Hi Deco Diva - I too tried shades that were too chaulky at first. the good thing with this line is that there are sooo many shades available so you will be able to find the best one for you skin tone.
Posted by: Cybele | Thursday, July 31, 2008 at 04:35 PM
I love everyday minerals, the prices are great and the colors match my skin extremely well. I like how this wears and it gives me a nice natural, not too oily dewey look. Also, the coverage is exceptional, I didn't need any concealer. I like the foundations, but I have to admit that the blushes are my favorite!
Posted by: ann | Thursday, July 31, 2008 at 08:11 PM
I've never tried mineral makeup before, and I'm not sure why. I've heard so many good things about it, but it seems like lately every cosmetics company has their own version of mineral makeup. Thanks for the review of Everyday Minerals, and I am definitely going to check them out.
Posted by: junglewife | Friday, August 01, 2008 at 03:08 AM
I've tried a couple of different brands of the mineral makeup, and I just can't get it to work for me. My ruddy cheeks just seem to get ruddier from the "buffing" motion---it drives me crazy. Thanks for a well thought out post.
Posted by: Lisa G | Friday, August 15, 2008 at 04:04 PM