Some of the oldest elements around have become the newest thing in makeup. Mineral makeup -- made with natural compounds like mica, malachite and zinc oxide and without such additives as talc, fragrance or parabens -- has fast become the latest hot commodity in cosmetics.
Plastic surgeons have long recommended mineral makeup for surgery patients and those with rosacea or acne, saying it doesn't interfere with healing, provides better post-procedure coverage, and irritates skin less than regular makeup.
But in recent years, mineral makeup companies such as Bare Escentuals and Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics have sparked mass-market interest in the products through extensive television advertising campaigns and increased exposure on home shopping channels.
One major cosmetic company has already bought in -- Neutrogena recently added a "Mineral Sheers" line that sells in stores like Walgreens and Target -- and other cosmetic lines are reportedly eyeing the phemomenon.
Albuquerque, N.M., esthetician Diane Werner says it's about time more women discover the benefits of mineral makeup. Warner, who works for cosmetic surgeon Chester Sakura, has used Jane Iredale's line of skin powder on her clients for 15 years.
Doctors and estheticians like the fact that mineral makeup contains zinc oxide and titanium oxide for natural sunblock, said Werner. Mineral makeup is also better than regular makeup because it sits on skin instead of being absorbed, she said.
"People are surprised that it's so feathery," she said, adding that it should be used with a moisturizer underneath.
Other natural ingredients found in mineral brands include sparkly mica and malachite to offset fine lines, bismuth oxide for shine, and iron oxide for color.
"It's wonderfully light and doesn't clog pores," said Werner. "We use it to cover bruising and redness, but you can use it as everyday makeup. It gives fabulous post-laser coverage."
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