Should you still bother with mineral makeup?

Image via iStock.

Mineral makeup was all the rage in the noughties. Back when Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey were Newlyweds, and when Justin Bieber was still in nappies, it seemed that every brand was launching a mineral line, touting the health benefits of utilising the earth’s natural, mineral resources (such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, gold, magnesium, mica and iron oxide) in makeup.

Well, mineral makeup is back in a big way. Maybelline’s Mineral Power powder foundation has seen a resurgence due to popular demand. But there was one makeup brand which started the whole mineral craze: bareMinerals. We caught up with Leslie Blodgett, CEO of bareMinerals, to get a refresher course in all things mineral.

What makes mineral makeup worth trying?

“Mineral makeup is pure, healthy and good for you. It has long-term health benefits, and not just for the here and now. We have your complexion and skin in mind, for how it will look for the rest of your life.

“The original bareMinerals foundation – which is the number one foundation in the US – has five ingredients in it. There are no other chemicals in there to do anything, to interact with your skin. And they’re not active – they’re inert, they’re just rocks that are crushed. So, because you’re not complicating the makeup, there are fewer breakouts, and there are fewer skin issues. The less ingredients you add to your skin, the better chance you’ll have good skin in the long run.”

What’s your favourite way to apply mineral makeup?

"We like the idea of soft-focus, diffused look, and that’s what a make-up brush will give you. Using a buffing action will create a soft, natural luminosity.

Related: What happens when a man tries skincare products for the first time.  

Once you get the idea of buffing, and not using your fingers all the time to smoosh product around, then you’re really going to get a very professional look."

What is your skincare advice for women…

…In their 20s?

“Be careful with the sun. You think it’s really cool to walk around in a bathing suit in the summer time, and let the sun hit you, but you’re going to have a lot of spots on your face, and you’re going to regret all that time you spent in the sun."

“Then I would say, truly, hydrating the skin. My feeling is that if you treat your skin and hydrate it daily, it’s going to know how to introduce moisture to the skin, and it’s going to stay softer for longer.

Related: A foolproof way to drink more water (and love it).  

“I think it’s just a matter of daily maintenance, and not doing it once a week or once a month. It’s having a regimen, and a ritual. Make it fun." (Post continues after gallery.)

…In their 30s and 40s?

“When you’re starting out with skincare, it’s about the whole sensory experience. You have to feel it when you’re using it. You have to love the scent, you have to love the texture. With active ingredients, generally, they’re all good. If the cosmetic company says that this ingredient was discovered for a reason, then it’s probably going to work.

“But what I recommend for people in their 30s and 40s is to be consistent. Be 100 per cent consistent. Wash your face every night, use a good moisturiser. Serums are great.”

…In their 50s, 60s and beyond?

“I love serums and moisturisers. I love the idea of exfoliating the skin before putting the serum on, because if you don’t, you’re not getting the full penetration.

Related: Sssssssmokin'! The Glow’s mega face masks review. 

"So I always like to use a soft washcloth, or a soft exfoliater, a couple times a week. When you put your serum on, it’s going to be absorbed a lot more beautifully.

“It’s a lot of getting the textures you like. I change products according to what my body needs. I don’t recommend staying with the same products for too long – change it up, and then go back. Switch it up a lot.”

What advice would you give to women who are interested in a career in the beauty industry?

“For me, what worked is being sure that it’s my passion – finding something that you love. And how could you not love the beauty industry? Take credit for your accomplishments, and work hard. You have to learn to be vocal. Stay on top of the industry, and culture in general. Always be out there reading everything.

Related: Daiso challenge: the beauty hits and misses from the $2.80 megastore.  

“I really think you have to be a good writer to make it in the world. Now, everything is written content in some way. You have to be able to sell your idea and articulate that idea with words.”

Do you use mineral makeup? What are your favourite products?