What is Mineral Makeup? 6 Myths Explained

As clean beauty and natural makeup rise in popularity, so do the assumptions about what mineral makeup is and what it can (and can’t) do. Some of the popular opinions are totally true. Others, well…

If you’re new to mineral makeup, you might be wondering what it’s all about. Let’s start with the easiest question: what is mineral makeup? Mineral makeup is composed of, well, minerals. And not just any minerals, but naturally-derived ingredients that are good for your skin.

Read on as we set the record straight and explain why our mineral makeup revolution has lasted for 25 years — and continues to grow.

Mineral Makeup Is Good for Sensitive Skin

True. Due to the lack of parabens, binders and fillers, mineral makeup is hypoallergenic, making it the best choice for sensitive skin and those with acne concerns, rosacea, psoriasis and eczema. But mineral makeup works for all skin types, not just sensitive ones, with natural-looking foundation coverage available in many forms, from sheer tinted moisturizers to full-coverage performance wear that lasts up to 24 hours.

Our skin-improving foundation formulas are “non-comedogenic,” meaning they don’t clog pores or cause breakouts. Because if you’re trying to cover acne with foundation, the last thing you need is makeup that causes more breakouts. If you’re allergic to lots of traditional makeup ingredients, our #1 recommendation would be ORIGINAL Loose Mineral Foundation, since it’s made with just 5 natural mineral ingredients — that’s it. It’s good for all skin types though, and actually promotes clearer, healthier-looking skin over time. 

Mineral Makeup Is Good for Oily Skin

True. Mineral makeup is good for all skin types, and that includes oily skin, as the natural minerals can absorb oils. Generally mineral foundations have a luminous finish due to the light-catching pigments used in the formulas, but if you prefer a matte finish you still have good-for-skin mineral options. Our long-lasting Matte Foundation with SPF 15 is made specifically to address oily skin concerns. It’s lightweight and non-drying while providing buildable, sheer-to-full coverage with no shine.

Mineral Foundation Makes Wrinkles More Visible

False. To prevent any foundation from accentuating wrinkles, you do need to use the right type for your skin. We all have different needs when it comes to natural-looking makeup and it differs based on everything from genetics and skin conditions to environmental factors and age. If you feel that your mineral powder foundation seems to highlight your wrinkles, use a face primer to help fill in fine lines and help with smooth foundation application. Equally important: make sure you’re buffing in powder foundation thoroughly. Warming the minerals properly (with lots and lots of buffing) is essential to a smooth look.

Mineral Makeup Has Natural Sunscreen in It

True. Another good-for-you advantage to using mineral foundations is the fact that most have a natural sunscreen as a main ingredient: Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide or both. Suitable for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin or rosacea, these natural sunscreen ingredients (which also have anti-inflammatory properties and a calming effect on the skin) make up two of the five total ingredients found in our bestselling ORIGINAL Loose Powder Foundation SPF 15, and add SPF protection to our SKINLONGEVITY Day Cream. Oh, and if you’ve been reading about the potential effects of chemical sunscreen on coral reefs and other sea life, never fear — every one of our products is free of chemical sunscreens (experts recommend using mineral sunscreen instead!).

Mineral Makeup Doesn’t Last

False. The natural elements in mineral makeup blend seamlessly with your skin and natural oils. Our BAREPRO Performance Wear Powder Foundation is tested to last a full 12 hours — and the formula is made up of 90% vitamins and minerals. And if that’s not enough, BAREPRO Performance Wear Liquid Foundation lasts up to 24 hours — and improves skin’s texture too, thanks to papaya enzymes.

You can also extend the wear of any mineral foundation or eyeshadow by using a primer first. PRIME TIME Foundation Primer is our best-selling face primer, which helps to smooth fine lines and improve foundation application. 

Foundation is the Only Mineral Makeup

False. We get it — we’ve been famous for foundation for a long time. But at our core we’re about minerals. These naturally occurring substances can bring a bit of magic to eye and lip makeup, and even skincare. Here are a few examples:

Deep Mineral Pigments
Beyond brown, beige or ivory, minerals are responsible for color in all kinds of bareMinerals products. Take STRENGTH & LENGTH Mascara. Deep black mineral pigments deliver maximum-impact color for that rich, blackest-black mascara that really brings the drama.

Metallic Mineral Pearls
Our eyeshadows and lip glosses are available in shimmery finishes, but are all free of glitter, which can be chunky and harmful to the environment. So how do we do it? With multi-dimensional crushed mineral pearls — they’re naturally-derived, with faceted surfaces that create a dynamic metallic finish.

Minerals in Skincare
We make skincare, too! Our moisturizers contain minerals that help replenish essential moisture, our SKINLONGEVITY Serum is powered by Long Life Herb, a skin-strengthening superfood with more vitamins and minerals than spinach or kale, and many of our cleansers contain mineral-rich sea salts to help refine, purify and gently cleanse skin. (You know how soft your skin can feel after a dip in the sea? That’s the idea.)

Already a fan of mineral makeup? Learn how to clean out and care for your beauty bag in our Clean Up Your Makeup Bag series.

You can find your perfect mineral foundation match online with the bareMinerals Foundation Shade Finder.

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