If you have sensitive skin, or if you’re wanting to look after your complexion after treatment, it’s worth considering today’s high-performance, natural mineral make-ups.
So you’ve cleaned up and greened up your skincare regime – consciously swapping nurturing, non-toxic products into your daily facial ritual. But what about the cosmetics you layer on top of that naturally nourished skin?
Enter mineral make-up. It’s made using minerals extracted from the earth, like zinc oxide, mica, kaolin clay and titanium dioxide, ground right down to create high-performance make-up that’s good for skin and even better for women who suffer from acne, rosacea, eczema and sensitivity.
Many mineral make-up brands came about after a search for non-comedogenic, anti-inflammatory cosmetics that could be applied to post-treatment skin. Unlike traditional make-up, which can include oils, waxes and preservatives, minerals are hypoallergenic, sit on the skin and don’t clog pores.
Mineral make-up trailblazer Jane Iredale was a casting director and producer and worked closely with actors struggling with problem skin exacerbated by heavy stage make-up, so sought to create an option that didn’t just cover, but was actually good for the skin. In these products, minerals are blended with complexion-rejuvenating, balancing and soothing ingredients and often provide antioxidant defence to protect skin, as well as create a flawless finish.
When deciding on a brand to try, be conscious of bandwagon-jumpers and always read the labels carefully, to make sure you’re getting the real deal. True mineral make-up won’t contain any unnecessary chemicals, synthetic ingredients or preservatives and will be made by companies committed to cruelty-free practises.
Head into any skin therapist or cosmetic medicine clinic worth their salt, and they’ll always stock or recommend a high-quality range of mineral make-up for patients to apply post-treatment. It’s also great to exercise in, as mineral make-up doesn’t disrupt the skin’s barrier function and cause further inflammation.
You don’t need to sacrifice performance, pigment payoff or finish when switching to mineral make-up, and a little goes a long way. While most of the original foundation formulations were loose powder, the ranges have expanded greatly to offer liquids, creams, sunscreens and products for lips, cheeks and eyes.
The product that Jane Iredale first created, this is regarded as the industry’s first high-performance skincare foundation, and has recently been relaunched with a refillable brush and seven new shades. Buff it on for luminous sheer-to-medium coverage.
This award-winning skin tint creates a dewy, radiant finish – combining hydrating skincare benefits with mineral-based, broad spectrum SPF30+. The water-infused, oil-free formula smooths onto skin in one easy swipe and is 98 percent naturally derived.
These lightweight bronze, rose and champagne powders are enriched with Australian Kakadu plum and cehami extract to benefit the skin. The fragrance-free formula also contains vitamin E, avocado oil and jojoba oil to nourish and perfect, while creating a radiant glow.
The silky-soft formula blends easily into lips and cheeks and gives a subtle, radiant flush. It’s infused with sweet almond oil and vitamin E, so it beautifully hydrates and protects the skin.
This is the dream sunscreen for make-up wearers, as the tinted powder can be easily reapplied throughout the day – perfect for weddings, days at the races and summer festivals.
These pigment-rich shades include warm neutrals, shimmering coppers and metallic golds, and contain natural ingredients like rice starch for long-lasting wear, and mica for a subtle sheen and silky-smooth texture.
