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Mineral makeup, what is it?

A true innovation in the world of beauty, mineral makeup revolutionized the world of cosmetics. Faced with such success, more and more organic brands are developing their own line of products formulated with ingredients of mineral origin . What is mineral makeup? Foundations, eye shadows or even blushes, it comes in the form of colored powders. What are the benefits of mineral powders? Soothing and natural, they protect the skin and respect the health of the epidermis. How to apply them? Let's discover together how to achieve a light and natural makeup, all in nuances.


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What is mineral makeup?

Mineral makeup, what is it?

Mineral makeup:definition and explanation

As the name suggests, mineral makeup is made from crushed minerals from the earth's natural resources. Unlike conventional cosmetics (liquid, creamy or compact), it comes in the form of micronized powder . Thus, foundations, blushes, eye shadows come in a wide palette of colors! Their light texture offers an ultra-natural finish, for nuanced makeup.


Originally, mineral powders are intended for people whose epidermal resilience has been affected by surgery, infection, illness or an accident. Thanks to their soft and light composition, they have soothing properties, ideal for sensitive or irritated skin. Their volatile texture is very comfortable and preserves the health of the epidermis. Enriched with natural pigments, they protect the skin from the sun and do not clog pores.

The constituents of mineral powders

The powders are made from ingredients of mineral origin , produced from the rocks of the Earth. While each brand has its own manufacturing secrets, most cosmetics contain the following:


  • titanium dioxide :thanks to its unique mineralogical formula, titanium dioxide reflects light and protects the epidermis from the sun's rays. In addition, it promotes the adhesion of makeup to the skin and provides high coverage;
  • kaolin :this white mineral belongs to the clay family. Its absorbent and purifying properties regulate the production of sebum in the epidermis. Like most clays, it also has anti-inflammatory and cleansing properties;
  • mica :mica is a mineral that forms under conditions of extreme pressure and temperature. In its raw state, it comes in the form of gold or silver flakes. Thus, it gives a satin, even shiny finish to your make-up;
  • iron oxide :resulting from the alteration of iron, this mineral comes in red to ochre, passing through brown. This unique pigment colors blushes, foundations and eyeshadows;
  • zinc oxide :the soothing, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of zinc oxide make it an essential element in the composition of organic cosmetics. Ideal for sensitive or irritated skin, it offers extreme comfort and high-quality coverage;
  • silica :the most widespread element on the planet, silica regulates the production of sebum, mattifies the skin and reduces the visibility of the signs of aging.

This list is far from being exhaustive ! If these elements are the most common, the composition evolves according to brands and products.

Mineral makeup, what is it?

What are the benefits of mineral makeup?

Mineral makeup, what is it?

Mineral makeup:100% natural

Mineral makeup is made from elements taken from the mineral resources of the planet. Thus, it is 100% natural and contains no chemicals. Without preservatives, it preserves the health of the epidermis. Antiseptic and fragrance-free, it is suitable for all skin types. Packaged in powder form, it allows a light and natural finish, for a " second skin " effect and a "zero defect" make-up. Water resistant, it illuminates the complexion and brings light to your eyes. Finally, it protects the skin, while letting it breathe.

Healthy and eco-responsible cosmetics

Unlike conventional cosmetics, mineral powders do not tap into the limited resources of the planet. Indeed, kaolin, micas, silica or even iron oxide are among the most common minerals on the surface of the Earth. Furthermore, cosmetics formulated with minerals are less polluting to the environment. When they are of high quality, they do not contain chemicals, preservatives or silicones and degrade more easily. In addition, foundations, blushes and eye shadows are packaged in recyclable packaging, made of cardboard, wood, glass, etc. Finally, made up of " inert " elements, mineral powders keep much longer than conventional cosmetics.

Mineral makeup, what is it?

Sensitive skin:the softness of organic make-up

Thanks to its unique composition, mineral makeup adapts to all skin types. Enriched with zinc oxide , it is ideal for sensitive skin , reactive or irritated. It is particularly recommended for people with allergies or intolerances to certain components used in conventional products. Very soft, it would also be suitable for atopic or eczema-prone skin .


In powder form, organic makeup lets the skin breathe and does not clog pores. It soothes sensitive skin , regulates sebum production in combination to oily skin and protects dry skin. Soft and natural, it reduces the risk of irritation and reduces redness, while providing high quality makeup.


If most mineral powders are composed of natural elements, we advise you to favor the organic makeup . Indeed, certain chemicals (parabens, endocrine disruptors, silicone, etc.) that are used in the composition of conventional cosmetics can be harmful to the health of your skin.

Acne and blemishes:the soothing virtues of minerals

Enriched with zinc oxide , mineral powders are ideal for acne-prone or blemish-prone skin . Widely used in cosmetics, this molecule has antiseptic and healing properties. Soft and natural, it soothes sensitive or irritated skin. Finally, mineral powders are non-comedogenic , that is to say that they do not clog the pores of the epidermis.

Sun protection and mineral powders

Some brands specializing in mineral powders and organic makeup such as Lily Lolo offer formulations enriched with titanium dioxide . This mineral is characterized by reflective properties that protect the skin from the harmful effects of UVA and UVB . Thus, most of their beauty products are guaranteed SPF 15 and provide significant sun protection. This is particularly the case for these products:

Which brand of mineral makeup should you choose?

The best mineral makeup brands

To choose your makeup wisely , the easiest way is to opt for organic cosmetics brands , whose products are formulated with ingredients of natural origin. If the term "mineral" has become a marketing argument, there are some tips for buying quality products. First, the real mineral makeup exists only in the form of powders. Indeed, creamy, liquid or solid textures are obtained thanks to adjuvants. Then, the list of ingredients must only contain minerals!


Finally, prefer formulations containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and avoid bismuth oxychloride, which can cause the appearance of irritation and redness for sensitive or acne-prone skin.


How to apply mineral powders?

Mineral makeup, what is it?

Loose powder for a natural foundation

loose powders are perfect for expressing your creativity. To properly apply your foundation, shake the box lightly before picking up a little material with a brush. Remove excess by tapping or blowing, then press brush into skin. For a light and natural make-up, make small circular movements. Thanks to the heat of the body, the powder will gradually adhere to the skin and create a smooth and satiny texture. The plus:use a blush on the top of the cheekbones to enhance your complexion.

The magic of pigments on the eyelids

As for the complexion, the application of mineral powders on the eyelids is worked in layers. The ideal is to proceed from the lightest to the darkest, ending with the most satiny shades. Thus, the diversity of shades makes it possible to obtain a subtle and luminous make-up . Note that pigments can be used in different ways:eyeshadow, concealer, eyeliner, highlighter, etc., it's up to you!


Both soft and comfortable, mineral make-up can be worked in nuances, for a light and satiny finish. Enriched with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, it has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and healing properties . Entirely natural, it is suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive. Finally, mineral powders come in a wide range of colors. Foundations, blush, eyeshadows, highlighters, etc., let your creativity run free!