I've always had a habit of biting off more than I could actually chew - literally and figuratively.  Now I've finally gotten myself into several commitments that require more than 24 hours of devotion a day yet not one of them would I want to see neglected or taken away. 

 

I haven't graduated just yet but that will happen in a number of days and shortly after I'll be going to NYC for a summer internship in Brooklyn.  I will be working with a program that educates inner city youths and brings them to the level of competitiveness academically as private, parochial, and military - type ivy league precollege academic schools.  This is a job that I'd love to keep for life and I was very fortunate to get in the door but I'll begin Law School in the Southeast in the fall so that decision is pretty much made - I think :)

 

Between too many parties that have been fantastic all over town and finishing up with finals my mind has been in a daze and one day has blended into the other.  I've been neglectful of this blog, my other blog, and another forum that I'm a co-hostess with and I apologize but realize that weekly updates may become impossible - they already have - as I'm barely hanging on now with what I have to do.  I love catching up on everyone's blog though late at night and really enjoy more than anything Erika's tutorials.  Every tip that I've ever used from her videos I still use and a lot of people have joined up though I haven't seen them posting, just to catch her new tips and videos.  Go Erika!

 

So I'm just dropping in and saying hello to all of my friends out there and Erika and Michelle I owe you both an enormous Thank You for your commitment and hard loyal work to our makeup and skincare forum.  Thank you both so much.

 

My personal experience with Mineral Makeup lies in agreement with the second article posted below.   I am a mineral make-up user and lover and can personally speak on how it has been beneficial to my skin - so much so that I've abandon use of any other foundations in preference for mineral make-up brands.  None of the brands that I presently use are listed in the 2 articles below - as they are smaller less known companies that primarily provide on line purchases for their products.  Their customer service is excellent, personable, and shipping is rapid.  These smaller companies aim to please their customers.

What companies would I begin to recommend?  There are so many equally excellent companies out there but simply for the sake of time I would suggest taking a look at

(listed in no particular order of preference)

Oceanmist

BareFacedMinerals

EverydayMinerals

Monave

Adacosmetics.com - especially taylored to women of color

 Lumierecosmetics

 

The Lowdown on Mineral Makeup

Mineral makeup is more than just a new beauty trend – it claims health benefits for skin as well. But is it really help – or hype?

 

As beauty legend has it, it was the mid-1970s, in the aftermath of the frenzied Haight-Ashbury love-ins of San Francisco, that a quiet, little cosmetic revolution was born. 

 It was called "mineral makeup" – products made of all natural, finely ground minerals from the earth, without any of the chemicals, dyes, and preservatives found in traditional makeup. Fast-forward some 30 years: Mineral makeup is virtually exploding the beauty market

"This is an extremely popular style of makeup – and it's something that a lot of my patients use and love, and I use it myself. It's also the product most patients ask about," says Kathryn Frew, MD, a dermatologist at Juva Skin and Laser Center and MediSpa in New York City.

And while mineral makeup comes in a variety of forms – and at prices ranging from less than $10 to more than $50 per product -- undoubtedly the most popular in all price ranges are the loose powder foundations and blushes. These are light, finely ground loose minerals that are buffed into the skin using a wide, fluffy brush.

But does "natural," "mineral," and "from the earth" really equal better?  WebMD discovered the answer has a lot of qualifying factors -- and some vastly differing opinions.  

Mineral Makeup and Skin Health

Like most cosmetic products, mineral makeup has its fans and its critics. Those who love it rave about the light, natural, long-lasting glow that simply can't be duplicated by other types of makeup.  Others, however, complain it's drying, irritating, and accentuates wrinkles and adds years to your appearance. Some say the colors have an ashy undertone that is a particular problem for ethnic skin types.

But looks aside, many consumers also say they are initially drawn to try mineral makeup because of skin health claims – more specifically, that it's pure formulations are safer and better for sensitive, even acne- or rosacea-prone skin.

 But is it?

"Quite frankly, I think mineral makeup is just a genius marketing plan -- a  new way of selling women the same ingredients that technically have been in makeup for years," says dermatologic and pharmaceutical chemist Ben Kaminsky, author of the new book Beyond Botox: 7 Secrets for Sexy, Ageless Skin.

The main ingredients (minerals such as mica, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide), says Kaminsky, have been the basis of most makeup foundations for decades. And he says mineral makeup has no special health or beauty properties.

"Mineral makeup can cause problems the same as any other preparations can cause problems. It's not purer; there's no scientific proof of that," he says.

But other experts see it a bit differently. Many dermatologists report that because mineral makeup frequently eliminates classic "irritants" – like fragrances, binders, synthetic dyes, and preservatives -- it is considered "purer" and can be kinder to the skin. 

"Makeup sensitivity is often the result of synthetic dyes, fragrances, and preservatives, so any makeup that eliminates these is going to eliminate some of the related problems," says Frew.

Moreover, she adds that because titanium dioxide [and zinc oxide] have anti-inflammatory properties, certain mineral makeups can also have a calming effect on the skin, particularly important if you suffer from inflammatory problems such as rosacea or acne.

Dermatologist Francesca Fusco, MD, agrees. "It's non-comedongenic, so it won't clog pores, and it's not going to aggravate an acne condition or cause a flare-up as easily as some traditional makeups can," says Fusco, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York City.

But what about the claims made by some companies that mineral makeup is so pure "you can sleep in it"?  Experts draw the line here.

"I would never tell a patient to sleep in any kind of makeup. It's not a good idea for the skin to be covered at night, no matter how pure a makeup might be," says Fusco.

The Lowdown on Mineral Makeup

Mineral makeup is more than just a new beauty trend – it claims health benefits for skin as well. But is it really help – or hype?

(continued)

Mineral Makeup and Sun Protection

Another big draw to mineral makeup are the claims of sun protection. With an average SPF rating of 15, at least one company, Bare Minerals, has the Skin Cancer Foundation seal of approval as a sunscreen.  Jane Iredale, AfterGlow, and other mineral makeups claim similar protective effects, due mostly to the high content of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide -- two ingredients commonly found in traditional sunscreen.

But does mineral makeup give you all the sun protection you need?   Experts say no.

"It's better than using nothing, but I always tell my patients to use a regular cream sunscreen under their makeup and then use the mineral foundations as an extra boost," says Frew.

Mineral Makeup: Not All Alike

Extra ingredients aside, it may seem as if all mineral makeup should be pretty much the same. But WebMD discovered that's far from the truth.  

Since there is no set regulation for what constitutes a "mineral” makeup, any product containing minerals as a primary ingredient can be marketed as such -- even if it contains a whole lot of other "less natural" ingredients.

Kristen Adams, president of AfterGlow Cosmetics, says the battle lines between brands are drawn this way: "Mineral makeup formulas generally fall into two large camps - those that take care not to use synthetics (like paraben preservatives and other fillers) and stay true to the original intent of pure mineral makeup, and those that do add the fillers, colors, binders, preservatives, and other chemicals to their formulas," says Adams.

Although you can weed out at least some of these brands by reading the ingredient label, Adams cautions not to let the term "all natural" or "all mineral formula" fool you.

That's because within the brands that claim "pure mineral" formulations, there is still another category breakdown -- those that contain an arguably "natural" mineral known as bismuth oxycholoride, and those that do not.

A pearlizing agent that gives mineral makeup that "candlelight glow," bismuth oxychloride is a mineral, but it's not found in the earth. Bismuth is a byproduct of lead and copper processing. Bismuth oxychloride is also frequently used to fill or "bulk up" or bind products, says Adams, and some say it comes with a heavy price.

"Bismuth oxychloride is considered a skin irritant and can cause itching and rashes and in large amounts it can cause cystic acne as well – it's one of the ingredients you should try to avoid if you have acne or rosacea or sensitive skin," says Frew, who also reminds us that some products in a line have this ingredient, while others do not. "Some products also contain very little, so it doesn't act like an irritant, but you won't know until you try it."  

Mineral Makeup: Buyer Beware

One of the factors that makes mineral makeup so popular is the smooth, natural, long-lasting coverage -- a feat that's some companies accomplish by pulverizing or "micronizing" their minerals into microscopic or even nanoparticle size.  

But some researchers say this activity may come with a price.

"Research shows that when some molecules are dramatically reduced in size to the level of a nanoparticle, they can have very different and very toxic properties than that same molecule would have in its conventional size," says Jane Houlihan, research director of consumer watchdog agency The Environmental Working Group in Washington.

"Minerals like zinc and titanium are safe when applied to healthy skin but in a micronized nanoparticle form, there remains a concern, particularly when applied to damaged skin, or when inhaled," says Houlihan.

The bottom line: Even when beauty comes from the earth, it's still a case of beauty buyer beware.

 

Source used WebMD Health News

By Colette Bouchez
WebMD Health News

 

Mineral Makeup Resource Center

Naturally formulated mineral makeup is thought to be healthier for the skin than petroleum-based products because it contains zero “filler” ingredients that can clog the pores and irritate the skin.

Virtually any type of cosmetic can be crafted from mineral pigments, be it foundation, eye shadow, lipstick, camouflage, or liquid products such as mascara and lip liner. Our goal at mineral-cosmetic.com is to provide an accurate and informative resource on developments in the realm of mineral makeup and show how makeup can not only beautify your skin, but benefit it.

Using Mineral Concealers To Bring Out Your Natural Beauty
Using a mineral concealer in place of a liquid foundation ensures a lightweight, non-clogging flawless look every time it is used. Most mineral concealers are made with all natural ingredients making them safe for all skin types.

 

What is Mineral Makeup?

Mineral makeup’s roots are ancient, as many cultures throughout mankind’s history have used naturally “colored earth” to beautify the skin. Today, however, the concept of utilizing minerals' benefits in makeup has been popularized by such companies as Jane Iredale, GloMinerals, Colorescience and, most recently, Mineral Essence

The advantages of mineral makeup over standard commercial makeup are numerous.

For one, mineral makeup doesn’t contain the unnecessary and potentially harmful ingredients found in many commercial brands, such as preservatives, talc, synthetic chemicals and various fillers. Rather, it is crafted from naturally occurring, finely crushed minerals such as titanium dioxide, mica powder and iron oxides. Instead of artificial dyes, the colors in mineral makeup are crafted from pure iron oxides, which also act as a “heat absorbing” ingredient. Heat or infrared radiation from the sun can damage your skin, causing it to look saggy, leathery and wrinkled. However, iron oxides are earth’s natural non-chemical sunscreen ingredients and can protect your skin from aging and cancer-causing UVA and UVB rays.

Dermatologists often recommend mineral makeup because they know that titanium dioxide and zinc oxide provide excellent sun protection and, combined with the iron oxides, have naturally anti-inflammatory benefits too. This is why mineral makeup is ideal for those with acne or rosacea prone skin, post-surgical/post-chemical peel skin, or those with any inflammatory skin conditions. Mineral makeup doesn’t support bacteria well, so it is less easily contaminated than commercial brands and its innate gentleness works well for those with skin allergies or problems such as eczema, extra sensitive, or irritated skin.

Beyond the healthier benefits, and from a purely aesthetic view, the face of beauty has changed immensely over the years. In years past, foundations and powders were often layered on to hide women’s self-perceived flaws and imperfections. Today, however, the look is much more natural and expressive. Mineral Makeup generally gives better coverage than its commercial counterparts, yet appears more like “real skin.” The light reflective minerals minimize the appearance of fine lines without covering them up.

With so many benefits, the rising popularity of mineral makeup is easy to understa nd. Millions of women have discovered that their cosmetics can work with their skin…not against it.

 

Mineral Makeup FAQ

What is the difference between mineral makeup and regular makeup?

There is a world of difference! Mineral makeup is actually beneficial to the skin as opposed to the chemical, preservative, fragrance and dye filled liquid foundations and the drying powder foundations found in the market today. For the most part, mineral makeup will contain antioxidants, antimicrobial agents and sunscreens. Many of the minerals are anti-inflammatory, non-comedogenic, and are less irritating than regular makeup ingredients. Mineral makeup should not contain any binders, talc, or fillers, which have high instances of irritation. Always check the ingredients of a product before you purchase.

Loose mineral makeup tends to be much more versatile. Loose minerals can be added to nail polish, lotions, hair gel, body spray, hair spray and many other products. Likewise, blush can be used as eye shadow and eye shadow can often be used as eye liner (wet or dry). Because the makeup is composed of inert minerals, the loose powders do not support bacteria growth. This fact also makes mineral makeup ideal to use when covering redness associated with peels, laser treatments, rosacea and acne.

What kind of coverage does mineral makeup offer?

Essentially, you determine the level of coverage that you prefer. Mineral makeup is now regularly offered in three different forms: liquid, loose, and pressed minerals. Depending on the type of product you are using, and the method of application you select, you can create everything from a very light natural look to the most dense, heavy coverage (useful for corrective makeup, paramedical applications and difficult skin problems). Colorescience, GloMinerals and Jane Iredale are three of the mineral makeup lines offering foundations in liquid/crème form as well as powder form.

I have heard that you need to “set” mineral makeup. What does that mean and how do I do it?

Setting your makeup is highly recommended when using the mineral powders, not only to increase the staying power of the makeup, but also to even out the application for a more natural look. Apply everything prior to and including your foundation (some people may use color correctors or highlighters underneath their foundations). Heavier water, such as D2O Hydration Spritz by Jane Iredale or Colorescience Face Fresheners- Be Still, should be spritzed directly onto the face. Using a patting and pressing motion press the minerals into the skin firmly with your hands and pause for a few seconds with each press. This heats the minerals, allowing them to ‘melt’ into the skin creating a less powdery look.

Are there any special application techniques for applying mineral makeup?

How you apply the makeup will depend on the type of mineral makeup you are using, as well as the coverage desired.

Typically, you would use a makeup sponge applicator for the liquid minerals, a brush applicator for the loose, and a flocked sponge for the pressed minerals. For brush applications, a larger brush with a tapered head like the Powder Blush from GloMinerals will provide great coverage and control. For heavy concealing, a brush like Jane Iredale Camouflage Brush is ideal. With loose minerals, you may need to ‘buff’ the product into the skin. Most mineral foundations should come with directions for application with the best results.

Products like Colorescience FaceColore Foundation with Brush actually dispense the minerals out of the applicator brush, making application quick and traveling with the product less messy.

Mineral makeup foundation

2 comments

My face and neck are two different colors. How do I choose a foundation shade?

This is a matter of personal preference. Most makeup artists will usually tell you to match the face to the neck to create an even skin tone. However, some women do not have the time to apply corrective makeup and like to match the color of their face for a more natural look. You may wish to try both and seek the opinions of friends and family members as to which application looks best on you.

If you do have the time, corrective makeup can be miraculous. Using a yellow-based product, such as Colorescience Face Colore Corrector Brush in Yellow Rose of Texas works wonders when trying to tone down a flushed (or ruddy) neck or face before applying your foundation.

What is the difference between liquid, loose and pressed minerals?

The main difference is the amount of coverage that the products offer and the finish they provide.

Coverage

Pressed powders usually offer the densest coverage, followed by liquid or crème minerals and finally loose powder minerals. However, pay attention to the brand line that you are purchasing. Some brands, like Jane Iredale, offer the densest coverage with a liquid, then the loose powder, with the sheerest coverage resulting from using the pressed powders.

Finish

Within the powder minerals, the loose powders will give a more dewy finish, while the pressed powders result in a matte finish.

Additionally, skin type and age will also play a role in selecting the best type of mineral for you. Matte finishes are usually ageing, but work well for teenagers and younger adults who tend to have shine by the afternoon. Those with combination or oily skin will tend to prefer a matte finish and therefore usually use a pressed powder such as Jane Iredale Pressed Foundation. Dry skin types may prefer the additional moisturization provided by liquid or crème minerals as with Colorescience Sunforgettable F.A.C.E. Liquid Foundation.

Do I need to wear a finishing powder over my foundation?

It is recommended that a finishing powder is used after applying the foundation to soften the look of the makeup. It can also be very helpful in controlling shine for those with combination/oily skin types. There are many types of finishing powders available. Some reduce shine, add a slight tint, and can be applied underneath the foundation or over it, like Colorescience Face Colore Finishing Brush in Sheerly Irresistible. There are many excellent finishing powders available without the extra tint, such as GloMinerals gloMatte Finishing Powder.

Finishing powders can also be reapplied throughout the day to continually reduce shine and refresh your appearance without going through your entire makeup routine again.

Does mineral makeup have an SPF?

Most mineral makeup contains titanium dioxide and zinc, which are natural sunscreens. Although the product may contain sunscreen agents, it does not necessarily mean that the product has received an SPF rating from the FDA. If the product has attained an SPF rating, it should be noted on the actual packaging.

There is also a newer product available from Colorescience called Sunforgettable All Clear SPF 30. This innovative sunscreen powder contains no pigment, only titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. The future of sunscreen may lie in minerals as there is significantly less irritation than associated with certain chemical sunscreens.

I have dry skin. Won’t a powder makeup accentuate pores and fine lines?

Traditional powder makeup products usually contain talc, which contributes to drying or irritating the skin. Mineral makeup, however, should not contain talc. Please check the ingredient listing before you purchase, however. It is always recommended that you use your normal moisturizer before applying makeup. Let the moisturizer absorb into your skin for 10 minutes or so before applying minerals.

Another easy solution for prepping dry skin for mineral makeup is a mineral makeup base designed to grab onto the minerals as well as hydrating and smoothing the skin and filling in lines, such as Colorescience Line Tamer.

I have heard that mica powder is an irritant. Is this true?

Mica is an inert organic mineral and is not known to have a history of irritation. However, it is always possible for a person to be sensitive to any ingredient.

I have rosacea. Is it okay for me to use a mineral makeup?

For individuals dealing with rosacea, mineral makeup is an excellent option. Because the products contain no talc, binders or fillers, and the ingredients are inert minerals, there is a much less chance of irritation from mineral makeup. Not only is it less irritating than department store makeup lines, but it also covers rosacea better than a regular makeup.

Does mineral makeup work well on oily or acneic skin?

Mineral makeup works wonderfully on oily and acneic skin types. For excessively oily skin, try using an oil-absorbing translucent powder underneath the foundation, like Jane Iredale Pure Matte or Colorescience Face Colore Finishing Brush in Invisibly Matte

There are also other products that literally block and absorb the facial oil before it gets to the surface of the makeup. Jane Iredale Absence is a primer that’s excellent for those with excessively oily skin.

Mineral makeup eyeliner

Can I use the minerals in any other ways?

Yes! Most of the mineral makeup lines are interchangeable within the product type and even within different brand lines. For instance, you can use a product like Colorescience Genie Matte Bottle in Bombshell as an eye shadow base, a powder concealer, and a cream concealer when mixed with another product like the Colorescience Turn the Tides Blemish Serum.

Some fun ideas include using loose mineral eye shadows on the lips (those not containing FD&C dyes), adding them to nail polish or mixed it in with hair gel to streak the hair. For a nice sparkle you can add products like GloMinerals gloDust 24K in Bronze to a handful of body lotion, mix in the palm of your hand, and then apply to the body.

Can I sleep while still wearing mineral makeup?

Absolutely. Because the makeup is light and airy, you may forget you have it on! Although it is always recommended that you cleanse the face each day and night, it certainly won’t hurt your skin to sleep a night wearing mineral makeup. In fact, mineral makeups have anti-inflammatory properties, as well as being non-comedogenic (non pore-clogging), anti-microbial (any of the mineral makeups containing zinc oxide), so they are actually good for your skin, and may help reduce blemishes overnight.

Will the makeup stay on even if I sweat?

Yes! Not only that, but certain brand lines have been tested as “Very Water Resistant” by the FDA, meaning that you can sweat, shower and swim with the makeup (and sun protection) remaining. You may also wish to refresh your makeup throughout the day, or rejuvenate yourself after a flight with a heavy water spritz like Jane Iredale D20 Hydration Spritz. The theory is the same, after swimming or spraying, do not rub your face, blot or press your face with your hands or a towel and the makeup will last all day!

 

Resource: Mineral Makeup Resouce Center

 

 

 

This song carries a very powerful and important message for women of every background and type.  Since this is dedicated to a mineral makeup forum I thought that this song was an appropriate addition to todays blog.

 

 

I will be posting a few pictures of mineral makeup and sharing my reviews on such posted items.  I invite everyone to reflect deep down and ask themselves why?  Why do we wear makeup?- = To enhance our natural beauty?  That's the most often given reason.  At any point for some does it cross into the realm of becoming a crutch or a mask?  I'm sure that not the case for anyone in this group but for many women it is an issue.  What is it about our psyche's that disallows us to just be?  To accept as is?  Why, what, and when did our minds become so critically programmed that we more often see what more is needed, what could be better, what is lacking.  Is is that we are striving for perfection, and if so does that state realistically exist and how would it be authentically recognized and by whom would it be recognized?  Is there now a template in place that is operating behind the scenes that lends explanation to why so many of us spend and over spend collecting cosmetics, jewelry, clothing, shoes, and other accessories that will enhance our attractiveness.  At what point is it enough?  Personally I don't have the answer and I will state that I've placed a few new orders with 3 company's that I've never sampled products from.  Somehow a part of me inside felt as I was ordering that this product, these colors would be different from any others.  I don't know how I am imagining them to be different because yet again I stuck within my same comfort zone and orderd foundations that will complement  my skintone, blushes within the usual family of colors that I know are compatible with my skin coloring, and eyeshadows that most appeal to me , browns, golds, and peaches. I still am looking forward to receiving my order and hope that with one of these, I'll have and HG something.  But then again, perhaps I already have found my HG and just haven't recognized it as such.  Afterall I have no complaints whatsoever with Lumiere's FF foundation.  I have no complaints with BE's eyeshadows.  But there are close to 100 if not more than companies out there with 3 new ones just appearing this week alone.  I'm early on into this search for the ideal product and find the entire process fascinating on many levels.

 

Oceanmist Eyeshadow 10 pack.  This package of 10 mineral eyeshadows was purchased during a 30% off sale that Oceanmist was having some time back.  Not only did I purchase the 10 shadows but I also purchased a full sized foundation.  The eyeshadows that I chose were primarily pinks, golds, browns, and yellows.  The selection and hues available is quite limited.  The color finish is very subdued and their is a slight chalkiness to many of the eyeshadows.  There were a couple of very nice favorites in the 10 pack, Hammerhead, Vanora - acturally a blush but I picked it up as an eyeshadow, Gold Bullion, and Manatee.  Several of the eyeshadows I swapped for items that were more suitable to my liking.  Many of these weren't. 

Oceanmist foundation.  This is one that I like.  I immediately found a color match for my complexion and it definietly lasts all day.  The finish is very matte and the covereage is medium.  I do like this foundation quite a bit but reserve it for warmer seasons due to the fact that after sever weeks of usage it can become rather drying to the skin, but for those with oily skin this is a great place to look for an affordable good quality foundation.

 My next mineral makeup came from Everyday minerals.  They offer free samples and you just pay shipping chargesl  You are able to select 3 foundtion shades from 3 finishes, a finishing powder, and a concealer.  The total charges at the time of my purchase were $3.00. 

The I selected Original - which is comparable to BE in finish but doesn't contain Bismuth Oxychoride, an ingredient that causes many customers and uncomfortable sensation of itching.  I really like this foundation initially but unfortunately it didn't seem to last very long and requiered several touch ups through out the day. 

I also had selected the Semi Matte - which is a combination between their matte formula and the Original Glow.  No complaints here at all.  I found a color match, loved the finish, and it seemed to last better without constant touch ups.

When I finished that jar I went on to use my sample of Intense Coverage= this is a heavier coverage but is very nice and not all chalky.  The color tones vary within the same shades when crossing over into different formulations.  For instance, the Intense was a deeper hue than either of the other two shades but they were all the same color.  The original glow was lighter than either of the two.  I still was able to use all 3 and prior to my using them to the end I placed and order for 2 full sized foundations in the Semi Matte formula. 

I'm pleased with this company's foundations and have sampled several blushes, bronzers, and eyeshadows none of which I would purchase full sizes of.  Why?  There is a chalkiness and dryness to the blushes and even the colors that are deeper have an inherent paleness to them.  I'm a MAC NC35 or a BE Medium Tan - for a color reference and I've not been pleased with the overall performance or color of these products however I do love the foundation and they've added many new colors, blushes, and eyeshadows to their line which inspires me to give those products another try.  The customer service with Everyday Minerals is superb.  Very friendly and eagerly accommodating.  This is a company I would recommend for affordability of good mineral makeup and they are constantly expanding their color lines.

 

 

                                                           

I guess I should start by telling a little bit about myself.  I'm Twenty - something, a college student and will soon graduate with a major in political science. I plan to go law school with hopes of working as an advocate or political advocate.  When I'm not busy with school I enjoy reading, going to poetry lounges, watching Indie films, comedy clubs, plays, and concerts.  Collecting vintage clothes and watching out for the latest styles is also another hobby of mine. 

Another important part of my life is beauty and makeup and just saying that with the above paragraph of wanting to go to law school brings to mind Reese Witherspoon and "Legally Blonde"  Not so much me at all but I do love looking my best and my personal appearance is as important to me as is my health, peace of mind, and well being. I've had an interest in herbs, nutrition, and holistic medicine since I was in middle school.   I've been in love with makeup since I was a teenager.  My philosophy is never too heavy a little bit does the trick.    

After reading many articles, many opinions on different forums, and many blogs on makeup I've decided to create my own so that I can share my knowledge and experience with all of my friends and anyone else interested in reading of my experiences and perspectives on makeup - especially mineral makeup.

Why do I prefer mineral makeup?  Because after using Cover Girl, Jane, Loreal, and MAC  from the age of 13 until 17 my skin really began to suffer.  It was the foundations that caused problems.  I tried many drugstore brands such as Loreal, Maybelline, Almay, and Revlon.  None seemed to come without some sort of drawback.  Either they looked like a mask, rubbed off, or wound up causing skin break outs.  I then went back to high end cosmetics hoping that a better quality would solve the problem.  No such luck.  For me anyways.  My skin got worse and at that point I needed foundation to cover up the acne and scars.  I couldn't go with the makeup optional look.  I had tried every over the counter line, prescriptions, herbs, and private lines to clear up my skin.  Nothing really made a lasting difference because I still needed foundation to cover the scars and pimples.  My skin was suffering and I had to cover it up with foundation - the very thing that was causing the problem.  Then one night I decided to give in and give the "hype" a shot that I had kept hearing about with natural mineral makeup.  I didn't order my first Bare Escentuals kit over the phone, I instead purchased the starter kit from Sephora.  It came with 2 shades of foundation, brushes, mineral veil,  and a bronzer type product called Warmth.  I was able to test the products out firsthand in person before buying.  My first reaction was I wasn't impressed.  I couldn't see a difference.  I was so used to foundation being noticeable that I was ready to move on.  But several people that were with me that day loved the new look.  They loved it so much that they talked me into buying it.  I did.  Within a couple of weeks my skin was noticeably clearer and the break outs were seldom.  I hadn't changed my cleansing routine only my foundation, blush, and face powder.  It was obvious that the claims about mineral makeup were true, at least for me they were, and my skin was proof.  Soon many of my friends began using the Bare Essentuals foundation too.  From there I've moved on to trying a few different mineral makeup companies.  My experience and opinion isn't fixed and firm on which line is actually the best for my skin and preferences but I am sold on mineral makeup being a better choice of cosmetic, especially for those with problem skin or those looking for a more natural look.

I still love and use MAC pigments, fluidlines, and lipglosses.  I'm addicted to MAC.  They really make excellent cosmetics but for foundations I am solidly a mineral girl.  There are so many companies selling mineral makeup and I haven't come close to trying them all.  Fortunately many are affordably priced and offer samples which makes trying them an adventure.