There are so many different kinds of makeup out there, and it can take years to figure out which kind is the right kind for you and how to properly apply it. On top of all of that, though, our skin changes over time and that means the skincare products we use have to change so that we’re doing the best we can for our skin.
When we’re younger, our skin can usually handle very heavy makeup that doesn’t allow for much breathing room while it’s on our face. However, as we age our skin will change and usually gets drier.
Many companies have been working on makeup lines that will allow for a more natural look but still coverup the areas you want to, as well as allow your skin to breathe while wearing it. One of these types of makeup is called mineral makeup.
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So, What Is Mineral Makeup?
Well, just as the name implies: it is makeup that is composed of minerals. More specifically, though, the mineral are compressed and the products do not contain any of the typical additives that other kinds of makeup normally does.
The research behind mineral makeup is that applying minerals directly to the skin can have numerous health benefits to give the wearer healthier skin while allowing them to achieve the cosmetic result they are looking for.
Of course not all minerals are going to be healthy for your skin, so mineral makeup uses those minerals that have been shown to be healthy and nonreactive when used on our skin.
The vast majority of mineral makeup products will come in powder form, so if you’re used to applying liquid products they might take a few tries to get used to and some tries in getting it just right for your skin.
Aren’t I Too Old for Powder Makeup Though?
Nope – not even close! The idea that powdered products shouldn’t be used on mature skin is an oversimplification of this product. There are loose and even pressed powders that contain talc and those products are not great for mature skin as talc will dry the skin out, and our skin tends to get drier as we age.
So why not keep using liquid products? Well, there are other ingredients found in makeup that isn’t mineral up (silicone, wax and certain oils) that, although they help to keep the makeup in its form, are actually harmful to our skin and can cause irritation. These products do, though, often a very matte finish that looks smooth and professional.
Don’t worry! You don’t have to give up the ease of powder foundation to get a great finished look that will last all day. This is where mineral makeup comes in.
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The Good News About Mineral Makeup
So, mineral makeup when it’s in a loose powder form is actually really nourishing for dry skin. It will give you this dewy, light finish that can actually make your skin look much younger and very refreshed.
As mentioned, mineral makeup is free of many of those chemicals that irritate skin and it is all natural. On top of that, mineral makeup won’t clog your pores – in fact, it actually promotes healthy skin and acts as a natural source of sun protection while you’re outside.
Why Do I Need to Buff Mineral Makeup?
You may have noticed that some companies who make mineral makeup will encourage you to apply it by “buffing” it into your skin. Ever wondered why?
Well, good question. Minerals are stones that, to get them into the makeup form, need to be milled and blended into the product you purchase at the store. When the makeup brand tells you to buff it into your skin to apply it, you are essentially polishing the stone which gives you the finished look you want.
However, not all of the minerals are going to be created equal so you need to keep this in mind when buffing them into your skin. If the crystals (IE the minerals) are not ground up finely enough in the product you purchase, you could hurt your skin. When these minerals are too coarse for your skin they will be very abrasive to your skin, and that can be incredibly irritating to your skin.
For mature skin, which is already potentially much drier than it use to be, irritating it more is probably not the outcome you’re looking for. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use mineral makeup with mature skin, but rather be careful about how you apply it and make sure you aren’t buffing it too much into your skin.
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So, How Do I Apply Mineral Makeup on Mature Skin?
To apply mineral makeup isn’t so different from applying any other type of makeup, so you don’t have to panic that this is going to be all brand new steps.
First, like with almost all makeup, you will want to use the right makeup primer. The right primer is mostly dependant on your skin and what you like. This might be trial and error for you if you’ve never used a primer – and that’s ok too.
What does a primer do?
Well, it’s kind of exactly as it sounds. Like with painting, how primer prepares the surface for a better paint applicants makeup primer does the same thing. It will prepare your skin for makeup to be applied, and give you the best setup for ensuring your makeup will last all day. It will also act as a barrier almost between your skin and the makeup, so you can lock the moisture into your skin while keeping the makeup itself from soaking into your pores.
Applying your primer
After you have washed your face, and applied moisturizer, you can go ahead and apply the primer. You should use about a pea size, or a little more, and spread it over your face working it into your skin. After that, you’re all ready for the foundation (and other makeup) you’re going to apply for the day.
So, back to applying your mineral makeup. In reality, it’s no different from applying other kinds of makeup but you may need a little practice if this isn’t something you’re used to doing.
For mineral makeup foundation, you can either use your finger or a fluffy brush. With your finger, you can dip your finger into the container and dab the product onto your skin. You can then blend it into the areas you want to apply the product to and give you a smoother look.
Alternatively, you can use a powder brush to apply the mineral makeup. Since it is a loose powder, though, this can be difficult. The difficulty comes in controlling the product as you apply it to the skin. If you choose to use a powder brush to apply mineral makeup, it will give you wider coverage on your skin and it might be applied in a lighter way than if you just used your fingers to apply to selected areas.
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Be Careful of Light Reflecting Mineral Makeup
Often times, mineral makeup companies will include that their product has “light-reflecting properties”. This can sometimes be a great selling feature, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for every person.
Using a product with light-reflecting properties is marketed as a way to give your face a youthful glow with makeup but it won’t always be the case with mature skin. Sometimes these kinds of products can settle into any wrinkles you may have on your skin and therefore won’t smooth the appearance of wrinkles but actually make them stand out more.
Many mineral foundations will contain a product called mica – which is one of the main contributors to light-reflecting properties. Now, mica isn’t always bad in makeup so this doesn’t mean you have to avoid all makeup with this ingredient. It’s mostly just something to keep in mind when selecting a foundation for your skin, and be careful when applying too much of it.
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Alternatives to Mineral Makeup for Mature Skin
While mineral makeup is a powdered form of makeup products, it doesn’t mean it’s the only kind of makeup recommended for mature skin. As when we were young, our skin is uniquely ours. Liquid or cream foundations may be the best options for you, however they are heavier when applied so it’s important to make sure we are taking care of our skin before and after wearing the makeup.
Overall, choosing the right makeup for your skin as you age may take a little bit of trial and error, and some patience in learning how to apply it for your skin type and any changes in your skin you’re experiencing.
When it comes to wearing makeup – at any age – we always need to make sure we are taking care of our skin with the right skincare routine. Investing in good skin care products will keep your skin looking young and fresh, as well as keeping it healthy. If you often wear makeup, good skin care will also make sure your skin stays moisturized and less irritated from wearing makeup all day.
When it comes down to it: choose the right makeup for your skin and the one that looks the best on you, the one you are comfortable with applying and wearing.
For more makeup products for mature skin, you should read best eyeliner color for older eyes, and best eyeliner for seniors.
And for makeup hacks, how to apply undereye concealer to mature skin, and how to cover dark circles under eyes on mature skin.
