Fashion Junkie

Rock On!

One particular Fashion Junkie reader (yes, that’s you Jen!) recently asked me to report about the biggest buzzword in the beauty biz – minerals. While I’ve seen hoards of the stuff on display from Sephora to CVS, I never quite understood what all the hoopla was about… until I finally did some digging.

Simply put, mineral makeup are cosmetics made from precious metals such as titanium, gold, zinc, magnesium and aluminum, which are then pulverized into powder. Since they don’t contain harmful toxins, artificial colors, irritating perfumes or pore-clogging preservatives, these chemical-free concoctions are safe for even the most sensitive skin as well as the environment. What you’ll find listed on these product labels are a few hard-to-pronounce ingredients that naturally refresh and rejuvenate the skin such as bismuth oxychloride (shine-inducing agents), iron oxides (reflective particles with pigment), mica, zinc oxide (a natural sunscreen and anti-inflammatory agent) and titanium dioxide (another essential UV filter). While typically found in the form of loose or pressed powder (amazing as a foundation or concealer), mineral makeup is also available in eye shadow, mascara, blush, lipstick and even skincare.

Prettify your face with minerals just once and you’ll no longer look or feel like you’re wearing a mask. The hidden value: with its light-as-air texture and non-irritating properties, mineral makeup lets your skin breathe while protecting it from airborne pollutants…. even over night. C’mon… haven’t we all been too lazy to wash-up after passing out on the couch in front of the tube?

Here’s a round-up of the hottest minerals on the market today:

This pure mineral foundation works wonders for concealing broken capillaries and redness around the T-zone area. Plus, it’s packed with SPF 15 so you can safely stay out in the sun.
Cover FX Mineral FX Pure Mineral Foundation, $37, available at Nordstrom.com, 1-800-7-BEAUTY

Illuminate your complexion from the inside out with this 4-pack of slightly shimmery powders. Layer ’em over your cheeks, décolletage or shoulders for an utterly sexy effect.
Bare Escentuals Luscious Layers Of Light, $42, available at Sephora.com, 877-SEPHORA

Make your peepers pop with this shockingly-chic silver powder. Glide it across your lids with a slightly damp brush for a more dramatic, after-dark look.
Laura Mercier Mineral Eye Powder in Galaxy, $20, available at lauramercier.com, 1-888-Mercier

Perk up your pout and pearly whites with this punchy red lipstick. The creamy, ultra-conditioning formula is loaded with edible zinc (full-spectrum sun protection) so you needn’t worry about frying your lips, whether you hit the slopes or sand.
Jane Iredale PureMoist LipColors (SPF 18), $19, available at dermstore.com, 800-213-DERM

Looking to banish fine lines and furrows without going under the knife? Slather on this mineral-infused miracle cream every day for some quick and easy DIY dermatology. 
PürMinerals Day Renewal Complex SPF 20, $32.50, available at pureminerals.com, 866.PUR.0022