Mineral makeup is an FDA-approved type of cosmetic. While it was once in the exclusive domain of the more expensive cosmetic companies, discount makeup manufacturers have recently jumped on the mineral makeup bandwagon, including Maybelline.
History of Mineral Makeup
The origins of mineral makeup can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians, who believed that beauty would bring them closer to their gods. As such, they adorned themselves with makeup composed of kohl, henna, malachite, green ore of copper and galena. Meanwhile, in Asia, Chinese and Japanese women outlined their eyes with charcoal.
In 1976, Diane Ranger began experimenting with custom-blended makeup, and created a mineral makeup company called Bare Escentuals. The popularity of the product inspired other manufacturers to create their own mineral makeup lines. In 2008, Maybelline, which is owned by L'Oréal upped the ante by creating its own mineral makeup line, known as Mineral Power.
Features and Ingredients
Unlike many other brands of mineral makeup, Maybelline Mineral Power does not use talc. Talc is often used as a filler for mineral makeup products. Unfortunately, it can clog pores and cause breakouts.
Maybelline Mineral Power makeup ingredients include, zinc oxide, polyethlene, boron nitride, dimethicone, PTFE, synthetic wax, acrylates copolymer, lauroyl lysine, cetyl dimethicone, Aloe barbadensis/Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, trumethylsioxsilicate, trisocetyl citrate, isopropyl titanium trisosterate, tocopheryl acetate, panthenol Chamomilla recutita extract/Matricaria flower extract. The products may also contain mica, titanuim dioxide, bismuth oxychloride, Cl77499, Cl77492, iron oxides and ultramarines.
Misconceptions
While Maybelline mineral makeup is marketed as "natural makeup," many of its ingredients are far from natural. For example, PTFE is a synthetic wax that is used to create Teflon.
Benefits
Maybelline Mineral Power makeup offers benefits for the frequent female business traveler. Since it is in powder, as opposed to liquid form, you can take it on the plane. The zinc oxide in Maybelline mineral makeup can provide mild sun protection.
Expert Insight
Paula Begoun, author of "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me" is not a fan of mineral makeup. She argues that while a form of mineral makeup may have been used in ancient cultures, these minerals were probably contaminated with toxic heavy metals, such as lead, mercury and cadmium. Begoun also takes issue with bismuth oxychloride, an ingredient found in Maybelline Mineral Power makeup. Apparently, this byproduct of lead refinement can cause skin irritation.
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