A mineral veil is used as a finishing powder on the face. It can be used on top of foundation or without foundation. Many cosmetic companies that make mineral veils advocate putting sunscreen on the face and setting it with the mineral veil to add extra protection during the day. The companies also claim mineral veils give the face an airbrushed quality.
Oil Absorbent
A mineral veil will absorb oil from the face. Sometimes people with extremely oily skin or large pores layer the mineral veil onto the face both underneath and over a separate mineral foundation. Many mineral veils contain cornstarch as an oil-absorbing ingredient. The veils also may contain silica silylate and aluminum, which have absorption properties, and titanium dioxide, used as a colorant and for absorption properties.
Appearance
The veil is purported to minimize appearance of pores as well as fine wrinkles or lines. It does this by staying atop the skin instead of sinking into the wrinkles, as other makeup can do, according to mineral makeup companies. To apply, you swirl the application brush in the powder, tap off any extra and then brush it onto the face, using a circular motion.
No Build-Up
The sheer, or see-through, powder used in the mineral veil does not have waxes, parabens, dyes or binders that can build up on your skin. Some mineral veils use honeysuckle flower extract, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
Tint or Moisturizing
Some mineral veils are tinted. Tinted products are often favored by people who have medium to dark skin and who feel that the sheer mineral veil leaves a "washed out" appearance. Moisturizing mineral veils also are available. The moisturizing veils provide moisture with ingredients such as rice lipids, ceramacydes and hyaluronic acid. Magnesium stearate also is used as a lubricant; mica is added for lubricant and coloring purposes; and iron oxides are often used for color.
Ingredients
Other ingredients that can appear in mineral veils include methylparaben, a common preservative used in makeup that has antimicrobial properties; propylparaben another preservative with antifungal as well as antimicrobial properties; zinc oxide, used to absorb UVA and UVB rays of the sun; and bismuth oxychloride, used as a skin protective.
History
Mineral makeup has been used for centuries. According to Diane Ranger, Colorescience owner and developer of Bare Escentuals, the Egyptians used minerals for sun protection. This, according to MineralMakeupUSA.com, was Ranger's inspiration for formulating the mineral makeup that her company makes. She lays claim to the term "mineral makeup," saying she coined it in 1977. The company Bare Minerals began selling its mineral makeup products in 1976. Mineral makeup had an upsurge in popularity in the early 2000s.
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