Function

• The purpose of any foundation is to even out the skin tone, for a smoother and close to flawless complexion. Mineral makeup foundations are a healthier alternative to conventional foundations, which contain additives that aggravate sensitive skin. While the ingredients in regular foundations can cause blemishes, mineral makeup foundations do not clog pores because they do not contain manmade chemicals, fragrances or dyes. While some mineral makeup foundations still make use of preservatives or parabens (see Resources), they generally have purer ingredients than conventional makeup and are less likely to cause skin irritation.
  
  

Identification

• Mineral makeup foundations are packaged in a variety of ways. They used to be most commonly found in loose pigment form in round, see-through containers with a sifter, but new packaging designs on the market have given buyers more options. For example, mineral makeup foundations are also available in compacts as pressed powder or cream-to-powder formulations. The liquid variety comes in bottles that are sometimes squeezable or at least topped with a pump for effortless dispensing. There are even clear cylinders with a brush attachment on top. A twisting motion releases the mineral makeup through the brush, which is also used to apply it.
  
  

Features

• You can purchase mineral makeup foundations in sheer, medium or full coverage depending on your needs or preferences. You can even tweak the opacity of a mineral powder foundation by the way you apply it. Buffing it dry onto your face with a kabuki brush gives you the sheerest coverage possible. Dipping a damp sponge or foundation brush into the powder gives you medium coverage. Creating a paste out of the foundation by using a spray bottle to add a few droplets of water on the amount of powder you need gives you heavier coverage. Apply the paste with a sponge or foundation brush, blending as you go to avoid streaks and demarcation lines.
  
  

Considerations

• Make the most of your mineral foundation by investing in a mineral veil. Dusted on top of mineral foundation, mineral veil sets it and keeps it in place throughout the day. You also get the added bonus of a shine-fighting product that keeps facial oils under control.
  To fully absorb the benefits of a mineral foundation on your skin, you might want to switch the other products in your beauty regimen, such as moisturizer, to their healthier counterparts. Take note that even if a cosmetic is labeled "organic," it may still contain unnatural ingredients. On the other hand, the label "natural" does not mean that the product is completely free of synthetics. Look specifically for the words "100 percent organic" or "all-natural" when buying healthier beauty products.
  
  

Warning

• If you are especially meticulous about what goes on your face, read the labels on all the cosmetics you buy. The word "mineral" is not an automatic guarantee that your makeup does not contain synthetic preservatives. You should specifically check the ingredients of mineral foundations that come in liquid form; some of these still rely on parabens to give the product a longer shelf life. You may also be allergic to a common mineral makeup ingredient called "bismuth oxychloride," which causes itching in some users. Fortunately, more brands are being sold without bismuth oxychloride, to keep up with customer demand.