"The bottom line of what I call the copycat minerals is when you actually look at the ingredients they're not even a proper mineral," says Miranda Bond, founder of Inika cosmetics. Talc is the biggest giveaway, as are preservatives such as parabens.
Minerals are supposed to be a non-comedogenic product, meaning they don't block pores, and it's precisely because they sit on the surface of the skin rather than absorb into it like liquids and creams do that dermatologists have promoted them as a good post-surgery or post-laser option. They also offer a degree of physical rather than chemical sunscreening.
Minerals are inert which, Bond says, means there's no need for preservatives. "The only reason you need a preservative is if you're putting something in there that makes it not a proper mineral."
Preservatives certainly have a role in stabilising some cosmetics, but the types used are behind much of the "nasties" debate that has spurred the growth of natural and supposedly natural brands across the beauty industry, something minerals have piggybacked on.
To confuse the issue, one of the newer developments in mineral makeup products is the addition of skincare ingredients to their formulas - a trend in cosmetics generally - but this too is blurring the lines of what a mineral is. Combining agents are often needed to incorporate antioxidant-bearing or hydrating ingredients, whether they're naturally derived or not.
Nude By Nature creative director Clint Dowdell believes 70 per cent of today's customers come to minerals for their effectiveness and 30 per cent for their natural story. "The mineral customer as a loyal customer base is still there, but customers now are more about quality and effectiveness that ties in with price." They also expect ranges with more than just powders, but should be aware that powders from some brands are comprised of just 50 to 60 per cent actual minerals.
Most mineral brands now offer liquid and compact mineral foundations in addition to loose powders, which helps widen their customer base to include the significant number of women who prefer less messy fluid or cream formulas. These provide a dewier look for dry or mature skin. However Bond says loose powders should remain the go-to product for those with sensitivities, allergies, acne or rosacea. They also work well for mattifying oilier skins.
But formula isn't the only litmus test of a true mineral. Women with sensitive skin who turn to loose powders may still end up with an irritating, impure product, cut for cost reasons with filler ingredients. Even minerals can cause issues. One such example is bismuth, which has illuminating qualities but has a particle structure that can catch on the skin, making it itch. Individual reactions vary and bismuth is still a common ingredient (although mica can be used instead), but for those with sensitive skin, avoiding it might make all the difference to a comfortable mineral experience.
Viva digs out the latest mineral innovations:
1. Antipodes Translucent Skin-Brightening Mineral Finishing Powder - $46.90
Adds polish to Antipodes first-rate loose powder foundation base. Such setting powders are not new, helping minimise shine, but Antipodes adds an antioxidant-rich grape extract to give its one added skincare appeal. Finely ground mica offers a light-reflecting quality to the powder which is useful for refreshing the face throughout the day, especially in combination with a face mist. (Selected pharmacies, department and health stores, for stockists see antipodesnature.co.nz)
2. Inika Certified Organic Pure Primer - $69
Inika has won credible certification for its organic liquid ingredients to define this part of its growing range separately from the loose powders. Its primer is a standout. The liquid foundation ($69) sell strongly and incorporates plant oils, and as with the concealer ($39.99) it was developed in conjunction with makeup artists for blendability. The Australian brand takes a more upmarket approach than many and has seasonal colour collections with a good range of eye shades. (For selected pharmacy and health store stockists see inikacosmetics.co.nz)
3. Youngblood Anti Shine Mattifier Compact - $70.90
This Californian brand started by a former aesthetician to plastic surgeons has a sleek look and an outstanding array of colours for eyes, cheeks and lips, but aside from having developed its fashion cosmetics more than many mineral brands it remains savvy about skincare. The original loose powder foundation omits the common zinc oxide, which can prove astringent to drier skins. This mattifier quickly does that priming trick, but by adding seed oils it helps balance the skin over time. For oily skin or on troublesome T-zones and best used with the absorbent but whisper-fine Mineral Rice Setting Powder. (For salon stockists see beautysense.co.nz)
4. Nude by Nature Natural Mineral Cover - $41.99
Kaolin clay, common in face masks, means this loose powder foundation melts into the skin, setting more like a liquid. There's also added jojoba, but no talc, parabens or bismuth. It outsells leading brand competitors in the Australian Priceline pharmacy chain, having been started by an Australian health and beauty entrepreneur who spotted a gap in the mass market for a performance-based product at a good price which its 15gm pottle represents. (From Farmers and selected pharmacies, plus for range details and tips nudebynature.co.nz)
5. M.A.C Mineralize Moisture SPF15 Foundation - $75
This creamy fluid provides drier skins with a lovely lightweight texture in many shades and the powders within create an optical blurring effect for a more even skin tone. Shea butter offers nourishment in this latest addition to the Mineralize range which boasts compact eye, blush and face powders in a wide array of colours you'd expect from M.A.C. Though these may not be pure minerals, they do use minerals to stunning cosmetic effect by latching on to their reflective properties. (From Smith & Caughey's and M.A.C Britomart, St Lukes and Botany.)
6. Jane Iredale Dream Tint - $92.90
Labelled as a water-resistant tinted moisturiser, this richly emollient oil-free cream is now being promoted as a CC cream, one of the first of the next generation of colour correcting multi-taskers following on from the BB phenomenon. It works well as a primer and offers broad-spectrum SPF15 thanks to plenty of titanium dioxide. The addition of boron nitride helps it diffuse the appearance of surface imperfections and sea algae and plant ingredients give it moisturising punch. The colour selection runs to eight shades. (Selected salon stockists ph (09) 6361966, janeiredale.com)
