In recent years mineral makeup has taken the cosmetics industry by storm, with reported sales growing by 60% in 2005 alone. So what accounts for this huge and sudden growth amongst today’s women?

Mineral makeup is composed of minerals that are sterilized and pulverized into a very fine powder which is then treated with selected natural inorganic pigments to produce a variety of colors. The advantages of applying a mineral makeup on your skin instead of a traditional chemical-based makeup are significant.

Mineral makeup is appealing to women whose skin is sensitive, because mineral makeup is non-comedogenic, meaning it does not block the skin’s pores, but rather allows the skin to breathe. So for women with skin allergies, dryness, rosacea, acne or other problems, applying mineral makeup allows them to take advantage of a makeup which will not exacerbate their problems. In addition, the prime ingredients contained in mineral makeup are, unlike traditional makeup, inorganic, which means that microbes and bacteria cannot live in the makeup and infect the skin. The components of mineral makeup being inorganic also means that no preservatives need be included and that the makeup will have a long shelf life, provided sufficient care is taken to use brushes that are clean.

Mineral makeup does not leave one feeling as if one is wearing a mask, unlike traditional makeup. In fact, the texture of mineral makeup is much lighter. Many women say wearing mineral makeup can feel like they are not using any makeup. It also provides the skin with a very natural radiant glow.

The best mineral makeups use ingredients designed for the purpose of improving the well-being of the skin. These ingredients can include a broad spectrum of UVA and UVB sun protection, as well as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (anti-inflammatories which can help heal the skin). Many women complain of oily skin. For these women, mineral makeup provides a ready solution. The usual chemical-based cosmetics are very greasy, due to the oils they contain. These oils cause many issues, especially for women who have an oily complexion. These issues are side-stepped by using mineral-based makeup, as no oils are used in their manufacture.

Of course the main reason most women purchase makeup is to increase their beauty. How does mineral makeup compare aesthetically to traditional makeup? The clear answer is very well. Due to the fact it reflects the sun’s harmful rays, mineral makeup helps mask the skin’s lines, wrinkles, etc. It usually provides for a very natural, healthy look. The top brands of mineral makeup need only be applied once a day and are water resistant. In addition, you will have no problem sleeping with your makeup still on your face, so you can apply it before retiring for the night if you know you will be pressed for time the following day.

So the benefits of mineral makeup over traditional cosmetics are quite significant. Mineral makeup does not imbue the skin with damaging chemicals, oils and preservatives. It should not impede pores or offer a home for bacteria. It can contain beneficial ingredients to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays and to invigorate and rejuvenate it. And it leaves the wearer with a natural and flattering look. So it is rather obvious why mineral makeup is so very popular these days.