All mineral makeup is not identical. Before choosing cosmetics, decide what you desire in your mineral cosmetics. Mineral makeup is designed to be sheer, lightweight, and natural looking at any age. Beyond that, the ingredients are nourishing to your skin.

Unfortunately, many cosmetics that say they are all natural are not. They contain a few ingredients that are natural but not enough of them are present to overcome the other not so good chemicals in the makeup. Even with mineral makeup, it is best to know what you are getting before taking their word for being a completely natural product.

The good stuff in mineral makeup not only keeps you looking natural but adds to the health of the skin. As such, your makeup won’t harm your face. Here is a list of some of that good stuff.

1. Mica – You’ll see this ingredient in most mineral preparations. Mica has many forms, the most common of which is serecite mica. This mineral helps the other components to adhere to your face where they are supposed to stay and stay nicely. Mica also uses the reflection of the light to hide wrinkles, large pores, and lines.

2. Titanium Dioxide – If you have any skin problems you want to hide, this is the mineral you want to have on board. Titanium dioxide adds a matte finish to the skin which is more natural. A component of sunscreen, this mineral protects the skin from harmful solar radiation. It reinforces the work of sunscreen, which should be applied before your makeup.

3. Zinc Oxide – This is the mineral that makes up the warrior stripes on the faces of surfers and other beach goers in the summer time. Zinc oxide stays on even when it gets wet to continue to protect your skin. The mineral zinc is also found in homeopathic medicines and is a natural healing agent for the body.

4. Iron Oxides – We want natural makeup but a little color doesn’t hurt things. Iron oxide comes in a variety of pigments. These colors can be used in subtle measure to shade foundations for all skin types. Brighter pigments are useful for eye shadows and blush.

5. Silica – this mineral when powdered, adds a silky feel to mineral makeup. It functions to absorb excess oil in the skin so makeup continues to appear natural and not cakey. Silica powder also helps to reduce fine lines and reduce pores.

6. Boron nitride – Like silica, boron nitride absorbs excess oil so your face won’t shine like you’ve been sweating. Instead, your skin will glow.

Mineral makeup that contains these components can be said to be natural. Some mineral makeup adds other components like rice powder and kaolin clay as well. These ingredients do have good properties such as oil absorption, but if you have very sensitive or dry skin, test these formulations gradually to make sure your skin can tolerate them.

Choose carefully depending on your skin issues and choices for ingredients. Try more than one kind and compare.