Why does the mineral makeup make my face feel so horrible?

[Knittin' in the Shade]

I recently got some mineral makeup (bare minerals) and I cannot wear it without feeling like my face is in a seriously tight mask. I've got very sensitive, dry skin. I was so hopeful that his makeup would work for me, but I'm not sure it will. I try to put on the thinnest layer that I can, but it's not helping. Am I doing somethign wrong, or is it just that mineral makeup doesn't work well for dry skin?

[Jane]

There's an ingredient in some that is an irritant to some people. It's not all that different than regular make up - it's got similar ingredients, just a different application method. Lemme get a link.

http://thebeautybrains.com/2006/05/0...for-your-skin/

[Jane]

Here's the better link:
http://fakinggoodbreeding.blogspot.c...nceptions.html
The irritating ingredient can be bismuth oxychloride.

[Kleine Hexe]

I use Sheer Miracle and don't have a problem. I use pure shea butter as a moisterizer before applying makeup and that helps a lot with any dry issues.

[Spastica]

There's a different application process to mineral makeup. It's not like regular facial powder that you just slap on. Without some moisture, mineral makeup can feel tight and/or itchy. Depending on what brand you get, I find that there are less yucky stuff in mineral makeup than regular makeup. I don't personally think mineral makeup is the same as conventional makeup, though it may have a few of the same minerals.

I'm sure I posted a longass post long time ago about mineral makeup and the mineral makeup tutorials. Once you figure out how to put on mineral makeup, it's really quite wonderful. It doesn't look chalky or feel tight/itchy, it looks flawless and great.

Hopefully somebody can post that thread or gimme a little while and I can find it.

[Spastica]

http://www.mothering.com/discussions...neral+tutorial

http://www.mothering.com/discussions...+lavender+palm

I highly recommend prepping your skin with moisturizer (more than usual) -- try Oil of Olay Sensitive skin or coconut oil - I've tried both and it's great, and/or combining it with a spritz solution like the lavender essential oil spray. It's my knock-off but not really solution for the "heavy water" sprays sold alongside some mineral makeups to set the makeup and make the mineral makeup "melt"/mix into a flawless finish on your skin.

For more of a heavier coverage for special occasions or to cover up true problem areas (like under eyes), I mix the powder, some of the lotion, and a few spritzes of the lavender water into the palm of my hand and apply with fingers.

[Taedareth]

Bismuth oxychloride... *shudder* It's used as a cheap filler. I'd suggest you get a brand that is a pure mineral makeup with only naturally-occuring minerals, like Herbs of Grace for one. Here's some information about bismuth oxychloride: http://www.beautyblisscosmetics.com/...ychloride.html


What Is Bismuth Oxychloride?

It is an inorganic compound made from combining bismuth with salt.

Bismuth is the by-product of lead and copper refining, as well as other metals to a smaller degree. Bismuth occurs very rarely in nature. It is on the periodic table of elements under the symbol Bi at atomic number 83. It is very heavy and chemically resembles arsenic and antimony.

It has a whitish/iridescent hue and has a very high shine property to it. It can be classified as a salt or as a heavy metal. Of all the heavy metals it is the only non-toxic.

Bimsuth is a carrier for fuel in nuclear reactors. Bismuth components are used in everything from detection work, to making acrylic fibers, to safety devices in fire detection and extinguishing items, soldering, magnets and medicine as well as cosmetics. Because it is a by-product of lead refining, bismuth should be lead free when companies begin using it as bismuth oxychloride in their cosmetics.

What Is It Used In?

Companies use this in their cosmetics because it is cheap to buy and is an inexpensive filler. It does have binding qualities, so the makeup will "stick" to your skin, so to speak. But there are other products that are just as effective at adhesion, and are better for your skin.

Because of its molecular make up, it is often viewed as shiny or pearlescent. It is often sold in these two varieties. This makes it highly refractive, which is something companies want. Refraction will camouflage fine lines, wrinkles and discolorations.

If you use a brand with bismuth oxychloride you'll notice a shiny look after applying the makeup. Not like oiliness, but almost shimmery. That's the bismuth oxychloride.

It's a very heavy element, which makes it difficult for many people to wear. It has to be forced into the pores (hence the buffing technique) otherwise it is capable of sliding off the wearer's face. The heaviness can result in clogged pores or irritated skin. Bismuth oxychloride often feels silky and not rough when rubbed between the fingers. Mineral makeup companies that do not use it have a lighter feeling makeup that usually blends into the skin better and with less effort.

Are There Any Problems Associated With It?

Its molecular makeup is a crystalline shape, which may be a cause of the itchiness some women get when they wear it. Many women experience noticeable itching when they sweat. Don't forget it is also kin to arsenic, chemically. Your body will reject things it does not like, and if you'll get sick from ingesting arsenic, it would make sense that your skin would get irritated from having arsenic forced into it.

So, if you find you're experiencing some problems with your current mineral makeup and it contains bismuth oxychloride, you may want to consider switching brands. Many women experience skin irritation when using mineral makeup and don't know why. It's likely that bismuth oxychloride is the reason.

[Taedareth]

Here's a great article about mineral makeup application:

http://herbsofgrace.com/catalogR/min...lying-tips.php

[Knittin' in the Shade]

thanks, y'all! I thought I was applying it correctly (I use jojoba oil and an aveda moisturizer every morning; like I said, really dry skin :LOL!) and then I ws doing a very light application. I think I'll try the wet application method though

[FluffiB]

I recently switched to wet application method with a flocked sponge, and I LOVE it!!!!! It's less messy, I get better coverage with less powder, and I can apply it in less time. And best of all, it looks flawless!! My pores are concealed! Flocked sponge is so much easier to wash than my kabuki too. I wish I would've known about it before I spent a bunch of money on my brushes!