The popularity of mineral makeup has exploded over the past several years. There are claims of how its introduction has transformed the cosmetic industry. You may be wondering what exactly mineral makeup is, and whether it is a product that would make a great addition to your makeup collection!

Mineral makeup is literally makeup composed of minerals that have been ground up into powders and other products. Just like liquid foundation, you want to be familiar with the ingredients so you know you what you are wearing; this is especially vital for sensitive skin as to not cause allergies. It can even out your complexion, creating a beautiful canvas for the rest of your face.

There are some questions as to whether mineral makeup lives up to all the hype. Is it just a marketing ploy? Mineral makeup has become synonymous with the notion it is superior to its cream and liquid counterparts, mainly due to the claims it is healthier for your skin. Assertions that it is better for your skin because it is more natural are not necessarily backed by research--some collections contain mica, bismuth and other ingredients that are not natural and may cause reaction. This can reject the marketing that companies use advertising “all natural" products--but there are all natural products out there.

Who should wear this? Mineral makeup is an excellent solution for those of you with certain skin types or problems. If your skin is sensitive, mineral makeup may be a great match for you. I highly recommend before splurging and buying a kit make sure to ask for samples to ensure the makeup matches in real lighting, and also to make sure you can wear it without causing any reactions. It has also advertised its benefits for oily skin due to how light the powder is on your face. It can also work great for combination skin.

There are some people who will want to skip the mineral powder aisle, or definitely speak with a makeup artist, consultant or dermatologist. Women with dry skin, due to the fact the makeup may flake, will likely do better with a more moisturizing foundation. Mature women may find this type of makeup settling in fine lines, accentuating wrinkles. This does not mean you have to avoid all mineral make up—there are now lipsticks, glosses and shadows that you can wear.

Up until recently, women of color were basically left out of the picture. There were three categories: Light (I am very fair and Light made me look like an Oompa Loompa), Medium, and Dark. Now women of color finally have choices available! You can check out ADA Cosmetics, Etniq Mineral Cosmetics, or Sterling Minerals to start; you can find out more information by Googling any of the above companies. These all contain a variety of colors so nobody is left out.

When applying mineral makeup, one of the biggest mistakes people make is using the wrong brush or no brush at all. Investing in a top quality foundation brush, such as Bobbi Brown's, will allow you to make sure your mineral makeup is applied smoothly and blended well. Anything other than a good foundation brush will likely lead to splotchy coverage, so make sure if you decide to invest in mineral makeup you invest in the correct brush to use with it.

There are a lot of people who swear by mineral makeup, stating if not for mineral makeup they would not be able to wear any makeup. It can make your skin look flawless, or it can make your skin look orange and chalky. I leave you with this: SAMPLE! Take home a sample to ensure it will not cause problems and works with your skin color. If it works for you, enjoy having a fun new look!