Fantasia Salon / Spa and Wig Specialists

Even with skin cancer rates rising, many of us still like to bake ourselves bronze in the summer. There’s something about wearing white with a good tan. It just looks–healthy. Yes, we know people who don’t take care of their skin in the sun are going to age faster. But, we are hooked on that healthy look.

Experts tell us that spray-tanning and bronzing sunscreens are safer than tanning beds. Tanning beds have been associated with an increased risk of skin cancer and are definitely not recommended.

Some dermatologist are telling us that mineral makeup is a great innovation and the mineral bronzers can give the same effect as a golden tan.

The main ingredients in mineral makeup are mica, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These are found in most makeup, but at a high concentration and without irritants like talc, preservatives, fragrance and dyes. Mineral makeups also have a built in SPF 15.

Mineral makeup can reflect light, giving a nice tone to the skin. Minerals are inert so you are less likely to have reactions to mineral makeups. Talc tends to absorb sweat and oils, leading to a creasing effect which is undesirable, but the mineral-based makeups are more likely to stay looking great even after a work out or a hot day in the sun.

The mineral bronzers should be applied on the forehead, cheekbones, nose and decolletage area. You want to apply the bronzer on places where the sun hits.

Another important tip for summer is to up your intake of water and vitamin C. This helps to repair tissue. Treat yourself to an anti-oxidant facial to help your skin in the summer. And here’s another natural home remedy that will keep your skin fresh and healthy in the hot sun. Brew a pot of green tea, jasmine smells really nice, let it cool, then put it in a spay bottle to mist your face throughout the day. This is inexpensive and very refreshing!

Mineral make-up is the latest addition to the new beauty culture. But, as we have discussed, it’s anything but new, having it’s origins back in the days of the ancient Egyptians. Unlike traditional make-up, mineral make-up contains no perfumes, talc, alcohol, dyes, mineral oils or preservatives. It is simply mineral based loose powder that naturally nourishes the skin.

Mineral make-up has its fans and it has it critics. The fans, and I’ll admit that I am one; love the fact that the mineral make-up is light, natural, long lasting and can’t be duplicated by traditional make-up. For me the most important thing is that it’s natural. The older I get, the more I want to surround myself with more natural things, whether it’s clothing, skin care or make-up.

The critics for mineral make up see it as a marketing gimmick targeted at “selling women”; simply repackaging the same ingredients which have been in make-up for years. The fact is, while the ingredients are much different than traditional make-up, most all mineral make-up has remarkably similar ingredients, most all which are natural.

Let’s talk about how traditional make-up compares against mineral make-up.

Traditional Make-up

• Heavier than mineral make-up which, can sometimes, with additional coverage, feel like one is wearing a mask.
• Traditional powders can cake in areas where fine lines exist. This creates an illusion of deeper lines, which can make one look older.
• Most traditional make-up products are petroleum-based and contain filler ingredients which can clog pores, irritate skin and some which are known carcinogens.
• Most traditional make-up requires many reapplications during the day.

Mineral Make-up

• It’s great for sensitive skin and a breakthrough for women struggling with acne, dryness or clogged pores.
• It does not feel like a mask. Mineral make-up has a lighter texture, allowing the skin to breathe. So, even with more coverage, you will see a natural radiance.
• Mineral make-up ingredients are good for your skin. Minerals such as zinc, and magnesium which refreshes, rejuvenates and relaxes the skin.
• It does not enhance wrinkles as traditional powders do. Mineral make-up creates a glowing appearance because of the essential vitamins and antioxidants present.
• Mineral make-up protects skin from the sun. The zinc oxide offers natural UVA and UVB protection.
• It makes skin look better. And, it’s like you are wearing nothing on your face.

If you have yet to try the mineral make-up, at least now you have some of the facts which will allow you to make an educated decision. If you are like I am, I think you will be thrilled with mineral make-up.