Natural Makeup, Mineral Makeup & Organic Cosmetics - FAQs
What exactly is natural makeup?
Natural makeup is made from mineral and plant-based ingredients as well as natural oils and waxes. Common components include beeswax; cornstarch, talc, or silk powder; iron oxide, titanium dioxide, and other mineral pigments; various plant extracts; and even plant-based pigments.
Because natural foundations and powders are based in minerals, they tend to be non-comedogenic, meaning they don't cause breakouts. They are usually created from pure formulas that skip unnecessary ingredients that could be pore-clogging. They give good coverage, making skin appear matte and smooth, while still allowing it to breathe. Mineral makeup is also naturally healing and oil-absorbing, so it benefits acneic and oily skin types.
Mineral-based makeup generally works great for sensitive skins, such as rosacea sufferers. It's gentle, and its healing properties help calm the inflammation sensitive types suffer.
What about contact lens wearers?
Contact lens wearers also generally benefit from the gentle properties of natural makeup. Plant extracts are added to these products to soothe the eye area, while synthetic ingredients, such as nylon, in conventional products have been found to be irritating.
Is natural mascara waterproof?
Not exactly. Natural mascara gets its pigment from minerals and plants, but often contains natural oils and waxes to help make the color last on your lashes. While these ingredients don't technically dissolve in water and you may need the help of an oil-based makeup remover to get them off completely, a natural mascara won't perform like a conventional waterproof mascara, which isn't affected by activities like swimming.
Does natural lipstick have lead?
According to recent studies by both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, many lipsticks do contain trace amounts of lead, though it's important to note that the FDA thinks this level of exposure is safe. There are various theories for how lead gets into lipsticks, but a likely reason is that lead is in many places in our environment, including the soil, and many of the pigments used in lipstick are mineral-based. Natural makeup companies concerned about the toxicity of their products often do their own testing to ensure their lipsticks are lead-free, as well as make every effort to purify their ingredient sources to avoid contamination.
What is the proper way to tweeze my brows?
The best time to tweeze is after your shower, because your follicles have been steamed open and many hairs will just slide right out. Try applying brow tint before you tweeze; that way, you'll have an exact road map of what to remove. Use a small amount of this cream-to-powder natural makeup to to shape your brows how you like them. The hairs that need clean-up will stick out like sore thumbs beneath the bulk of your tinted, expertly shaped brow. It can take 3 to 9 weeks for eyebrow hairs to grow back out, so tweeze carefully.
What products do you sell that will remove makeup?
If you find your everyday cleanser isn't getting off all the eye shadow and mascara, try a lightweight natural oil that won't clog pores. Oil is often best at removing makeup. Be sure to remove gently so you don't get oil in your eyes; close the lids and run a cotton pad over your lashes from the inner corner to the outer corner on the top, then from the outer to inner corner on the bottom. A cotton swab helps for hard to remove spots, especially under lower lashes. A multipurpose oil like Weleda Almond Facial Oil doubles as a night treatment beneficial for spots prone to wrinkles, like your eyelids and the areas around the eyes. So, when you remove your makeup each night with it, you're giving yourself an anti-aging treatment, too!
