Mineral makeup is all over beauty magazines, celeb endorsements, etc.  For now, the hottest mineral makeup line is Bare Escentuals, thanks in great part to their close relationship with Sephora.  In 2007 expect to see mineral makeup flood the market from the biggies: MAC, Neutrogena and L'Oreal.

Mineral makeup is natural and often organic, however, don't get duped that all mineral makeups are the same.

Despite the fact that mineral makeup, like all cosmetics and skin care products is not regulated by the FDA. The cosmetics industry is largely self-regulated so cosmetic companies can use the term mineral makeup for anything that is mineral based no matter how small the amount might be.

Mineral or inorganic (which really means rock, and of course is a natural material) based dyes such as zinc oxide (it’s in diaper rash ointments) titanium dioxide (a sunblock that’s white in color), mica (clear in color), and iron oxide (reddish-brown in color) are the mainstay of mineral makeup.

Mineral makeup does not include plant-based dyes, which many dermatologists feel cause allergic reactions in many women or other additives found in most makeup including tocopherol (vitamin E), artificial colors or fragrances, or preservatives—no need to preserve pieces of a rock, right?

And, because it is a granular or powdered makeup, it is not absorbed into the skin. With some ingredients in conventional makeup being a major cause of adult acne, dermatologists recommend mineral makeup.

Meanwhile, unless packaging rules change, I suggest we all stick to the major stores like Sephora and Nordstrom and avoid internet outlets offering discount mineral makeup.  Our skin deserves pure products that live up to their potential.