Mineral makeup has been a fad for the past decade, but is it really better for the skin?
Despite debate, most makeup artists agree it is a much healthier alternative than its synthetic makeup counterparts.
"(Mineral makeup) actually improves the way skin looks," said Heather Benton, prestige manager of Ulta in TigerTown. "It has no waxes or fillers which can clog pores."
Stephanie Taylor, a makeup artist at Blush downtown, said she agrees that mineral makeup is much healthier for skin.
"It's more natural and has no chemicals," Taylor said. "It's also more lightweight and has no heaviness or cakiness."
Though brands like Bare Escentuals have been around for 10 or more years, their popularity hasn't soared until as recently as the last five.
Many mineral makeup users love it because of its even coverage.
"My mom bought me (mineral makeup) for my birthday two years ago," said Nikki Busquet, a senior in human development and family studies. "I prefer mineral makeup because no matter how tan or not tan I am at the moment, the mineral makeup will still make my skin look even."
Other makeup users make the move to mineral because their skin is too sensitive for regular makeup.
"I had been having a problem with makeup breaking me out," said Jaki Fleming, a senior in chemical engineering who has used mineral makeup for five and half years. "One day my mom saw an infomercial for Bare Minerals and we decided to try it, and I am so glad I did."
Benton said many of her customers have the same problem of sensitive skin and turn to mineral makeup as a last resort.
"One of the draws of mineral makeup is that people with skin conditions can wear it," said Robyn Darby, a keyholder at Ulta. "People with rosacea, for example, can wear it and look the same as everyone else."
Many women also prefer mineral makeup because of its natural feeling.
"When I wear mineral makeup, it feels like I don't have anything on," said Amanda Cannon, co-owner of Blush.
Mineral makeup is usually 100 percent natural, which is one other reason that many women prefer it to regular makeup.
"The liner and shadows are all 100 percent natural, and the lip gloss and lipstick use natural oils such as pomegranate," Taylor said. "All of it is infused with untouched virgin soil and minerals."
Mineral makeup also goes along with the current fad of "going green".
"I think with everyone being so eco-friendly, mineral makeup will continue to be popular," Taylor said.
However, mineral makeup's natural quality doesn't mean that it can only be worn for casual situations.
"I wear mineral makeup everywhere except the beach or pool," Fleming said.
Busquet also said she wears her mineral makeup no matter where she's going.
"It's not a heavy or cakey look so I can wear it anywhere," Busquet said.
Though some may consider it a fad, it doesn't look like mineral makeup is going away any time soon.
"I plan to wear mineral makeup the rest of my life if I can afford it," Busquet said.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
