Mineral makeup is made up of natural ingredients, making it great for sensitive skin and people with allergies. Plus it provides all-natural, non-chemical sun protection. Combined with great looks and claims of health benefits for skin, it might seem like mineral makeup is the perfect cosmetic. Here are some considerations to help you decide which mineral makeups will work best for you.

Mineral makeup is a great alternative for those who suffer from chemical sensitivities to preservatives, fragrance, dyes or binders who still desire a finished complexion without the risk of triggering allergies or other skin irritation. Mineral makeup is popular for its ability to leave a shine-free glimmer that makes skin glow, in part due to copper and other naturally occurring minerals. Best of all, mineral makeup is lightweight and doesn’t leave delicate facial skin feeling “clogged” like many liquid cosmetics. Some forms of mineral makeup use "bismuth oxycholoride” to create that "natural glow." Bismuth may be a skin irritant for some people so experiment to find out which works best for your skin type, whether it's bismuth, copper or other natural minerals.

Since mineral makeup is made from all-natural ingredients, it is often a great alternative for people with chemical sensitivities to preservatives, dyes or fragrance. On the other hand, a few people may find the minerals themselves to be harsh. Although relatively rare, ingredients like mica, zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are capable of acting as skin irritants or even allergies in sensitive individuals. Since these same minerals are also found in regular cosmetics, it is important to understand what you are allergic to before making the decision to purchase mineral makeup. Selecting a more pure form of the substance you're allergic to could make allergies worse. However, if you are like most people with sensitive skin, then opting for mineral makeup and avoiding artificial dyes, synthetic fragrances and other chemicals can result in dramatically smoother skin, less “puffy” face and a much more clear complexion.

One of the most frequently cited benefits of mineral makeup is its built-in sun protection due to the high concentration of titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide, two well known sunscreen ingredients. Both are completely natural and gentle enough for daily use. However, depending on the company and specific product, the amount of protection varies. There are a couple things you should keep in mind:

• Depending upon your complexion, you may still need additional protection. Don’t assume you can eliminate sunscreen entirely. Simply consider it a bonus.
• Many moisturizers and even traditional cosmetic lines now include sun protection. You may find it easy to add an additional layer of protection without the heavy feel of sunscreen.
• You can “brush up” your makeup and sun protection in one simple step. Mineral makeup may be the perfect solution to an on-the-go lifestyle.

While the lack of preservatives in mineral makeup is good for many people with allergies, it also means a shorter shelf life. Heat, humidity and direct exposure to sunlight can impact mineral makeup, which tends to be more sensitive to environmental conditions. Store in a cool, dry place to extend its shelf life.

Mineral makeup is popular for its ability to leave a shine-free glimmer that makes skin glow. While it might do wonders for creating a flawless skin tone with the look of healthy vitality, it isn’t always the best choice for those with fine lines. Experiment with mineral makeup before making a commitment, especially if you have dry skin or fine lines that require additional moisture. Using a combination of products often provides better coverage than taking an "all or nothing" approach — consider using regular foundation for moisturizing properties followed by a mineral makeup finish.

On the other hand, those who suffer from chemical sensitivities, contact dermatitis and other skin problems associated with allergies to dyes, fragrance and other harsh chemicals found in traditional cosmetics are often surprised to see how supple their skin is once switching to mineral makeup.

When it comes to mineral makeup, some are more natural than others…but that isn’t always bad! Reading the ingredient list will help you get a better idea of what they contain. Cosmetic companies can label their products "mineral makeup" even if they use paraben preservatives or other fillers, synthetic colors or chemicals in combination to the natural minerals. Remember, including a few synthetics or preservatives may be better for some people as they make the product last longer. Determine if you need 100 percent natural, bismuth-free makeup or if a few preservatives are a good way to extend the shelf-life (and reduce the long term cost) of buying mineral-based cosmetics.