There was a time when makeup was thick, heavy, and clogged pores, but today there are a variety of makeup benefits to be found in cosmetics.
Makeup Buzzwords
Gone are the days of makeup that did more damage than good. Historically, women have had to pay a price for beauty. That price usually came in clogged pores that lead to breakouts.
Today's cosmetics include makeup benefits that result from more pure ingredients. The following are some of the buzzwords that makeup companies use when communicating makeup benefits:
- Hypoallergenic
- Minerals
- Dermatologist tested
- Fragrance free
- Organic
- Natural
Makeup Benefits
With more and more cosmetics companies making the move towards natural products that are not tested on animals, you are certain to find a variety of makeup benefits:
- Reduces skin irritation
- Decreases wrinkles
- Provides greater sun protection
- Reduces breakouts
- Safer for sensitive skin
Mineral Makeup
Makeup used to be made with a lot of unnatural, chemical ingredients, which resulted in skin problems. Today's makeup companies have found ways to incorporate natural ingredients, including minerals.Mineral makeup is an all natural solution that typically includes minerals such as mica powder, iron oxides, and titanium dioxide. The makeup benefits from titanium dioxide include treatment for inflammatory skin conditions, as well as providing a natural sunscreen. Mineral makeup is well suited for sensitive skin, although makeup benefits can help any skin type. Minerals reduce skin irritations and redness, without the need to apply layers of concealer and foundation.
Anti-Aging Products
In the last decade, there has been an increase in the number of anti-aging cosmetic products on the market, appealing to every woman's desire to stay forever young. Products include any number of active ingredients, including retinol, botofirm, peptides, and other anti-aging ingredients that stimulate collagen production. Anti-wrinkle and anti-aging makeup products have been shown to improve skin's elasticity and reduce some signs of aging.
Sun Protection
In response to concerns over the harmful effects of sun's UV rays, cosmetics manufacturers started improving their product lines by including sun protection. With moisturizers and foundations now including an SPF of 15 or 30, women are provided with extra protection from the sun. Of course, if you expect to be in the sun for any length of time, it is still advised that you apply a traditional sunscreen product for maximum protection.
Gentle and Natural Makeup Products
Almay was a pioneer in the cosmetics industry, creating the first gentle makeup available in the 1930s. They were also the first company to introduce 100% fragrance-free products and a line of hypoallergenic products. This paved the way for other makeup companies to create gentler products.
Natural cosmetics may include organic ingredients, but do not contain any harmful chemicals. The theory behind natural makeup is that since it is created from natural ingredients, such as plants, the resulting product will be much gentler on the skin.
Additional Considerations
Be aware that just because a product's packaging says it is gentler, hypoallergenic, or natural, that you may still experience irritations. There are no Federal standards in place that establish guidelines for testing cosmetics products, so in some cases, these buzzwords are part of the marketing message. Also, consider the following when looking at makeup benefits:
- Hypoallergenic products mean they are less likely to cause an allergic reaction; however, there is still always the possibility of a reaction.
- Natural products are derived from plant sources, but women may have an allergic reaction to a plant derivative as much as from a synthetic ingredient.
- Cosmetic claims of reducing wrinkles should be taken with a grain of salt. While some products contain ingredients that reduce some visible lines, be aware there is no miracle product that contains the fountain of youth.
- Products containing SPF ingredients do provide some level of protection, but sunscreen should be applied throughout the day if you are exposed to sunlight. Never assume that just because your foundation includes sun protection, that you are protected for the day.
