Mineral Makeup Must Haves: Create a Flawless Complexion Using Pure Ingredients from the Earth

Mica in rock formation. 

Earth Month has arrived. It gives us the chance to re-evaluate the way we recycle, reuse and reduce waste, and to rethink how we utilize our resources.

In the beauty industry, mineral makeup foundations, concealers, blushes and shadows contain mica, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These finely ground natural minerals appeal to a variety of skin types, including acne and rosacea sufferers, due to the pureness of their properties. 

Mica can be found in a variety of rock formations. It possesses the ability to retain a sheen and glimmer in direct light, so it enhances luminosity and color when used in cosmetics products. 

Zinc oxide protects against sunburn. Due to its ability to sit on the skin's surface without being absorbed, it blocks the rays of ultraviolet light when used in sunscreens. It also contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, so it's considered nonirritating, nonallergenic and noncomedogenic. 

Titanium dioxide has a high refraction capacity. Therefore, it's often utilized in cosmetics products to reflect light away from the skin. Similar to zinc oxide, it's added to sunscreens to block ultraviolet rays since it doesn't absorb into the dermal surface.

To make mineral makeup more moisturizing for the skin, formulations often blend in a variety of hydrating ingredients. They include sea kelp, jojoba seed and avocado oils, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and aloe vera leaf juice. In honor of Earth Month, we've assembled the latest, greatest foundations and concealers designed to give you a luminous, flawless complexion. 

Let the celebration begin!

SHINE: Beauty Without Cruelty Ultimate Natural Liquid Foundation (Light, Beige and Medium) and Super Cover Cream Concealer (Fair and Medium). BEAUTY: Balances and nourishes skin with titanium dioxide, iron oxides, jojoba seed and avocado oils, and vitamin E. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Free of parabens, SLS/SLES and synthetic fragrances.

SHINE: Emani Hydrating Liquid Mineral Foundation (Natural Beige). BEAUTY: Apricot kernel oil, mica, hyaluronic acid and jojoba seed oil maximize coverage and moisture. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Contains no parabens, synthetic fragrances, petrochemicals, FD&C dyes, glutens or talc.

SHINE: IT Cosmetics IT-O2 Ultra Repair Liquid Oxygen Foundation (Light). BEAUTY: Create a flawless finish, and smooth and soften skin with peptides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins A, C and E. BEACON: No animal testing. Paraben and fragrance free. Supports Look Good...Feel Better.

SHINE: Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Repair CC Cream (Warm Glow). BEAUTY: Zinc oxide, coconut oil, aloe vera leaf juice, and apple and grape buds help color correct your complexion and minimize fine lines and wrinkles. BEACON: USDA Organic certified. Free of parabens, petroleum, propylene and butylene glycols, sodium lauryl sulfates, pesticides, phthalates, artificial dyes and synthetic fragrances.

SHINE: (Clockwise) Mineral Fusion Sheer Tint Foundation (Olive), Concealer Duo (Deep), Loose Powder Foundation (Warm 2) and Pressed Powder Foundation (Neutral 1). BEAUTY: Even skin tone, and smooth the appearance of fine lines with pomegranate extract, red and white tea leaf extracts, sea kelp, mica, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of gluten, parabens, SLS, phthalates, artificial colors and synthetic fragrances. Supports the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

SHINE: Scott-Vincent Borba Anti-Fatigue 8 Hour Mineral Foundation: Anti-Wrinkle Treatment Duo with Broad Spectrum SPF 29 (Medium) and Anti-Fatigue Foundation/Contour Perfecting Brush. BEAUTY: Mica, diamond powder, jojoba seed oil and hyaluronic acid revitalize and restore tired skin. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

SHINE: Sumbody Olive Forever Medium Foundation and Under-Eye Concealer. BEAUTY: Create a natural finish and increase moisture retention with zinc oxide, pearl and silk powders, and silica microspheres. BEACON: Contains no parabens, animal oils, sulfates, artificial preservatives or synthetic chemicals. 

SHINE: Tarte Cosmetics BB Tinted Treatment 12-Hour Primer SPF 30 (Light, Medium and Tan). BEAUTY: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, mica and diamond powder minimize pores and skin imperfections, and maximize radiance. BEACON: Cruelty free and vegan. Formulated without parabens, mineral oil, sodium lauryl sulfate, phthalates and synthetic fragrances. Supports the Sustainable Amazon Partnership.

SHINE: Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Mineral Radiance Creme Powder Foundation (Tawnee). BEAUTY: Soothe redness and step up suppleness with peptides, algae extract and vitamin E. BEACON: No animal testing. Contains no alcohol, artificial fragrances and dyes, parabens, petroleum, mineral oil or talc. 

2013 Spring Follower Giveaway: Fresh Start Cosmetics

The month of March represents renewal--spring arrives and flowers begin to bloom. Plus, our clocks advance forward for Daylight Savings Time on the 10th.

We'd like to embrace this season of fresh starts. Our latest giveaway showcases makeup from GloMinerals, Sormé Treatment Cosmetics and Smashbox valued at approximately $330. These eye shadows, lipsticks and blushes allow you to create your own new beginnings with captivating colors.

The deadline to enter is Friday, March 29, 2013, at 9 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time). Good luck!

UPDATE: Congrats to follower Vicki (Spartan Wife)! She's the lucky winner of all three prize packages in our Fresh Start Cosmetics Giveaway. 

THE PRIZES

(PRIZE #1) SHINE: GloMinerals GloLip Plumper (Sheer Berry--light raspberry), GloLiquid Eye Liner (Coal--rich black), GloRoyal Lip Crayon (Countess Coral--glimmering apricot-coral) and Alloy Eye Collection (Silver Streak, Universe, Storm, Jet, Buff, Cappuccino, Enigma and Tuxedo). BEAUTY: A mesmerizing medley of mineral-based makeup. BEACON: Free of talc, perfumes and chemical dyes. RETAIL VALUE: Approximately $95.

(PRIZE #2) SHINE: Smashbox Blush Rush Flush, Photo Op Under Eye Brightener, Photo Finish Lipsticks (Stunning and Splendid), Photo Op Eye Shadow Trio (Light Speed--Butter, Peacock and Azure) and Lip Enhancing Glosses (Pixel and Siren). BEAUTY: A crazy cool collection of cosmetics colors. BEACON: Cruelty free. Packaging is recyclable and made using Sustainable Forestry Initiative certified paper. RETAIL VALUE: Approximately $130.

(PRIZE #3) SHINE: Sormé Treatment Cosmetics Extreme Volumizing Mascara, Bio Natural Eye Shadows (Amethyst, Arena and Suspense), Long Lasting Blush (Pomegranate), Lipstick (Glamour Red) and Brow Lift Brow Highlighting Pencil. BEAUTY: Pop goes the color with these pretty pigments. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports Look Good...Feel Better. RETAIL VALUE: About $100.

THE RULES

Three Steps To Enter:
1. If you're a legal resident of the continental USA, become a follower of SHINE Beauty Beacon via Google Friend Connect (GFC).
2. In the "Post a Comment" section below, tell us your email address and which prize or prizes you're interested in winning (i.e., Prize #1; Prizes #1 and #3; or Prizes #1, #2 and #3). NOTE: You'll be disqualified if you comment more than once.
3. Finally, please let us know which social media platforms you posted this giveaway (see "Entry Key" below). 

Entry Key
Please provide appropriate links for verification purposes.
--One entry: Become a GFC follower of SHINE Beauty Beacon.
--Two extra entries: Post this giveaway on Facebook.
--Three extra entries: Follow SHINE Beauty Beacon on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ShineBeautyBcn and/or tweet (or retweet) a link to this giveaway.
--Four extra entries: Follow SHINE Beauty Beacon on Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/shinebeautybcn/ and/or pin a photo from this giveaway.
--Five extra entries: Post this giveaway on your own blog (must include our URL).

THE FINE PRINT

This giveaway is open only to legal residents of the continental USA. Winners must be able to supply a residential address, as merchandise cannot be delivered to a P.O Box. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. The giveaway will end on Friday, March 29, 2013, at 9 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time). More than 15 entries must be received by this date in order for a winner to be selected. A winner will then be chosen by Random.org and notified via the email address provided in the "Post a Comment" section of this post. Odds of winning depend upon the number of entries received (see "The Rules" above). No cash substitutions allowed. The winner must respond within 48 hours of being notified or a new one will be selected. Void where prohibited by law. Any tax is the sole responsibility of the winner. By entering the giveaway, you release SHINE Beauty Beacon from any liability whatsoever, and waive any and all causes of action, related to any claims, costs, injuries, losses or damages of any kind arising out of or in connection with the giveaway or delivery, misdelivery or acceptance of any prize (including, without limitation, claims, costs, injuries, losses and damages related to personal injuries, death, damage to or destruction of property, rights of publicity or privacy, defamation or portrayal in a false light, whether intentional or unintentional), whether under a theory of contract, tort (including negligence), warranty or other theory. SHINE Beauty Beacon isn't affiliated with GloMinerals, Sormé Treatment Cosmetics or Smashbox, but we purchased or received complimentary samples for review purposes.  

We look forward to your participation. If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at shinebeautybeacon(at)gmail(dot)com.

Fall Beauty Trend: Magical Mineral Makeup

Fall comes alive as the most magical time of the year. The leaves turn into colorful kaleidoscopes, pumpkins become abundant, and the weather changes from hot to not. 

Faster than you can say abracadabra, fall beauty trends start to emerge as well. One we hope won't pull a vanishing act on us anytime soon is mineral makeup. What first began as a best kept secret in spas across the country has now gained mainstream appeal and grown in popularity.

Mineral makeup contains a magic bag of tricks. It consists of natural ingredients from the earth, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which protect against the sun's harmful rays. Plus, these formulations often include healing antioxidants such as pomegranate seed extract, aloe vera, white and green tea extracts, and vitamins A, C and E.

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics at LA Fashion Week in 2010.

Mineral makeup suits all skin types--and that's no hocus pocus. Its anti-inflammatory and non-irritation properties make it an ideal choice for people with hyperpigmentation, or sensitive, oily, acne, dry or rosacea-prone conditions. Another benefit includes its ability to absorb excess oil, so your pores won't clog.

Susan Posnick Cosmetics introduced at the LakeHouse Spa at 
Lake Austin Spa Resort in Austin, Texas.

Best of all, loose, liquid and pressed mineral cosmetics offer the appearance of an even skin tone and a youthful glow. For those with busy lifestyles, its weightless-like coverage lasts for long periods without touchups. It can also be used after laser surgery, microdermabrasion and chemical peels.

Take a look at the latest mineral makeup products on the market this fall. They don't need any smoke or mirrors to work their magic. 

SHINE: Advanced Mineral Makeup Liquid Mineral Foundation (ginger snap) and Perfecting Concealer (golden cream). BEAUTY: In addition to reawakening tired skin, these silky formulas will make you feel like someone has just given you the keys to a magic kingdom. BEACON: Contains no talc, artificial fragrances, parabens, dyes or preservatives.

SHINE: Afterglow Cosmetics Organic Mineral Foundations (bisque and camel), Ultra Matte Eye Shadow (bark) and Organic Infused Blushes (tickle and cozy). BEAUTY: These luminous, lightweight and loose minerals will hold you spellbound. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of glutens, GMO, carmine, mineral oil, soy, parabens and FD&C dyes. Supports the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and Young Survival Coalition.

SHINE: Éminence Organic Skin Care Antioxidant Mineral Foundation (honey beige). BEAUTY: Cast aside any illusions you may have about mineral makeup, as this foundation nourishes your skin with acai berry fruit extract, jojoba seed oil, and green and white tea leaf extracts. BEACON: No animal testing. Contains no talc, artificial fragrances and colors, synthetic preservatives, parabens or animal by-products.

SHINE: Sumbody Just Peachy Foundations (dark, medium and fair). BEAUTY: Shazam! These minerals help discoloration disappear with mica, pearl and silk powders, shea butter, and green and white tea leaf extracts. BEACON: Free of parabens, animal oils, artificial preservatives and synthetic chemicals.

SHINE: Susan Posnick Cosmetics ColorFlo Mineral Foundation (M2), ColorEssential Lipstick (milan) and ColorDuo Matte Lipliner/Lipstick (nude/rouge). BEAUTY: You don't need to be a magician to perfect your pout and complete your coverage with these makeup bag must-haves. BEACON: Supports SOAR (Success, Opportunity, Academics and Relationship) Mentor Program and Big Thought.

SHINE: Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Pressed Mineral Eyeshadow Quad (moulin rouge), Lipstick (blushing nude) and Mineral Radiance Creme Powder Foundation (neutral). BEAUTY: Get ready to take a magic carpet ride with contemporary colors that promote clean coverage for your eyes, lips and complexion. BEACON: No animal testing. Contains no parabens, petroleum, mineral oil, talc, artificial fragrances or dyes.