History of Makeup
Makeup has been a part of human history for thousands of years. The use of makeup can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Starting with ancient Egyptians, they used kohl to line their eyes which darkened them. They also used red ochre to create blush for their cheeks and henna to dye their hair and nails. In the Middle Ages, makeup was not accepted by the church due to its association with prostitution, and makeup was saved for those who were considered “noble.” Others wore makeup in secret until the 18th century when makeup was made more popular. Fast forward to today, the cosmetics industry is worth $48.8 billion. With the advancements in technology, makeup has become more sophisticated, diverse, and accessible than ever before. Popular with all ages, races, and genders, makeup has come a long way since Ancient Egypt. Even with all of the benefits, however, the harms of modern-day makeup negatively affect the planet.
Mineral Makeup: A Solution
Mineral makeup is a type of cosmetic product that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It's made from natural minerals, such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and mica that have been pulverized into fine powder. Mineral makeup is typically free of synthetic preservatives, fragrances, and dyes, making it an ideal choice for people with sensitive skin. It's also non-comedogenic, which means it won't clog pores or cause acne breakouts. A lot of mineral makeup is based on the same materials women used throughout history. The kohl used by Ancient Egyptians was actually made from a mineral. Sustainability is often just borrowing history!
Sustainable Shopping Made Simple
One of the leading companies in mineral makeup is Mineral Fusion. Founded in 2007, Mineral Fusion boasts products that are better for the environment and your skin! The company's cosmetics are formulated with minerals mica and titanium dioxide, which provide a natural sun protection factor (SPF) and help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This means, even if you forget your sunscreen, Mineral Fusion has got you covered!
The look of mineral makeup is another benefit. Mineral makeup is designed to enhance your natural features rather than cover them up. It's lightweight and provides a natural-looking coverage that doesn't give you the dreaded “cakey look.” This makes it a popular choice for people who want to achieve a more natural look. Mineral makeup also has excellent staying power. It's designed to stay on the skin for long periods, even in hot and humid weather. This means you don't have to worry about touch-ups throughout the day!
Wondering how to use mineral makeup? Here are a few tips specific to mineral makeup that will enhance your experience:
Cleanse and moisturize your face before applying makeup. This is an important step no matter the makeup you use!
Apply a mineral primer to your skin. This will help the mineral makeup adhere to your skin and stay on longer.
Use a mineral brush to apply foundation, blush, or eyeshadow to your face.
Blend well to ensure a natural-looking finish.
Beyond the Makeup
In more recent years, Mineral Fusions has also begun to offer personal care products such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and body lotion. They use all-natural ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and lavender. Not only do these ingredients have healing powers, but they are also free of sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances.
Even further, through its partnership with the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), the company donates a portion of its profits to the NCADV to support victims of domestic violence. This is further proving their commitment to the community they serve.
Overall, Mineral Fusion is a company that offers high-quality yet natural products that benefit your skin, the environment, and the people who live here. With its commitment to environmental and social sustainability, Mineral Fusion is truly changing the makeup game!
Milagros de Souza (Mila) has always had a commitment to sustainability, but it was not until she began an in-depth study of intersectional sustainability within her major in college that she realized how much the world needs sustainability. Mila has held roles at a number of sustainability-aligned organizations, but she is now stepping out as CEO and Founder of her own company, The Clothing Library, a clothing rental model that makes sustainable fashion more accessible.