There has been a lot of talk lately over loose mineral eyeshadow and other categories of mineral makeup. There have also been plenty of mixed reviews and opinions. What is this mysterious new miracle makeup? What goes into it? Is it good or is it bad? How new is it really? Is it really as natural as it claims to be? Everywhere you look nowadays there is a new manufacturer extolling the virtues of their particular brand of mineral cosmetics. You can even make your own loose mineral powders. How much of the sales pitch can you really believe is a question that haunts many women the world over.

What is loose mineral eyeshadow? Essentially it is a loose powder that comprises of naturally occurring minerals and pigments. It is has a fine silky texture that allows it to be easily applied. Not a lot of the loose mineral powder is needed for each application because it goes on so easily. A lot of people feel it is a lot lighter than the usual synthetic cosmetics, feels more natural and lasts longer. It is also very easy to remove with just a liquid eye makeup remover and a cotton pad. Other people feel the powder gathers in wrinkles and clots, meaning they are yet to master the technique for application.

The most commonly occurring ingredients that can be found in most regular eyeshadows are identical to the common ingredients found in loose mineral eyeshadow, for example, mica, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and iron oxide. Mica provides the loose mineral powder with a shimmery appearance. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are both used in sunscreens and are common ingredients in most loose mineral cosmetics. These are just some of the minerals that form the basis of this form of make-up and the colors are then added using dyes and pigments.

So how natural are the minerals in loose mineral eyeshadow? That depends on your definition of natural. If you think that the minerals in loose mineral cosmetics are taken from the earth and processed to make a perfect balance of naturally occurring minerals and pigments, then you would be wrong. Most of these minerals do not occur naturally. They are synthesized in a laboratory setting. Zinc oxide is one example of this, as is titanium dioxide. Bismuth oxychloride is sometimes found in loose mineral powder and is also not naturally occurring but a byproduct of lead and copper processing.

Taking a trip far back into history when the first form of loose mineral eyeshadow was used, Kohl was used in ancient Egyptian times to accentuate the eyes. Ancient Greeks used to lighten their skin using lead powders. Before any historical records begin, people have been grinding up minerals to decorate themselves with. It was in the 1970’s that the “Mineral Revolution” in cosmetics began with the launch of a loose powder foundation. The extension of this into other types of makeup, including eyeshadow, eyeliner, blush, lipstick, bronzer and even foundation resulted in the creation of this entire range.

So after all this, is loose mineral eyeshadow a bright new revolutionary makeup or is it just another sales ploy? That is a question that will remain unanswered till sometime into the future and at present even the experts are unsure of the answer. Some believe these are the best and only cosmetics that can be worn by people with sensitive skins. It may even have healing properties. Other experts hold a contrary opinion and still others remain undecided. In the end it is best to decide for yourself and adjudge whether it would suit your skin in terms of color, texture and application.
With rising concern towards the environment and growing proclivity towards all things natural, it is hardly surprising that even a field like cosmetics http://www.colouredraine.com has jumped on to the bandwagon. Amongst natural and organic make-up, there is a branch titled loose mineral powders which offers a wide range from foundation to loose mineral eyeshadow http://colouredraine.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=96&products_id=87#.USTyW1xulPM in a variety of colors to choose from.