Made from elements mined from deep in the earth, mineral cosmetics can be a true gem for your skin. Get the dirt on mineral make-up with Groupon's in-depth exploration.

Mineral Makeup: Rocking Your Face

Aluminum, gold, magnesium, zinc. This brief excerpt from the periodic table forms the basis of most mineral makeup. Although there are no legal standards as to what can be labeled "mineral makeup," the ideal product should have an ingredient list that reads much like the one above—one composed mostly or entirely of mineral elements and devoid of preservatives, dyes, fragrances, and other cosmetic fillers. This lack of artificial ingredients makes mineral makeup a go-to choice for people with sensitive skin (although allergic buyers should check the ingredient list for potential allergens such as iron and copper).

When lightly brushed or blended onto the face, these minerals do more than even out skin tone. Since they’re metallic, the individual particles can catch light to create a healthy, natural glow. Some minerals, such as zinc and titanium, act as natural sunscreens, enhancing the effects of your regular SPF. Others give the makeup colors that range far beyond simple earth tones; for example, copper can yield green hues, while iron imparts shades of deep crimson. Mineral makeup is durable, too. Given that outcroppings of rock themselves endure centuries of wind, rain, and pirate curses, it’s no surprise that mineral makeup stands up to hours of sweat, water, and oil, though it still washes off cleanly with soap. As an additional plus, the makeup's inert ingredients make it inhospitable to bacteria.

A little mineral makeup goes a long way. Because the product's colors are highly concentrated, it only takes a small dab to achieve the desired effect. Lacking any binding ingredients, pure mineral makeup is usually available only as a powder or liquid (a potential downside for lovers of lipstick or aerosol eye shadow).