Mineral Makeup Application FAQs

Is the makeup safe for all skin types?
It’s important to know that anyone can be allergic or sensitive to anything. However, we have eliminated the top three sensitizers from our makeup, synthetic fragrance, petroleum based colourants and synthetic preservatives. We've also tested every product for sensitivity on a 50-person test panel in a laboratory.  Individuals with extreme chemical sensitivities wear our makeup successfully.

Is it alright to use it on acne-prone skin?
If you are under a doctor's care for acne, ask her first.  Otherwise, we feel confident that our makeup will not make acne-prone skin worse and may even help it.  Our makeup is completely non-comedogenic and allows the skin to breathe and function normally. It also easily covers the redness common with eruptions. We have had many aestheticians report to us that they have seen an improvement in the skins of their clients since they have been using jane iredale.

Is it necessary to wear additional sunscreens when using the minerals?
No. You may if you wish. We always believe that you can’t wear too much protection in the sun. However, be careful of comedogenic or sensitive reactions to some chemical sunscreens. Because our minerals provide a physical sunscreen, there is no need to wait for protection to begin.

Does HydroPure™ Tinted Serum have an SPF?
No, but it has ingredients such as Coenzyme Q10 and Vitamin C that help to repair UV damage. If you apply a layer of powdered minerals over the serum, you will get protection up to SPF 20, depending on the amount applied.

Are the powders drying?
No, quite the reverse. Our minerals actually trap moisture between the skin and the particle layer. The conception that powders are drying comes from the high use of talc in most formulas – up to 90%!

What are the best colours for camouflaging redness?
Green and yellow work best. Because green and red are opposite one another on the colour wheel, mixing the two creates neutrality. Applying our sheer green HydroPure Color Correcting Serum on top of skin redness helps to create a more even, neutral appearance.  

Alternatively, our yellow bases will also conceal redness. Our most versatile yellow base is Golden Glow, and that is our most popular colour for camouflaging erythema. Warm Sienna, Warm Silk, and Amber also work well.

Is the loose or pressed powder better for post-laser?  
Either will cover the redness and give the necessary sun protection. You might want to bear in mind, however, that the new skin after laser is extremely sensitive and the fewer ingredients you have to worry about, the better. The loose powders contain less than the pressed. Our advice on lasered skin is to keep it as simple as possible.

Will the minerals cover bruising or birthmarks?  
Yes. However, the shadow of some dark bruising may show through. Try the peach Circle\Delete or Enlighten to camouflage anything that the powders won’t. Please refer to the individual products to learn how to use them.

What does the 'water and perspiration proof' rating mean?
Under the new FDA monograph, no manufacturer is allowed to claim a “water proof” rating.  After the appropriate laboratory testing is completed, products may now say Water Resistant (80 minutes) or Water Resistant (40 minutes.) 
If you are wearing our minerals and are perspiring heavily or swimming or you’ve been caught in the rain, don’t wipe your face with the towel – just pat it. You may remove a small amount of the minerals, but the majority will stay on the skin. If you are exercising in the sun, it would be wise to brush on another layer of minerals after you’ve dried you face. Please visit our Product Testing page for more information.

Does jane iredale work on older or ageing skin?
Yes. Because this is a light-reflective cosmetic, it obscures the look of fine lines and wrinkles and gives a healthy glow to the skin, making it look younger. Matte makeup absorbs light and allows the eye to see “into” the skin. On very lined skin, after applying the minerals, it is helpful to spritz with our D2O, Balance or Pommisst Hydration Sprays. This sets the makeup, softens lines and gives a dewy look. The technique of spritzing the sponge first and applying the minerals as a wash also helps to minimise the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and large pores.

Do the eye shadows crease?
Generally not, although those with oily eyelids (unusual) may want to apply our lid primers first, Canvas, Petal and Lemon, which effectively control oil. A layer of PureMatte on the lids first can also be effective.

How soon can the makeup be applied after laser, microdermabrasion or peels?
The minerals can be applied immediately after microdermabrasion or a light peel, provided the skin has not been broken. They will not only cover the redness but the titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are known to help soothe skin. It is important to replace the stratum corneum that has been lost after these kinds of procedures. The stratum corneum is the body’s first defence against the sun.
Application after laser resurfacing must depend on the physician’s permission, which can be from 5-12 days, depending on the kind of laser and how deeply it was used. It is essential for healing skin to be protected from the sun. Minerals provide this as well as coverage and soothing properties.

What moisturiser is best used with the powders?
Your favourite! Just wait for it to be absorbed so that you have a smooth canvas on which to work. If you don’t wait, the powders will grab unevenly.

What are the colouring agents in your cosmetics?
We colour mostly with iron oxides. We use two lakes where we need more intense colours.  These lakes are natural dyes bonded to a calcium substrate. We use ultramarines (ground Lapis Lazuli, a blue mineral) and chromium oxide greens in our blue and green eye shadows. We use small amounts of carmine in some products when brighter colours are required. Vegans and others concerned about animal-derived products will want to avoid makeup colours containing carmine. Check the "vegan/gluten" tab on each product page for more information.

Is the Palm Oil used in jane iredale products sustainable?
It is of the utmost importance to us that the Palm Oil used in our products is Cosmos-certified and environmentally sustainable.

Is the makeup easy to apply?
Yes! The problem that first-time wearers commonly encounter is that they apply too much. Because they are used to using makeup that has large amounts of filler and not a lot of “pay-off,” they use the same techniques when applying jane iredale. With minerals, less is more. Please refer to the individual products for technique details.

May I use jane iredale with Retin-A?
Yes. Our makeup can be used with any skin care regimen. The sunscreen protection our minerals provide is especially important while using Retin-A or AHAs.

Do men use jane iredale?
Yes. Because the minerals are undetectable, they feel comfortable wearing them. In fact, newscasters are now using the powders on high-definition television because their old makeup was obvious to the television cameras.

What cleanser should I use?
The minerals can be removed with any cleanser. They won’t, however, come off with plain water. Try our Magic Mitt for a squeaky clean face without the need to use a cleanser.

Is it O.K. to put your blush on eyes?
Yes, because we don’t use FD&C dyes in our blushes. FD&C dyes are not allowed for use around the eye area. Some red dyes (like Red #40) are known as comedogens. Break-outs in the cheek area could be related to this.

How long does it take to apply a full makeup?
Ten to fifteen minutes, and it will last all day with minimal need for touch-ups!

Are the lip and eye pencils interchangeable?
Absolutely. They all have the same ingredients.