With all of the popular press and celebrity support, you are thinking of trying mineral makeup. But is designer makeup worth the price tag? Is drug store makeup any good? What is really in your mineral makeup?

One of the best things that you can do for your skin is to read the labels. The danger of buying drugstore mineral makeup is that often it will contain fillers. Or even worse, it could be your basic traditional cosmetics with a few minerals added to the mix. If you are looking for good mineral makeup, here are some of the things you should seek:

• Allantoin - A skin protectant that promotes health skin. It is thought that it helps to clear away dead skin cells so that healthy skin can grow in its place.
• Boron Nitride - An anti-bacterial mineral that absorbs oil and helps makeup to glide on smoothly and stay on.
• Iron Oxide - You know it as rust. This mineral helps to create the color tones in many makeup foundations.
• Kaolin Clay - This clay helps to absorb oil and reduce shine, cover blemishes, and give the makeup a creamy texture. You may also see it labeled as China clay.
• Magnesium Stearate - Derived from vegetable oil, this mineral helps the makeup to provide better coverage and improves the texture and consistency of the cosmetics.
• Oils/Fragrances - These are not necessary in makeup, though some users enjoy the added benefits that essential oils can provide. Keep in mind that using oils will cause the makeup to expire, and that some users can be allergic to the oils, so these are not recommended for women with sensitive skin.
• Pure Silk - Silk is not often found in mineral makeup, especially those marketed towards vegans and vegetarians. Silk can help moisturize the skin and heal burns.
• Rice Powder - Unlike cornstarch that is sometimes used as an oil absorber, rice powder does not expire and can be kept indefinitely in an airtight container. Rice powder works well for a variety of skin types and can help give skin a porcelain finish.
• Serecite Mica - Mica is what adds the sparkle to some mineral makeup. It can help decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and it is often found in eye shadows. Some women find that they are sensitive to mica, so if you have had a problem with mineral makeup in the past, you should avoid products that include it.
• Silica - Silica can help control oil and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It can also help your makeup to stay on for longer periods of time. However, make sure that the silica used in the makeup is not amorphous hydrated silica, as this contains a known carcinogen, crystalline quartz.
• Titanium Dioxide -It helps give the makeup its natural SPF protection, reflects light, and helps the makeup cling to your skin.
• Zinc Oxide - This mineral also offers SPF protection. It helps heal irritated skin and rosacea.

Drug store mineral makeup may include some of the above ingredients, but then may also include fillers and/or chemicals. When shopping for mineral makeup, look for as few ingredients in a product as possible. Keep in mind that if you don't know what it is, you probably don't want it on your face.