Imagine ditching the morning make-up routine because you’ve preened and powdered before your head’s hit the pillow.

Going to bed with a full face on is no longer a sin in mineral beauty circles. In fact, the latest face powder on the shelves by bareMinerals claims you’ll wake up to a smoother complexion as it rejuvenates your skin as you sleep.

The Pure Transformation Night Treatment (£45) is the answer to some women’s bedtime prayers, with one in 10 females admitting they would never let their partner see them without make-up, a Superdrug survey recently revealed.

Mineral is ‘the’ buzz word in beauty right now.

As its name suggests, the make-up is derived from powdered mineral elements; microscopic flat crystals that overlap each other to create a filtering layer on the skin. Traditionally in powder form, minerals now come in all-singing, all-dancing gloss, mascara and pencil forms too.

While long-established mineral mavens like Bare Escentuals, Bellapierre and GloMinerals have been raving about pure cosmetics for years, other more mainstream brands are getting in on the mineral beauty act too. Bobbi Brown has recently launched a Skin Foundation Mineral Make-up; The Body Shop unveiled a new Extra Virgin Minerals Foundation line and MAC’s Mineralize range regularly features limited edition shades.

Want your cosmetics bag to be more skin-friendly? Makeover your routine with some mineral magic.

Why minerals?

The world of minerals can be a bit of a mystery to the make-up world’s abstainers. And how can its ingredients make it completely acceptable to leave your make-up on overnight, without the clogged pores morning hangover?

Simply put, mineral make-up can actually act as an extension to your daily skincare regime.

“Make-up containing natural minerals is more gentle on your skin than irritating chemicals and harsh preservatives, but doesn’t compromise on your coverage,” explains facialist and Skinesis founder, Sarah Chapman.

“Mineral make-up is also much lighter and doesn’t clog your pores like other make-up – this prevents the dull, congested, lifelessness that can occur when you frequently wear heavy make-up day in, day out.”

It may just look like powder in a pot but certain ingredients frequently found in mineral make-up, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, have anti-inflammatory properties and are natural sun protectants to boot. The lack of chemical nasties also make it ideal for those who suffer from sensitive skin or acne.

Product choice

Partly down to its purity levels, many mineral cosmetic ranges can all look rather ‘beige’ in comparison to other eye-popping bright brands, but that image is rapidly changing.

Kimberly Wyatt has put her Pussycat Dolls days behind her to co-found a new mineral make-up line, BM Beauty, that’s stacked with colour, including the bright Storybook Collection or metallic Starry Eyed Glamour.

But whether you want a natural look or explosion of brights, the real beauty of minerals is their versatility.

“Mineral make-up can be mixed and used in so many different ways,” says Amanda Bell, mineral make-up expert for Bellapierre. “It can be mixed into a liquid or cream, used ‘neat’ as a powder, mixed with gloss – the possibilities are endless. The mineral colour is pure pigment so it’s very adaptable and transfer-proof.

“What’s more, the colours blend easily together so you have the option of creating shades that are completely unique.”

Application art

There may be guilt-free benefits, such as sleeping in your mineral make-up without the blocked pores the next day, but application requires extra effort.

“The more you buff the minerals into the skin, the better the results,” explains Sarah-Jane Froom, head of artistry for Bare Escentuals.

“A lot of people feel you won’t get a full coverage with minerals. This is a myth. You can achieve a light, medium or full coverage – without even looking like you’re wearing make-up.”

People wrongly assume that because foundation comes in powder form, it’ll look dry on the skin or sit in fine lines, but a dewy finish can easily be achieved.

BareMinerals has a special technique called: ‘Swirl, Tap, Buff’ they impart on beginners.

“A little goes a very long way,” Froom assures. “Just keep buffing and the coverage you want to achieve will come. Don’t be tempted to keep going back to the pot.”

Mineral newbie

If you’re a complete novice to minerals, a loose foundation powder is a great place to start. Steven Douch, make-up artist and leading mineral make-up trainer for Fresh Minerals (www.fresh-minerals.co.uk) has this beginner advice:

• Powder foundations can be used as a liquid by mixing them with your favourite moisturiser.
• UVA rays attack our delicate skin. Look for a mineral foundation containing sunscreen protection to prevent sun damage.
• Swirl your foundation on for a dewy look. If you want a more matte finish, apply in downwards strokes instead.
• Using the correct and high quality brushes makes a huge difference to your mineral finish.
• Less really is more when it comes to minerals – a little product goes a long way.

Tried & tested

Lashes are back in a big way for autumn. Our testers ditch the falsies and maximise the real thing with three volumising mascaras.

• Rimmel Glam’Eyes Day 2 Night Volume & Length Mascara, £7.99 (nationwide)

3/5

• Max Factor False Lash Effect Fusion Volume & Length Mascara, £11.99 (Boots/Superdrug)

3/5

• Clarins Instant Definition Mascara Volume & Precision, £19 (0800 036 3558/www.clarins.co.uk)

5/5

Buy it now

Indulge in a Fashion Week fix without going bankrupt. The Chloe Solid Perfume Necklace, £45, is available from all Chloe fragrance stockists, from September 21.

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• Note to editors: This is a re-send of Beauty Mineral to correct keyword (with pictures)