The dog days of summer take on new meaning when it comes to the seemingly inevitable make-up meltdown. On top of that, there’s the dermatological havoc inflicted by chemical-laden sunscreens. Fortunately, there’s now a real solution: mineral makeup.

Unlike traditional foundations that slide right off in the heat, mineral makeup stays put while absorbing excess oil and providing a natural sunscreen. The best formulas use a fine-grain milling process, creating a micronized mineral makeup for sheer, buildable coverage. These new generation mineral makeups have done away with the chalky look and don’t settle into fine lines, magnifying wrinkles. They produce radiance rather than shine while softening lines and evening skin tone.

Plus, they’re actually good for your skin. The best quality mineral makeup products contain 100% natural minerals without any oils, talc, fragrance, preservatives and other chemical additives that can irritate skin. Natural mineral makeup is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, non-comedogenic and hypo-allergenic. It’s recommended for even the crankiest skin, helping soothe acne, rosacea, and sensitive or sun-damaged skin. Mineral makeup also prevents future damage with non-irritating, non-stinging, chemical-free UVA/UVB protection. And because mineral makeup is sweat-proof, humidity-proof and long-lasting, it’s much more reliable (and flattering!) than traditional sunscreens.

Look for mineral makeup that has an SPF 15 or greater, containing micronized zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. And particularly during on-the-go summer months, simplify your routine. Some mineral makeup systems require several products and steps, which make touch-ups and travel much more aggravating than necessary. Advances in mineral makeup have enabled all-in-one products that combine concealer, foundation and finishing powder in one application. A few companies are taking innovative approaches to packaging as well, creating compact, easily portable mineral makeup.

One of the best mineral makeup newcomers is Brush2Go! Mineral Powder by Beauty Cosmedics . Its integrated brush and powder capsule offers a spill-proof mineral makeup that goes anywhere and even meets air travel regulations. An SPF 20, all-natural high-quality minerals and no additives make this mineral makeup a best bet.

While natural mineral makeup may be a relative neophyte in the centuries-old cosmetics industry, it is has certainly taken the market by storm. Natural mineral makeup continues to enjoy an explosive presence in the market because it offers an alternative to more traditional cosmetics. Individuals praise natural mineral makeup for allowing a natural, radiant look while simultaneously nourishing, protecting and soothing all skin types. In addition, natural mineral make up is free of traditional irritants such as fragrances, fillers, binders, synthetic dyes, etc. making natural mineral makeup a quality choice for individuals with sensitive or problem skin.

Natural mineral makeup boasts a solid thirty years in the beauty cosmetics industry. According to popular cosmetics lore, natural mineral makeup evolved directly from the cultural revolution taking place in San Francisco during the 1970’s. Simply referred to as “mineral makeup” the mission was to develop products made of all natural, finely ground minerals from the earth free of the chemicals, dyes and fragrances typically central to the production of more traditional forms of cosmetics.

Fans of natural mineral makeup claim it feels weightless as opposed to the heavier, more “mask-like” feeling, of traditional makeup. Moreover fans rave over natural mineral makeup’s gentle, restorative and soothing properties offered to individuals with troubled or sensitive skin. Natural mineral makeup is formulated with products that are nourishing and beneficial to the skin. Furthermore individuals who use natural mineral makeup products say it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by gently sweeping and blending into the skin rather than clumsily settling into those areas creating a an illusion of deeper lines like more traditional predecessors often do.

Natural mineral makeup is also of great benefit because it is chemical free. More traditional makeup products contain myriad chemicals, parabens, fragrances, fillers, artificial dyes and preservatives that often irritate the skin and can even cause allergic reactions. Natural mineral makeup is also known to offer protective properties by providing a barrier to UVA/UVB rays.

Mineral make up has hit the market with a healthy start, using infomercials for education and bringing bargain deals to the consumer. There are plenty of expert companies that have perfected all natural products, and all eager to earn your business. Finding the right mineral make up company for you may be determined by price, convenience or color choices. Natural cosmetics products include pure, earth based, skin matching foundations for a perfect complexion; mineral blushers for a hint of color; mineral bronzer for an all over, even glow; and every shade of eyeshadow you can imagine.

Synthetic ingredients have a negative impact on the skin causing such problems as acne, blackheads, clogged pores, skin irritations, and dry skin. Titanium and zinc are a natural anti-inflammatory, and titanium dioxide is a natural sunscreen and provides an SPF of 15 to 20.

Manufactured make-up tends to be heavy on the face and can cake up on the skin. Organic makeup's texture is lighter, more natural, and allows your skin to breathe. It is based on a hypoallergenic loose powder that naturally nourishes and protects the skin.

Mineral makeup does not enhance wrinkles like traditional powders. If you have fine lines, wrinkles, or crow's-feet, the minerals will not accentuate them, but instead, aid in smoothing and covering them up. As well, it is rich in vitamins, antioxidants and ingredients that hydrate the skin and conceal wrinkles.

There benefits of wearing organic make over manufactured mass produced makeup are numerous.

Most women report that wearing mineral makeup feels like they are not wearing any makeup at all. The minerals benefit the skin as they soothe and alleviate itchy, inflamed, red, bruised, and flaking skin. As well, it is an affordable way to nourish your skin and get the same quality of skin texture as you would in an expensive spa.

However, the popularity of mineral make-up and its ability to give that translucent, natural looking finish to your skin piqued my interest. It had me running to the beauty bar to purchase my first product: mineral make-up foundation.

I opted to purchase my first make-up foundation in loose powder form, as I had read that mineral cosmetics would be considered more "pure" if it is a loose powder. I was not impressed, though, of the mess I made of my shirt. I had mineral powder everywhere! See, I am not really an expert with a cosmetics brush. Most of my make-up products are in liquid or cream form, which allows me to use a sponge or my fingers for application.

I tried the Ultimate All Day Liquid Mineral Foundation. It did not give any creasing or did not change color the entire day. It also gives a matte finish even if your skin is oily.

In choosing the right mineral make-up foundation, whether in loose powder or liquid form, make sure that you know what skin type you have and what ingredients will work best for you.

It used to be only available at chic spas, but now mineral makeup is available to everyone.

Over sized brushes work the best for blending mineral powder makeup, as you'll sweep the powder onto your skin with large, light strokes to achieve your desired color tone. The amount of product you use, combined with the colors you select, will give you a custom finish - just like if you had visited a professional makeup artist.

For women just getting started in the all natural and organic makeup craze, you may have to shop around until you find your perfect color. Try starting with mineral make up foundation, and slowly build up your cosmetics collection from there. If you choose to buy everything at once, there are many good starter kits and options that will save you time and money. Shopping for mineral make up, like anything else, takes some research and wise planning, but that's part of the fun!