An effortless, flawless face is easily achieved with the help of micronized mineral makeup. Though it may not be instantly recognized by its name, chances are you may have already tried this revolutionary product.
About Micronized Mineral Makeup

The way mineral makeup looks on the skin is largely determined by the size of the mineral particles. The difference in size typically has an effect on the makeup's ability to "bind" to the skin.

Crushed minerals, which are composed of larger particles, may rest on the skin's surface, creating a caked, unnatural look if the makeup is not properly applied.

Micronized (or nanoparticle) minerals, on the other hand, are composed of much finer particles. As a result, these particles essentially fuse together and adhere to the skin when the makeup is applied. The result is smear- and crease-free makeup that truly blends into the skin.

Micronized makeup offers more than just a natural look, though. For individuals who rely on makeup specifically to cover imperfections, there's practically nothing more efficient than this product. It also offers several other benefits:
Minimizes the look of fine lines and wrinkles
Conceals enlarged pores
Diminishes the appearance of uneven texture
Reflects light away from trouble spots on the face, resulting in a flawless complexion
Resists build up on the skin
Does not penetrate the skin (and, thereby, the bloodstream)
Brands

Mineral makeup collections make up a vast part of the cosmetic industry, although they aren't all composed in the same manner. Some are completely micronized, while others are crushed. If you're looking for especially fine, thin, silky makeup, you'll want to keep an eye out for micronized minerals. Here are just a few lines that offer the product.
Jane Iredale

The Jane Iredale mineral collection is "micro-pulverized" using a technological process that forms flat, microscopic crystals. The company claims that these crystals essentially overlap each other when applied, forming a protective barrier while still allowing the skin to breathe. Iredale products are water-resistant, non-comedogenic, naturally anti-inflammatory and contain broad spectrum sun protection.
Colorescience

Boasting "colors from nature," the Colorescience lineup is touted as an industry breakthrough. The minerals are refined to a dust-like substance, and the products contain broad spectrum sun protection and are free of irritants like dye, oil, talc, alcohol and perfume.
Amazing Cosmetics

Soft and silky to the touch, Amazing Cosmetics' Velvet Mineral Powder Foundation is composed of mineralized particles. Despite its lightweight consistency, this (and other brands of micronized makeup) provides full coverage. A little typically goes a long way; building up from thin layer upon thin layer is more effective in achieving complete coverage than coating the skin with one heavy layer.
Laura Mercier

Laura Mercier's Secret Brightening Powder looks alarmingly white in the jar. Thanks to its micronized pigment content, though, the color won't settle into fine lines or show up on the skin. Instead, the weightless powder will effectively set makeup and create a flawless, even finish.
CARGO

Talk about a sign of the times. CARGO's blu-ray™ Pressed Powder is formulated for high-definition filming, and therefore it promises to look flawless no matter what the lighting or setting may be. The ultra-fine mineral content is responsible for deflecting attention away from lines and imperfections through light dispersion, which results in a softened skin tone.
Concerns About Micronized Ingredients

Micronized particles are found in skin care products as well as cosmetics. Sunscreens, in particular, make use of micronized ingredients because they help render the product colorless. Micronized titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are both common ingredients.

However, the increasing usage of micronized ingredients in all types of beauty products has raised concerns about the safety of these particles and their impact on overall health. Some research indicates that micro-size particles do stay on the surface of the skin and do not enter the bloodstream, while others question the long-term safety of using nanoparticles.

Studies have shown that it is possible for micronized titanium dioxide particles to penetrate cells and eventually lead to DNA damage following sun exposure. For this reason, many mineral makeup manufacturers do not use micronized particles in their products. Instead, they tout their minerals as crushed, yet still fine enough to retain a silky feel.

The bottom line is to be aware of what you apply to your skin and to take note of how well your skin reacts to those products.