What's in it?
True mineral makeup is true to its name, using only real mineral ingredients that are crushed up to create an aesthetically pleasing product. You can expect to find ingredients such as mica, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in your mineral makeup. And to add color (for mineral blushes and eye shadows), particles from other minerals -- such as rose quartz, tigers eye or jade - will be mixed in.

But mineral makeup has become just as popular for what's not in it (or at least in most -- you do need to read labels to know for sure what you're getting). "Most of them are talc-free, paraben-free and fragrance-free, plus they don't contain fillers, synthetic dyes or preservatives," says Michael Moore, a Denver-based makeup artist.

Is mineral makeup better for my skin?
The answer to that question depends largely on who you ask. Proponents point to its lack of ingredients -- like fragrance and preservatives -- that are known skin irritants. "It's more pure, which makes it great for all skin types, but especially helpful for sensitive skin," says Moore. You'll also find mineral formulas of eye shadows, and since the skin around the eyes is the thinnest and most sensitive, those formulas might be a better choice. Also, the formulations tend to sit on the skin, rather than penetrating it, so mineral makeup is less likely to clog pores and cause breakouts in those with oilier skin. In addition to all of that, two of the main ingredients found in most mineral makeup products -- titanium dioxide and zinc oxide -- are natural sunblocks. That means your foundation will help boost your protection from skin-damaging ultra-violet rays.

But critics are quick to point out that "natural" doesn't always mean better - nor is it a term whose use is regulated (in other words, anyone can stick that designation on a label without having to prove its claims). "They are selling you the idea that because the ingredients come from the ground, therefore they should be good," says Sean Gray, senior analyst at the Environmental Working Group. "By that logic, poison ivy would make a good face cream." There is also some concern about the particles that make up powdered mineral makeup. They are ground into small, nano-sized particles -- which is why they go on smoothly and hold on to skin so nicely. "But those same properties may cause concerns for your lungs over time as you inhale them with each use," says Gray.

How do I use it
A big plus for mineral makeup is that it's very easy to achieve a smooth, even application when using it. The powder formulas are generally very lightweight, allowing you to decide exactly how much coverage you want to achieve. And because of the way mineral makeup tends to sit on the surface of skin, it "creates a beautiful, flawless canvas out of your skin," says Moore.

He recommends taking a small powder concealer brush and using it to spot-treat any areas that might need extra coverage first, like pimples, brown spots and freckles. "Dip the brush in your powder, tap off the excess, then work it over the spot in small circles like you're using an eraser on a pencil," he says. Then, take a larger brush and press and swirl the makeup all over the rest of the face until you've achieve your desired level of coverage.

Sally Wadyka is a freelance writer based in Boulder, Colorado, who specializes in health, nutrition and fitness. Her work has been featured in such publications as Shape, Real Simple, The New York Times and Runner's World, as well as MSN. When not writing, she can be found doing activities that feed her body, mind and soul - such as hiking, trail running, rock climbing and skiing in the Rockies.