There are several brands on the market, but their ingredient lists are basically the same. Some commonly used components are micronized titanium dioxide, micronized zinc oxide, iron oxide, silk mica, hydrated silica.

Micronized titanium dioxide is a non-chemical ingredient of commonly used sun-block products. The crystalline structure of this while mineral naturally reflects and defuses sunlight, protecting your skin from harmful rays. Light-reflecting micronized zinc oxide works in combination with the micronized titanium dioxide to defend your face from both UVA and UVB rays.

Iron oxide is responsible for the hue of cosmetics. It naturally occurs in various shades of red, orange and yellow that are blended into flesh tones for foundations. Silk mica and hydrated silica are basically softeners. Silk Mica gives the makeup a softer, smoother texture on your skin, and the silica makes it less dusty and messy. Other ingredients may be added for their vitamin content or for their extra skin-softening and complexion-toning properties.

Most brands boast their lack of talc and other fillers that can be harmful to skin. The absence of dyes and perfumes are also a selling point to people with sensitive or allergy-prone skin. Those who suffer with acne may want to try mineral makeup for its purity. Because minerals are organic, hypoallergenic and oil free, they won't clog pores like traditional cosmetics.

Mineral-based foundations allow for vast variation in coverage level, based on the application technique. Just a simple dusting, moving the brush in a small, circular motion will do the trick if you want sheer coverage. For more opaque coverage, use a damp sponge to layer the powder similar to how you'd use a liquid foundation. But unlike liquid, mineral powder can be layered without turning into a thick, pasty, pore-clogging mask.

Mineral makeup is often a staple of high-end department or specialty stores, and usually has the price to match, with foundations commonly in the $25 range. Some less expensive drugstore brands, like Neutrogena and Physician's Formula are developing their own mineral lines to cater to the more budget conscious consumer, with prices from $9-$12.

Some brands market themselves as being the better choice for a specific skin type. For instance, Mineralogie says their product is best option for naturally oily skin because it doesn't contain the minerals that give other brands their shimmer. As with most things, it comes down to a matter of personal taste.