Mineral make-up has, in recent years, been touted as the biggest trend to hit the American beauty and skincare industry.

For one, it does away with the use of talc, found in most standard make-up, but said by some studies to be linked to cancer.

It uses finely-milled miniature rock crystals instead. Also, mineral make-up usually uses significantly less preservatives and chemical dyes, compared to standard make-up.

'Mineral make-up is non-comedogenic, which means it does not clog the pores, making it suitable for acne-prone skin,' said dermatologist KV Ratnam of Ratnam Allergy and Skin Centre.

The make-up also tends to be gentler and does not irritate or cause skin inflammation.

Moreover, the mineral blend, being lighter than cosmetic-grade talc, allows the product to lie on top of the skin instead of covering it like a lid. This means the skin can breathe through the make-up.

Mineral make-up brands found here include YoungBlood and glominerals, available in certain skincare clinics and medical centres.

'The glominerals range is safe to apply after procedures like microdermabrasion, chemical peel, laser resurfacing and waxing,' said DrSylvia Ramirez, scientific director of Dermacare.

After some forms of laser treatment, mineral make-up can be applied right away.

However, if there is any oozing or if it is a chemical peel or dermabrasion, make-up should not be applied until the skin has completely healed.

glominerals will be available at cosmetics retailer True Colours in Takashimaya late this month or at Dermacare in Club Street.

YoungBlood Mineral Cosmetics is available at The MedSpa in Camden Medical Centre. With a full range of make-up products from foundation to lip gloss, as well as a lust-worthy colour palette, your skin can feel as fabulous as you look.

To find out more about glominerals, visit www.glo-asean.com

This article was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times on Mar 12, 2008.