The Mineral Makeup Mutiny has begun

One of the things that gets us going here at MBB is honesty. I mean, finding the truth behind claims about products is pretty much what we’re all about. It’s right there in the name, “Mythbuster”.  We do our very best to research ingredients and try everything out for ourselves rather than just regurgitating PR blurbs and reciting the company line that we’re handed. I think it’s readily apparent that if we don’t think something is effective or worth the price tag we’ll say so, and integrity is a core principle around here.

Another thing we feel is important is finding and supporting independent businesses, those companies who also believe honesty and integrity are priceless commodities. I have been very lucky to meet(virtually at least) bloggers and business owners who work their tails off everyday to do the right thing and present a product worthy of putting their name on. A lot of time, sweat, and tears have been poured into mixing, formulating, and fine tuning products until they’re just right for consumers. Nowhere I have I seen this in such force as in the mineral makeup(mmu) community. Custom blends, new products, and limited edition collections are a lot more work for an independent business owner than it is for a huge company with hundreds or thousands of employees at its disposal. The time and information I have received from some of these business owners is truly amazing and much appreciated. So when I started hearing more and more rumblings online amongst mmu lovers, I sat up and began to take notice.

Here’s the truth about mineral makeup companies: There are a lot of them. Another truth that most average consumers don’t hear is that not all of them, relatively few in fact, create their own colors and formulas. Many of the companies selling mmu online are straight repackagers, buying their micas in bulk, transferring them to little jars with cute labels, and selling them at a huge markup. I’ve personally had at least two business owners stop communicating with me entirely when I asked about the inspiration for their formulas and collections, only to find out later that it was because they didn’t even DO their own formulas and collections, but simply purchase and repackage. Now, is there really a prolem with this? Not on the face of things if, and it’s a big IF, companies are honest about where their colors come from. It’s companies who claim to have something new and unique but are actually overcharging for the same old thing that really get my goat. Trying to ride on the coattails of people who are really doing extraordinary work is just plain cheap and lazy, there, I said it.

I’m not the only person who feels this way either. This month saw the creation of the Mineral Makeup Mutiny, led by Kristen Leigh Bell of Aromaleigh, as well as a whole new uprising of bloggers who are demanding accountability from mmu companies. There are scores of great posts from beauty bloggers about their feelings on the subject, including this one from my geek chic idol, Anastasia. Our old pal Decorative Diva aka Fresco Phyrra has a great list she’s compiled of companies that blend their own mineral shadows. Indies are banding together and applying to be awarded a Mineral Makeup Mutiny badge of authenticity so that consumers who care can know at a glance if the company they are handing their hard earned coin to is really the artisanal mineral makeup provider they claim to be.

Do I dislike repackaged and mass produced mineral products? No, I even own some. But I dislike the subterfuge,trickery, and dishonesty that many companies use when trying to get their hands on your money. We all decide for ourselves what’s worth supporting, and from there we vote with our dollars. I don’t know know about you, but I prefer to vote for creative, hard working, independent businesses!