Mineral makeup is everywhere these days – you just can’t escape it. It’s on your TV (via early morning or late night infomercials you just can’t peel your eyes from), in your magazines, in all your favorite makeup stores, and no doubt, in the lineup of your go-to cosmetics brands. Even with the vast availability of mineral makeup, and the raving reviews, there are still many skeptics (or just those who haven’t ventured the way of the mineral), with some questions about all the rumors swirling around the beautysphere.

To help better understand if this makeup phenomenon is a Help or just Hype, we enlisted in the knowledge of Andrea Phillips, Makeup Product Development Expert and contributing editor for Beautystat.com.

Rumor: I hear mineral makeup is supposed to give you a glowing, youthful complexion when applied.

Help. This is what this product is most known for: “Mineral makeup gives skin a beautiful glow and a naturally diffused appearance,” says Andrea. As opposed to the heavily caked-on reputation of traditional foundations and bases, this type of makeup aims to provide a second-skin, natural look if applied correctly.

Rumor: Regardless of my color, skin type or age, mineral makeup will do wonders for my skin.

Hype. Just like most skin care products, mineral makeup is not for everyone. “Darker shades can appear grey or ashy on ethnic skin,” says Andrea. “Also, moisture-deprived or older skins may not benefit due to mineral makeup’s drying nature.”

Rumor: If I have ultra-sensitive skin, mineral foundation is perfect for me because it has little to no irritants.

Help. “Dermatologists recommend mineral makeup for those with sensitive, rosacea and/or acne-prone skin since they are non-comedogenic [won’t clog pores],” says Andrea. Unlike traditional makeup and foundations, the mineral variety – in its purest form – does not contain binders, preservatives, fragrance, or synthetic dyes, which can all be irritants. “Not all mineral makeup is created equal, though,” she cautions. “Some formulas do contain common irritants, like bismuth oxycholoride, which adds a mesmerizing skin glow but can be irritating or itchy. Look for formulas with only a small amount of this ingredient.”

Rumor: Going to bed without washing off my mineral makeup from the day is completely fine because it’s natural, and not as bad as it would be with liquid foundation.

Hype. No matter what makeup you are using on your skin, your face should always be freshly washed, toned, and moisturized before bed. Nighttime is when your skin does double duty on absorbing nutrients, and leaving a full-face of makeup on just won’t cut it. “Don’t be fooled by common misconceptions,” says Andrea. “Don’t sleep in mineral makeup, and during the day, always use a high SPF sunscreen underneath even if the product claims to have one.”

Rumor: I have some imperfections and uneven tones on my face, and I hear mineral makeup does not provide as much coverage as traditional base and concealer.

Hype. Mineral makeup usually provides adequate coverage – just like your regular liquid or cream foundation does – as long as it’s applied properly, and with the correct tools. For the most part, the products come with the right brushes for application, and specific instructions on how to use the makeup to get the best results. Also remember, you can always continue to use your preferred concealer under the powder foundation, if necessary.

Keeping in mind what's rumor and what's fact about mineral makeup, if it fits your needs, by all means give mineral makeup a shot!

Arlyn Hernandez is a freelance beauty writer and blogger.