How To Apply Mineral Make-up

By Author: Mel Joelle
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With all of the benefits that can come from using mineral make-up, it's surprising that more women don't use them. Mineral make-up doesn't contain the chemicals, fragrances, and synthetic dyes that other make-up products use. These chemicals are known to irritate skin and aggravate conditions such as acne and rosacea. Aside from being purer and thus gentler, the minerals used also provide sun protection and won't clog your pores. They provide a light, natural coverage. Sounds amazing! Then why don't more women use it?

The most common complaint about mineral make-up is that it looks chalky. A chalky or ashy look is most likely the result of improper application. Mineral make-up is not the same as regular make-up. Since it is not the same, it stands to reason that it needs to be applied differently.

The first key step for correctly applying mineral make-up is picking a shade that matches your skin tone. A shade that is too light or too dark will only make you look like you're wearing a mask. Pick out two or three that seem close to your tone and test them. Make a stripe down your jaw line or the inside of your wrist ...
... with each shade. Within thirty seconds you should be able to tell which is the best shade for you.

The next thing that is important to remember is that mineral make-up is a powder that adheres to the oil in your skin. If your skin is too dry, it's impossible for it to sink in. This can leave your skin looking cakey or overly powdered. You should always use a moisturizer about ten minutes or so before you apply mineral make-up, this will give the moisturizer time to sink into your skin.

Now comes the actual application. First, conceal any blemishes or dark circles that you would like covered. Next, pour a little pinch of your foundation into the cap of the jar. There is a lot of pigment in mineral make-up, so a little bit of it goes a very long way. The key to applying it correctly is to put it on in very light layers—you can always go back and add more later if you're not satisfied with the amount of coverage you have.

Next, take a large kabuki brush and sweep up the minerals in it. Once you have done that, tap the brush on the side of the cap to get rid of any excess powder. It should look like the brush doesn't have any make-up on it at all. Next, you should buff the powder into your skin by using a gentle circular motion. This helps it adhere to your skin's natural oils. The more buffing that you do, the heavier your foundation will be. Be sure to blend it into your neck and hairline, eliminating any harsh lines and ensuring a natural look.

If you plan to wear blush or bronzer, now is the time to apply it. Pick a shade that compliments your skin tone: dark skin looks fabulous with bronze, mauve, wine, or plum colors; lighter tones work better with rose and some shades of pink and peach. Apply blush or bronzer the same way that you applied the foundation, only focus on the areas of your face where you would be naturally exposed to the sun. A good trick to use is smiling at yourself in the mirror. This makes it easy to find the apples of your cheeks. Start there and spread out towards your temples in an upward motion. You can also dust your nose and chin with a tiny amount.

To set your make-up, it's very important to apply what is called finishing veil powder. This will keep your make-up looking fresh all day long and should be applied everywhere, even your eyelids. It should be applied the same way you did the foundation and blush or bronzer.

With these simple tips you'll be able to apply mineral make-up like a pro!
Click here to read the rest of How to Apply Mineral Makeup. If you enjoyed this article, you also might like our other stories about >Beauty Care for Women of Color.