Mineral Makeup Basics

Mineral makeup is wonderful for those of us with less than perfect skin. It’s anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial as well as a natural sunscreen. Mineral makeup is also (in most cases) all natural. It is composed of crushed minerals and inorganic pigments found in nature. Most mineral products contain no oils and feel very lightweight on the skin making it ideal for those that could use some coverage but hate the mask-like feeling of traditional makeup. It allows the skin to breath and function normally while offering anywhere from sheer to total coverage.

Mineral makeup is lighter in texture than traditional makeup. Even with heavier coverage mineral makeup, experts say you’ll see a natural, translucent radiance…and who couldn’t use a bit more of that? Mineral makeup products that are specially created for paramedical applications, camouflaging scars are a blessing for those who need full coverage. Many mineral makeup’s also contains special light reflective minerals, which work wonderfully well to reduce the appearance of aging.

There are so many brands of mineral cosmetics available that I’m not going to discuss that in this article but be sure to read the ingredient listing for any product that you’re interested in. Most mineral powders are natural but some of the commercially produced products have unnecessary added ingredients. To completely control the ingredients and for a completely personalized cosmetic palette, mineral makeup ingredients and recipes are also now widely available. You can have flawless looking skin and save money! If you don’t mind spending a bit of time mixing up the minerals (it’s actually quite simple) you will be well rewarded by creating exactly the coverage you need with exactly the ingredients you want in exactly the colors you desire…no more department store disappointments or acne/rosacea flare ups!

To achieve the most luminous and flawless coverage from you mineral foundation you’ll need a couple of special tools. A kabuki brush is absolutely essential. Kabuki brushes are short and fat, with large brush heads that work particularly well for medium to heavy coverage of mineral makeup. They come in synthetic as well as natural bristle and blends. The natural bristle kabuki’s will give you the very best results and depending on the material used can be moderately priced to fairly pricey. The pricier brushes will usually be a blend of squirrel hair while the more moderately priced ones will contain goat or other types of hair. Kabuki brushes are also dense so it’s easier to load the makeup in them.

A flocked sponge is also a great tool for applying mineral powders where you need a bit more coverage. Flocked sponges are soft and have a velour type finish. I use mine everyday, after my initial kabuki application and before my finishing veil to get a heavier coverage than with a kabuki brush in certain areas.

Natural bristle shadow brushes are great for loose mineral eye shadow application. For intense eye shadow color just use a flocked or sponge shadow applicator. You can get a whole bag of these at beauty supply stores for a few dollars.

Other brushes/applicators you might want to invest in also are a Taklon (synthetic) large and small concealer brush and a natural bristle blush and big fluffy powder brush. I find the Taklon brushes very handy for applying my mineral concealers on large and small areas.

Applying mineral foundation is a fairly simple process. First load the brush with the minerals and tap to dispense the powder down into the brush bristles. Brush onto the skin in a swirling, circular motion, starting on the outside of your face near your cheekbones. Then, buff around the remainder of the face, working your way to the cheeks, forehead, and nose.

You can also apply minerals wet although, I personally, haven’t had great success with this method. To apply wet; scoop some minerals into the palm of your hand along with the lotion or cream of your choice. Mix the two together and apply with a sponge or your fingers.

Here’s to a beautiful you!