Mineral Makeup: what is it and how do I use it?
You may well have picked up on the excitement about mineral makeup; those elusive, natural beauty products that some people swear by and just as many don't know the first thing about.
To clear up all the confusion, our friends at Kiss and Makeup have come up with a comprehensive guide to using minerals that starts today. They'll be guiding you through how to apply the makeup, reviewing different brands and listing where they're available. Meanwhile, I'll be testing some of the products and finding out whether they're gentler on the skin.
So what is mineral makeup and why are people going on about it so much?
Basically, the exciting thing is that mineral makeup is created OUT OF MINERALS. (Duh). And that's it. No parabens, no free radicals and no extra oils. This makes is non-comodegenic, which means it doesn't block pores, so it's perfectly fine to sleep in it. I'd advise against that as a rule (!) but compared to when you feel asleep in your usual slap it's 100% better for your skin.
So how do I apply it?
Depending on the brand you opt for, there are a few variantions in application technique. Bare Escentuals likes the 'Swirl, Tap, Buff' method which involves dusting powder into the lid, swirling it with the brush, tapping off the excess and then buffing it across your cheeks. Other brands suggest a slightly different application method, but it's all down to brushing the mineral powder foundation 'into' your cheeks and blending well with a big, fat brush.
It looks just like powder, can it really give me full coverage?
Coverage can be built up with more powder and different brushes, and there are also mineral concealers to hide any under eye circles or blemishes. Because of the nature of mineral makeup it can actually improve you skin tone, and it generally includes UVA and UVB protection too.
Do I have to use brushes?
I'm afraid so. Because of the triple milling process used to create mineral makeup, the texture is different to regular powder and won't apply well from your fingers. You also may have to use SPECIFIC Mineral make up brushes as regular make up brushes may apply the product on too thickly and give you a strange caked look. Thankfully most mineral starter kits include brushes as standard so you won't have to splash out there.
I'm still a bit unsure about applying it...
Not to worry - watch this space for a how to video shortly!
Not the best idea ever to sleep in makeup! Even with hypoallergenic minerals...
-EM
Posted by: emilyj | July 8, 2008 7:38 PM