Key Steps to Applying Mineral Makeup

by Marilyn Etzel

Mineral makeup is an answer to the age old question of how to look natural when wearing makeup. Made of finely ground natural minerals, there is nothing that gives a more natural appearance than mineral makeup. And, it’s safe to use on most all skin tones and types.

Mineral cosmetics contain minerals that are found naturally in the earth. You will encounter some mineral cosmetics that do include fillers. What types of ingredients do you want to see in your mineral makeup? Whether you choose to use or not to use mineral cosmetics with “extras” is up to you.

For a start, any makeup can have the appearance of caking if not applied correctly, even mineral makeup. Clumps and creases aren’t compatible with an evening on the town. There is a technique to applying all mineral makeup products: foundation, eye shadow, blush, and concealer.

Foundation does just what the name implies: It lays the foundation for applying all the other products. Using foundation first brings out the true colors in the makeup. Without foundation, the colors don’t stand out and any skin problems are still noticeable. Think of a painter’s canvas. Foundation prepares the face as priming prepares the canvas.

Prepare your face. Clean your face as usual. If your skin is dry, add a bit of moisturizer. Allow the moisturizer to soak into the skin before applying any foundation. A wet face will cause the minerals to clump together on your face.

There are two ways to prepare mineral makeup foundation-dry or wet. We’ll begin with step-by-step instructions for using a dry foundation.

Applying Dry Mineral Foundation

1. When opening a new jar of mineral foundation, shake it gently to loosen the minerals. Dump a small amount of the foundation on a clean surface like the jar’s lid.

2. Kabuki brushes are the traditional applicators for mineral foundation. The bristles of the brush hold the powder well and spread it easily over your face. Much is not required for a daily use. Dip the brush into the powder. Before applying, tap the Kabuki brush against the jar to dislodge any extra.

3. Apply mineral foundation from jaw line to forehead in a circular manner. When it comes to your nose, brush downward on the nose and out across the cheeks. Apply in strokes under the chin and along the neck.

4. Move over the face again with your Kabuki brush until you are satisfied with the coverage.

Applying Wet Mineral Makeup

1. Some women like using a liquid foundation instead. That’s okay. Mineral makeup is adaptable for this purpose. Just like with dry foundation, dump a small amount (about the size of a dime) of the foundation onto a clean surface like the lid of the jar.

2. Using a spray bottle filled with water, squirt a few drops of water onto the foundation. Mix the two together using a Kabuki brush. Application can start when the mixture reaches the right consistency for you.

3. Apply in circular strokes to your jaw line. Don’t neglect your neck and under the chin. For the middle of the face, apply to the eyelids, go down the nose, and come out across the cheeks. Because the foundation is wet, it may take more strokes to achieve even coverage.

Mineral foundation is easy to apply with the proper tools and techniques. Just follow the steps above and enhance that natural glow.

Need more information about mineral make up? Marilyn Etzel’s Beauty Talk answers all of your questions about mineral makeup cosmetics and more. As president of ME Naturally, LLC, Marilyn is dedicated to providing you with quality mineral makeup with the finest natural ingredients.