Wednesday, February 25, 2009

How to Apply Mineral Makeup Foundation Step-by-Step

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.

You'll be pleased to know that mineral cosmetics include all of the essential makeup products: concealer, eye shadow, blush, and foundation. Even though mineral makeup was created to look natural, if applied wrong, your face will look "cakey." Avoid the clumps with a few makeup tips for getting it right.

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.

Put your best face forward even before applying any makeup. It is still necessary to cleanse and moisturize your face before the foundation is applied. After moisturizing, wait until the skin is completely dry to avoid caking of the makeup.

Mineral foundation can be applied according to your tastes. If you prefer a liquid foundation, you can create one. We will start with a step-by-step look at applying dry foundation.

Applying Dry Mineral Foundation

1. Shake your jar of foundation to loosen the minerals especially if this is your first time using the jar. Open and pour a dime size amount of the mineral foundation into the lid.

2. Using a Kabuki brush (sold wherever mineral makeup is sold), dip the bristles into the makeup. You won't need much of it to use on your face. Tap the handle of the brush against the lid with the bristles facing upwards. This spreads the mineral foundation throughout the bristles of the brush as well as removing any extra from the brush.

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. Just as in Step 1 of the process above, pour some of the dislodged powder into a lid. Only a dime size amount is needed.

2. Using a water spray bottle, apply one or two sprays to your powder foundation. Mix with a Kabuki brush until all powder has been hydrated by the water. It's time to apply to your face.

3. Begin by using circular motions to apply the foundation to your jaw line. Work your way upwards to your forehead. The first time, go slow to be sure that the foundation blends evenly for a flawless look. Apply the foundation to your neck as well.

Following the steps above for dry or wet mineral foundation application will result in a natural look to your skin and a canvas ready for whatever you apply next.

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