The biggest benefit of using mineral makeup is that your skin looks younger, brighter, and the natural texture shows through. Mineral make-up is also hypoallergenic and ideal for sensitive skin.
Like most of us, you love the notion of a flawless complexion you so want to get that dewy texture of skin that models have in an editorial shoot, but the thought of layering on foundation and powder scares you. You want your skin to breathe and the natural texture to show through. In short you want to go au naturel minus the flaws. Our advice – wear mineral makeup.
So what is mineral makeup? They are makeup products like foundations, concealers, blushes and lipsticks made with minerals mined from the earth. Turns out, even Cleopatra, that ageless paragon of beauty, is said to have used the natural pigments of ground minerals to enhance her legendary looks. What sets mineral makeup apart is its texture and finish – silkier, finer grains that have a less powdery effect, and almost blend into the skin. This is why mineral makeup, especially foundation, gives your skin a smooth finish without making it look made up.
The biggest benefit of using mineral makeup is that your skin definitely looks younger and brighter. “Unlike regular makeup products, mineral make-up is based on a hypoallergenic loose powder that naturally nourishes the skin, contains no perfumes, talc, alcohol, dyes, mineral oil or preservatives. All these additives can cause skin allergy or adversely affect the skin on prolonged usage. Mineral makeup mainly consists of titanium oxide and zinc oxide, which are anti inflammatory, non-comedogenic with a lasting coverage that is safe even on sensitive skin,” says Dr Apratim Goel, consultant cosmetologist, L'Oréal, and cosmetic cermatologist at MyCutis Skin Clinic. Vimi Joshi, senior artist, M.A.C Cosmetics points out that for women who are now veering towards natural products for skin and hair, mineral makeup makes a lot of sense. “They get a fresh and beautiful finish without clogging the pores, or getting a cakey appearance,” she adds.
One may ask the secret behind the lustrous finish that this makeup gives. Explains Joshi, “Mineral makeup products have light-reflective properties, so light bounces off the face and creates a youthful glow. Another plus is that minerals bind to the skin, rather than sinking into it like traditional formulas. This makes them less prone to becoming cakey and drying out your complexion, which can accentuate lines and wrinkles.”
Working with mineral makeup can be tricky for women used to the regular makeup application. The first point to remember is that you need to really work the product into the skin. If you just dust it lightly, you stand the chance of looking ashen or even have streaked makeup.
"Before you put on this makeup, moisturise and hydrate your skin really well. Wait for at least five to eight minutes after moisturising to let the lotion sink into the skin. Then use a thick rounded buffing brush to buff the powder really well into the skin. You will get matte yet polished skin.
Set the Base
The best thing about mineral-based foundation is its light airy texture, which means you can slowly build the intensity of coverage for a seamless, smooth finish. In this case, know that less is more so start with few drops of liquid mineral foundation or a light dusting of mineral foundation powder. Blend from the centre of the face to the outer edge, in small circular movements, remembering to also blend along the jaw-line and onto the neck for a flawless finish. This will ensure a sheer, natural-looking coverage. Pay special attention to areas around the forehead, nose and chin to eliminate the appearance of any excess shine or red areas. Re-apply if desired, to build up for fuller coverage.
Do Up Your Eyes
Since mineral eye shadows are in powder form, the best way to apply them is with a small, high-density bristle brush to avoid ‘shadow scatter'. Remember that the colour is sheer,almost transparent in case of mineral based eye shadow – so you may have to build the colour. It works best to create a subtle effect. Start by dipping both sides of the brush into the eye shadow, tap off any excess powder, then press the colour onto eyelids. Gently blend over the eyelid in small circular motions, re-apply to increase colour intensity. The best way to create an impact is to blend in three complementing shades.
Shine Your Cheeks
Apply as you would use regular powder blushers, but always use a dense, compact blusher brush, as large loose-hair brushes can scatter loose powder over the face and make blending harder. Work the powder into the brush in circular motions, tap off any excess, then blend onto the cheeks, working into the skin so that it is fully absorbed for a sheer wash of colour. Apply to the apple of the cheeks, along the cheekbones, applying the colour into the skin, so that the shade is fully absorbed with seamless blending. Re-apply to intensify colour, or use a darker shade to contour the cheeks.
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