Saturday, July 17, 2010

Master Mineral Makeup in four steps

Step 1 - Face
Ace your base - To make minerals last, prep skin with primer. For a non-cakey look, apply liquid foundation, like Maybelline New York Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Foundation SPF 18 ($10 at drugstores), with a damp sponge.
Camouflage Imperfections - Dot concealer onto flaws with a small makeup brush. Pat extra on with your finger for more coverage.
Get a flawless finish - Dip a fluffy brush, such as the Dior Backstage Makeup Powder Brush ($52 Sephora), into a translucent powder and sweep on.

Step 2 - Cheeks
Create a fresh flush - This requires a two-pronged approach. First, make a "3 and an E" on your face using bronzer and a brush: Beginning on the right side, draw the number three so the bristles start at your hairline, hit your cheekbone, and outline your jawline. Repeat the same motion on the left side, outlining an imaginary E. Second, add blush to the apples of your cheeks so they pop. A bronzer to try: Physicians Formula Mineral Wear 100% Mineral BronzeBrightener ($14 at drugstores); a must-have blush: CoverGirl TruBlend Microminerals Blush in Natural Rose ($11 at drugstores)

Step 3 - Eyes
Emphasize your eyes - Regardless of the look you're going for - subtle or dramatic - the goal is a standout gaze. Complement brown eyes with earthy tones, subtle golds, or soft grays; enhance blue eyes with shimmering taupes, like Pur Minerals Pressed Mineral Eye Shadow in Gold Marcasite ($13 at purminerals.com); and play up green eyes with khaki or moss shades. To intensify the effect, sweep on a liner in a matching or - for evening drama - contrasting shade. Finish with two coats of black mascara.

Step 4 - Lips
Paint your pout - The pigments in mineral formulations aren't as saturated as traditional ones, so you might have to add coats to get the intensity you desire. Pick a hue that works with your skin tone. If you're fair, choose softer pinks similar to Wallett Eco Gloss in Bohemian Blush ($20 at wallett.com); if you're medium, try a vibrant berry hue, such as Emani Minerals Hydrating Mineral Lip Color in VIP ($16 at emani.com). Everything from beigey bronze to rich plum flatters a dark complexion.

10 comments:

  1. I have never before tried mineral makeup, but this post makes me eager to. Fabulous tips!! :)

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  2. I love mineral make up. Ever since I changed from the regular types my skin has been healthy with very few breakouts. I use to breakout at least once a week with the other kinds.
    I use Clinique powder mineral foundation but I have not tried it with a wet sponge, hmmm I just might now.

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  3. Lovely!! I've never tried mineral makeup but have always wanted to. I'm just too cheap to buy it XD I don't really buy any makeup
    http://aclosetfashionista.blogspot.com/

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  4. Wow! I love the detail in this post! Thank you so much for sharing!! :) :)

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  5. You know I have always wanted to try mineral makeup, not sure why I haven't! Great post!
    Hope you are having a lovely weekend!
    Smoochies
    gi gi

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  6. Thank you for your sweet comment!:)

    And I want to try mineral make up now because of your post!

    Xx.

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  7. i use bare minerals and i loove it. i read somewhere that using minerals is bad for you because you can breathe in the tiny particles...but i don't know if i buy it?

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  8. I love my Bare Minerals, it is the best thing I've found. Except in the summer, I must admit, it gets a bit cakey, wish there was a way around this! Great tips! XO!

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  9. great detail and easy to follow instructions! i suck at explaning... my sisters keep bugging me to do some make-up tutorials (im a freelance makeup artist) but i cant seem to figure it out!!!
    you totally rock!!!!

    ~selina

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  10. i'm such a huge fan of mineral makeup. it's amazing how long it lasts too (much longer than your average bottle of foundation).
    thanks for that blush/bronzer tip. i never know how to put bronzer on, and now that i'll be averaging FAR fewer sunny days, i need some color!!

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