Mineral Makeup 101

Mineral Makeup 101 Everything you need to know to get started using mineral cosmetics

An Alima Pure eBook www.alimapure.com

© 2009 Alima Pure. All Rights Reserved 2

! 2009 by Terresa Clark and Kate O’Brien

Copyright holder is licensing this under Creative Commons Attribution-

Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/us

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CONTENTS

Mineral Makeup is Easy p.4

Reveal Your Inner Artist p.5

Your Skin Will Thank You for It p.5

Begin With a Good Foundation p.6

If You Need Concealer p.11

Ready for a Break From Oiliness? p.14

How About a Color Boost? p.14

Want to Try a Little Finishing Powder? p.15

Go Ahead, Blush p.17

Please Don’t Sleep in it p.20

Glossary of Ingredients p. 21


Mineral Makeup is Easy You’re going to love how simple it is to apply. The colors are natural and

forgiving. It’s gentle, looks fabulous and wears beautifully. Best of all, it feels

great on the skin. It’s not rocket science, and there are no real rules. If you like

the way it looks, then it’s probably perfect.

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Reveal Your Inner Artist Experiment with colors. Mineral blushes and bronzers can be

used as eyeshadows. Eyeshadows can be eyeliners (and vice

versa). Going to a winter opera? Use a soft, buttery yellow-

colored balancing powder under your foundation and an ethereal

pink shimmer powder after for added elegance and radiance.

Heading out into a 100 degree, balmy, Indian summer day? Try

finishing powder all by itself as a refreshingly light, mattifying

option. Every day offers a unique chance to assess your skin’s

needs, have fun and play. The possibilities are endless.

Your Skin Will Thank You For It In addition to being gorgeous and flexible, most mineral

cosmetics are free of conventional cosmetic chemicals that can

be irritating or worse. In true mineral cosmetics you won’t find talc,

dyes, fragrances, parabens, phthalates, cornstarch or

preservatives. To be sure you are getting the good stuff, always

read the label before you buy. The list of ingredients should be

short, sweet, and pronounceable.

The pigments in mineral cosmetics are generally beneficial for the skin, offering sun protection and anti-inflammatory properties in addition to being non-comedogenic. Plastic surgeons often recommend them post-surgery and, dermatologists love them.


Begin With a Good Foundation

STEP ONE: FIND YOUR COLOR

One of the nicest things about mineral makeup is the wide diversity of shades

available for every skin tone. Finding your color is simple. All you need is a

clean face, good lighting, a mirror and a few well-chosen samples. Armed with

these, you’re ready to start.

Look at the skin directly in front of your ear and down towards the jaw line.

Overlook any surface coloration, and you will notice that your skin has a

particular tone to it. This color (the color that exists behind surface

pigmentation, pinkness, redness, and so forth), is the skin’s undertone, and will

guide you in selecting your correct foundation shade. Yellowish undertones are

best with warm shades, while pinker undertones (rather than pink surface

coloration) do well with cooler shades. Complexions with both pink and yellow

undertones, or peachy undertones, are neutral.

To find your perfect shade, apply a line of foundation powder near your jaw line

and, if you like, your forehead. Notice how it looks initially, and then wait a bit

while the powder ‘melds’ with the skin. When you have found the correct

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color, the mineral makeup will impart a luminous finish that looks very natural.

Double check in natural sunlight, if possible, to be sure of a good match.

STEP TWO: APPLY

There are several ways to apply mineral foundation, and you may wish to

experiment. Before you start, be sure that your moisturizer is well absorbed.

This will prevent the minerals from ‘grabbing’ the skin unevenly.

Generally, most people find using a foundation brush to be quick and easy with

great results. It’s a good place to start. If you are going to use concealer, you

may wish to skip ahead, so that your concealer can be applied under your

foundation.


USING A DRY FOUNDATION BRUSH:

• Pick up a small amount of powder from the top of the sifter jar with your

brush. The image at the left shows just how little you need to start.

• Tap off any excess.

• Using a small bowl, a clean tissue or the lid of the jar, swirl or tap the

brush to work the powder into the brush bristles. When you look at the

end of your brush, you should see only the slightest amount of powder.

• Gently sweep the brush over one area of your face in a downward motion.

• Repeat until your entire face has been covered, then add a second

application to areas that need more coverage.

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A final spritz of water to the face can both enhance luminosity and

add the perfect moisture balance if your skin tends to be dry.

Using several light applications to provide the desired coverage

gives a more natural look than one heavier application. Excessive

buffing of mineral foundation into the skin is generally unnecessary.

USING A DAMP FOUNDATION BRUSH:

Some people find that the damp brush method of application gives

a perfect finish. This process provides slightly more coverage than

the dry method.

• After you have worked the product into the brush, spritz the

brush (or flocked sponge) with a little water or facial mist. Just

a spritz is enough; you want the brush to be damp rather than

wet.

• Then brush lightly onto the skin. As before, add a second

application to areas requiring more coverage. Alternatively, you

may wish to apply the powder with a dry brush, and then

blend it with a slightly dampened brush.

Are you sensitive? Some people believe mineral makeup bothers their skin, when really it’s the ingredient bismuth oxychloride, and/or animal hair brushes. Look for hypoallergenic, synthetic brushes and a bismuth-free foundation that will pamper your skin.


USING A FLOCKED SPONGE:

• Pick up a small amount of powder and tap off excess.

• Dab the foundation powder onto each cheek, the nose, chin and

forehead, stroking in a downward direction.

• Then go back with your sponge and gently blend the foundation in each of

these sections. Apply more as needed.

USING MOISTURIZER OR ALOE VERA GEL:

People who prefer a dewier type of foundation may find that mixing the

foundation with their moisturizer or aloe vera gel and applying it as a liquid

foundation or tinted moisturizer works better for them. The foundation can then

be applied in its loose powder form, sheerly and over the top, to give extra

coverage if needed. This is also a good technique for skin experiencing

periods of unusual dryness due to climate or personal skin chemistry.

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If You Need Concealer Concealer is perfect for those requiring extra coverage around the nose, under

the eyes, or for blemishes and areas of hyper-pigmentation. You may find that

your mineral foundation works well as a concealer and we recommend that you

try a bit to see whether it offers adequate coverage. In general, a light hand

with concealer offers the most natural looking results.


BEFORE YOU APPLY:

Be sure that your moisturizer has been well absorbed. Try a little foundation first

to see if it provides enough extra coverage on its own. It’s best to apply

concealer before you apply foundation, in order to blend it well.

UNDER-EYE APPLICATION:

• Using a concealer brush, pick up a bit of concealer powder, and start at

the inner corner of the eye alongside the nose.

• With short strokes, apply concealer by brushing down and towards the

center of the face, but moving out from the nose as you go.

• Place concealer only where needed, and soften the edges by blending

outwards. If you have laugh lines, you may wish to avoid applying to the

outer-eye area.

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BLEMISH APPLICATION:

• For spots, blemishes or small areas of hyperpigmentation on the face,

use a small concealer brush.

• Pick up a small amount of product and apply it precisely on the area to

be covered. Do not extend past the discolored area if possible.

• Apply your foundation over the top of the concealer and then, if more

coverage is desired, add a little more concealer.


Ready for a Break From Oiliness?

Primer powders absorb oil while providing a smooth base for foundation.

They are entirely optional, but if your skin tends to be oily you may find

them helpful. Just a touch can keep oiliness in check for hours.

BEFORE YOU APPLY:

Be sure that moisturizer, if used, is well absorbed.

APPLICATION:

Apply a sheer layer beneath your foundation using a fluffy powder brush,

foundation brush, or flocked sponge. Avoid dry-skin areas – you may just

need a bit in your T-zone. Now you’re ready for concealer and/or

foundation.

How About a Color Boost? Color balancing powders subtly enhance the complexion while

minimizing discoloration. They’re perfect for brightening the complexion

and for toning down redness.

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BEFORE YOU APPLY:

Be sure that moisturizer, if used, is well absorbed. If you are using primer

powder it can go over or under color balancing powder.

APPLICATION:

Apply a sheer layer beneath your foundation with a fluffy powder brush or

flocked sponge. Color balancing powders are generally used under

foundation (especially greenish ones!), but yellow, pink and lavender can

also work as finishing powders.

SHADES:

• Green: perfect for balancing ruddiness caused by Rosacea or

irritated, sensitive skin.

• Violet: enlivens sallow, dull complexions.

• Pink: perks up pale, tired skin and imparts radiance.

• Yellow: softly brightens tired, dull skin and can also help to counter

mild redness and dark circles.


Want to Try a Little Finishing Powder? Mineral foundation generally works beautifully on its own, but you may enjoy the

additional mattifying or ‘soft-focus’ effects of a finishing powder. On casual,

‘good skin’ days, you may even prefer to wear finishing powder alone.

BEFORE YOU APPLY:

Be sure that your moisturizer is well absorbed, and your mineral foundation

applied, if desired.

APPLICATION:

Pick up a little powder on a fluffy powder brush. Tap off the excess, and lightly

brush the powder over your face in a downward motion. Done.

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Go Ahead, Blush Mineral blush is all about bringing your inner beauty to the surface. You don’t

need much because it’s richly pigmented. Start with just a touch (it’s amazing

how little you need) – you can always add more.


BEFORE YOU APPLY:

Be sure that your moisturizer is well absorbed, and your mineral foundation

applied, if desired.

APPLICATION:

• Pick up a bit of blush with a soft brush and swirl the brush in the lid of

your blush jar to evenly distribute the powder. You should see only a hint

of powder on the bristles of the brush.

• Apply your blush in a gentle arc from the apples of your cheeks (smile

and you can’t miss them) outward and slightly up. It is best not to bring

the color all the way to your hairline. Blend outward and slightly down for

a natural effect.

• Start with a light layer - you can always add more.

TRY THESE TIPS FOR PERFECT MINERAL BLUSH APPLICATION:

• Pick a color that gives the skin a healthy glow and looks like your own

natural flush. Warmer (yellower) complexions will want a peachier shade;

cooler (pinker) skin tones may need a pinker base.

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• Your face will look fuller with blush concentrated on the apples of your

cheeks. Conversely, your face will look narrower with blush angled out

toward your temples (blend well at outer edges and slightly down to

avoid a horizontal stripe).

• Stronger lip colors call for more muted blushes, while more pronounced

blush is better with subtle lip color. Too much of both can look a bit

clownish.

• Paler skin tones are best with paler blush, and deeper skin tones with

more pronounced color (you knew that).

• Coordinate your blush to your lip color - pink or red lips with pink blush,

coral lips with apricot or peach blush, rose lips with rose cheeks and

bronze lips with bronze cheeks

• If you find you have applied too much blush, or if you’d like a touch less

shimmer, sweep a little finishing powder or foundation over the top to

tone it down.

• If you prefer a subtle shimmer, blushes can be a layered – a little

shimmer powder over a matte blush can be lovely too.

• Create a gorgeous gel blush by mixing a bit of your favorite mineral blush

with a dab of aloe vera gel, or try using moisturizer for a cream blush.


Please Don’t Sleep in It Once you've found the correct shade and worked out your best application

method, mineral foundation seems to melt into your skin and almost become

part of it, giving that natural and healthy glow. Mineral pigments are remarkably

longwearing while looking as if you have nothing on your skin. The slight

downside to this situation is that sometimes minerals remain on the skin after

you have attempted to remove them. You may find that you need to modify

your cleansing routine. Doing so is simple, easy and provides immediate

benefits.

A cleanser with some oil in it will help to loosen the minerals from the skin, and

gentle exfoliation will take care of the rest. For a cleanser, you can use a lovely

natural cleanser with oils, or even just use pure oil. Gentle exfoliation can come

in the form of a Microfiber Cloth, used to remove any remaining cleanser after

rinsing, or from a natural scrub or masque, used several times a week. Using

these two steps should remove all of the minerals from your face, and help to

improve overall skintone, allowing you to start fresh the next day!

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Glossary of Ingredients You don’t need a degree in pharmacology to make informed choices about

your cosmetics. Read labels and familiarize yourself with the ingredients, just as

you do with the food you eat. It’s surprisingly easy.

Ferric Ferrocyanide (CI 77510): an inorganic mineral salt used to provide a rich

blue color in cosmetics. Cosmetic-grade ferric ferrocyanide is approved for use

on the eyes and face in the U.S., and on lips, eyes and face in the European

Union and Japan.

Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499): synthetic, inorganic compounds

created from purified, oxidized iron. Iron oxides range in shade from yellow to

red, brown and black. Approved for use in cosmetics in the U.S., E.U. and

Japan.

Kaolin (CI 77004): a hydrated aluminum silicate, also known as china clay. It’s

very pure, soft and matte, and is highly prized for its gently absorptive

properties and lustrous feel. Approved for use in cosmetics in the U.S., E.U.

and Japan.


Mica (CI 77019): an inorganic, colorless silicate mineral used in cosmetics to

provide silkiness, luster and adhesion. Mica is available in many grades, with a

range of textures from matte to shimmery. Some grades are known as sericite,

which is a matte form of mica. Approved for use in cosmetics in the U.S., E.U.

and Japan.

Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891): a naturally occurring oxide of titanium, generally used

as a pigment. Cosmetics grades are extremely pure and highly prized as an

effective non-chemical sunscreen. (Alima Pure does not use nano-sized

titanium dioxide in our formulas.)

Ultramarines (CI 77007): a blue inorganic mineral pigment composed of complex

sodium aluminum sulfosilicates.

Zinc Oxide (CI 77947): an inorganic chemical compound found in nature as

zincite. Refined zinc oxide is used in cosmetics as a white pigment, and is

highly prized as a non-chemical sunscreen. It is also regarded as anti-microbial

and wound healing. (Alima Pure does not use nano-sized zinc oxide in our

formulations.)

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Mineral Makeup 101