Trouble-shooting Mineral Foundation Application
Every day, someone purchases mineral makeup for the first time. Unfortunately, some experience
problems, and never pick the product up again. We are always happy to provide on-site
demonstrations for people having trouble applying their foundation at home. Here are some of the
issues that come up, and our suggestions for a smoother application. We hope that this will help!
My foundation looks pasty and thick
If your foundation appears pasty, there are a few possibilities:
1. The brush! Unfortunately, the right brush is an absolute necessity when applying loose mineral
foundation. We offer brushes which are especially made to have a very high density of hair, short,
firm, and soft to boot. Think of how hard it is to spread cold butter on un-toasted bread with a
plastic knife. This is what is happening when you're using the brushes ( however expensive and
high-quality they may be), that you already own. Even bronzer brushes that look similar may not
have firm, or dense enough hair to accomplish the task. The result? Too much makeup, not well
spread, sticking in all of the wrong place, definitely not natural-looking!
2. Too much product on the brush: Mineral makeup is very concentrated. It is made up of pure
pigment; the same pigments that cosmetics companies use to add color to pressed and liquid
foundations. Because there is little if any "filler" in this type of powder, it is imperative that you put
just a little bit of powder on your brush and use that on one cheek. Buff it in well in a circular
motion before applying more. How much is enough?
Basically, you press the head of the kabuki, or flat-top (our favorite for foundation applications)
directly against the holes of the sifter, tip the whole unit upside down, tap the jar a bit, and then lift
the brush off of the sifter. There should be a light dusting of powder on the brush head, and that
amount is sufficient to cover at least one cheek, if not the whole face. You can always add another
layer, so start with less.
3. The wrong shade: This is especially an issue with women of color. If you have a golden
undertone, and the color you apply has a blue or neutral undertone, your face may appear
grayish, or pasty. It is not necessarily that the product is too light, or has the "wrong" formula for
your skin, just the wrong undertone. Don't assume that mineral foundation doesn't "work" on
ethnic skin. Be persistent until you find a shade that at least comes close. Blending loose mineral
foundation shades together is as simple as shaking the jar, and blending one color with another
may achieve that perfect shade that you're looking for!
4.Not enough "buffing": Have you ever watched someone (usually a guy!) buff a coat of wax onto
their car? They buff for a loooong time! This creates a smooth, silky appearance, that simply
applying the wax would never achieve. Do the same with your mineral foundation. Buffing with the
brush actually brings out the qualities of the minerals. Use a firm (Don't be afraid to be firm, our
brushes are very soft) touch, and in a circular motion, blend, or spread the makeup around the
cheeks, down the jaw line, over the nose. Do this several times, and you will begin to see your
face glow and your skin look flawless, and utterly natural.
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| Mineral Rites Techniques |