Application Tips

Because mineral makeup is highly concentrated, it doesn't require much for total coverage; when applying, keep in mind the saying “less is more”. Always begin your application with a thin layer; if you feel you need more, you can quickly and easily add another layer. Avoid over-application of any type of makeup as this is a sure way of adding years to your face.

There are a several ways to apply mineral makeup, but we found the below technique to be the best. Not only does it gives you more coverage with the usage of less minerals, it also dramatically decreases the amount of dust generated to your surrounding area. Just follow these four easy steps to achieve a natural and radiant complexion:

Tap a small amount of minerals into a lid or preferably a small bowl
Swirl brush until all the minerals are tucked into the brush (alternate the swirling direction to help evenly distribute the minerals onto the brush surface)
Tap away excess minerals
Dab minerals onto areas of skin; then blend with short gentle strokes in a downward motion*.

Repeat the above four steps until desired coverage is achieved. We recommend applying mineral makeup in front of a sink; any dust generated can then be easily rinsed off.

*NOTE: Avoid sweeping minerals on in an “up-and-down motion” as it goes against the grain of your facial hair. Doing so will allow the powder to “highlight” the hair, making it stand out. Even if it's very subtle, we don't think this is the type of look you want to achieve.

IMPORTANT: To prevent bacteria contamination of your minerals, avoid touching the sifter with your brush and getting water into your mineral jar. Doing so will reduce the shelf-life of your minerals and can cause breakouts. Always swirl and tap your minerals into a lid or preferably a small bowl. Better yet, use one of our cute glass swirl bowl; it's the perfect size to comfortably swirl minerals without them spilling over, but small enough to bring with you during travels.

Prep

Before you begin, make sure your face is cleansed, exfoliated (if necessary) and moisturized. Be sure to use a moisturizer with sunscreen factor of SPF15 at a minimum. It is important to moisturize your face BEFORE applying mineral makeup; otherwise, the minerals won't “stick” and you'll just end up wasting powder and generating a lot of dust. As with any lotion, allow it time to soak into your skin for maximum benefits. If you apply minerals before your moisturizer has absorbed, you are going to get a cakey, blotchy look. The minerals will glide much more smoothly when your skin is not too dry nor too wet. If needed, dust lightly with one of our priming powders; it helps absorb excess moisture, minimize pores, and prepare your face for a smoother application. For those with oily skin, try our Oil-Control Primer with bamboo powder.

Foundation

Tap a small amount of our Weightless Lasting Foundation into a lid or small bowl. With a baby-kabuki or flat-top brush, swirl minerals and tap away excess. Gently dab minerals onto areas of skin; then blend with short gentle strokes in a downward motion*, starting on the outside of your face near your cheekbone, then approach your forehead, cheeks and nose. Remember, “less is more”. Repeat this until you are satisfied with the coverage.

NOTE: If you tapped more powder than you need, do NOT pour it back into the jar as this will contaminate the remaining minerals (luckily, this won't happen often; because after a few applications, you'll quickly discover how much minerals to use). Instead, with a concealer brush, apply the remaining foundation to tight areas around your face which can easily be missed, specifically the nose and eyes; or use it to post-conceal blemishes.

Concealer (Optional)

Our Weightless Lasting Foundation is a foundation AND concealer in one. With mineral makeup, it's best to conceal AFTER foundation has been applied; otherwise, you'll risk sweeping away the concealer. Hence at this point, if necessary, with a concealer brush, swirl small amounts of mineral foundation in a lid or small bowl; tap off any excess, then gently dab over the blemishes or dark circles, smoothing and feathering the edges so that it blends into the rest of your face. Repeat this until you've achieved the concealment you need.

Blush

Tap a very very small amount of our silky blush into a lid or small bowl; with a powder brush, swirl and tap off excess. Then gently sweep it across your cheekbone toward your hairline. Use any leftover color across your forehead, nose, and chin. The blush will contour, brighten, and highlight your cheekbones to give you the look of a healthy glow from within. If you are using one powder brush for both blush and Glow Finishing Veil, make sure you remove all traces of color from your brush.

Bronzer (Optional)

Tap a small amount of our bronzer into a lid or small bowl; with a powder buffer or powder brush, swirl and tap off excess, then gently sweep it on your face where the sun would naturally touch like the forehead, cheeks, eyelids, chin, and bridge of the nose. It gives your face that healthy sun-kissed glow, without the harmful effects.

Finish

To set your makeup and give your face that illuminating “soft-focus” glow, control oil and minimize fine lines and pores, tap a small amount of our Glow Finishing Veil into a lid or small bowl. With a powder buffer or powder brush, swirl and tap off excess powder, then gently and lightly dust it onto your face, especially on your T-zone. Avoid dusting areas around your eyes which can exaggerate fine lines and wrinkles.

Eyes (Optional)

If you wear eyeshadows and/or mascara, you may apply them at this time.

Lips

Apply your favorite lip color (a must if you do not wear any blush). Try our 100% natural vegan mineral lipstick to add color to your complexion and moisturize your lips.

Troubleshooting Application Tips

Chalky, mask-like, or too heavy.

Cause: Over-application, too light of a color, or use of an incorrect application tool.

Solution: Begin your application with a thin layer first; or try using a darker shade or custom blending two shades together; or utilize a fluffier brush to apply your makeup, such as a powder brush or powder buffer.
Cakey, streaky, blotchy, or uneven appearance.

Cause: Over-application, moisturizer is too heavy or greasy, or moisturizer contains alpha hydroxy acids.

Solution: Begin your application with a thin layer first; try using a light, oil-free moisturizer and allow it to completely absorb into your skin; then use a priming powder to help absorb excess moisture before applying foundation. Avoid using moisturizers with alpha hydroxy acids as it will cause the minerals to drag on the skin.
Makeup is collecting in fine lines and/or pores appear larger.

Cause: Over-application.

Solution: Begin your application with a thin layer first; remember, “less is more”. Utilize a priming powder to help absorb excess moisture before applying foundation, then apply a finishing veil afterward to set the makeup.
Dry appearance.

Cause: Surface of the skin is dry.

Solution: Exfoliate the skin before applying moisturizer and foundation; exfoliating will smooth the skin's surface and decrease that dry look and feel. If exfoliation and regular moisturizer doesn't do the trick, consider using a slightly heavier moisturizer. As we age, our skin's ability to produce collagen slows down, causing loss of elasticity which requires more hydration.
Shiny or oily appearance.

Cause: Over-application, moisturizer is too heavy or greasy, or oily skin.

Solution: Begin your application with a thin layer first; try using a light, oil-free moisturizer. Utilize an oil-control primer before foundation, then apply a finishing veil afterward to set the makeup.