Mineral Makeup Samples - What to do now?
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free skin care · Thu Mar 20, 2008 12:44 pm

I ordered samples from 2 different companies and have received them. I've never used mineral makeup before. The containers the samples came in seem very small. Do I transfer the makeup into something bigger so that I can apply? Can I use the makeup brushes I already own to apply? I have Mary Kay brushes; will those work? If not, what should I get and how do I work with the samples I received?

Thanks to all.

free skin care · Thu Mar 20, 2008 1:25 pm

use a little saucer to help yourself out.

fwiw, the quality of the brushes really does make a difference, but for now, use what you have.

shake a little of the foundation into the saucer and tap your brush into it then either stroke or buff onto your skin. by little, I mean a real little pinch. start with a very light application and add layers if you want more coverage.

at this stage (sampling) you're looking for 1/ color match and 2/ whether your like the texture it leaves on your skin.

mmu tends to look best about 30 minutes after application. some people like to give their face a spritz of hydrosol or distilled water after they've applied foundation (I do this).

loads more tips at http://forums.delphiforums.com/mineralmania/messages

free skin care · Thu Mar 20, 2008 3:09 pm

It really is an absolute necessity to have the right high quality brushes when applying loose mineral powder make-up. Using the wrong brush will give you poor results such as too much make-up, not well blended, and definitely not natural looking. It will be impossible for you to really judge the samples if you do not apply them properly.

Mineral make-up is very concentrated. It is made up of pure pigment. It is therefore imperative that you put just a little bit of powder on your brush and use that on one side of your face then repeat with the other side. Buff it in well in a circular motion before applying more. Use a firm touch and in a circular motion, blend or spread the make-up around the cheeks, down the jaw line, and over the nose. Do this several times and you will begin to see your face glow and your skin will look flawless and completely natural. Also make sure you tap the excess powder off your brush before applying. The best brush to use for this application is a good quality Kabuki or flat-top. Remember do not over do it on the first application - you can always add another layer if needed, so start with less.

When I first switched to loose mineral make-up I made the mistake of using my traditional make-up brushes - big mistake. What a difference in the end result when applied with the right brushes.

Thu Mar 20, 2008 5:35 pm

I've used loose mineral makuep for years and another way to apply it is with a wet sponge. Preferably a flocked sponge, but I've used a regular foundation sponge - the cheap ones - and have been able to apply minerals quite nicely.

What you do is put a little bit of minerals on a small plate, get your sponge WET by running it under the tap and then squeeze out the excess, then dip into minerals and apply. Don't be alarmed if it streaks, just make sure your sponge is nice and damp and blend the streaks until everything smooths out. I think the biggest mistake I made with this method in the beginning was that I didn't get the sponge wet enough.

This is actually my favorite method of applying. My skin is too sensitive for all the buffing with brushes, even with expensive mineral brushes. I much prefer using a flocked sponge or a regular sponge.

A sample of mineral foundation usually lasts me a good couple of weeks to a month - that's how little you need for a full application. Of course it depends on the size of the sample, but minerals are very concentrated like the previous posters said.

HTH-

Beth

free skin care · Thu Mar 20, 2008 7:55 pm

bjshad wrote:

I've used loose mineral makuep for years and another way to apply it is with a wet sponge. Preferably a flocked sponge, but I've used a regular foundation sponge - the cheap ones - and have been able to apply minerals quite nicely.

What you do is put a little bit of minerals on a small plate, get your sponge WET by running it under the tap and then squeeze out the excess, then dip into minerals and apply. Don't be alarmed if it streaks, just make sure your sponge is nice and damp and blend the streaks until everything smooths out. I think the biggest mistake I made with this method in the beginning was that I didn't get the sponge wet enough.

This is actually my favorite method of applying. My skin is too sensitive for all the buffing with brushes, even with expensive mineral brushes. I much prefer using a flocked sponge or a regular sponge.

A sample of mineral foundation usually lasts me a good couple of weeks to a month - that's how little you need for a full application. Of course it depends on the size of the sample, but minerals are very concentrated like the previous posters said.

HTH-

Beth

Hi Beth

I would like to try using a sponge to apply my MMU, but I'm confused as to whether the wet sponge will smear off my moisturiser?
Would you have to wait til the moisturiser is fully absorbed before applying MMU?

Thanks!

free skin care · Fri Mar 21, 2008 5:28 am

You are all wonderful. Very Happy

Thank you for all your help and tips. I already have some items to order so I will look for the Kabuki and Flat top brushes on EDS. Which would be best for a first time person - Kabuki or Flat top?

Beth, can you buy the sponges at CVS? Are you talking about the white spongie (sp?) makeup sponges usually in the form of a triangle? I think I may have some of those already so I could try your method before the brush method.

free skin care · Fri Mar 21, 2008 9:47 am

Hi Mrs.DowFire:

Here is a link for one of the Kubuki brushes from Lumiere that I use. It is one of my favorites and it is inexpensive @ only $14. It will give you a beautiful finish.

http://www.vivawoman.net/2007/08/29/super-baby-soft-kabuki-brush/

The flocked Sponge is a good alternative if you have a problem with large pores and/or very dry skin. Although the sponges are cheap - using one everyday will ultimately be much more expensive than a few good quality brushes.

You can also mist your kubuki brush before applying MU and it will lend to a less matte finish.

Fri Mar 21, 2008 11:10 am

The Jane Iredale Handi Brush is also a great high-quality flat top brush...

http://www.essentialdayspa.com/jane-iredale-the-handi-br-p_2413.htm

Fri Mar 21, 2008 11:39 am

Hi - yes, I just use whatever makeup sponge I have at the moment - usually a triangle one from any drugstore. I've bought flocked sponges at Albertson's, so if you see a flocked sponge, that's really the best kind, but any sponge will work - it just takes some practice and the triangle type sponges do tend to drag a bit more than the flocked sponge, but keeping it wet helps with that and pretty much solves the problem. I usually have to re-wet my sponge a few times during application.

The sponge might smear moisturizer around, but if you let it sink in first before applying minerals, it will work better. I haven't noticed any slipping around of moisturizer before, but I would imagine that it might. But no worse than applying a liquid foundation with a damp sponge.

Another thing you could do is mix your minerals with your moisturizer and apply as a tinted moisturizer. That works great too. Or mix your minerals with some aloe vera gel and apply with a sponge or fingers. I've even heard of people applying dry minerals with their fingers! I've tried it before and it was okay, but I much prefer using a sponge or mixing with moisturizer.

Beth

free skin care · Fri Mar 21, 2008 12:37 pm

fairlady wrote:

Hi Mrs.DowFire:

Here is a link for one of the Kubuki brushes from Lumiere that I use. It is one of my favorites and it is inexpensive @ only $14. It will give you a beautiful finish.

http://www.vivawoman.net/2007/08/29/super-baby-soft-kabuki-brush/

The flocked Sponge is a good alternative if you have a problem with large pores and/or very dry skin. Although the sponges are cheap - using one everyday will ultimately be much more expensive than a few good quality brushes.

You can also mist your kubuki brush before applying MU and it will lend to a less matte finish.

Thank you fairlady. I will look at this alternative to the one on EDS. I think the one I was looking at was $28. Much rather spend $14.... Smile

free skin care · Fri Mar 21, 2008 12:39 pm

havana8 wrote:

The Jane Iredale Handi Brush is also a great high-quality flat top brush...

http://www.essentialdayspa.com/jane-iredale-the-handi-br-p_2413.htm

Thank you havana.

free skin care · Fri Mar 21, 2008 12:40 pm

bjshad wrote:

Hi - yes, I just use whatever makeup sponge I have at the moment - usually a triangle one from any drugstore. I've bought flocked sponges at Albertson's, so if you see a flocked sponge, that's really the best kind, but any sponge will work - it just takes some practice and the triangle type sponges do tend to drag a bit more than the flocked sponge, but keeping it wet helps with that and pretty much solves the problem. I usually have to re-wet my sponge a few times during application.

The sponge might smear moisturizer around, but if you let it sink in first before applying minerals, it will work better. I haven't noticed any slipping around of moisturizer before, but I would imagine that it might. But no worse than applying a liquid foundation with a damp sponge.

Another thing you could do is mix your minerals with your moisturizer and apply as a tinted moisturizer. That works great too. Or mix your minerals with some aloe vera gel and apply with a sponge or fingers. I've even heard of people applying dry minerals with their fingers! I've tried it before and it was okay, but I much prefer using a sponge or mixing with moisturizer.

Beth

I think I will try this method while I wait for my order to arrive, although I do have to place the order...lol. Laughing

free skin care · Fri Mar 21, 2008 12:42 pm

hey fairlady...you just moved up to 15% discounts. I have a long way to go but looking forward to that as well. Have a great easter everyone.

free skin care · Fri Mar 21, 2008 1:08 pm

o.k., I've been hearing about mineral makeup for so long but have been afraid to take the plunge. No one I know uses it so I have no one to teach me the basics, Sad

I know, poor me. But now I'm inspired by all of the instructions I see here. So.....first things first when should I get some samples and how on earth do I figure out what shades to order. Excuse my ignorance but I really haven't a clue........and I, too, want a "flawless" complexion. Very Happy

free skin care · Fri Mar 21, 2008 2:12 pm

Nanapost: I don't have much time right now - we are going away for the holiday weekend. But you might find this link helpful - pretty basic instructional on 'how to' apply MMU:

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1034861/how_to_apply_your_bare_mineral_makeup_by_elegant_minerals/

Hope this helps.

Mrs.DowFire - 15% is Nice! I didn't realize that it had switched over from 10% - Thanks for the heads-up.

Have a nice Easter everyone Smile

free skin care · Fri Mar 21, 2008 2:44 pm

Thanks Fairlady, now all I need is some advice on which kind I should try and how to determine which shades to get.......... hmm

free skin care · Fri Mar 21, 2008 9:43 pm

I liked MMU but had trouble with it magnifying my large pores. However, after hearing bjshad's method of using the sponge, I definitely will try again.

My other challenge is finding the right color!! I am so lousy at this! It's either too light or too dark or off color or something. Sometimes it looks fine but later looks gray or pasty. I'd really appreciate hearing from you on which line you think may be best suited for Asian skin tones?

Many thanks!

Sat Mar 22, 2008 8:51 am

Hi blesstd - what brands of mmu have you tried before? I think a few to look at would be Meow, bareFaced Minerals, J. Lynne, Ocean Mist (my personal favorite) - they all have very yellow-toned foundations. I also love Cory Cosmetics, but the shipping times are a bit long, although it's definitely worth the wait. There are so many brands out there is mind-boggling - but it's good that there are so many alternatives to BE, since not everyone can wear that brand. I do like BE, but I've found other brands I like better that don't cost as much either, which is a plus.

Beth

free skin care · Sat Mar 22, 2008 7:31 pm

Hi bjshad,
I have tried Everyday Minerals, Alima, Pure Minerals, Pur, Loreal and one other that I can't remember the name. I've never heard of the of the ones you listed - do you order it online?

Thanks for the suggestions!

free skin care · Sat Mar 22, 2008 7:56 pm

I LOVE the Jane Iredale brush - the Handi brush - all time fav and I have many $$ brushes.

free skin care · Sat Mar 22, 2008 8:14 pm

Would you know if it make a difference whether you use a kabuki brush or stipple brush; and is the application method different for each? I have a the BE kabuki brush but wondered about the stipple brush. I also plan to try the sponge method suggested by bjshad. Thanks, Sister Sweets!

free skin care · Mon Mar 24, 2008 1:00 am

Hi everyone, I personally find using a big fluffy powder brush is the best way to go if u don't have much to cover. I tried using a baby kabuki brush and it sorta makes me look cakey or powdery. If I used a fluffy powder brush, I just dab the powder on certain areas of my face that needs coverage, then fluffed it around those areas. That way, I ended up with a flawless look. Don't know if anyone try this method or not but would like to share it here. Smile

free skin care · Mon Mar 24, 2008 7:38 am

you can do a search on youtube.com. It's a lot of sample to use MMU.

free skin care · Mon Mar 24, 2008 10:16 am

As between a kabuki and a stipple brush, I find that the kabuki brush (or a flattop brush like the JI Handi brush or the Alima 25) is the best for applying mineral makeup. It needs to be buffed to look natural. On the other hand, the stipple brush (aka skunk brush aka fiber optic brush) is terrific for liquid foundation. They also work well for cream blush.

free skin care · Mon Mar 24, 2008 1:52 pm

Nanapost:

Just checking back in after the holiday. If you are still contemplating what MMU samples to try I would recommend the following:

http://www.lumierecosmetics.com/ This is my personal favorite. I use the Veena Velvet with is perfect for sensitive skin and oily skin. They have blends for dry skin and those that prefer a more luminous glow. Sample Jars are $2.25 and will last about one week.

http://www.alimapure.com/default.aspx This is a very popular MMU with many ladies on the forum. I tried their samples and agree it is very nice the Lumiere just worked better for my skin type.

http://www.glow.com/list_100098-300114.htm This is yet another very popular, highly recommended MMU by Jane Ireland. I have not personally tried this one.

Happy Shopping Wink

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