For first time Mineral Makeup users, it can be confusing to figure out exactly how to apply mineral products for the best results.  I wrote this guide to answer some of the most common questions that my customers ask about application of Mineral Makeup.  I have more experience with several brands and will make references to them as examples, but these application techniques apply to most brands of Mineral Makeup.

Step One:  Moisturize

It is best to begin with clean, moisturized skin.  Your moisturizer should be completely absorbed.  Skin that is still tacky with moisturizer will grab the pigments and deposit too much where there is excess moisture.  If your moisturizer is not completely absorbed, you can apply finishing powder or veil first to help absorb the moisturizer.  This is also a good first step if your skin tends to be oily.

Step Two:  Conceal

If you use a concealer, the next step is to apply your concealer.  Mineral concealers come in cream and powder form.  Sheer Cover makes an excellent cream concealer and Bare Escentuals makes a very good powder concealer. There are many other brands, but these are the two I have used and are most familiar with.  Cream concealers can be applied with a sponge, fingertip or brush.  Most people start with a fingertip or sponge and move on to using a brush.  A concealer brush gives you the most control over application.  Concealer brushes are available in various sizes to address different coverage issues.  Using a concealer brush is quicker, more hygienic and gives a more even application.

If you use a cream concealer, apply it to the areas you want to conceal, such as redness, blemishes and discolorations.  Apply lightly and evenly, taking care to blend the edges in well.  Tap the concealer onto imperfections and avoid wiping or rubbing motions.  If you use a powder concealer, a concealer brush is a must.  Tap a very small amount of your powder concealer into the jar lid.  Dip the brush into the concealer in the lid and swirl it to pick up the minerals.  Tap the excess minerals off the brush by tapping the brush onto the lid.  Using the brush, apply the concealer sparingly to the areas you want to conceal.  Start out lightly, adding additional layers if more coverage is desired.  Again, take care to blend the edges well so there is no obvious line of demarcation. 

Step Three:  Foundation

Tap a very small amount of your mineral foundation into the lid of the jar.  Alternately, you may tap out onto a tissue or use a "swirl bowl".  Use a brush that is made specifically for minerals application.  A brush for application of mineral foundation or powder has many different lengths of bristles This ensures that the brush will collect the minerals into the varied levels of bristles for the most uniform application.  Powder Brushes and Face Brushes are best for a sheer application of minerals.  For a heavier concentration of minerals, or for a "once and done" application, a Kabuki Brush is recommended. 

Dip your brush into the minerals in the lid and swirl it around to tuck the minerals up into the brush bristles.  Tap the brush on the side of the lid to remove the excess minerals.  Alternately, you can tap the end of the brush vertically onto the counter or onto your hand to collect the minerals further into the brush for multiple applications.  Use the brush to lightly buff and brush the minerals onto your skin. 

Remember that the minerals are very highly pigmented and a little bit goes a long way.  Start with a light application and add additional layers if desired.  Many techniques can be used with the brush and you will soon find which technique works best for you.  It is easiest to begin by buffing the skin in a light circular motion, starting with the forehead and moving around the face in a circular fashion.

Step Four: Finishing Powder / Mineral Veil

If you are using a Mineral Foundation that also includes Finishing Powder, such as Sheer Cover with SPF or Pur Minerals, you are finished!  If you are using a Mineral Foundation that does not include powder, such as Bare Escentuals or Sheer Cover Original Formula, the next step is to apply Mineral Veil or Finishing Powder.  This step is applied in the same way you applied your Foundation.  Tap a small amount into the lid, swirl your brush to collect the minerals, tap off the extra, and buff onto your face.  The powder / veil step sets your foundation to help it last longer. 

If you have oily skin, you may find it helps to apply your mineral veil or finishing powder before and after you apply your Mineral Foundation.  You can also reapply during the day to absorb excess oil.  You may also find it helpful to use a Facial Blotting Paper such as Sheer Cover's Rice Blotting Papers to handle shine issues during the day.

If you have dry skin, you may find it helps to spritz your face with a facial mist such as Sheer Cover's Facial Mist of Dermacia's Breathable Moisure Mist.  These moisturizing mists help set the foundations and powders,  helping them bond to drier skin.

Optional Step Five:  Blush or Bronzer

You now have the basics of mineral makeup application for concealer, foundation and finishing powder / mineral veil.  These steps generally take less than 5 minutes.  If you wish to add blush or bronzer, you follow the Swirl, Tap, Apply process.  Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks.  Apply bronzer to the places on your face that the sun would normally hit.  (forehead, bridge of nose, chin)  Remember that a little bit goes a long way.  Blush and bronzer are best applied with a brush specially made for blush.  Blush brushes are usually tapered to help deposit the blush in the most natural fashion along the cheekbones.  Your regular powder brush can also be used.  Whichever brush you use, be sure to thoroughly tap off excess minerals before applying to your face.

Optional Step 6:  Highlighters / All Over Face Colors

If you wish to add additional color to face, eyelids, cheeks and lips, you can apply some mineral highlighters / all-over face colors.  Mineral highlighters and all-over face colors come in a variety of colors, including bronze, peach, pink & pearl.  They also come in powder and cream formulas.  These highlighters can be used as blush, eyeshadow, browbone highlighters or lip accents.  These versatile complexion boosters will complete your mineral makeup application.  If you wish, add some mascara and lip color and you are ready to go!

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