Mineral powder foundation is still a popular choice in makeup ever since it first emerged in the mid 1970s—and it is not showing any signs of disappearing.
One of the perks to using a powder is that it can easily even out the complexion without looking like you’re wearing heavy makeup. Plus, the natural minerals can do some nice things to help your skin that other foundations can’t do.
Another advantage to using this type of foundation is the absence of water, which reduces bacteria and gives it longer shelf life. Mineral powder contains natural ingredients, as well as skin-enhancing properties leading to fewer breakouts. This type of foundation also provides buildable coverage and long-lasting wear during the day.
In fact, when applied well, mineral powder foundation can look better several hours after putting it on than right after application!
As anyone who has used mineral makeup can testify, the powder can be a bit tricky to apply until you get the hang of it.
Here are some tried-and-true steps to achieving a flawless complexion using mineral makeup.
Exfoliate
First, prep your skin before using powder. Exfoliate any dead skin cells so that skin is smooth before beginning. Otherwise, the powder can get stuck on flaky skin.
I like using Tata Harper’s Regenerating Cleanser with apricot seed powder to remove dead skin cells and white willow bark extract to exfoliate. Once a week, I use something stronger like Rena Levi’s The Amazing Scrub, aptly named as it’s like microdermabrasion in a jar. You can actually feel your skin tingling hours after you have washed it off.
Moisturize
Once you start with a smooth surface, a good moisturizer patted into the skin is a must, especially if you have drier skin. For more mature skin, I like using versatile pure oils like Josie Maran’s argan oil.
Sugared Beauty offers a menu of some of my favorite skin treats: organic, unrefined coconut oil; organic, raw shea butter; organic argan oil; and raw grapeseed oil [See sidebar]. For oilier skin, Arcona’s Magic White Ice has a gel-like consistency and ingredients that are suited for balancing out that skin type.
