Despite some experts insistence that mineral makeup is simply the best for women over 50, some Vibrant Nation members have tried and didn’t like the result of using the powdery foundation.
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For example, susanpariseau said, ” I tried two different mineral makeups BareMinerals and Raw Minerals
and wasn’t happy with either. I have fine lines on my face especially around my mouth, unsure if from smoking or just in my chemistry but the makeup highlighted every line it was horrible. I just use a bronzing lotion and go natural now.
TXButterfly had a similar experience after buying a starter kit of Bare Minerals. “…I feel like it settles into the lines on my face and makes me look dried up and wrinkly,” she said. “Am I applying too much? To tell you the truth, I’m cosmetic-impaired: somehow I just never learned to use foundation, and I’ve never been able to do it in a way that looks natural to me and not ‘made up.’”
TXButterfly may have hit upon the problem, because many VN members have talked about the trick to mineral makeup being its unique application. In other words, it’s not only important what brand of mineral makeup you use, but that you know the tricks and tips for applying mineral makeup.
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Tips and tricks for applying mineral makeup
The following are makeup tips and tricks for using mineral makeup provided by Vibrant Nation members:
Sue6 provided several pointers for creating a smooth and even finish when using mineral makeup:
Start with a moisturized but dry face – Give yourself a minute to allow your moisturizer to dry before applying your mineral powder.
Swirl, tap, and buff – Put a bit of powder in the jar lid and swirl your brush into the minerals. Go around the lid three times with the Buki brush to pick up the product. Next, tap your Buki brush two times to release excess powder. Then, buff it onto your face. Start with a thin layer and add layers as needed. Remember to brush in a downward direction on the sides of the face to avoid fluffing up the small hairs on the cheeks.
Use a Buki brush (also called a Kabuki brush) – Sue6 emphasized that it’s vital to use the right type of brush to get a flawless finish with mineral makeup. “…It’s worth investing in a good buki brush,” she advises. “A buki brush is a soft dome shaped brush that is especially effective at applying mineral powder and buffing the product onto the skin. It is designed specifically to apply the product evenly around the nose, mouth and eyes.”
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Find the right shade for your skin – Remember that mineral powders reflect light, so you’ll want to choose a color that’s a shade or two darker than your usual liquid foundation. “If your foundation looks powdery after you’ve applied it, wait five or ten minutes and check again,” Sue6 advises. “The minerals meld with the oils of the skin and look natural in a short time. If they continue to look powdery your shade is too light” and you should consider switching to the next darker shade.
VN member SIZZELN agrees that finding the right color is key to a beautiful finish, and you may need more than one shade depending on the season. “…My person who mixes for me, I need two shades. One for winter (lighter) and one for summer (darker), brown skin American. In between seasons blend the two going darker or lighter with season.”
Don’t use too much mineral powder – Mineral makeup is intended to be applied in layers, Sue6 advises. “Start with one light layer and see if the coverage is what you want, if not apply additional layers till you reach the glow that simply can’t be duplicated by other types of makeup.”
Stay hydrated – Some members have complained that mineral makeup makes them look dry. Anna Carlson says, ” I love Bare Minerals – I use a face serum underneath, then apply. That might help with the dryness.”
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Where’s the best place to buy mineral makeup
If you’re ready to buy mineral makeup, Vibrant Nation members have also provided some tips for finding the best deals on the sometimes-expensive cosmetics:
- EyesLipsFace.com
Cobrateacher says,
“I love the quality and especially the priced at ELF (Eyes, Lips, Face) Most of their products are only $1 each, and the mineral products are usually $5. I’ve often gotten free shipping or discounts, too. I wouldn’t bother if the quality weren’t truly wonderful!” - Ebay.com
Pamela4 says,
“I buy my favorite makeup brands on e-bay. E-bay sellers can only sell new makeup so everything is new. …I love Jane Airdale Mineral Makeupand I get it on e-bay. Recently, I spotted a Bobbi Brown “Summer Nudes” eyeshadow tray that included 8 shadows at Macy’s but it was $64. Not happening. I got it on e-bay for $34.99.”
- BareMinerals.com
dbeth52 says,
“I buy my BareMinerals make-up from Sephora, QVC, or BareMinerals site. Whichever has the best deal. Over the years, I have tried lots….drugstore brands, Avon, Arbonne, MaryKay, etc., but BareMinerals works the very best for me. No breakouts, no T-zone shine after a few hours like with all others, and my face looks and feels great.” - MotivesCosmetics.com
rkaster says,
“absolutely the best I have used. Mineral Foundations. Beautiful, face, eyes, nail colors. Great anti-aging skin care too! Even have tips on this site.. check it out!!”
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Are you ready to try some mineral makeup?
Find out which mineral makeups are
most recommended by women over 50 in
Best makeup over 50: Mineral makeup we love
I have used Bare Minerals for several years now and wouldn’t go back to a liquid foundation for anything! I started using it in my mid forties because the liquid would cause me to have breakouts and I felt it looked too much like a mask on my skin. I find the mineral make-up works best for me if I use a very thin layer–especially around the eyes where I have those fine lines. I don’t put any on my lids. The tip in the article is correct–you need to invest in a good Buki brush. If you take care of them, they last a long time.
that I brush lightly over my cheeks and under my eyes after all my other make up is on. It reflects light and gives your skin a dewy look. I now get complements on my skin frequently.
Bare Minerals also has a product called Pure Radiance
I’ve used a variety of mineral products. I suspect that many of them are made by the same manufacturer. They seem to have very similar addresses. I love mineral makeup. If I can’t get the right shade, I often experiment and combine shades to come up with one that works for me. My main facial treatment, however, after cleansing and moisturizing, is applying a primer. Bare makes one, as does Purity and Everyday. Also love the Velvet Skin Coat from DHC. Primer fills in all the lines and helps make the makeup look smoother. It also helps keep the makeup on my face so it doesn’t ‘slide’ down my chin in hot humid weather.
I use ColorScience Primer and ColorScience Sheer Creme makeup. It is a “whipped mousse” texture and comes in a small pump dispenser. The makeup glides on and looks very natural. I’ve been using this brand for a couple of years and I love it. I often get compliments on my skin and I credit the makeup. I buy it through my dermatologist’s office but they have a website.
I mix it with my moisturizer and it’s perfect.
My experience has been both great and bad. Specifically, I now know that there are extreme differences in quality. Many of the products contain talc and bismuthoxichloride (I hope I spelled that correctly) which DO settle into your lines and pores, the bismuth is a skin irritant. Bare Minerals is just one. I now use Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics, which has none of those and is 100% Pure and clean of all products. I like the dry powders which have an SPF 20 but they are water resistant so they don’t come off when I’m excercising, “hot flashing” or gardening. They have this really great liquid that firms the skin, you can see it work! and another cream that has spf 25, weightless full coverage. I’m hooked! Check out their website, get to know ingredients and remember you get what you pay for. (although I don’t think this is expensive)
Also they taught me to NOT do the tap, buff and swirl, it lifts the small hairs on your face and leaves it looking rough. They only go in one downward direction. And…sorry I keep going on, I’m excited. LOVE THE HYDRATION SPRAYS!!!
Been using Jane Iredale for years and LOVE it. She has a compressed base, which makes application much easier to control.