How to Apply Mineral Foundation

Last Updated: March 24, 2023 References

Mineral makeup is a natural and gentle alternative to traditional makeup. Mineral makeup products don’t contain the chemicals that cause some people to break out, or aggravate sensitive skin conditions. When applied in light layers with a buffing motion, mineral makeup also looks extremely natural.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Preparing Your Skin for Mineral Foundation

1
Cleanse your face. When you apply makeup, you should always start with clean hands and a fresh canvas. Wash your hands with soap and warm water. Cleanse your face with your regular face wash. Pat your face dry with a clean towel. Before you move on to the next step, allow your skin to rest for 2 to 3 minutes.
- If you don’t have sensitive skin, consider using a gentle exfoliator.^{[1]
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EXPERT TIP

Cassandra McClure
Makeup Artist
Cassandra McClure is a clean beauty advocate, working to increase use of sustainable and healthy cosmetics, based in Palo Alto, California. She has worked in the beauty and cosmetic industries for over 15 years, as a model, makeup artist, and entrepreneur. She has a Masters in High Definition Makeup from the MKC Beauty Academy.

Cassandra McClure
Makeup Artist

Better preparation leads to a smoother finish. Makeup artist Cassandra McClure says: "No matter what type of foundation you're wearing, you need to cleanse, tone, exfoliate, and moisturize your skin. With mineral makeup, that will ensure that the powder can sit smoothly on the surface of your skin, instead of just on top of dead skin cells."
2
Moisturize your face. Mineral makeup will not adhere, or bond, to dry skin. Applying moisturizer to your face will help your makeup stick to your face and last throughout the day. Wash and dry your hands. Use your clean fingers to apply moisturizer to your face a neck. Let the product settle into your skin for ten minutes.
- If you have oily skin, consider applying a mineral-based makeup primer in addition to your moisturizer.^{[2]
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3
Apply a mineral concealer to dark spots and blemishes. Concealer provides additional coverage for dark spots, red patches, and blemishes. To apply this product, use a concealer brush. Move the brush over the area you wish to cover in the feathery strokes. Apply several light layers of concealer to the area.
- Apply a green mineral concealer to red patches of skin.
- Apply a yellow mineral concealer to mask dark circles.
- Apply a concealer matches your skin tone to blemishes.
- This product should be applied before you put on mineral foundation.^{[3]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Applying Mineral Foundation

1
Load up the kabuki brush with mineral foundation. Mineral foundation is traditionally applied with a kabuki brush. This large makeup brush is designed to buff on the mineral makeup in large, circular motions and its short bristles provide fuller coverage. The brush also holds a lot of powder.
- Pour, or tap, a small amount of mineral powder into the lid of the jar. You will need less powder than you expect—a little goes a long way.
- Swirl your kabuki brush inside of the lid until it takes up all of the mineral powder.
- Tap the brush on the side of the lid to remove any excess powder.
EXPERT TIP

Cassandra McClure
Makeup Artist
Cassandra McClure is a clean beauty advocate, working to increase use of sustainable and healthy cosmetics, based in Palo Alto, California. She has worked in the beauty and cosmetic industries for over 15 years, as a model, makeup artist, and entrepreneur. She has a Masters in High Definition Makeup from the MKC Beauty Academy.

Cassandra McClure
Makeup Artist

Avoid products with talc or mica. Makeup artist and clean beauty advocate Cassandra McClure says: "It's important to pay attention to the ingredients in your mineral makeup, because some brands contain talc and mica, which can be dangerous if they're inhaled. That's why it's a good idea to buy from brands that are socially and environmentally conscious, like companies that are B Corp certified or verified by the Environmental Working Group, or EWG."
2
Buff the mineral foundation onto your skin. Mineral foundation is applied to the face in a light, circular motion. This method of application ensures even, full coverage. Begin by framing your face with the mineral makeup. Gradually fill in the remaining areas—don’t forget to apply the mineral foundation to your ears, eyelids, neck, and underneath your chin.^{[4]
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3
Continue to build up the coverage in light layers. Mineral foundation should be gradually built up in thin layers. This will create a natural look.
- Reload your kabuki brush with more mineral powder.
- Apply the product to your face and neck with large circular brushstrokes.
- Repeat if needed.^{[5]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Applying Mineral Blush or Bronzer, Eyeshadow, and Finishing Veil

1
Add color to your cheeks with a mineral blush and/or bronzer. After you’ve applied the mineral foundation, you can add a flush of color to your cheeks with a mineral blush. If you prefer a sun-kissed look, apply a mineral bronzer to your face.
- Tap a very small amount of blush or bronzer into the lid—use much less powder than you think you may need.
- Swirl your powder brush inside the cap until all of the blush or bronzer is gone.
- Tap the brush on the side of the lid.
- Apply a small amount of blush to the apples of your cheeks and brush back towards your hairline.
- Apply a small amount of bronzer to your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin.^{[6]
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2
Make your eyes pop with mineral eyeshadow. Tap, or pour, a tiny amount of mineral eyeshadow into the jar’s lid. Swirl your eyeshadow brush around the lid until it contains all of the mineral powder. Tap off the brush on the side of the lid. Apply the eyeshadow from the outer corner of your eye to the inner corner with quick, downward strokes.
- To complete the look, add mineral mascara to your lashes. ^{[7]
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3
Complete your natural look with a mineral finishing veil. Mineral veil is a finishing powder. This product will give you a nice, healthy glow while helping to keep your makeup in place. To apply this product:
- Pour, or tap, a small amount of the powder into the container’s lid.
- Swirl your kabuki brush around the inside of the lid until all of the mineral veil is gone.
- Tap the brush on the side of the lid.
- Apply the mineral veil to your face and neck with large, circular brush strokes.^{[8]
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"Mineral powder can absorb shine, set makeup, and even reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines."

Cassandra McClure
Makeup Artist
Cassandra McClure is a clean beauty advocate, working to increase use of sustainable and healthy cosmetics, based in Palo Alto, California. She has worked in the beauty and cosmetic industries for over 15 years, as a model, makeup artist, and entrepreneur. She has a Masters in High Definition Makeup from the MKC Beauty Academy.

Cassandra McClure
Makeup Artist

Community Q&A

Question

Buff, mineral foundation, finishing powder. Is that the order to apply them?

Community Answer

Yes!
Question

How to apply MAC Mineralized Makeup?

Wikihowhelperlena

Community Answer

You apply it the same way you would any other makeup. You can use either a brush or a beauty sponge to apply the make up to your face. Look up tutorials online if this wasn't clear enough.
Question

What is considered a "small amount"?

Community Answer

Two pumps. Honestly, just put how much you think you need. People's faces need different amounts of foundation.

Warnings

It's not recommended to sleep in ANY sort of make-up, so while this might not have the chemicals that can harm your skin, it still covers your skin. Pores open and skin heals when you sleep, so wash your face before bed. You can use water to get it off of your skin if you are not wearing any other makeup.

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Though some brands claim to have an SPF, you might still want to use a sunscreen if you plan to be outside.

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Some people are allergic to the minerals. If your skin gets itchy, or red, then you might not be able to use this type of foundation.

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