Solving Skin Problems With Mineral Makeup

We all have them–aggravating complexion issues, that is. Whether you’re bothered by uneven skin pigment, red, splotchy skin, a sallow skin tone, or dark circles, you’re certainly not alone. Smart, disciplined skin care, coupled by a healthy diet high in the right oils and antioxidants, can prove helpful–as can regular exercise. But beyond this common wisdom, what can be done to create that clear, luminous, even-toned canvas we all seek?

Most complexion problems can be dramatically improved through strategic application of mineral makeup: mineral makeup is gentle, safe, and versatile for the skin. Further, its texture, pigment, and multitude of shades are easily adapted to all varieties of skin tones and issues. Mineral makeup, in fact, provides the perfect bag of tricks to easily erase flaws and highlight our best features.

• Uneven skin pigment: Brown spots, freckles and other such discolorations often result from sun damage and genetics. Uneven pigment can be  easily evened out by mineral concealer followed by mineral foundation. Just take your concealer brush or Half Moon brush and apply a thin layer of concealer to pigmented or discolored areas. Make sure to apply a shade the same tone as your skin: too light or too dark will draw attention to the areas you’re trying to hide. Start sheer and gradually build up until desired coverage is achieved. Follow concealer with foundation.
• Red, blotchy skin: Skin redness can arise from skin irritation, sun damage, genetics, Rosacea, or natural aging. No matter how skillfully other makeup is applied, red skin looks unflattering and doesn’t photograph well (red tones are intensified on film). The solution is easy, though. Simply select a foundation shade which contains a bit of yellow to neutralize redness. Alima’s Beige and Warm lines are particularly suited for this. If more intense neutralization is desired, apply a sheer layer of green color balancing powder and concealer, prior to foundation. Reddened skin is often best flattered by bronzer and/or peachy or brown toned blushes, rather than pink or reddish blushes.
• Sallow skin tone: While redness is often a complaint of those with pink undertones, sallow skin occurs frequently in skin with yellow or olive undertones. Sallow skin can resemble the charmingly sickly, yellow tone many of us take on while traveling long distances by boat or ship. As with redness, sallowness can be neutralized through correct application of select mineral makeup products. Before foundation, apply a layer of color correcting powder in either lavender or pink for an immediate, skin enlivening effect. Follow foundation with a complexion brightening blush; pinky-peach, or coral tones flatter many women. Sweep the blush from ear and toward the center of the face; this “backward motion” creates a very natural sheering of color toward the apples of the cheeks. Complete with a slight dusting of luminous shimmer powder along the tops of cheekbones.
• Dark Circles: Isn’t it annoying when, despite last night’s nine hours of sleep and this morning’s carefully applied eye makeup, somebody comments on how tired you look? Dark circles are another ubiquitous beauty complaint triggered by everything from genetics, allergies, illness, and lack of sleep, to aging skin and fat or volume loss. The good news is that dark circles can be skillfully covered, providing the appearance of instant refreshment. Here’s how: take your concealer brush or Half Moon brush and apply a thin layer of concealer in the darkened, half moon crevice under each eye. Apply sheerly and in layers, and only over darkened areas. Some find that foundation, when layered, works equally well. Follow with a light, eye- brightening shade of eye shadow, and try lining only upper eyelids.

For further tips, please refer to Alima Pure’s: Mineral Makeup E-book, easily downloadable from the Homepage.

For personalized product recommendations, please feel free to email or telephone our makeup artist anytime.