Although mineral make-up was originally created for people with sensitive, problematic skin, it can be enjoyed by all women, no matter their age or skin type.
It’s growing in popularity as a natural, chemical-free way to make up our faces, protect our skin from pollution, and is used in cosmetic clinics for healing and helps to camouflage redness post-treatments.
Los Angeles-based International Make-up Educator for Jane Iredale, Natalie Soto-Carlisle, explains how to wear it.
What should we look for when choosing mineral make-up?
Labels are very important. Not all mineral make-up is created equal, so you really need to make sure that the quality of the ingredients are there. For example, talc is a mineral but you don’t want to have any in your mineral make-up because that’s what will make your skin look dry and dehydrated. It also photographs white.
What about choosing between liquid, pressed or powder?
It really depends on the finish and coverage you enjoy. If you like a really glowy finish, I would suggest a liquid or a cream. If you want something semi-matte with full coverage, opt for a pressed powder, while loose powder is a lovely option for a more mature skin because it makes skin just look like skin.
Why would I choose mineral over other foundation?
It’s healthy for the skin and it’s a skincare-infused foundation, concealer, sunscreen and powder, all in one product.
Any special application techniques for mature skin?
I recommend prepping the skin with a primer to help ensure your make-up doesn’t settle into fine lines and open pores. Always use downward strokes when applying your minerals. Our minerals are milled more than a dozen times so they don’t require buffing because they sit like tiles on a roof. Other mineral powders may require you to buff them into the skin to break down the pigment. As a general rule, use 1-2 strokes over each area for a light finish, and 3 strokes for a really full coverage. I like to set minerals with a hydration spray. As we age, we often lose a lot of moisture in our skin. The hydration spray works as a replacement for that so your skin still looks like skin.
What would you like to see women doing less of?
Wearing too much make-up. Keep the look very simple and very clean.
… and more of?
A light coloured concealer is a must for mature women. I like to use it above the cheekbone instead of a shimmer highlighter and blend it along, right into the hairline to instantly give the face a lift.
Any tips for wearing colour?
I always like to add a little extra colour by way of blush right on the apple of the cheek to create a more youthful effect. Rule of thumb, use your thumb! Place your thumb next to the side of your nose. No colour should be between your nostril and your cheek because putting colour here adds about 10 years.
How about eye make-up?
A lot of times we hear people say if you’re over a certain age, don’t use shimmer, but that is one of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to make-up. It’s all about placement. So if I’m using shimmer, I use it only on the lid area, never past, because that will make the crease area look a little droopy. Also brighter lights, such as sherbet shades rather than bold brights, will help to open up the eye area. Be careful with eyeliner. If you rim the entire bottom of the eye, that can make them look smaller. Use a pencil to frame the outer corner with a tiny upward angle at the end (not quite a wing) to create a lift. Finish with mascara.
Lips?
I’m a big believer in priming the lip to smooth out any lines and prevent bleeding of lipstick. I use Jane Iredale Absence, which is a face primer around the lip area, then go over the top with minerals, before finally applying lip colour.
