An Overview of Mineral Makeup

If you are wondering whether to buy traditional or mineral makeup, it is essential that you understand the differences between the two. Technically, you can consider most makeup to be “mineral” as many ingredients in them are present in pure mineral makeup too. The difference lies in what is excluded in mineral makeup – preservatives, parabens, fragrance or other harsh and toxic chemicals. Hence, mineral makeup is ideal for all sensitive skin-types that are prone to breaking out into rashes.

When buying the best mineral makeup, make sure that you know what goes into it because some of them contain minerals coated with silicone or parabens. These have a drying effect on the complexion. Authentic mineral makeup will have mica, titanium dioxide, iron oxides without anything derived from parabens, alcohol or glycerin.

Mineral makeup is good for dry, sensitive skin as well as the oily type. It is the ideal choice if you have sensitive skin with acne concerns, eczema and psoriasis since it is hypoallergenic due to the absence of binders, fillers and other artificial ingredients. On the other hand, natural minerals absorb oils and hence mineral makeup is right if you have oily skin. 

Before shifting to mineral makeup, start with a sample-size product and use it for a couple of days to know how the skin reacts to it. Always read the ingredients composition to ensure that it does not have anything that you are allergic to. Finally, read the instructions for use as every mineral makeup is unique in its way.        

A Low-down on Kabuki Brushes – All that you need to Know

A kabuki brush, often referred to as the mushroom brush has a rounded head with dense bristles on a short stem. However, there are kabuki brushes with a flat head too. Traditionally, the brushes were made of goat or horse hair, but now, synthetic materials have replaced animal hair.

Origins of kabuki brushes

Kabuki brushes are named after a form of Japanese theatre that goes back to the 1600s. This style of drama was characterized by actors who wore elaborate makeup for each performance. Before each act, the actors were required to wear heavy makeup that focused on the role they were to play. The makeup was Kesho, white powdered rice that was applied evenly on the faces with short stem brushes. These came to be known as kabuki brushes.

Usage of kabuki brushes

A kabuki brush for powder is primarily used to apply loose powdered makeup on large surfaces of the face. This might include face powder, blush or foundation. The broad and rounded head helps to blend the powdered makeup evenly and smoothly on the skin. This gives a very natural look since the foundation, or the powder is buffed into the surface in a perfect coverage.

While the regular kabuki brushes have rounded heads, there are ones that have angled, dome, and flat shaped heads, each having a different effect when makeup is applied with them. It is, therefore, necessary to choose the one that suits you with care.         

Why Face Oil is Critical for your Overall Skincare Routine

The importance of using a facial oil 

 Facial oils are the latest trend in the beauty world, and women have taken to it in a big way. But do they stand up to all the hype being generated? Without being dramatic, it can be said that the right facial oil could actually be the most life-changing beauty care product you have. Look at Sophia Loren at 84. Her drop-dead looks are attributed to bathing in olive oil while Megan Fox’s dewy complexion is said to be the end result of using grapeseed oil.

What does good facial oil do? It protects the skin from future moisture loss and also tops-up the skin’s natural moisture levels. Hydration is the key to youthful and smooth complexion, and facial oil holds the key to it. And it is not only dry skin that benefits from facial oils, it is possible to have both dehydrated and oily skin simultaneously, and hence facial oil can make a significant difference in all cases. The secret is to know which facial oil is right for you and how you should blend it into your everyday skincare routine. 

Facial oil for foundation
Winter brings along its unique problems. Outside, your skin is hit by freezing winds and once you move inside, you are enveloped by stale and dry heated air. Your skin becomes dry, dull and develops oily patches since it loses moisture, leading to a cakey-looking foundation. To ensure that the skin is moisturized at all times, mix a few drops of facial oil to the foundation just before application. Not only will it increase the quality of the foundation many times over, top-of-the-line facial oil for foundation also protects the skin below from the severity of winter. 

There are many advantages of using facial oil for foundation. Serums such as argan oil have natural antioxidants, hydrators and anti-inflammatory ingredients that change the texture of the foundation, resulting in a more dewy and natural look. Further, adding oil to foundation leads to less usage of the product. You will also find it a lot easier to blend the foundation into your natural look. However, if you prefer a matte look, pat the foundation over with a translucent powder. 

Do not overdo the facial oil part when you mix with foundation. Facial oils have a highly concentrated form of nutrients. Just a few drops of oil are enough to cover your whole face and provide all that your skin needs.