How to: Apply mineral makeup – part 2

How to choose the right mineral makeup brush

In this second part I will present you how to choose the right mineral makeup brush.On the market there are many different mineral makeup brands that offer a variety of makeup brushes. If you are attached to one brand of minerals that offer also brushes, you can obviously purchase brushes from them. This is not necessarily the best option. I’d suggest you to check and invest in good quality brushes that will last a long time, if you will properly take care of them. Most often mineral makeup brushes are cruelty free. That means they are made with synthetic fibers. Not every brand of minerals offer synthetic brushes, so take a look to the detailed description if you want to purchase cruelty free brushes.

The difference between mineral and liquid foundation application

– Minerals come in form of powders

– Mineral makeup is about adding layers of different powders (primer,color corrector, foundation, finishing powder, bronzer)

– The key is to apply minerals with a light hand and to blend well

– Using circular motion while applying mineral powders

Because of  these reasons mineral brushes have a high density of fibers, they are firmer and they should be soft. The main task of mineral brushes is to distribute evenly the powder, so that you won’t look like wearing a mask. The makeup has to be natural, flawless and distributed evenly.

Mineral foundation brush

is the only brush that is quite different from liquid foundation brushes. Usually mineral foundation brushes are quite large, so that you have more control when applying powders and achieving an even layer of foundation. However, you also have to choose the right brush for you face. There is no special rule to say that just one type of brush is good for applying mineral makeup. There is a huge choice of brushes, so take a look and choose the brush that suits your hand and face. Some prefer short handles like kabuki brush, other are more comfortable with long handles. The brush should have dense fibers, but if you prefer a tapered brush instead of a flat one, go for it! With tapered shapes you can reach corners and spaces around the nose, under the eye,… With a flat and large brush you can blend and buff quicker and better. This is good when you don’t have much concealing. A flawless complexion is achieved just in a few circular motions.

Among most popular mineral foundation brushes are kabuki brushes. Kabuki brush derives from the Japanese culture/theatre. They have a short handle and a very large form with a lot of bristles. I also like the kabuki for applying bronzer on the body.

Other mineral foundation brushes come in a form that is flat or oval shaped on top, with a high density of fibers. This way buffing and blending become very easy.

Almost every brand of mineral makeup provides an entire collection of brushes for eyes, cheeks and lips that you can use also with other products, not just minerals. Their shape is the same as other cosmetic brushes. There is no difference in choosing special brushes for mineral eyeshadow, blush or concealer. The most important is to choose a good selection of brushes that will suit your needs and last long time.

On the top picture you can see different forms and brands of brushes for mineral powders. From left to right (top): Jane Iredale Kabuki brush, (bottom): Everyday minerals long handled kabuki, Everyday minerals Large Mineral Brush, Everyday minerals Tapered Sculpting Face Brush, Organic glam powder brush, (top): Alima pure blush brush and Kitten brush, (bottom left): Jane Iredale Dome brush, (bottom right): Alima pure foundation brush

There is another type of mineral foundation application; with a sponge, even though I don’t prefer it. Instead, when I finish, I tap the face with a damp brush or sponge to set the makeup and refresh the face. This way the makeup seems also more natural cause it becomes one with the skin.

That’s all about mineral makeup brushes for now. I will surely write more about other makeup brushes in the future; they are really my passion and obsession. If you have any questions about minerals or brushes, please let me know.