The document provides an overview of mineral makeup, including how to find your foundation shade, apply foundation and concealer, use color balancing powders and blush, and tips for cleaning mineral makeup off at the end of the day. It discusses the generally beneficial properties of mineral cosmetics and provides a glossary of common mineral makeup ingredients.

1. Mineral Makeup 101
Everything you need to know to get started using mineral cosmetics
An Alima Pure eBook
www.alimapure.com

2. ! 2009 by Terresa Clark and Kate O’Brien
Copyright holder is licensing this under Creative Commons Attribution-
Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/us
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mailto:askus@alimapure.com
Please feel free to post this eBook on your blog, link to it, or email it to
whomever you believe would enjoy reading it.
Thank you.
© 2009 Alima Pure. All Rights Reserved 2

3. CONTENTS
Mineral Makeup is Easy p.4
Reveal Your Inner Artist p.5
Your Skin Will Thank You for It p.5
Begin With a Good Foundation p.6
If You Need Concealer p.11
Ready for a Break From Oiliness? p.14
How About a Color Boost? p.14
Want to Try a Little Finishing Powder? p.15
Go Ahead, Blush p.17
Please Don’t Sleep in it p.20
Glossary of Ingredients p. 21
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4. Mineral Makeup is Easy
You’re going to love how simple it is to apply. The colors are natural and
forgiving. It’s gentle, looks fabulous and wears beautifully. Best of all, it feels
great on the skin. It’s not rocket science, and there are no real rules. If you like
the way it looks, then it’s probably perfect.
© 2009 Alima Pure. All Rights Reserved 4

5. Reveal Your Inner Artist
Experiment with colors. Mineral blushes and bronzers can be
used as eyeshadows. Eyeshadows can be eyeliners (and vice The pigments in mineral
versa). Going to a winter opera? Use a soft, buttery yellow- cosmetics are generally
colored balancing powder under your foundation and an ethereal beneficial for the skin,
pink shimmer powder after for added elegance and radiance. offering sun protection
Heading out into a 100 degree, balmy, Indian summer day? Try and anti-inflammatory
finishing powder all by itself as a refreshingly light, mattifying properties in addition to
option. Every day offers a unique chance to assess your skin’s being non-comedogenic.
needs, have fun and play. The possibilities are endless. Plastic surgeons often
recommend them post-
surgery and,
Your Skin Will Thank You For It dermatologists love
In addition to being gorgeous and flexible, most mineral them.
cosmetics are free of conventional cosmetic chemicals that can
be irritating or worse. In true mineral cosmetics you won’t find talc,
dyes, fragrances, parabens, phthalates, cornstarch or
preservatives. To be sure you are getting the good stuff, always
read the label before you buy. The list of ingredients should be
short, sweet, and pronounceable.
5

6. Begin With a Good Foundation
STEP ONE: FIND YOUR COLOR
One of the nicest things about mineral makeup is the wide diversity of shades
available for every skin tone. Finding your color is simple. All you need is a
clean face, good lighting, a mirror and a few well-chosen samples. Armed with
these, you’re ready to start.
Look at the skin directly in front of your ear and down towards the jaw line.
Overlook any surface coloration, and you will notice that your skin has a
particular tone to it. This color (the color that exists behind surface
pigmentation, pinkness, redness, and so forth), is the skin’s undertone, and will
guide you in selecting your correct foundation shade. Yellowish undertones are
best with warm shades, while pinker undertones (rather than pink surface
coloration) do well with cooler shades. Complexions with both pink and yellow
undertones, or peachy undertones, are neutral.
To find your perfect shade, apply a line of foundation powder near your jaw line
and, if you like, your forehead. Notice how it looks initially, and then wait a bit
while the powder ‘melds’ with the skin. When you have found the correct
© 2009 Alima Pure. All Rights Reserved 6

7. color, the mineral makeup will impart a luminous finish that looks very natural.
Double check in natural sunlight, if possible, to be sure of a good match.
STEP TWO: APPLY
There are several ways to apply mineral foundation, and you may wish to
experiment. Before you start, be sure that your moisturizer is well absorbed.
This will prevent the minerals from ‘grabbing’ the skin unevenly.
Generally, most people find using a foundation brush to be quick and easy with
great results. It’s a good place to start. If you are going to use concealer, you
may wish to skip ahead, so that your concealer can be applied under your
foundation.
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8. USING A DRY FOUNDATION BRUSH:
• Pick up a small amount of powder from the top of the sifter jar with your
brush. The image at the left shows just how little you need to start.
• Tap off any excess.
• Using a small bowl, a clean tissue or the lid of the jar, swirl or tap the
brush to work the powder into the brush bristles. When you look at the
end of your brush, you should see only the slightest amount of powder.
• Gently sweep the brush over one area of your face in a downward motion.
• Repeat until your entire face has been covered, then add a second
application to areas that need more coverage.
© 2009 Alima Pure. All Rights Reserved 8

9. A final spritz of water to the face can both enhance luminosity and
add the perfect moisture balance if your skin tends to be dry.
Using several light applications to provide the desired coverage
Are you sensitive?
gives a more natural look than one heavier application. Excessive
Some people believe
buffing of mineral foundation into the skin is generally unnecessary.
mineral makeup bothers
their skin, when really it’s
USING A DAMP FOUNDATION BRUSH:
the ingredient bismuth
Some people find that the damp brush method of application gives
oxychloride, and/or
a perfect finish. This process provides slightly more coverage than
animal hair brushes.
the dry method.
Look for hypoallergenic,
• After you have worked the product into the brush, spritz the
synthetic brushes and a
brush (or flocked sponge) with a little water or facial mist. Just
bismuth-free foundation
a spritz is enough; you want the brush to be damp rather than
that will pamper your
wet.
skin.
• Then brush lightly onto the skin. As before, add a second
application to areas requiring more coverage. Alternatively, you
may wish to apply the powder with a dry brush, and then
blend it with a slightly dampened brush.
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10. USING A FLOCKED SPONGE:
• Pick up a small amount of powder and tap off excess.
• Dab the foundation powder onto each cheek, the nose, chin and
forehead, stroking in a downward direction.
• Then go back with your sponge and gently blend the foundation in each of
these sections. Apply more as needed.
USING MOISTURIZER OR ALOE VERA GEL:
People who prefer a dewier type of foundation may find that mixing the
foundation with their moisturizer or aloe vera gel and applying it as a liquid
foundation or tinted moisturizer works better for them. The foundation can then
be applied in its loose powder form, sheerly and over the top, to give extra
coverage if needed. This is also a good technique for skin experiencing
periods of unusual dryness due to climate or personal skin chemistry.
© 2009 Alima Pure. All Rights Reserved 10

11. If You Need Concealer
Concealer is perfect for those requiring extra coverage around the nose, under
the eyes, or for blemishes and areas of hyper-pigmentation. You may find that
your mineral foundation works well as a concealer and we recommend that you
try a bit to see whether it offers adequate coverage. In general, a light hand
with concealer offers the most natural looking results.
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12. BEFORE YOU APPLY:
Be sure that your moisturizer has been well absorbed. Try a little foundation first
to see if it provides enough extra coverage on its own. It’s best to apply
concealer before you apply foundation, in order to blend it well.
UNDER-EYE APPLICATION:
• Using a concealer brush, pick up a bit of concealer powder, and start at
the inner corner of the eye alongside the nose.
• With short strokes, apply concealer by brushing down and towards the
center of the face, but moving out from the nose as you go.
• Place concealer only where needed, and soften the edges by blending
outwards. If you have laugh lines, you may wish to avoid applying to the
outer-eye area.
© 2009 Alima Pure. All Rights Reserved 12

13. BLEMISH APPLICATION:
• For spots, blemishes or small areas of hyperpigmentation on the face,
use a small concealer brush.
• Pick up a small amount of product and apply it precisely on the area to
be covered. Do not extend past the discolored area if possible.
• Apply your foundation over the top of the concealer and then, if more
coverage is desired, add a little more concealer.
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14. Ready for a Break From Oiliness?
Primer powders absorb oil while providing a smooth base for foundation.
They are entirely optional, but if your skin tends to be oily you may find
them helpful. Just a touch can keep oiliness in check for hours.
BEFORE YOU APPLY:
Be sure that moisturizer, if used, is well absorbed.
APPLICATION:
Apply a sheer layer beneath your foundation using a fluffy powder brush,
foundation brush, or flocked sponge. Avoid dry-skin areas – you may just
need a bit in your T-zone. Now you’re ready for concealer and/or
foundation.
How About a Color Boost?
Color balancing powders subtly enhance the complexion while
minimizing discoloration. They’re perfect for brightening the complexion
and for toning down redness.
© 2009 Alima Pure. All Rights Reserved 14

15. BEFORE YOU APPLY:
Be sure that moisturizer, if used, is well absorbed. If you are using primer
powder it can go over or under color balancing powder.
APPLICATION:
Apply a sheer layer beneath your foundation with a fluffy powder brush or
flocked sponge. Color balancing powders are generally used under
foundation (especially greenish ones!), but yellow, pink and lavender can
also work as finishing powders.
SHADES:
• Green: perfect for balancing ruddiness caused by Rosacea or
irritated, sensitive skin.
• Violet: enlivens sallow, dull complexions.
• Pink: perks up pale, tired skin and imparts radiance.
• Yellow: softly brightens tired, dull skin and can also help to counter
mild redness and dark circles.
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16. Want to Try a Little Finishing Powder?
Mineral foundation generally works beautifully on its own, but you may enjoy the
additional mattifying or ‘soft-focus’ effects of a finishing powder. On casual,
‘good skin’ days, you may even prefer to wear finishing powder alone.
BEFORE YOU APPLY:
Be sure that your moisturizer is well absorbed, and your mineral foundation
applied, if desired.
APPLICATION:
Pick up a little powder on a fluffy powder brush. Tap off the excess, and lightly
brush the powder over your face in a downward motion. Done.
© 2009 Alima Pure. All Rights Reserved 16

17. Go Ahead, Blush
Mineral blush is all about bringing your inner beauty to the surface. You don’t
need much because it’s richly pigmented. Start with just a touch (it’s amazing
how little you need) – you can always add more.
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18. BEFORE YOU APPLY:
Be sure that your moisturizer is well absorbed, and your mineral foundation
applied, if desired.
APPLICATION:
• Pick up a bit of blush with a soft brush and swirl the brush in the lid of
your blush jar to evenly distribute the powder. You should see only a hint
of powder on the bristles of the brush.
• Apply your blush in a gentle arc from the apples of your cheeks (smile
and you can’t miss them) outward and slightly up. It is best not to bring
the color all the way to your hairline. Blend outward and slightly down for
a natural effect.
• Start with a light layer - you can always add more.
TRY THESE TIPS FOR PERFECT MINERAL BLUSH APPLICATION:
• Pick a color that gives the skin a healthy glow and looks like your own
natural flush. Warmer (yellower) complexions will want a peachier shade;
cooler (pinker) skin tones may need a pinker base.
© 2009 Alima Pure. All Rights Reserved 18

19. • Your face will look fuller with blush concentrated on the apples of your
cheeks. Conversely, your face will look narrower with blush angled out
toward your temples (blend well at outer edges and slightly down to
avoid a horizontal stripe).
• Stronger lip colors call for more muted blushes, while more pronounced
blush is better with subtle lip color. Too much of both can look a bit
clownish.
• Paler skin tones are best with paler blush, and deeper skin tones with
more pronounced color (you knew that).
• Coordinate your blush to your lip color - pink or red lips with pink blush,
coral lips with apricot or peach blush, rose lips with rose cheeks and
bronze lips with bronze cheeks
• If you find you have applied too much blush, or if you’d like a touch less
shimmer, sweep a little finishing powder or foundation over the top to
tone it down.
• If you prefer a subtle shimmer, blushes can be a layered – a little
shimmer powder over a matte blush can be lovely too.
• Create a gorgeous gel blush by mixing a bit of your favorite mineral blush
with a dab of aloe vera gel, or try using moisturizer for a cream blush.
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20. Please Don’t Sleep in It
Once you've found the correct shade and worked out your best application
method, mineral foundation seems to melt into your skin and almost become
part of it, giving that natural and healthy glow. Mineral pigments are remarkably
longwearing while looking as if you have nothing on your skin. The slight
downside to this situation is that sometimes minerals remain on the skin after
you have attempted to remove them. You may find that you need to modify
your cleansing routine. Doing so is simple, easy and provides immediate
benefits.
A cleanser with some oil in it will help to loosen the minerals from the skin, and
gentle exfoliation will take care of the rest. For a cleanser, you can use a lovely
natural cleanser with oils, or even just use pure oil. Gentle exfoliation can come
in the form of a Microfiber Cloth, used to remove any remaining cleanser after
rinsing, or from a natural scrub or masque, used several times a week. Using
these two steps should remove all of the minerals from your face, and help to
improve overall skintone, allowing you to start fresh the next day!
© 2009 Alima Pure. All Rights Reserved 20

21. Glossary of Ingredients
You don’t need a degree in pharmacology to make informed choices about
your cosmetics. Read labels and familiarize yourself with the ingredients, just as
you do with the food you eat. It’s surprisingly easy.
Ferric Ferrocyanide (CI 77510): an inorganic mineral salt used to provide a rich
blue color in cosmetics. Cosmetic-grade ferric ferrocyanide is approved for use
on the eyes and face in the U.S., and on lips, eyes and face in the European
Union and Japan.
Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499): synthetic, inorganic compounds
created from purified, oxidized iron. Iron oxides range in shade from yellow to
red, brown and black. Approved for use in cosmetics in the U.S., E.U. and
Japan.
Kaolin (CI 77004): a hydrated aluminum silicate, also known as china clay. It’s
very pure, soft and matte, and is highly prized for its gently absorptive
properties and lustrous feel. Approved for use in cosmetics in the U.S., E.U.
and Japan.
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22. Mica (CI 77019): an inorganic, colorless silicate mineral used in cosmetics to
provide silkiness, luster and adhesion. Mica is available in many grades, with a
range of textures from matte to shimmery. Some grades are known as sericite,
which is a matte form of mica. Approved for use in cosmetics in the U.S., E.U.
and Japan.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891): a naturally occurring oxide of titanium, generally used
as a pigment. Cosmetics grades are extremely pure and highly prized as an
effective non-chemical sunscreen. (Alima Pure does not use nano-sized
titanium dioxide in our formulas.)
Ultramarines (CI 77007): a blue inorganic mineral pigment composed of complex
sodium aluminum sulfosilicates.
Zinc Oxide (CI 77947): an inorganic chemical compound found in nature as
zincite. Refined zinc oxide is used in cosmetics as a white pigment, and is
highly prized as a non-chemical sunscreen. It is also regarded as anti-microbial
and wound healing. (Alima Pure does not use nano-sized zinc oxide in our
formulations.)
© 2009 Alima Pure. All Rights Reserved 22