Don't Forget to Check!

I know it seems I have totally abandoned this blog. I haven't forgotten, just been busy keeping Stroke Of Grace (my current stroke recovery story) up to date, working on my fishing my latest book project, Harvesting Hope from Heartache (a devotional that primarily focuses on the fruit of the Spirit), and adding a lot of ideas to my InnerBeautyGirlz page and many other boards at Pintrest, what I really came here to be sure you knew about!

From Quotes & Thoughts

I'm really excited about this new, ever-growing, visual resource, especially the recent recipes where I learned about how to make your own mineral makeup or how to really whiten your teeth! :) Please let me know if you try these (or any others) and what you thought!

Healthy Makeup Application

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend exploring all the posts here at our Virtual Spa. I would like to take a moment now to put on my "mineral makeup consultant's hat" and share a few tips about makeup application and brush usage. I'll warn you upfront that this post will include some pretty unusual vidoe clips, but I hope you will learn a lot and enjoy the process. :)

After questions about how to select or apply makeup and proper color selection, the next most frequent set of questions I tend to get are about makeup brushes. I've posted a few articles about brushes in the past and wanted to build on that a bit more today. Most beauty experts recommend natural animal hair brushes for the highest quality application. Due to allergies, I personally will only use synthetic bristles. There are many great brushes available through my Affordable Mineral Makeup™ website as well as other sites. A fairly generic explanation of brush basics can be found at www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEx8Y2CIDcY.

For mineral makeup foundation application, I feel that nothing works as well as a Kabuki style brush, though some people are happy with the results they get when applying with a large, fluffy brush such as the one quickly demonstarted in this video clip.

There is an interesting video clip about Kabuki brushes that I have decided to share with you after debating back and forth quite a bit. The reason I hesitate to post it is because I cannot endore either the producer of the video nor the makeup brand he mentions in his clip. Yes, he...

This was honestly quite unsettling for me to watch the first time because I've never seen a man apply makeup (and we are InnerBeautyGIRLZ here afterall) but I'm going to go ahead and stretch myself to share it with you because the information and techniques he shares are some of the most clear and informative I've seen. So I hope you can glean the good from this video and enjoy learning about the two main styles of Kabuki brushes along with application tips and techniques for each. Check out Dome or Flat Top Kabuki? at www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZ7BwLgDBek

More information on selecting makeup brushes in general, with some specific attention given to eye makeup application can be found on this clip. You may also enjoy Tips for Eyeshadow Application, again with the understanding that I am not endorsing the makeup brands promoted in the video clip.

You may wonder why I am so passionate about only using pure mineral makeup brands such as Affordable Mineral Makeup™ (AMM). Believe it or not, it is not because I am a representative for this company that I talk about it so much. On the contrary, I decided to become an AMM rep because I already strongly believed in and regularly promoted treating my skin (the largest organ of my body) with care and avoiding as much chemical exposure as possible. I have a poor immune system and a lot of allergies and chemical sensitvities and AMM is one of the purest lines I've found, free of chemical additives and fillers like Bismuth, talc, cornstarch or other ingredients that can harbor bacteria or cause allergic reactions. I am happy to promote it because it is a quality product at a price I can justify affording.

You may not struggle with the same sensitivites I face, but I still challenge you to think about what you are putting on your skin and to look for the healthiest options possible. Even many mineral makeup brands on the market are still chemically-based makeups with some added minerals in hopes of marketing to the natural makeup crowd. Simply be aware that the name "mineral" in a makeup line does not automatically make it a healthy makeup alternative. Be an informed consumer, read the ingredients lists, and be sure you know what you are putting on your face and why. Affordable Mineral Makeup™ fully discloses all of our ingredients and the purpose for each one on our website. Check out the Compact for Safe Cosmetics as a great resource to learn about the health risks of various cosmetic lines.

I've had a few reader questions recently that I want to answer for everyone.

Affordable Mineral Makeup™ is a powder makeup. If you prefer liquid, you can mix the powder with a little water when you are ready to apply.


Affordable Mineral Makeup™ contains only a few ingredients (except where specifically noted as in products such as mascara, where you will still find only the highest quality, healthy ingredients, just a few more of them). Each ingredient has its own special quality and purpose in the makeup:
~Titanium Dioxide has waterproof and SPF properties while providing a Matte look.
~Mica has some transparent properties and allows the makeup to go on smoothly.
~Iron Oxides give the makeup its pigment.
~Zinc Oxide is known for its healing properties in problem skin such as rosacea and acne. It has the ability to stay on even while sweating and swimming, as well as offers protection from the sun's harmful UV rays.


And here are some things that set us apart from other companies:
No Bismuth
No talc
No cornstarch or other fillers (Because we have no organic materials in our products, our minerals have no need of an “expiration date”.)
No chemicals
No parabens
No petroleum, oils or dyes
No preservatives
No fragrances
No lead, like in others lipsticks
No animal testing
No animal by products (other than humane removal of hair for natural bristle brushes)
FREE random shade makeup sample included with each order
Fast PRIORITY shipping
No required auto shipments
Superior customer service
Monthly customer and consultant contests
Affordable prices
Large variety of products
Eco Friendly company
Proud Signers of the Compact for Safe Cosmetics at www.safecosmetics.org

Please share YOUR questions about mineral makeup and I'll gladly answer them as well.

Breaking out from makeup? Maybe it's your brush!

I know what it is like to respond to beauty products with skin sensitivities and allergic reactions. In fact, that's why I sought out mineral makeup in the first place, and why I stand behind a company with very careful limitations to our ingredients list. I had spent years trying to find a makeup I could wear without itchiness, breakouts or red, swollen eyes. It was so delighted to find that high quality brands (without additives and fillers) of mineral makeup not only prevented these reactions, but actually helped improve and heal my skin.

So imagine my surprise and frustration when, after successfully using mineral makeup for a while, I suddenly noticed some of my old problems starting to return! Was I developing an intolerance to these products as well? Very discouragd at the thought, I set out to research and experiment. Here is what I discovered:

Makeup brushes need to be washed regularly. If you are using your brushes on a daily basis, once a week is probably a good idea. Here's how:
- Find a gentle product (that you know that you are not allergic to!) like mild baby shampoo or, my personal favorite, a tea tree oil soap. Gently hand wash your brushes with just a drop or two of cleanser and running water. Continue to rinse until several seconds after your water runs absolutely clear. You may be amazed at how much product actually stores up inside your brush!
- Let your brush air dry by either hanging it upside down (without bristles touching anything) or lay it sideways at the edge of your sink so that bristles are totally surrounded by air. It is best NOT to stand your brush to dry as water can eventually loosen the glues that bind bristles to handle.
- You should find that a healthy habit of routinely washing your makeup brushes makes a huge difference in both the smoothness of your makeup application and the condition of your skin.

Taking proper care of cleanliness, yet still breaking out? Might you be allergic to your brush? While natural animal hair brushes such as sable, goat, pony are squirrel are generally preferred by professional makeup artist for their high quality, some of us are (or may become with regular usage) allergic to animals and their hair. I recently had to stop using my adorable and delightfully soft pink kabuki brush due to ongoing irritation.

Turns out there was absolutely no problem with my makeup at all, and the brush itself was wonderful, I just can’t tolerate goat hair! But I found a great alternative with the Kabuki Dior Synthetic brush, featuring top of the line taklon fibers that act and feel like natural hair. (Edited to add that since the original writing of this article this specific brush is no longer available, however we do offer other synthetic Kabuki brushes in our line.)



This 2” wide Kabuki Dior offers nearly 1 ¾” hair length (2 ¾” total length with ferrule). It is available in limited edition from www.InnerBeautyGirls.com by selecting the hot pink “Shop” link half way down the page, then choosing “Brushes and Accessories” from the product categories on the left.

Keep Your Necklace in Place

I discovered a fun tip while getting ready for church on Sunday. My necklace was just a little too long for the neckline of the dress I was wearing, plus it had a tendancy to drift the clap around front on an annoyingly regular basis. So I took a safety pin, ran it through the eye of the clasp, then through the zipper pull at the back of my dress. This pulled the necklace back just enough so that it stayed at the length I wanted, plus it prevented the clasp from creaping to my throat. (I have long hair that covered the safety pin, so I don't know if this would work with shorter hair.)

How to Apply Mineral Makeup

I pray that you enjoyed a delightful celebration of our Savior's birthday this week. How blessed we are!

If you are looking to purchase Affordable Minearl Makeup with Christmas gift money, please put the word thankyoumuch in the coupon section at checkout and it'll deduct 15% from your order from my website. (Valid from now through 12/31/07)

For anyone who is new to mineral makeup (maybe you found your first set hidden under your Christmas tree) here is a brief explanation of how to apply this unique beauty treat. :)

Applying Affordable Mineral Makeup:
If your container has shrink wrap on it, tap on lid before opening to get minerals down so when you open jar they don't go everywhere. If it has a seal over sifter section, remove this first otherwise minerals will not come out.

NOTE: Brushes may shed during usage, this is normal and will stop after some usage.

Place the bristles of your brush against the holes in the top of the shaker jar and invert the jar, adding minerals to your brush. Revert the jar to its upright position and remove the brush from the holes, tap the brush against a hard surface to nestle the minerals within the brush head. Or tap a small amount of minerals into the jar’s lid and swirl the brush into it, then tap the end of the brush onto the hard surface to embed the minerals.

To apply the minerals, start at the hairline and swirl onto your face in downward motions over your cheekbones and towards the nose. Start with a little and use more as needed, a little goes a long way so don't go crazy with the minerals.

Blemishes are a snap to hide, using a concealer brush, apply a small amount directly to the area and blend well.

Minerals can be used dry or wet.
If you're used to your liquid foundation and just can't give it up you can use affordable mineral makeup. Just add a few drops of water to the foundation in the lid of the sifter jar and mix until you've reached your desired consistency. You can apply with either a sponge or brush. Then apply the same way as mentioned above.

If you have dry or 'older' skin, try misting it before applying foundation and apply in downward motion. Then when the foundation is dry complete applying your blush, multipurpose, eyeshadow, veil.
Additionally if you want to set the makeup, mist your face to set it when completed.


If your foundation appears pasty, here are a few possibilities:
1. The brush.
The wrong brush can really make a difference in mineral makeup and not having the right kind will not give you proper application nor satisfaction with the products! Only Kabuki style brushes will give you the look you are trying for. Our kabukis are soft and well-made, applying the minerals with a light touch that looks and feels natural.

2. Too much product on the brush:
Mineral makeup is concentrated color, a little can go a long way so start slowly and work your way to perfect in layers, only using it where its needed.

3. The wrong shade:
Caught between a pink and a yellow? Minerals make it easy to blend shades to create your perfect skin tone, remember to blend well down your neck!


Mineral Veil Powders:
If you wear:
1, 3 or 7, choose the Petal Mineral Veil to complement your soft glow. If you find it too rosy, balance with a more yellow shade such as Angel.

If you wear:
10 then Tawny, the medium yellow setting powder would be the best choice.

Multi-Purpose Mineral Powders:
Note: blue and green shades are regulated to only be used on the eye area.

Create your own eye shadows using minerals by applying with an eye shadow brush! To use as a liner, wet a eye liner brush with water and dip into a multi-purpose mineral, blending the proper shade on the back of your hand. Then apply under and over your lashes for a dramatic look.

Use as a blush! Apply sparingly along the apples of your cheeks for a natural glow.

Lip Color: Simply dip your lip brush into clear lip gloss and dab into the mineral pot and apply for fabulous, one-of-a-kind shades.


Nail Polish: Because our pigment contains no dye, you do not need to apply a base coat. Simply use clear nail polish and dip the brush into the desired color and paint onto nails. For a darker color, use more powder. You can also mix our pigments into colored nail polish to change its tint.

Body Shimmer/Highlighter: dab our shimmers onto your cheekbones, shoulders, etc to give an extra shine.


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I am an independant consutant of Affordable Minearl Makeup. This article is copyrighted and belongs to Affordable Minearl Makeup. This article is not to be reproduced and is the sole property of Affordable Minearl Makeup.

No Detail Brush? Grab a Q-tip!

Need a fine detail brush for things like eyeliner appliation? Simply wet a Q-tip, twist to fine point, and use in place of a brush. This disposable tool is a healthy alternative to help avoid cross-contamination to the eye area that is so easily prone to infection.