Before You Buy Blush Consider This

The right blush during the right time of day is key. But how to pick the perfect blush? Should you go powder, cream, tint, shimmer or gel? There are many different types out there so here I run down the 5 main types so you can choose what kind you need & when (day or night?)!
Powder Blush
Powder blush is great for all skin types, but best for oily skin and anyone looking for long-lasting color (it's the densest of the blushers).

* The Right Way to Apply Blush

Cream Blush
This type of blush is best applied with the fingers. It's also dense, but lets your skin show through. Cream blush is particularly suited for dry skin because of its rich, moisturizing ingredients.
Gel Blush
Gel blushes provide a sheer glow. They work best on oily to normal skin and are hard ot spread onto dry skin since they are fast-drying.
Tint Blush
Like gel blush, tints are fast-drying and can look streaky over foundation. If you're going to use it, blend it fast and blend it well. Once it's set it won't budge until you wash your face.
Shimmers
These are great for giving a light gleam to your cheekbones. These are best for nighttime. The great thing about shimmers are you can dab them on your forehead, in the bow of your upper lip or in the inner corners of your eyes. But avoid your highly wrinkled spots, since these will accentuate them.

Affordable Mineral Makeup

Affordable Mineral Makeup (AMM) is a small company selling a huge selection of mineral makeup cosmetics at lower prices than the nationally known brands. All of their minerals makeup are available in a variety of sizes from samples to extra large sizes. (Very generous sized samples are available for only $2.25 each.) They have 16 different foundation shades - Here is a guide to select the right color Affordable Mineral Foundation.

AMM cosmetics have only four Ingredients - Titanium Dioxide provides 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 color, 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. It does not contain Bismuth, corn starch or any other fillers.

More from AMM - All mineral makeup is multi-purpose and very versatile. It is micro-formulated using the highest quality minerals and botanicals; being naturally preservative and irritant-free it is also weightless and incredibly long-wearing. It will not clog pores, it has a naturally high SPF, helps to calm and soothe irritated skin with its zinc content, and is water resistant. It provides excellent coverage, freeing you to do more than worry about touchups.

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Put your items in the cart - put the word aser in the coupon/voucher section and it’ll take 10% OFF automatically.

Mineral Cosmetics - Is This a Healthy Alternative?

With the market being flooded with the miraculous mineral cosmetics, there is a definite urge among people, to understand what makes up the so-called natural cosmetic range. Mineral cosmetics are technically better than the otherwise available cosmetics, and are certainly preferred by dermatologists, owing to the natural composition.

Mineral makeup is made from naturally existing mineral elements. The minerals are mixed up with an assortment of inorganic pigments and undergo various steps like milling, pulverization and purification, before reaching the end consumer. Pigments are responsible for the color and shimmer effects. These components also contribute towards the inorganic and inert properties of mineral cosmetics. The latest range in the category of mineral cosmetics also claims to include vitamins, in a frozen form, to lend that extra edge.

Mineral Cosmetic Ingredients The typical ingredients deployed in manufacture of mineral cosmetics include:

Titanium Dioxide

Zinc Oxide

Kaolin Clay

Dimethicone

Serecite Mica

Magnesium Stearate

Bismuth Oxychloride

Talc (Magnesium Silicate Hydroxide)

Silica

Cornstarch

Rice Powder

100% Pure Silk

Iron Oxides

Boron Nitride

The Benefits Of Applying Mineral Makeup

A cure for sensitive skin – Mineral cosmetics offer a respite from various skin ailments like acne, pimples, dryness, clogged pores, etc. They are non-comedogenic and therefore, ideal for sensitive skin types. Mineral cosmetics are inert and inorganic and therefore, do not promote microbial growth. Being finely milled, the makeup granules are much smaller than the pores and therefore, do not clog them, thus helping cleaner skin surface.

Finer application – Mineral makeup has a lighter and different texture. The items are made up of microscopic flat crystals that are mixed together to offer a filtering layer on the skin, which helps the skin to breathe even with makeup on. A translucent and natural look is guaranteed with mineral makeup.

Stays longer than regular cosmetics – Mineral cosmetics do not smear easily and therefore, stay for longer hours.

Least harmful – Mineral cosmetics do not contain harmful preservatives like parabens, dyes, fillers or oils, which are present in abundance in regular cosmetic range. Mineral cosmetics, owing to their natural composition, do not require preservatives for an increased shelf life.

Sunscreen qualities – Mineral cosmetics contain components like Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide, which provide the desired shield from harmful ultra violet (UVA-UVB protection) sunrays.

Perfect for application on skin post medical treatment – Mineral cosmetics have anti-inflammatory properties, which make them an apt choice for makeup on skin that has undergone any kind of treatment. They cool the skin and facilitate faster healing. Moreover, the elements present in mineral cosmetics help to naturally refresh and rejuvenate the tired skin, which is like a dream come true in the preset tiring schedules.

Thinning of the fine lines and skin pores – Mineral cosmetics contain Mica, which, being a natural translucent creates an illusion of smoother and softer skin type.

Forget the pains of taking off the makeup mask – Usually after the end of a tiring day, it seems tedious to devote another half hour towards taking off the makeup. With mineral cosmetics, this is not always sought. Mineral cosmetics allow a nap with makeup on. And it still stays the next morning.

A Line Of Caution – Mineral cosmetics are good for skin and can help attain that young look. However, few components present in the natural cosmetics can be harmful for certain skin types and may cause skin allergies. Therefore, while purchasing any product, it is imperative to check the labels for ingredients that could be harmful to the skin. Moreover, various brands tend to pass on the not so natural products under the cover of mineral cosmetics. Dyes are added to grant an edge, in terms of shades available, in the range of mineral cosmetics, which could again be harmful.

Mineral cosmetics have certainly introduced a new era in the domain of cosmetics. The benefits seem endless. Mineral cosmetics have something to offer for all. However, a few pitfalls like irritation to few skin types can certainly not be ignored. Yet owing to its positives, popularly referred to as skin care makeup, mineral cosmetics are gaining in terms of usage and so, certainly deserve a trial.

Mineral Makeup Review: Cosminology Liquid Concealer

I’ve been spoiled too much, and challenged too much with concealer in loose powder form that it was hard for me to use liquid or creme-based concealers - too much loose powder overload on my face. Hahaha! But then, makeup school prompted me to use liquids because of the unbelievable time pressure, and of course, everyone was using them. Good thing that I still have my liquid concealers in mineral form, and they’re my Cosminology Liquid Concealers.

There are four Cosminology concealers namely AstroBeach, AstroSand, AstroShore, and AstroKoncealer. AstroBeach is a skin tone concealer for light to medium skin tones, AstroSand for medium to dark skintones, and AstroShore for dark skin tones. AstroKoncealer is a yellow cream-based concealer for the undereyes and red areas of the face.

The Cosminology concealers’ application tool is a sponge tipped applicator, and as you swipe some product on your hands, you would notice that it is creme a little bit creamy in consistency, and as you blend it, it slowly adjusts into a powder finish. Like creme to powder - but not in an instant. You would have to wait a few seconds for it to dry, so an advantage would be that you would have enough time to blend around the edges of your imperfections before it totally dries.

AstroBeach is my concealer of choice as I like applying it to cover my blemishes and imperfections. I love to apply it specially during days when my pimples are dried and it would become flaky if I apply loose mineral concealer wet. It’s a bit tricky though I need to check if the concealer’s semi-dry already before I start blending. AstroSand and AstroShore are a bit too dark on me, but I think I would be able to use them to creme-contour my face for beauty shots ( yes I am learning that in makeup school! Hahaha! ). For the AstroKoncealer, I would have to be very careful in applying only very little because it might look too opaque and yellow under my eyes if I apply too much. For the record, I still like applying AstroBeach over AstroKoncealer on my undereyes.

To sup up, I love Cosminology’s concealers. In fact, I love all of their products! They so portable, travel-friendly, but they work really, really well. I recommend everyone to give this a try!

Avon Mineral Makeup

Introducing Avon Mineral Makeup! The cosmetics giant Avon has joined the Mineral Makeup craze! They have introduced their Personal Match Smooth Mineral Makeup SPF 15 in 7 shades, from Ivory to Beautiful Bronze. Avon describes their foundation as full-coverage foundation that is 100% pure, with no preservatives, talc, oil, fragrance and other chemicals. Smooth mineral makeup, let your true beauty shine through. Creamy full coverage of a foundation, feather-light feel of a powder. Free of talc, oil and fragrance. All skin types. Avon Mineral Foundation Ingredients

PERSONAL MATCH Smooth Mineral Blush Is available in 6 colors. Exceptionally fine, pure mineral powder pigments blend to a naturally luminous finish. Gentle as a breeze, feels like nothing at all. • Free of talc, oil and fragrance. • Contains 100% pure mineral pigments. • Great for all skin types. PERSONAL MATCH Smooth Mineral Blush

PERSONAL MATCH Smooth Mineral Eyeshadow Available in 5 colors - Super-fine powder blends like a dream. Use one or layer, go sheer or smoky. Whisper soft, air light. Natural radiance, pure luxury. PERSONAL MATCH Smooth Mineral Eyeshadow

Alima Colour Balancing Powder

Alima's silky Color Balancing Powder subtly enhances your complexion while minimizing discoloration. Apply a sheer layer beneath your foundation with our foundation brush or our flocked sponge.

Pistachio - perfect for balancing ruddiness caused by Rosacea or irritated, sensitive skin

Lavender - enlivens sallow complexions

Petal - perks up pale, tired skin

Buttercup - softly brightens tired, dull skin

Full Size $14.00
20 g net volume jar / approx. 5 g net weight

Sample Size $1.00
A small jar with enough powder for several applications

Please note: we are unable to ship more than 2 samples per color per order. As always, you are welcome to order as many colors as you like.

Ingredients
Mica (CI 77019). May contain Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499).

Oily vs. Dry Skin Type Test

After washing your face do not apply any product on your complexion. Three hours later check your face in the mirror – bright day-light. Your forehead appears to be:
a) Rough
b) Tight
c) Hydrated with no light reflection
d) Shiny with reflection of light

When you look at yourself on the pictures, your skin appears shiny:
a) Never
b) Sometimes
c) Very often
d) Always

2,3 hours after applying make-up foundation, your make-up appears:
a) flaky
b) smooth
c) shiny
d) do not use foundation

4. Check your complexion in magnifying mirror. How many large size pores do you have ?

a) None

b) A few in the T-zone
c) Many

d) Lots

5. In low-humidity environment, if you do not use moisturizing cream your skin feels:

a) very dry

b) Tight

c) Normal
d) Shiny
e) Don’t Know

6. You would describe your facial skin as:

a) Dry
b) Normal
c) Combination
d) Oily

7. If you do not apply moisturizer on your face, your face skin feels tight:
a) Always
b) Sometimes
c) Rarely
d) Never

8. When you clean your face with soap or cleanser that produces lots of bubbles, foam, your complexion feels:
a) dry
b) slightly dry
c) normal
d) oily
e) I do not any of those

9.You have whiteheads or blackheads:
a) Never
b) Rarely
c) Sometimes
d) Always

10. 2,3 hours after applying moisturizer your cheeks feel:
a) Very Rough
b) Smooth
c) A bit shiny
d) Shiny

11. Your face in oily in the forehead and nose:
a) Never
b) Sometimes
c) Frequently
d) Always

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1 point for “a” answer
2 point for “b” answer
3 point for “c” answer
4 point for “d” answer
2.5 points for “e” answer

34-44 – you have very oily skin
27-33 – you have slightly oily skin
17-26 – you have slightly dry skin
11-16 – you have dry skin
27-44 you are an O skin type
11-26 you are an D skin type