Viva Woman

There is a specific technique when it comes to applying mineral makeup.  i.d. bareMinerals calls it Swirl, Tap, Buff.  Erth Mineral Makeup calls it Twirl, Tap and Brush.  But they are all the same when it comes to the process.

I had a little problem initially but with practice, it became real easy.  I saw the mineral makeup application video on i.d. Minerals website and realised that I was on track, except that instead of putting the powder on the lid, what I do is to use my brush to pick up the powder, then swirl it on the lid then tap the excess off.  This helps to prevent unnecessary wastage.

What I found most interesting about mineral makeup application is, the mineral concealer can go over the foundation, as well as under (not both as it would be too much).  I actually find this concealing process rather tricky because it’s kind of difficult to blend powder on specific areas that well.   I guess I need more practise to perfect the application.  

And to finish off, I apply another coat of Moth veil powder to sort of seal the makeup, giving it a smoother coverage.  I don’t see a lot of difference and can’t really see my pores being totally concealed though I would concede that it gives my face a softer and less shiny look.  The real test however, comes during midday when I noticed that my face don’t look as oily as it usually is and my makeup still looks quite nice till the end of the day.

With mineral makeup, I find I have the option not to spritz my face with a face mist.  This is impossible with compact powder. 

Well, you probably can tell that I’m a MMU convert now.   Mineral makeup is definitely suitable for Asian skin but the crux is finding the right tone to suit your skin type.  Both 1.0 and 1.2 Erth Minerals Foundation for example is suitable for me but I really like 1.2 better because of the golden undertones, giving me a healthier glow.

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Using black or gray eyeshadow to achieve smokey eyes is now passe.  The latest is to use many shades of the same colour.   A minimum of three shades in light, medium and dark tones at least, and if you want extra effect, you can blend as many as five.   

And here’s a simple 4-step approach to achieve your own smokey eyes with a trio of colours.

1. Apply the lightest colour as base to the entire eye area, from eyebrow to lashline.
2. Using an eyeshadow brush that fits comfortably into the crease of your eye socket, blend the medium colour over the outer half of your eyelid. 
3. Dampen the tip of a narrow brush, dip it in the darkest colour and dot along the upper lash line, three quarters of the way in, then smudge it down into the lashes.
4. Curl your eyelashes, then add mascara.

You may also like to check out my bloggertips which links to a video on Asian smokey eye makeup tutorial.

Alternatively, you can also get your hands on the latest Stila Smokey Eye Palette that comes with a 1-minute audio instruction on how to create the perfect smoky eye at the press of a button located within the palette.

Stila Smokey Eye Palette includes four shades to create a smokey eye; namely  icy champagne base shade, silvery gray lid shade, dark gray contour shade and smokey black liner.    In fact, you get listen to the instructions right at their website. 

Well too cool.  

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Found these two makeup tutorials on YouTube done by an Asian model, May.  

Click on the image above for the link to her natural makeup tutorial.   And if you’re looking at something more dramatic, check out her Asian smokey eye makeup tutorial. 

Cute isn’t she?

Update: In case the last link don’t work, here’s another one on basic smokey eye.

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