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.