The no-fail guide to applying mineral foundation

How To Apply Mineral Foundation

How to get the most of your skin-loving base

Beauty Crew Beauty Editor / October 04 2017

When it comes to different types of foundation formulations, we’re spoilt for choice. From liquid and cream to powder compacts and mineral, there’s a type to suit all skin types and preferences. But it should be known that each foundation formulation comes with different rules for a flawless application, and none is more confusing than powder mineral foundation.

Loved for its skin healing properties and natural ingredients that are kind to sensitive skin, mineral foundation is typically finely milled and incredibly silky to the touch, which is what can make it a little more difficult to apply than liquid, cream, or even packed powder foundations. If you’re looking to get the most out of your mineral foundation - including tips on how to apply it correctly and the products to pair it with - you’ve come to the right place. Here are five tips that’ll have you a mineral foundation pro in no time at all.

1

Look at the ingredients

Not all loose powder foundations are necessarily mineral foundations. Mineral foundations are usually free from talc and fragrance, which can usually irritate sensitive skin, and offer skin healing properties as well as natural looking (and feeling) coverage.

L’Oréal Paris True Match Mineral Foundation offers buildable coverage, is incredibly lightweight to wear and is formulated with 95 percent pure sea mineral extracts to help improve skin texture and reduce acne and blemishes in the long term. The formula is also free from both talc and fragrance, and is suitable for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin.

Good to know: L’Oréal True Match Mineral Foundation also offers SPF19 protection.

2

Use the right brush

The best way to apply mineral foundation is with a kabuki brush or with a densely packed powder brush, as these will help give you medium coverage in a minimal amount of time. If you prefer a light layer of mineral foundation, you can use a medium-sized fluffy brush, like shu uemura natural 20h makeup brush to apply the product.

TOP TIP: Once you’ve dipped your brush in the powder, tap off the excess before applying the product to your face.

3

Learn the correct technique

For the best results, it’s also important to apply the mineral foundation with the correct technique. Instead of using swiping motions to apply your foundation, buff it in, using small circular motions, This will leave a natural finish that looks like your skin, but better.

4

Use powder blush or bronzer

If you want to add a pop of colour to cheeks with blush or contour your features with bronzer, make sure you choose a powder formula, such as Maybelline New York Fit Me! Blush and Yves Saint Laurent Beauté Les Saharienne Bronzing Stones. The reason you should steer clear of liquid formulas is because it can move your powder foundation underneath and therefore create an uneven or patchy finish.

5

Apply a finishing product if necessary

Got oily skin? Although the powder formula of L’Oréal True Match Mineral Foundation can be used for oil-control throughout the day and helps keep skin looking fresh and natural, you can boost its oil-controlling duties with a layer of L’Oréal True Match Finishing Powder.

Want to see what people have been saying about L’Oréal True Match Mineral Foundation? Click here to read more. 

Have you tried mineral foundation before? What did you think of the formula? Tell us in the comments below. 

Main image credit: Getty

Iantha is BEAUTYcrew's Beauty Editor, and has been part of the team since the site launched in 2016. Besides pinky-nude nail polish and wispy false lashes, she has a healthy obsession with face masks and skin care ingredients. Her previous work can be found in Virgin Australia Voyeur, Women's Health, and SHOP Til You Drop.