Instruction Guide

Since mineral cosmetics are different than conventional cosmetics, they also need to be applied in a different fashion. Once you're used to the techniques, you'll find it fast and easy! You'll wish you'd discovered Pure Anada Cosmetics sooner!

Basic Foundation Instructions

Loose mineral foundation must be applied with a quality natural bristle cosmetic brush to receive optimal results. The brush is VERY important! Most importantly, it must be natural bristle. Synthetic bristles are too "scratchy" on your skin. Secondly, the shape of the brush can make things easier. For full coverage, a dense, flat top brush works ideally.

Always start by cleansing and moisturizing your face. Make sure to let your moisturizer soak in. Your skin should feel soft and supple. If your skin is not moisturized at all, the minerals may appear flaky. Press the head of the brush directly against the holes of the sifter. Tip the whole unit upside down, tap the jar a bit, and then lift the brush off of the sifter.

Tap the bottom of the handle with brush head facing upward on a hard surface. This settles the powder into the brush head.

Firmly spread powder on clean, dry skin to evenly blend pigments. Move your brush in a gentle, circular, motion. Buffing with the brush brings out the qualities of the minerals giving it a smooth, silky appearance.

For blemishes a separate concealer is not needed. Simply use a shadow brush to apply small amounts to the problem areas and buff well with the flat- top foundation brush.

Detailed Foundation Instructions

If at first, you find your foundation doesn't appear as smooth as you expected, here are a few possibilities:

1. Preparation: Be sure to “prepare your canvas”. Just as any other cosmetic application, you must ensure your face is clean and moisturized. Make sure your moisturizer has completely absorbed into your skin before you begin applying the foundation. Also make sure to exfoliate dry lifeless skin. Mineral makeup cannot replace your skin care regime! Try using a Pure Anada facial mist prior to applying mineral foundation. It provides oil-free hydration, and gives the minerals something to "stick" to.

2. Too much product on the brush: Mineral makeup is very concentrated. It is made up of pure pigment; the same pigments that cosmetics companies use to add color to pressed and liquid foundations. Because there is little if any 'filler" in this type of powder, it is imperative that you put just a little bit of powder on your brush and use that on one cheek. Buff it in well in a circular motion before applying more. Experiment to see what works for you!

 3. The wrong shade: By using the wrong shade, the minerals will appear to sit on top of your skin, not meld with it. For example, if you have a golden undertone, and the color you apply has a blue or neutral undertone, your face may appear grayish, or pasty. Don't assume that mineral foundation doesn't "work" on your skin. Be persistent until you find a shade that at least comes close. Blending loose mineral foundation shades together is as simple as shaking the jar, and blending one color with another may achieve that perfect shade that you're looking for.  
                                                                                                      
4. The brush: The right brush is an absolute necessity when applying loose mineral foundation. The proper brush should have a very high density of short, firm and soft bristles. If the brush is not dense enough, it won't be able to buff the minerals to appear smooth as possible.

Problem Solving

If you are prone to extremely dry skin... Mineral makeup is beneficial to your skin, however it cannot replace your daily skincare regime. Be sure to use a good moisturizer or skin care oil. Then, spray your skin with Pure Anada Rose Garden facial mist. This is a must have product for dry skin, especially in the winter months! The combination of pure rose hydrosol, and vegetable glycerin will quench your skin, and give the minerals something to "stick" to.  If you prefer a "tinted moisturizer", you can mix your minerals with your favorite face cream! (1 part minerals to 5 parts moisturizer or adjust to suite your preference/coverage OR just mix a bit in your hand.)

If you are prone to extremely oily skin... People prone to oily skin love our mineral foundation formula! In MOST cases of "oily skin", there is no need for an extra setting powder. The basic foundation seems to be enough. However, for those who desire more oil control: try Pure Anada Matte Minerals. This product contains specific minerals that will aid in oil absorption. Also consider Pure Anada Green Meadow facial mist before applying mineral cosmetics. It provides light hydration, and smells beautiful!

If you desire more coverage... A great way to apply mineral foundation is to spray your brush with either Rose Garden or Green Meadow facial mists, then dip it into the mineral foundation. By using this technique, you will receive full, opaque coverage! Or, just be sure your face is very hydrated prior to application. Good coverage cannot be achieved on dry, flaking skin.

Another tip for coverage is to make sure your foundation has the proper undertone. For example, if your skin is very red from acne or rosacea, don't assume you should use a foundation with pink or beige undertones. This will only accentuate the problem. Instead, choose a foundation with warm, golden undertones. This will help to neutralize any unwanted redness!

If you desire less coverage... Make sure your face is free of excess oils. Minerals will stick to the moisture on your skin. This is great if you desire heavier coverage. However if you want sheer coverage, make sure your facial moisturizer has completely absorbed into your skin before applying the foundation. You may also consider "priming" your face with Pure Anada Matte Minerals prior to foundation application. Another great option for people who want a mineral glow, without the coverage is to use Pure Anada Mineral Glow finishing powder as opposed to foundation. This product is shear and lightweight, providing glow, without coverage.

If you are concerned about powder sitting in fine lines and wrinkles... Mineral makeup is different in composition than traditional "powder" cosmetics on the market today. Our mineral foundation does not contain talc, which is drying and tends to sit in creases. Pure Anada mineral cosmetics are lightweight. We've added a mineral called silica, which is a rounded mineral (micro sphere). This creates a "soft focus" effect, helping to blur fine lines and wrinkles.
When applying mineral foundation to mature skin types, less is more. Generally, aging skin doesn't need heavy coverage. Start with a small amount of minerals on the brush, and gently buff your skin. Start on your jaw and work inward, to avoid excessive minerals around the delicate eye area.
Use a finishing powder such as Pure Anada Mineral Glow on top of your foundation. The minerals in this product help to blur fine lines and wrinkles, and provide skin with a youthful "glow".
Another thing to keep in mind: make sure your day cream has penetrated your skin, prior to applying mineral foundation. Sometimes excess cream can "pool" in the wrinkles, accenting them with the minerals. Pure Anada Rose Garden skin freshener is a beautiful lightweight hydrator. Use it prior to mineral application and there shouldn't be a problem!

Large Pores... Some people are prone to larger pores than others. Since mineral cosmetics aren't like traditional liquid cosmetics, which can act as putty to fill in pores, some people are disappointed that they can still see their pores when wearing mineral makeup.
A few points to consider: the silicone and talc in traditional cosmetics is said to stretch pore walls. So, while trying to mask the problem, you are creating it at the same time. Secondly: large, greasy, dirty pores are not attractive. Clean skin, wearing mineral cosmetics looks youthful and fresh, even if you see pores....it's the texture of your skin.
Okay...but how to at least minimize the problem? Make sure there are no excess oils on your skin. This will prevent the minerals from "gliding" over the pores. Try priming with Pure Anada Matte Minerals to absorb some excess oils. Apply your shade of mineral foundation for coverage. Then, help to "blur" pores, as well as fine lines and wrinkles with Pure Anada Mineral Glow, which provides a soft focus effect.

Pure Anada Mineral Colors

Eye Shadow: Using the Oval Fluff , dip just the tip of the brush into your powder, then tap the brush on the side of your container, so excess powder falls back into it. This step is very important as it ensures that the powder won’t fall onto your cheeks. Brush it gently on your lids, crease or under the brow, making sure to blend it until it looks natural.
If you are prone to "creasing", try applying a base of foundation or Pure Anada Matte Minerals to your lids before applying shadow. Creasing of any kind is simply a result of oils that gather the color pigments and pool them in creases. By absorbing the oil, before it gets to the color will solve the problem.
You can also apply the powders wet. This is called foiling. Mix the powders with a touch of water and then apply to your lids for a totally different look!

Eye Liner: You can apply our loose mineral liners wet or dry.  Dry lining produces a smoky line, as thin or thick as you desire. Dip the angled liner brush into the minerals. Be sure to tap all excess powder off the brush, and proceed to line your eye. On the other hand, Wet lining produces a bold line that can be smudged when dry. This will be the longest lasting eye liner you ever use because of the absence of oils and waxes that are found in pencil liners.
Dip your angled liner brush into water or a safe eye drop, and then into the powder and swirl on the back of your hand or in a container to create a creamy consistency. Apply to your eyes. Using an eye drop as opposed to water, gives you more working time, as the paste will not dry out as fast.  

Blush/Bronzer: Loose mineral blushes are very concentrated and should be applied sparingly. The simplest way to apply them is with a cotton ball. Press the cotton ball onto the sifter, and then tap the jar so a little bit of blush powder gets on the cotton ball. Then gently glide the color over the apples of the cheek, and blend. A mini bronzing brush may also be used. If you find the minerals don't spread as easily as you would like, use a finishing powder prior to the application of a blush or bronzer.

Body Shimmer: Use a cotton ball and lightly touch it into the desired color (preferably one with added shimmer). Dust the powder onto your shoulders, cheeks etc.

Lip Color: If you like the idea of multi-tasking your makeup, then mineral cosmetics are for you! Using your cheek color, dip a lip brush into your clear lip gloss/balm and then into the desired color. Apply the mix to your lips and blend well. Or use our custom blended lipsticks and glosses for a no fuss application!


Brush Care

Our brushes should be cleaned in much the same way you wash your own hair. Use a mild shampoo and some warm water, and gently lather and rinse repeatedly until the water runs clear. Then let air dry, with the head of the brush over the edge of a counter-top. Do not let the brush dry upright, as the water will run into the base of the brush.

Frequency of washing depends on how often the brush is used, as well as bacteria issues. Washing once a week is recommended for people with acne or related skin conditions. Once a month is sufficient otherwise. If your brush starts to feel stiff, washing it will soften it back to is original touch.

If treated properly, these brushes will last for a lifetime.