The goal with cosmetics should always be to enhance our natural beauty, not hide it. For centuries, makeup has offered a non-invasive and fun way to do just that.

However, women of color still find it difficult to find shades of foundation, concealer and powder to match their skin tone and range of undertones.

Locating African American skin and makeup products which are natural or mineral-based presents an even bigger challenge. How do we achieve a naturally finished look, though?

Start with healthy skin. Taking good care of what you naturally have means you won’t need much to bring out your natural beauty. Be sure to cleanse, tone and moisturize regularly, especially after wearing makeup.

Think about skin type. Whether you have oily, dry or combination skin will determine your approach and the best products for great coverage and your skin’s health.

Consider skin protection. African American skin needs to be protected from the sun’s harmful rays. Think about this and the SPF factor when selecting cosmetics to maintain a natural glow.

Raise your game with your brows. Nicely groomed but naturally shaped brows frame and make your face look finished. Remove straggly hairs and shape brows with your preferred method(s) of waxing, plucking etc.

Groom with a brush. Enhance them with powder in a softer shade like brown and of course use the right brushes (angled and soft, puff brush for filling in and blending).

Go completely natural. Organic or natural cosmetics offer the benefits of being free from harmful chemicals, sulfates, nano particles and parabens. Organic makeup is also available minus the fragrance and even gluten. They also have not been tested on animals.

Mineral hype or fact?
Is there really a difference between mineral makeup and the regular stuff? If less is more, mineral makeup is healthier. While both do in fact have minerals, mineral-based makeup does not have many of the ingredients – like preservatives, dyes, talc, silicones, alcohol, parabens or even fragrance – that often dry and irritate skin which is sensitive or prone to acne breakouts.

True mineral makeup contains pure minerals such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and mica. You will only be able to discern the difference by reading the label!

Considering that minerals also let skin breathe without clogging pores, this is great for sensitive skin and for those who suffer from acne.

It’s lighter and provides better coverage. Mineral makeup covers flaws and discoloration well without the packed-on feel. The talc found in traditional makeup formulations is heavier and you tend to need more of it to achieve effective coverage.

It lasts longer. A smoother and longer lasting finish is achieved, especially when you use a primer.

Mineral makeup works with many skin types. It’s still important to be aware of your skin type to determine the best way to handle foundation and powder application. For example, dry skin can benefit from a mist of hydration while the t-zone on oilier skin may need a matte powder.

What about application tools? Blotting paper is great for getting rid of that excess oil during the day without applying extra product on the face. Fingers transfer bacteria, so be sure to use a clean damp sponge for foundation.

Good, quality brushes for putting on your powders. Kabuki brushes are known to be the best for all-over coverage, especially for the application of mineral powders.

Natural Look with A Light Touch
For an even lighter coverage, combine your foundation with your moisturizer. Opt for a light dusting of powder matching your complexion closely. Be sure to blend your makeup to achieve a natural finish. When using blush, crème blushes go underneath your face powder while powder goes over.

Be sure to blend your shadows with a palette of soft shades mirroring our range of skin hues in taupe, peach and brown. To cap your look, use a natural balm on your lips. For extra lip pizazz, go for color gloss in chocolate, bronze, gold, peach or pink to create a sexy, shiny finish.

Now you know you can achieve a lovely, polished look with makeup while looking natural. Go forth with your naturally beautiful self and as always …

Dedicated to Your Beauty

Juliette Samuel
Esthetician/Author/Publisher

Nyraju Skin Care