Here’s the powdery truth: loose or compact minerals can settle into wrinkles and make dry skin look much drier (and older skin look much older.)  Does this mean that over-50’s can’t wear mineral foundation in powder form?  No, but it does mean that skin must be prepared properly and the minerals should be carefully chosen and applied with a light hand. Using the most appropriate application tools and methods is also a prerequisite to a younger, radiant effect that makes the most of minerals’ age-diffusing properties.

Though it sounds like a steep learning curve ahead, it actually boils down to a little product research and some practice.  If you’re ready to give that too-dry mineral makeup you bought a second chance, try following these  application solutions from my esthetician’s bag of all-natural tricks:

1. Apply a nourishing natural serum such as pure hyaluronic acid which tones and plumps the skin, serving as a natural primer.  If you are opting for natural choices, you’ll want to avoid the harsh, pore-clogging chemical-based primers that many  cosmetic companies sell.

2. Use a natural moisturizer that absorbs nicely and doesn’t just sit on top of the skin. Remember the point of using mineral makeup is to let your skin breathe.  Too rich or heavy moisturizer will defeat your skin’s purpose and cause mineral makeup to be streaky or uneven.

3.  After the moisturizer is absorbed (5-10 minutes) pat a little bit of liquid jojoba  (I recommend Hoba Care) on more noticeably wrinkled areas like upper lip, laugh lines and crow’s feet.  Let it absorb.

4. Mix some loose mineral foundation  with a dab of moisturizer in a little dish or in the palm of your hand to make your own liquid makeup.  Apply lightly with fingers using gentle strokes.  You can mix up a small batch for the week and keep it in a lidded jar.  There are also excellent  liquid mineral foundation formulas available.

5.    With a flat concealer brush, use a mineral powder in a color slightly lighter than your foundation color as a concealer.  Press it onto any dark spots or visible capillaries that need camouflage.

6.    Using a mineral powder brush, tap off excess minerals and apply one or two very light layers evenly, starting at perimeter and ending with under eyes and upper lip when there is less powder on the brush, since you don’t want heavy powder  in those areas.  Look for your minerals to “set themselves” in about 10 minutes as the warmth of your face delivers a nice “melting” effect on the mineral particles.

Interested in a deeper lesson in mature skin makeup application?  I’m working on an e-book that covers the whole process with some photos!   Look for the announcement in January 2010 on my website –www.naturesface.com