|
|
 |
| Author |
Message |
|
|
 |
Thu Jan 18, 2007 8:30 am  |
OK, today for the first time my interest in MMU was really sparked.
Knowing SFA about MMU, I headed to our trusty EDS FAQ Index sticky. Alas, no-one has done a "mineral make-up 101" kind of post. After a few search attempts that each gave up between 10-18 pages of results I thought I would call on our experts.
Can some of our MMU-junkie members put together some information that Mabsy could put in the FAQ index?
some topics could be:
what is MMU
why use MMU (benefits)
ingredients
color matching
application
brands
problems with MMU
etc. etc. |
_________________
SKIN: combination, reactive to climate changes and extremely fair. "Women complain about premenstrual syndrome, but I think of it as the only time of the month that I can be myself." --Roseanne |
|
|
|
|
Thu Jan 18, 2007 8:47 am |
Another answer for the MMU sticky:
How to apply MMU when you have wrinkles so that it doesn't accentuate the wrinkles. |
_________________
53 and starting to show it |
|
|
|
|
Thu Jan 18, 2007 9:33 pm |
| Yes! or which type of MMU does not accentuate them... |
_________________
SKIN: combination, reactive to climate changes and extremely fair. "Women complain about premenstrual syndrome, but I think of it as the only time of the month that I can be myself." --Roseanne |
|
|
|
|
Thu Jan 18, 2007 10:36 pm |
Okay - This is going to be long....
Let's see if I can help you Tiger
MMU - Mineral Makeup is basically made up of minerals - the purest of the pure usually being three or four - zinc oxide, titanium oxide, and mica being the usual ingredient suspects. The larger companies (Bare Escentuals, Jane Iredale) will typically have more ingredients in them. In many cases, it's just the ratios of the ZO, TO, and mica that can make or break how you do with a foundation. A lot of women can't do mica, alot of women have a reaction to too much TO, etc, etc,..Bottom line, it's ALL individual and you just have to sample until you hit the nail on the head! **which I finally did with Lumiere!** One ingredient that seems to be the kiss of death for many women is bismuth oxychloride - this was the death knell for me and Jane Iredale. What started out as a love affair (and my first foray into mineral makeup) turned into a bitter end as my face went into breakout mode big time - and I NEVER break out! "What could it be?" I kept asking myself....enter the Delphi Forums and the mineral makeup mania board - it is THE place to be for all things mineral. It was there I posed the question that I am sure had been answered a thousand times, but b/c they are all so bloody nice over there...I got a bunch of responses indicating it could be the bismuth. That's when my sampling journey began....
Why use MMU? I dunno really. Everyone is different. Maybe some don't like the feel of traditional foundation and want to stay as natural as possible. Maybe some break out from traditional foundation and MMU offers them a great alternative. It has also helped heal skin, helps reduce redness and offers a natural sunscreen - although they can't really claim a specific spf. If applied correctly, it just looks like you, only better. It also stays on pretty much all day - you could actually sleep in it and probably not have a problem.
Color matching - Now here's where it gets tricky....Different MMU companies have different definitions for colors - one company's warm toned colors might be another's golden toned colors and one company's cool colors could be neutral in another. This is why the smaller lines always recommend you start with sampling. The computer screen is pretty tough to get a good picture of what the colors will look like when you actually get them – but I can promise that if you email the company, the owner will get back to you and give you suggestions based upon your self-description. They are so helpful. You also have to sample to find what level of color you are – are you fair, fair to light, light to medium? Etc…. The BEST way to find out what color family you are in is to do this – order from each shade (usually cool, neutral, golden, warm, olive). They will either come in baggies or little jars. Use a separate q-tip for each swatch, but take a little bit of powder, mix it with a bit of moisturizer and with your q-tip, draw swatches down the side of your cheek. Whatever melds best into your skin is probably your color family. If it’s not exact you can create your own by mixing say a neutral with a warm or something like that, but you can typically get a good idea what you are NOT by doing that. The great thing about these small companies is that they have so many colors to choose from you are bound to find a match. Then it’s just a matter of finding a formula that works for you. The infomercials on t.v. usually offer three to four shades – light, medium and dark. Sheesh. That’s ridiculous! With these smaller companies the sky is the limit – and if you’re really lucky, some of the owners might even make you a custom blend.
Application – again, very individual. There are two main brushes that are used – a kabuki and a flat top. My preference is a kabuki. You can get a regular ol’ kabuki brush or a higher end one which are very soft and usually don’t shed like the cheaper ones. A lot of the MMU companies carry them on their websites and you can order directly from them. Others like to use a flocked sponge – it’s pretty soft. I have never been able to wrap myself around that method. It just doesn’t work for me. What you have to do is have a great canvas to start with. Make sure you’re exfoliated and moisturized and that you’ve given your moisturizer enough time to meld into your skin. Then, take your kabuki and gently swirl into your minerals and tap off the excess. You can put your minerals in what the girls call a swirly bowl – which is basically a small bowl that is not too deep – kind of like a dipping oil bowl? I tap mine, then I actually rub a little off on my hand and then apply using swirling motions starting from the outside in, buffing very gently if at all. Give it a minute or two to meld into your skin. I never put it near my eyes – b/c I don’t like the look of it there, but it’s not like you can see that it’s not there – it’s hard to explain, but if it’s the right color and it’s melded into your skin, then you don’t need it near your eyes. Some women like to mix their minerals with either aloe vera gel or moisturizer to form a liquid foundation. I never liked this method for me, but you might, who knows? I do mist my brush after I apply my foundation, then go over my face very lightly to help it meld in and look creamy. I mist it with an aloe vera mist.
Once you have your foundation that you love, then you can experiment with finishing powders and luminizers, bronzers, etc….these are designed to give you that end look – either a soft glow, a matte finish, or a sunkissed look. These are fun to play around with.
Brands – oh man, there are so many and more popping up daily it seems! I must defer to the Delphi Forums and the mineralmakeupmania board b/c they list them ALL there. They have links to them as well. They are unbelievable at keeping up with them all. Most new vendors make a stop at MMM and introduce themselves and their products. Then you’re start reading raves and rants about them, and your head will spin, lol!!! I have tried so many it’s not even funny. Off the top of my head, some of the lines I have sampled include Aromaleigh, BareFaced Minerals, EveryDay Minerals, Youngblood, Alima, Lauress, Meow, Laranim, Monave, PureLuxe, Alpha SkinCare, Evans Garden, Botany 101, Valerie Beauty, Geografx, Cory, Jane Iredale, Alima, U Glo Girl, and now….Lumiere. I know there are others that I can’t think of them at the moment. I have found HG’s in a few of those lines – like Aromaleigh – their Verve blush is my favorite …but the ultimate foundation has always been elusive..but right now I think I can safety say I’m done sampling b/c of Lumiere.
Problems with MMU - I touched on some but to repeat – some people have reactions to mica and if it’s first on the ingredient list, they won’t use it. Some people can’t use bismuth – again, it’s typically the bigger lines that use this ingredient – some people can’t use too much Titanium and won’t use a product that has that first on the ingredient list…etc etc. Reactions include rashes, teeny bumps, parched or dehydrated skin, itchies, and breakouts.
The best way to apply so as not to accentuate wrinkes is to apply with a light hand and make sure you are well moisturized so that your skin is soft. You definitely have to apply a little at a time, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes easy as pie.
I will end this novel by saying that each of the sites have great tips and contact info if you need help. If I can help here, I will, but the experts are truly the ones who make it. Each and every one of the owners that I’ve ordered from have been nothing but kind, helpful, and eager to please.
Phew!!!!
Maria
 |
_________________
Maria, early 50's, post meno, normal to dry skin, more dry in winter, some sun damage... |
|
|
|
|
Thu Jan 18, 2007 11:12 pm |
Thank you, Maria!!
Do you ever have trouble with MMU highlighting lines/wrinkles?
I have always had a problem with powders - even the Jurlique Rose Dust. Even if I apply over liquid foundation or a nicely moisturized face, I still feel very dry and suddenly have very accentuated fine lines. The only thing that I can use (even on bare skin) is Guerlain's "La Poudre C'est Moi" (a pressed powder applied with a flat brush). |
_________________
SKIN: combination, reactive to climate changes and extremely fair. "Women complain about premenstrual syndrome, but I think of it as the only time of the month that I can be myself." --Roseanne |
|
|
|
|
Fri Jan 19, 2007 12:48 pm |
| Are there any actives that can't be used with MMU, ie. copper peptides? Thought I came across this somewhere. I don't use CPs but will be using Matrixyl, a polypetide. Maybe a stupid question but I am oh so green. |
|
|
|
|
|
Fri Jan 19, 2007 2:07 pm |
Nothing to much to add to what Maria said - she's done a fabby job of covering the main points of MMU!
I like to use a flocked sponge to lightly smooth over my skin after I've applied MMU with a Kabuki as I've found it smooths over any pores/blemishes, then after a finishing powder I sprotz the whole lot with a facial water to 'set' everything.
For Maria - you are the MMU guru!   |
_________________
Lucia, VERY fair (ghostly so!)redhead, combination skin prone to dehydration. |
|
|
|
|
Fri Jan 19, 2007 2:16 pm |
Hi, I received my Alima samples yesterday and I have a question.
Does anyone else make a big MESS when applying mineral makeup.
I made the mistake of getting dressed before applying MMU for the first time and when I was done, my clothes were covered in the mineral powder!! No stains thank god...but how can I avoid the big mess?? |
|
|
|
|
|
Fri Jan 19, 2007 2:24 pm |
I normally don't make a mess - don't know if you are already doing this but one way I make sure the powder doesn't fly everywhere is to put a little bit in the lid then swirl the brush into the minerals then turn the brush upside down and tap the end of the handle on the side - the powder then is 'absorbed' by the brush (you shouldn't much of the powder on the bristles), Then apply to your skin - you can repeat this if you need to build the coverage.
Hope that helps.
 |
_________________
Lucia, VERY fair (ghostly so!)redhead, combination skin prone to dehydration. |
|
|
|
|
Fri Jan 19, 2007 4:02 pm |
| s31pr wrote: |
Hi, I received my Alima samples yesterday and I have a question.
Does anyone else make a big MESS when applying mineral makeup.
I made the mistake of getting dressed before applying MMU for the first time and when I was done, my clothes were covered in the mineral powder!! No stains thank god...but how can I avoid the big mess?? |
Hi s31pr!! The truth is, when you have a full-size sifter jar of the mineral makeup it's very easy to apply it without making a mess. However, if you're using a sample, either a little baggie or a little jar, no matter what it tends to be messier. So, just suffer through it (sometimes I wear an old t-shirt, or nothing at all!  ), and just remember when you order a full size jar you won't have the same problems.^-^ |
_________________
27, sensitive/reactive/acne prone skin, dark brown hair, blue eyes, possibly the palest woman alive... |
|
|
|
|
Fri Jan 19, 2007 4:08 pm |
| s31pr wrote: |
Hi, I received my Alima samples yesterday and I have a question.
Does anyone else make a big MESS when applying mineral makeup.
I made the mistake of getting dressed before applying MMU for the first time and when I was done, my clothes were covered in the mineral powder!! No stains thank god...but how can I avoid the big mess?? |
I always do my makeup, then get dressed, then hair, its the easiest way to not "undo" as Im "doing"--also a small bowl to use while swirling MMU helps cut down on sprinkling. Melissa at Uglogirl sells some that are really pretty.
http://www.uglogirl.com/goshopping.html |
_________________
27~Texas~Oily~ fair~ breakout prone~ easily congested~Cysts caused by emotional stress~ Using Ayurvedic skin care and philosophy~ Dry brushing body and face~ On strict less is more routine~ We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars~ Oscar Wilde |
|
|
|
|
Fri Jan 19, 2007 5:20 pm |
| Mariav Well done! I agree that a MMU FAQ addition to the EDS Library would be great, and your reply was excellent to start this out. |
|
|
|
|
|
Fri Jan 19, 2007 8:55 pm |
| marci65 wrote: |
| Mariav Well done! I agree that a MMU FAQ addition to the EDS Library would be great, and your reply was excellent to start this out. |
 Blush. Thanks Marci! There are a ton more tips and tricks with MMU, but hopefully that can help someone get started.
Maria  |
_________________
Maria, early 50's, post meno, normal to dry skin, more dry in winter, some sun damage... |
|
|
|
|
Fri Jan 19, 2007 9:02 pm |
| Lucia wrote: |
Nothing to much to add to what Maria said - she's done a fabby job of covering the main points of MMU!
I like to use a flocked sponge to lightly smooth over my skin after I've applied MMU with a Kabuki as I've found it smooths over any pores/blemishes, then after a finishing powder I sprotz the whole lot with a facial water to 'set' everything.
For Maria - you are the MMU guru! |
Hi Sam! I actually did my reply to Tiger in a Word document b/c once I started typing and it kept getting longer and longer I thought if I lose this bloody thing to cyberspace I'm going to scream! I always spritz my face when done too! Really does seem to set it all, no?
You know, after playing around with MMU for two years now I think I've hopefully absorbed what I've learned from the gals who've been using it since the early days. I remember years ago when I first saw the infomercial for Bare Minerals and I was thinking - "ya right, minerals for makeup. What rubbish". Now, there are hundreds of smaller lines out there. Who woulda thunk it?
Take care.
xoMaria |
_________________
Maria, early 50's, post meno, normal to dry skin, more dry in winter, some sun damage... |
|
|
|
|
Fri Jan 19, 2007 9:09 pm |
I was just reading the dehydrated skin thread going on and the lovely Lucia answered a question on applying MMU. I copied it to put in my "information" I've gathered full of these tips, but thought I would post it here too. It would be good for the FAQ too.
(This is a QUOTE but for practical purposed I am not going to use the quote function or Italic function)
From a practical view point make sure your moisturiser has soaked in, apply your MMU *NOT* in a buffing motion but in smooth downward strokes, then take a soft flocked makeup sponge and lightly smooth it over your skin - this smooths the finish and blends any dry areas, then spritz your face with a hydrosol/facial water - rose water is great for this, this will 'meld' the makeup to your skin and give a soft focus, hydrated appearance. |
_________________
SKIN: combination, reactive to climate changes and extremely fair. "Women complain about premenstrual syndrome, but I think of it as the only time of the month that I can be myself." --Roseanne |
|
Mabsy
Moderator
 
Joined: 17 Aug 2003
Posts: 9644
|
|
|
Tue Jan 23, 2007 5:26 am |
Fabulous! Can we get some more input please and then we'll consolidate it all and make it one of the main FAQ topics
Thank you all for your work on this! |
|
|
|
|
|
Tue Jan 23, 2007 6:08 am |
| Which mists are you all using to set the MMU? I have been looking at Glo Minerals and Jane Iredale mists, but would something like colloidal silver or Rose Water (Jurlique for example) do the trick? |
|
|
|
|
|
Tue Jan 23, 2007 10:15 am |
| Julsey wrote: |
| Which mists are you all using to set the MMU? I have been looking at Glo Minerals and Jane Iredale mists, but would something like colloidal silver or Rose Water (Jurlique for example) do the trick? |
Rose Water would be great, not sure about the colloidal silver. |
_________________
27~Texas~Oily~ fair~ breakout prone~ easily congested~Cysts caused by emotional stress~ Using Ayurvedic skin care and philosophy~ Dry brushing body and face~ On strict less is more routine~ We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars~ Oscar Wilde |
|
|
|
|
Tue Jan 23, 2007 10:22 am |
| marci65 wrote: |
| Mariav Well done! I agree that a MMU FAQ addition to the EDS Library would be great, and your reply was excellent to start this out. |
Thank you SO much tiger_tim for starting this post, and Maria for the fabulous writeup on MMU! I've been intrigued by MMU for awhile now, but had so many questions that I never went ahead and tried it. This was a HUGE help!! 
Mary |
_________________
43, Confirmed desert rat (Scottsdale, AZ), animal lover (3 kitties and a pup) and hopeless product junkie (I blame EDS...lol!) |
|
|
|
|
Tue Jan 23, 2007 11:00 am |
| on another thread, someone suggested first putting on Jurlique rose/lavender dust before applying the MMU (helps absorb excess oils) - is this a popular thing? |
_________________
SKIN: combination, reactive to climate changes and extremely fair. "Women complain about premenstrual syndrome, but I think of it as the only time of the month that I can be myself." --Roseanne |
|
|
|
|
Wed Feb 07, 2007 7:56 pm |
I must say this again, I LOVE this site! This is an awesome guide to MMU's. I'm still fairly new to it and I learned so much from everything that's here so far! I'd send a thanks to a few of you but, alas, I'm still too new so I'll have to type it instead: THANK YOU!!  |
|
|
|
|
|
Wed Feb 07, 2007 10:07 pm |
This is a good topic because I'm completely clueless about MMU.
Thanks Mariav! Very helpful.
I'm definitely going to keep an eye on this thread. |
|
|
Mabsy
Moderator
Joined: 17 Aug 2003
Posts: 9644
|
|
|
Wed Feb 21, 2007 4:37 am |
I'd like to bump this up and see if we can get any more contributions. I'll convert this to an MMU FAQ and add to the sticky in this section of the forum.
TIA |
_________________
45, NW20, combination skin |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wed Feb 21, 2007 5:32 am |
| Mariav wrote: |
Okay - This is going to be long....
Let's see if I can help you Tiger
MMU - Mineral Makeup is basically made up of minerals - the purest of the pure usually being three or four - zinc oxide, titanium oxide, and mica being the usual ingredient suspects. The larger companies (Bare Escentuals, Jane Iredale) will typically have more ingredients in them. In many cases, it's just the ratios of the ZO, TO, and mica that can make or break how you do with a foundation. A lot of women can't do mica, alot of women have a reaction to too much TO, etc, etc,..Bottom line, it's ALL individual and you just have to sample until you hit the nail on the head! **which I finally did with Lumiere!** One ingredient that seems to be the kiss of death for many women is bismuth oxychloride - this was the death knell for me and Jane Iredale. What started out as a love affair (and my first foray into mineral makeup) turned into a bitter end as my face went into breakout mode big time - and I NEVER break out! "What could it be?" I kept asking myself....enter the Delphi Forums and the mineral makeup mania board - it is THE place to be for all things mineral. It was there I posed the question that I am sure had been answered a thousand times, but b/c they are all so bloody nice over there...I got a bunch of responses indicating it could be the bismuth. That's when my sampling journey began....
Why use MMU? I dunno really. Everyone is different. Maybe some don't like the feel of traditional foundation and want to stay as natural as possible. Maybe some break out from traditional foundation and MMU offers them a great alternative. It has also helped heal skin, helps reduce redness and offers a natural sunscreen - although they can't really claim a specific spf. If applied correctly, it just looks like you, only better. It also stays on pretty much all day - you could actually sleep in it and probably not have a problem.
Color matching - Now here's where it gets tricky....Different MMU companies have different definitions for colors - one company's warm toned colors might be another's golden toned colors and one company's cool colors could be neutral in another. This is why the smaller lines always recommend you start with sampling. The computer screen is pretty tough to get a good picture of what the colors will look like when you actually get them – but I can promise that if you email the company, the owner will get back to you and give you suggestions based upon your self-description. They are so helpful. You also have to sample to find what level of color you are – are you fair, fair to light, light to medium? Etc…. The BEST way to find out what color family you are in is to do this – order from each shade (usually cool, neutral, golden, warm, olive). They will either come in baggies or little jars. Use a separate q-tip for each swatch, but take a little bit of powder, mix it with a bit of moisturizer and with your q-tip, draw swatches down the side of your cheek. Whatever melds best into your skin is probably your color family. If it’s not exact you can create your own by mixing say a neutral with a warm or something like that, but you can typically get a good idea what you are NOT by doing that. The great thing about these small companies is that they have so many colors to choose from you are bound to find a match. Then it’s just a matter of finding a formula that works for you. The infomercials on t.v. usually offer three to four shades – light, medium and dark. Sheesh. That’s ridiculous! With these smaller companies the sky is the limit – and if you’re really lucky, some of the owners might even make you a custom blend.
Application – again, very individual. There are two main brushes that are used – a kabuki and a flat top. My preference is a kabuki. You can get a regular ol’ kabuki brush or a higher end one which are very soft and usually don’t shed like the cheaper ones. A lot of the MMU companies carry them on their websites and you can order directly from them. Others like to use a flocked sponge – it’s pretty soft. I have never been able to wrap myself around that method. It just doesn’t work for me. What you have to do is have a great canvas to start with. Make sure you’re exfoliated and moisturized and that you’ve given your moisturizer enough time to meld into your skin. Then, take your kabuki and gently swirl into your minerals and tap off the excess. You can put your minerals in what the girls call a swirly bowl – which is basically a small bowl that is not too deep – kind of like a dipping oil bowl? I tap mine, then I actually rub a little off on my hand and then apply using swirling motions starting from the outside in, buffing very gently if at all. Give it a minute or two to meld into your skin. I never put it near my eyes – b/c I don’t like the look of it there, but it’s not like you can see that it’s not there – it’s hard to explain, but if it’s the right color and it’s melded into your skin, then you don’t need it near your eyes. Some women like to mix their minerals with either aloe vera gel or moisturizer to form a liquid foundation. I never liked this method for me, but you might, who knows? I do mist my brush after I apply my foundation, then go over my face very lightly to help it meld in and look creamy. I mist it with an aloe vera mist.
Once you have your foundation that you love, then you can experiment with finishing powders and luminizers, bronzers, etc….these are designed to give you that end look – either a soft glow, a matte finish, or a sunkissed look. These are fun to play around with.
Brands – oh man, there are so many and more popping up daily it seems! I must defer to the Delphi Forums and the mineralmakeupmania board b/c they list them ALL there. They have links to them as well. They are unbelievable at keeping up with them all. Most new vendors make a stop at MMM and introduce themselves and their products. Then you’re start reading raves and rants about them, and your head will spin, lol!!! I have tried so many it’s not even funny. Off the top of my head, some of the lines I have sampled include Aromaleigh, BareFaced Minerals, EveryDay Minerals, Youngblood, Alima, Lauress, Meow, Laranim, Monave, PureLuxe, Alpha SkinCare, Evans Garden, Botany 101, Valerie Beauty, Geografx, Cory, Jane Iredale, Alima, U Glo Girl, and now….Lumiere. I know there are others that I can’t think of them at the moment. I have found HG’s in a few of those lines – like Aromaleigh – their Verve blush is my favorite …but the ultimate foundation has always been elusive..but right now I think I can safety say I’m done sampling b/c of Lumiere.
Problems with MMU - I touched on some but to repeat – some people have reactions to mica and if it’s first on the ingredient list, they won’t use it. Some people can’t use bismuth – again, it’s typically the bigger lines that use this ingredient – some people can’t use too much Titanium and won’t use a product that has that first on the ingredient list…etc etc. Reactions include rashes, teeny bumps, parched or dehydrated skin, itchies, and breakouts.
The best way to apply so as not to accentuate wrinkes is to apply with a light hand and make sure you are well moisturized so that your skin is soft. You definitely have to apply a little at a time, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes easy as pie.
I will end this novel by saying that each of the sites have great tips and contact info if you need help. If I can help here, I will, but the experts are truly the ones who make it. Each and every one of the owners that I’ve ordered from have been nothing but kind, helpful, and eager to please.
Phew!!!!
Maria
|
Wow thx for the awesome explanation Maria, very helpfull |
|
|
|
|
| Sat Feb 08, 2025 4:58 pm |
If this is your first visit to the EDS Forums please take the time to register. Registration is required for you to post on the forums. Registration will also give you the ability to track messages of interest, send private messages to other users, participate in Gift Certificates draws and enjoy automatic discounts for shopping at our online store. Registration is free and takes just a few seconds to complete.
Click Here to join our community.
If you are already a registered member on the forums, please login to gain full access to the site. |
|
 |
|
|
