Girly girls - I need yur halp!

[Cookie]

Being very prone to acne breakouts, I just use a mineral powder foundation and I keep a wee bit of liquid foundation around to use as a light concealer for my dark circles. A little sleep deprivation and I look like a raccoon. It works well for me. The coverage is good, it evens out my skin tone, and I don't feel like it's there.

[Ironclad Alibi]

You might try going to the make-up section of the big stores in your local mall(s). Stores like Macy's, Bloomingdales or Lord & Taylor. The ladies there are always offering Mrs. IA free makeovers. The few times I have waited for her, the make-up counter ladies seemed very knowledgeable and answered all sorts of questions, both basic and not so basic.

Of course there is an expectation that you may buy some of their products, but you have to buy them somewhere.

[Crescent Cat]

I have thought of going to a make up counter at the mall or Sephora but I'm a bit apprehensive of how clean they are. They use the same brushes and make up samples on so many faces . . .

I'll give mineral powder foundation a try. Are there any particular brushes or techniques I should use when actually applying the make up? Can I use sun screen under the powder?

Also I've heard people with oily skin swear by using Milk of Magnesia (non-flavored) as a base/primer to keep their skin soft and from getting super oily during the day. Has anyone tried this?

[Food Lady]

If you have a mineral powder that contains titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or iron oxides, they act as physical sunblock. I use moisturizer under, so I don't see why you can't use sunscreen. Makeup counters are supposed to change out or clean brushes.

[Cookie]

For mineral powders, you need a soft, fairly large brush. Shake some of the mineral powder into the lid, dip the brush in it, then tap out the excess. Then, apply it to your face in small, circular motions. You'll need to reload your brush occasionally, too.

[KiaKat]

I use Aveeno facial moisturizer with sunscreen on my face every day. When I use mineral makeup (much prefer the physical sunscreen to the chemical), I just put it right over the moisturizer. And anyone who has seen photos of me can attest to the fact that I'm friggen pale. Sun and I do NOT get along.

[Food Lady]

Yeah, but you have awesome skin. But yeah--you're a vampire.

[Crescent Cat]

What kind of cleanser should I use to remove the mineral make up at night?

[KiaKat]

I just use my normal face wash - also Aveeno. I had to play around with various soaps for a while, before I found one that worked. There are special removers, but I've never felt the need to spend the money on them. If you have an acne wash that you're fond of, see if that works - some of them do, some of them don't.

[Cookie]

OH! Missed the thing about removal. I just use my typical facial soap. I know you're not supposed to use bar soap on your face, but I found one that's actually good for your complexion. They sell it at Target. I don't remember the full name brand, but it was "Queen something or other". The bar is pitch black and it's called African black soap and it's made with shea. It's done wonders for my breakouts.