will result in an overly done, flashy effect. On the plus side, mineral blushes are versatile: you can
mix a little bit with your regular foundation to create a subtle glow on your face, or you can custom-
mix a perfectly matching lip-gloss color by adding a drop of blusher to any transparent lip-gloss or
balm. A good brush is essential in applying mineral blushes evenly and precisely. For a universally
flattering, almost foolproof application, try blushes in warm, tawny pinks with a subtle shimmer.
Pressed mineral powder blushers are the easiest to apply. Fine mineral pigments do not sit on the
skin’s surface like talc-based blushes do; they blend easily and almost disappear into the skin tone.
Unfortunately, for some reason, even the makers of perfectly green mineral foundations use paraben
preservatives in their blushes. Among the purest pressed blushes, I would recommend Dr. Hauschka
Rouge Powder 02 Desert Rose, Jane Iredale PurePressed Blush in Whisper with real 24-carat gold
particles, and BeLeeVe Pressed Mineral Blush Sorbet. Pure Minerals makes deep-toned, pressed
mineral blushes that are excellent for darker complexions.
Cream and gel blushes are fun to look at but aren’t fun to use. The only good thing about them is
that you can use them on lips and cheeks. Most gel blushes blend easily into the skin, creating an
almost natural, no-makeup look. However, to reap this benefit, you need to eschew foundation and
apply blush on bare skin. How many of us can get away with that? Silicone-based, cream-to-powder
blushes with a whipped-cream texture are easier to apply, but they usually contain too many chemical
additives to be considered green. Among some versatile natural and truly green cream blushes are
Kiss My Face 3Way Color for Lips, Cheeks &Eyes in Dawn Pure Cream Stain by SukiColor in
Sandstone. They can double as all-natural lip glosses!
Green Mascara: Not Just for Ravers
Even if you are a no-makeup type, consider wearing a natural mascara. This amazing makeup
product can instantly add definition to your eyes and will pull together any natural makeup look.
Finding truly green mascara without alcohol, shellac, preservatives, triethanolamine, phenoxyethanol,
and other potential irritants is quite easy. Finding natural mascara that does not run, smudge, sting,
bleed, crumble, or dry out after two weeks is mission impossible. After years of testing and tossing, I
realized that the following three mascaras are worth considering: Dr. Hauschka Volume Mascara
heads the list with a luxurious metal tube and delectable thick lashes after just one sweep; Lavera
Volume Organic Mascara is a close second; and Zuzu Luxe Mascara, which is quite basic but water-
resistant, is great for summertime use.All of these mascaras do the lengthening and thickening job by
using mineral pigments rather than synthetic fibers. Natural beeswax, kaolin, silk powders, and plant
extracts keep the mascara in place while nourishing the lashes.
MAKEUP APPLICATION TIPS
Here are some application tips I learned from fashion makeup gurus while reporting from backstage
at some of the most famous fashion shows in the last ten years.
- Do not try to shape your face with a blush. This is so outdated! To create a prominent cheekbone,
makeup artists use shades of light and dark contouring powder. Do not attempt to accentuate
cheekbones with a dark blush, applying it in a stripe under your cheekbone, and hoping this will
make your cheeks slimmer. Apply the blush to accentuate your healthy glow, starting about an inch