As seen in Women's Lifestyle Magazine's May, 2012 edition. Photographs by Daniel E. Johnson of Wealthy Street Photography.
Believe it or not, I'm quite camera shy (really). In this snap happy world of social media, and with my obligations as a blogger for The Tender Palate and writer for Women’s Lifestyle Magazine, my graciousness in front of the camera leaves a lot to be desired. It’s rather unsettling to emerge from my somewhat secluded life and “let” perfect strangers document my secrets as they emerge on the map of my face, the turn of my posture, and through the self-conscious gates of my eyes. Internally, I’m very comfortable with who I am. But when the vacant lens of modern technology curves ominously toward me, I become the awkward stranger who can’t do anything right.
So for this article, I decided to buck up, accept my insecurities and flaws, and just get over it – right in front of you.
Thanks to photographer, Daniel Johnson (of Wealthy Street Photography), and makeup artist and Women’s Lifestyle Magazine beauty columnist, Marianne Bockheim, I was able to repair my relationship with that dreaded device called “the camera” and get some tips on how to look better in front of it. They both helped me feel incredibly comfortable. Marianne worked her magic on my face with gluten-free makeover using Mineral Fusion ™, “Minerals on a Mission ™” make up. She also offered some great advice on how to use these wonderful products.
Mineral Fusion Makeup. Photo by Daniel E. Johnson, Wealthy Street Photography
I Chose Mineral Fusion™ for Three Reasons:
1. It’s gluten-free status.
“...all of our products are gluten free. However, no, our facilities are not certified as gluten free. We know our products are gluten free because we perform testing on our finished products. Those results have always resulted in undetectable levels of gluten, which indicates there is no cross-contamination occurring at our facility. Moreover, our equipment is thoroughly cleaned between product runs, as required by the US FDA.”
~Tim Schaeffer, Mineral Fusion’s SVP of Marketing
Please visit www.mineralfusion.com for specific ingredient and processing information.
2. Mineral Fusion has a low toxicity rating in the Skin Deep database from the Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org/skindeep).
3. The products work. They work well and are locally available.
FACE PRIMER & CONCEALER DUO
COLOR: NEUTRAL
Primer & ConcealeMarianne began with my naked face and applied the Face Primer. This clear gel creates a smooth canvas for the foundation. Use the lighter half of the Concealer Duo to cover up any discoloration, and the darker Concealer in the center of under eye puffiness to help “flatten” the puffy curve. Use a thin application of the Concealer on the eyelid from lash to brow to prepare for the eye color.
PRESSED POWDER FOUNDATION & BLUSH
COLORS: NEUTRAL 2 FOUNDATION; "TRACE" BLUSH
FoundatioUsing a chubby brush swirl the Pressed Powder Foundation over the entire face. This evens out your skin, and sets the Concealer.
Then, with a brush, sweep the blush along the cheekbones from ear to apple to define. Since the apples of most cheeks already contain color, you may not need to apply much blush (or any) to this area.
EYE PENCIL
COLOR: COAL
Before using the liner, apply the lightest neutral eye shadow from lash to brow. Apply the liner to the top lid starting from the outside corner of your eye. Move inward with short, choppy strokes along the lash line. This makes it easier to control how thick or thin your eyeliner is. Buff the line with a brush to soften. Use the same choppy eyeliner strokes (outside to inside) on the bottom lid, too, stopping about 1/3 of the way across the lid. Using a brush, add a little copper eye shadow over the eyeliner to create a softer, different look.
EYE SHADOW
COLOR TRIOS: “DIVERSITY” & “ STUNNING”
Marianne used two medium toned eye colors directly on the lid (pink on the inside and copper on the highest point of the lid). She swirled the darker brown around the outside “V” of the eyelid itself. With a good brush you don’t need to work too hard at blending. It just happens.
LENGTHENING MASCARA
COLOR: GRAPHITE
Take one swipe on top of the lashes (root to tips). Then place the brush under the lashes, push at the lash base, and then wiggle the brush through the lash tips. This is a great way to reinforce the eyeliner, or even give you the illusion of eyeliner if you choose not to wear it.
LIPSTICK & GLOSS
COLOR: GEM
Outline the lips with a lip pencil or with a brush using the lipstick itself. Then fill in your lips with the lipstick. We used a little lanolin (my personal trick) to the lips to add a lasting shine.
HOW DID WE LIKE THE MINERAL FUSION?
Review first seen in Women's Lifestyle Magazine, May 2012, p. 30I wore the makeup for several hours after our session (I worked into the wee hours of the night) and it has some serious staying power. The only thing that smudged subtly was the mascara, and it wiped right off without disturbing the rest of my face. The colors are beautiful, and I am incredibly happy with how my skin looks and feels while wearing it. It feels good and natural. Just the way I like it.
Here’s what the expert had to say:
“I really love the pigment and blendability of the Mineral Fusions make up. Traditionally, mineral makeup wasn’t known for holding color. But advances in technology have helped change that. Mineral Fusion has a wonderful intensity of color and I love it’s luster. The colors are really user friendly, it isn’t difficult to figure out how to apply it. You have a great deal of control. Even the most challenged of skin can wear this make up well. “
~Marianne Bockheim, www.intelligentbeautysolutions.com
THE IMPORTANCE OF GLUTEN-FREE MAKEUP
According to a recent study (published in October, 2011), gluten (derived from wheat, barley and other grains) in cosmetics, shampoos and skincare products can pose a threat to people with wheat allergies and celiac disease. Gluten particles are thought too big to be absorbed through the skin, but people may accidentally ingest small quantities of lotion, lipstick, or other products if they have the product on their hands or use it around their mouth. People with celiac disease and wheat allergies (IgE reactions in particular) can also react to topical application, and ingredients can be hidden. Vitamin E, for instance is often derived from wheat. The study cited one woman who started using a new lotion, then developed an itchy, blistering rash on her arms, as well as abdominal bloating and diarrhea - all of which disappeared once she stopped using the lotion.
I was excited to find Mineral Fusion Cosmetics and hope you will be, too!
ABOUT ELISABETH VELTMAN
Pictured with Makeup Artist, Marianne Bockheim (left)Writer, owner of Blue Pearl Strategies, and lover of all culinary delights, Elisabeth is a Tender Foodie. She started The Tender Palate, a website for foodies with food allergies where she consults with experts from every area of the Tender Foodie life. She believes that everyone should live deliciously and have a healthy seat at the table. Find her at www.tenderpalate.com. (Pictured with Marianne Bockheim)