Asian Skintones and Mineral Makeup
If you are Asian and have been shopping for mineral makeup you may be familiar with this scenario. You buy a color that looks great in the jar, get it home, try it on and all of a sudden you either look orange or pink and ashy. Neither is an attractive look, and after trying a couple brands and experiencing the same results you just give up and go back to your previous traditional makeup.
Mineral makeup is not new, but the concept is having resurgence in North America and Europe. Because these areas do not have the high concentrations of Asian skintones to work with, it is easy for companies to misinterpret the need. In reality, there is a great need for Asian skintone mineral makeup and while there are only a few companies actively pursuing the Asian market, it is beginning to grow. Asian skin has a distinct yellow undertone and the pigments used for coloring cosmetics often have an orange or pink undertone, which are unsuitable for Asian skin. However, the right mineral makeup can make all the difference in how your skin looks and feels. One example of a company whose products are specifically formulated and created for women of color is Sheer Aqua (www.sheeraqua.com). I have found that their cosmetics are extremely pure and come in an a array of colors that nicely complement the yellow and golden undertones skin of Asians, Latinas, Hispanics, bi-racial, mixed race, and women of Mediterranean descent.
Basic Asian Skin Traits
It's obvious that Asian skintones are often yellow, but it's what is less obvious that makes mineral makeup an ideal solution for Asian skin. Asian skin is often smooth with few pores. It is more prone to irritation because common preservatives, fragrances and alcohol suitable for other Skin Types react badly on Asian skin. Asian skin is also more prone to acne, so be careful of cosmetic grade oils and esters as they may be easily trapped in your pores and cause the blockage known as acne. Asian skin has better elasticity and more collagen.
Basically, Asian skin is Sensitive Skin. Mineral makeup is non-comedogenic and will not clog your pores. It also has no harsh chemicals, synthetic preservatives, talc, alcohols, fragrances or other ingredients known to irritate sensitive skin. Mineral makeup helps camouflage larger pores or skin discolorations without putting oils or parabens on your skin. Now that you know the benefits of mineral makeup, it's merely a matter of finding the right Foundation Color.
Asian Skintones
There are several basic Asian skintones. You may fall in only one category or you may be a combination. This is merely a guide to help you find the right mineral Makeup Foundation color.
Japanese: is the lightest Skin Tone, with little skin redness
Chinese: is the next lightest, but can be darker, with little skin redness
Filipino (Malay): is in the middle
Thai: is darker, and often similar to Latin skintones
Indians: are the darkest skin tone, with high skin redness
Chinese and Korean skin tends to show fewer wrinkles, but are also the most likely to turn more yellow with age. Filipino (Malay) have the most yellow skin. East Asians (Chinese, Koreans, Japanese) tend to have more yellow tones, while South Asian (Nepalese, Bangladeshi, Indians, Pakistani) and Middle Eastern women will tend to have more olive skintones.
What Do I Do Now?
Using the basic guidelines above, you should be able to fairly accurately choose what your skintone is. Next, find a company (ideally one where you can visit the store and try the colors with the help of a makeup artist) offering colors to suit Asian skintones and sample their products. A makeup artist in one of these stores can help you learn how to apply mineral makeup and how to choose the right color for your skintone.
Mineral makeup is applied a bit differently than traditional makeup and it’s always easier to learn if someone can show you hands-on how it’s done. Plus, it gives you a chance to try different colors and see if they work for you before you commit to buying a Full Size product.
Because Asian skin is so diverse and has many subcategories of color, don't be discouraged if the first foundation color does not work. Keep trying and you will find the right color and it is well worth it when you do. The best thing to do is find a company that specializes in Asian skintones or has worked closely with Asian clientele. These companies are working hard to develop colors that look natural on Asian women. They know how Asian skin reacts to colors and formulas and they are able to make products most compatible with Asian skin. Their foundation colors are yellow with no orange or pink, tan with no orange or true olive.
About the Author
Mineral cosmetic/Skin Care expert and beauty consultant.
Sheer Aqua Mineral Cosmetics and Skin Care
 |
 6 NYX Loose Eyeshadow Pearl Pigment or Glitter Powder  US $5.00
|
 Bare Escentuals id BareMinerals Eye Shadow Spirite US $12.80
|
 NEW LORAC Glam Rocks Metallic GOLD Pigment Eyeshadow US $5.50
|
 Youngblood Pressed Mineral Eye Shadow Quad US $3.25
|
 MAC 75g PIGMENT EYESHADOW KNIGHT DIVINEMATTE FINISH US $5.75
|
 MAC 75g PIGMENT EYESHADOW BLANC TYPE 63MATTE FINISH US $5.11
|
 MAC 75g PIGMENT EYESHADOW PASSIONATE MATTE FINISH US $5.56
|
 MAC 75g PIGMENT EYESHADOW DA BLING US $1.99
|
 MAC 75g PIGMENT EYESHADOW MULTINY US $5.50
|
 MAC 75g PIGMENT EYESHADOW CRYSTAL US $10.50
|
 MAC 75g PIGMENT EYESHADOW DEEP BLUE GREEN US $3.75
|
 MAC 75g PIGMENT EYESHADOW RULE 88 US $3.25
|
 MAC 75g PIGMENT EYESHADOW ORANGE BROWN US $1.99
|
 MAC 75g PIGMENT EYESHADOW ONE OFF US $3.25
|
 12 x Assorted Makeup Mineral Eyeshadow Pigments Glitter US $.11
|
 BNIB Urban Decay Loose Pigment Eye Shadow in Baked US $2.80
|
 BNIB Urban Decay Loose Pigment Eye Shadow in Smog US $6.00
|
 Micabella 5 Stacks Eye Shadow A viva green eyes US $24.99
|
 Professional 96 Color Eye Shadow Palette Make Up NEW US $6.99
|
 Mahya Mineral Eyeshadow 9 Stack Multi Purpose Wellness US $19.99
|
 Mahya Mineral Eyeshadow 9 Stack Multi Purpose Energy US $12.99
|
 Mahya Mineral Eyeshadow 9 Stack Multi Purpose Spring US $12.99
|
 Mahya Mineral Eyeshadow 9 Stack Multi Purpose Summer US $19.99
|
 Mahya Mineral Eyeshadow 9 Stack Multi Purpose InLove US $12.99
|
 Mahya Mineral Eyeshadow 9 Stack Multi Purpose Winter US $19.99
|
 Mahya Mineral Eyeshadow 9 Stack Multi Purpose Fall US $12.99
|
 E FUNKHOUSER LOOSE MINERAL EYE SHADOW PURPLE BLUE US $7.50
|
 1pc glitter eyeshadow mineral powder pigment makeup G50 US $1.50
|
 4pcs Bare Mineral Eyeshadows Makeup Pigment Cosmetic D US $1.99
|
 1 pc eyeshadow mineral powder pigment make up NEW S43 US $1.25
|
How do I turn a foundation/Tinted Moisturizer into plain tinted moisturizer?
I read that Tarte's Smooth Operator can be classified as both a foundation and tinted moisturizer because it offers more coverage. I'm normally not a fan of foundation and even though they said it's oil-free and won't clog pores and it's filled with botanicals and has SPF, some mineral pigments, and anti-aging properties, I'm afraid that it still might have negative effects my skin (I'm only 13). So, if I want to make it more tinted moisturizer-ish, do I just add water or additonal moisturizer to it?
Thanks.
I would reccomend using a moisturizer to thin it out and create a tinted moisturizer. Also, to ensure you're not getting any negative effects on the skin, make sure whatever moisturizer you're using (before or mixed with this foundation) also has an SPF of at least 15.
*~ Pressing Pigments: Press Mineral Eyeshadows Using Biosilk
 |
Brilliance Pigment Inkpad 3 Colors - Mineral-Silver, Pearl Gold, Pearl Platnm List Price: $9.62 Sale Price: $6.20  |
|
These brilliant colors in pearlescent and matte finishes will air dry on vellum and glossy paper. Perfect for photos shrink plastic coated and uncoated paper acetate mica polymer clay leather cellophane and wood... |
 |
Tsukineko Brilliance Pigment Inkpad 3 Colors Mineral Silver Pearl Gold Pearl Platnm BRI-3-301, 2 Item(s)/Order Sale Price: $19.24 |
|
These brilliant colors in pearlescent and matte finishes will air dry on vellum and glossy paper. Perfect for photos, shrink plastic, coated and uncoated paper, acetate, mica, polymer clay, leather, cellophane and wood... |
 |
ZINK COLOR Glitter Brilliant 3D SILVER pro cosmetics glitter MAC comparable List Price: $5.99 Sale Price: $4.99 Average Rating:  |
|
High quality cosmetics grade glitter. The glitter we offer are the same quality as you might encounter with other department store brand product.The Size of our Fine glitter are 0.008 inch and the flakes are 0... |
 |
PCA pHaze 13 Pigment Gel Dyschromia Controller 1oz Sale Price: $37.98 Average Rating: |
|
PCA pHaze 13 Pigment Gel Dyschromia Controller 1oz Lightens age spots and other skin discolorations with Hydroquinone, Kojic, Acelaic, Lactic, and Citric Acids. Also helps to exfoliate the skin for a rejuvenated complexion... |
 |
ZINK COLOR Glitter Brilliant COPPER pro cosmetics glitter MAC comparable List Price: $5.99 Sale Price: $3.99 |
|
High quality cosmetics grade glitter. The glitter we offer are the same quality as you might encounter with other department store brand product.The Size of our Fine glitter are 0.008 inch and the flakes are 0... |
 |
Clementine Art Natural Paint - 6 Color Pack List Price: $14.99 Sale Price: $11.29 |
|
This set of 6 tempera paints is colored with Mayan mineral earth pigments and free of chemical dyes and synthetic additives. Long-lasting, washable and completely natural. Includes 1.7 oz jars of green, blue, purple, red, orange and yellow... |
 |
Clementine Art Natural Crayons - 6 Color Pack List Price: $9.99 Sale Price: $4.05 Average Rating:  |
|
A smooth and creamy alternative to traditional crayons, these crayons are made with natural waxes and mineral pigments. They spread, blend and layer easily and are colored with mineral pigments. Six color set includes green, blue, purple, red, orange and yellow... |
