(ABOVE) In this post and video, I show how I use four makeup products to achieve this look.
For YouTube Video & Outfit/Makeup Details Scroll to Bottom of Page
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January 4, 2018 / Video Post Notes
BREAKING THE RULES WITH POWDER FOUNDATION
A number of you have asked how I use powder foundation on my dry, mature skin. We’ve all been told powder emphasizes wrinkles–which, of course, we don’t want to do.
In this Get Ready With Me video (GRWM), I tell why I prefer powder over cream or liquid, what I do to prep my skin beforehand, and–using just four all natural/green-beauty cosmetics–show exactly how and where I apply each product to achieve the look shown in my “after” photo above.
If you want a quick overview, see below. For the video, in which I go into more detail than here, scroll to the bottom of the page.
Thank you so much for making my blog and my YouTube Channel such a wonderful experience during 2017. Your support and encouragement have meant so very much to me.
Sending all of you wishes for a happy, healthy, peaceful 2018 wherever you are on this planet.
All the best and cheers in the new year!
~Janis Lyn Johnson
1. CLEANSER, MOISTURIZER, BUTTER
Either the night before or in the morning, exfoliate and condition both face and lips with an organic face scrub or blend together organic coconut oil and Himalayan salt, spread onto clean/dry face, and very gently scrub in circular motion.) Rinse salt/scrub particles from face with warm water. Then remove remaining oil/ingredients with a warm wash cloth, splash with warm and pat dry.
Next, moisturize face and neck with an organic moisturizer (I used Nourish Organic Face Lotion), followed by tapping an organic butter (I used Nourish Organic Shea Butter) under eyes and onto lips. Wait at least 15 minutes for the moisturizers to absorb into skin before applying makeup.
ABOUT SUNSCREEN: I don’t wear SPF anywhere on my body unless I’m going to be at the beach or out in the sun for more than maybe 45 minutes. I want to get some sun on my body, because I want the vitamin D. But I don’t want it on my face so I almost always, even on cloudy days, wear a wide-brim hat. When I do wear a sunscreen, I use Sport Badger, Broad Spectrum Spf 35 Zinc Oxide Sunscreen.
Adjustable-Height, Two-Sided Vanity Mirror
2. POWDER FOUNDATION
Using a clean foundation brush (I used BareMinerals Flawless Application Face Brush; also available here), gently tap a natural/green-beauty powder (I used Zuzu Gluten-Free Dual Powder Foundation D-7 and D-24), onto face, upper eyelids and, if needed, your neck. For any blemishes or discoloration, tap on additional foundation with a smaller brush. Avoid putting any powder directly under eyes. (I do apply some powder slightly into the lower portion of my under-eye area, since that is where some blush will go, and I don’t want it grabbing onto the shea butter and depositing a big red or pink spot. Later, I will re-moisturize that area with more shea butter.)
Although I’m happy with the darker of these two foundations, because it seems to be warmer (D-24), the lighter one (D-7) doesn’t have enough yellow in it for my skin color. I have yellow-tone skin. I’m making it work, but when it’s time to purchase again I’m going to choose a light shade of this foundation that has a much warmer base to it.
Note: I mix two foundations together to better achieve a color close to my skin tone. I gently pat, rather than sweep, the foundations onto my face, because sweeping foundation onto my skin unearths any dry skin patches.
BareMinerals Flawless Application Face Brush (Also here)
Zuzu Gluten-Free Dual Powder Foundation
3. MASCARA
If applying eyeshadow, first tap additional powder foundation onto eyelids and below lower lashes to serve as primer (I did not apply eye shadow in this post/video). Next, apply a natural/green-beauty mascara (I used Pacifica Aquarian Gaze Water-Resistant Mascara in Abyss) to top and bottom lashes. (I usually comb out mascara, but because I wanted to show how thick and long it can make your lashes without the need for combining, I did not comb out my lashes in this video.).
Pacifica Aquarian Gaze Water-Resistant Mascara in Abyss
4. BLUSH
To avoid applying too much blusher at once, use a stippling brush (I used the Eco Tools Stippling Brush) to tap powder or cream blush onto apples of cheeks and outward; then also onto the forehead, upper temples and, if you wish, also on bridge of nose for a sun-touched look. (I used Gabriel Vibrant Pink Powder Blush.)
Next, soften any harsh edges by gently sweeping over with a clean foundation brush (I used a second BareMinerals Flawless Application Face Brush that I have expressly for this purpose).
Gabriel Vibrant Pink Powder Blush
5. CHEEKBONES/SMILE-LINES BUTTER
With a clean, dry fingertip, lightly tap Nourish Organic Shea Butter onto back of hand to warm it up, then apply/tap over foundation on the upper cheek bone and brow bone. Let the shea butter absorb into skin for at least 15 minutes.
WHY I BEGAN USING SHEA BUTTER: I have been applying some sort of an oil-based jelly or butter to my eye area since high school, as I have always had dryness here. Originally I used petroleum jelly, but eventually I switched to un-petroleum jelly and then, because the latter contained soy, I switched to organic shea butter. It’s a healthier alternative than the previous two.
ABOUT SOY: I tried soy milk for 2 or 3 days in 2000, and it made my breasts swollen and sore. The same thing happened when I first tried birth control pills years earlier for only a few days, so I stayed away from both of them from then on. Later, I learned soy acts like estrogen in the body. I do not want to artificially alter my natural estrogen/hormone levels.
6. LIP COLOR
While letting shea butter absorb into skin around eyes, blot any excess shea butter from lips (applied with moisturizer at beginning) and swipe on lip color (I used 100% Pure Sorbetto Lip Caramel). Since it is a vibrant hue, and I wanted a more daytime-natural look, I blotted it several times and then reapplied a bit of Nourish Organic Shea Butter to soften the color slightly. (Note: This lip caramel is sufficiently moisturizing on its own, because it contains pomegranate oil and cocoa butter, but blotting it several times does remove most moisture, so I like adding a butter.)
100% Pure Sorbetto Lip Caramel
Zoreya Portable Retractable Lip Brush
7. TAPPING-BLOTTING
Having let the shea butter absorb into skin for at least 15 minutes, now blot with a clean, dry fingertip to remove any excess, and you are ready to go!
FINISHED LOOK
MY CLOTHING
SWEATER: Lucky Brand, past season (Similar Vince Camuto, J. Crew, Talbots) / TOP: (Similar short sleeve plain placket; ruffle placket; long sleeve; more Land’s End)
MY JEWELRY
EARRINGS: (Similar Kate Spade, 7 stone colors available; 1 in silver, 6 in gold) / DIAMOND RING: Lagos / BEAD RING: Simply Stacks Sterling Silver Ring.
MY MOISTURIZERS/MAKEUP (All Natural/Organic Ingredients)
FACE SCRUB: Coconut Oil Mixed with Himalayan Salt (also 100% Pure Organic Acai Pulp Facial Scrub) / FACE MOISTURIZER: Nourish Organic Face Lotion / LIPS-EYE AREA MOISTURIZER: Nourish Organic Shea Butter / FACE MAKEUP: Zuzu Luxe Gluten-Free Dual Powder Foundation D-7 and D-24 applied with BareMinerals Flawless Application Face Brush (also available here) / CHEEKS: Gabriel Vibrant Pink Powder Blush, applied with EcoTools cruelty-free Stippling Brush / LIPS: 100% Pure Sorbetto Lip Caramel / LASHES: Pacifica Aquarian Gaze Water-Resistant Mascara in Abyss.
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Kate Spade Earrings (7 stone colors available; 1 in silver, 6 in gold)
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Women’s Mesh Polo, Long Sleeve (4 Colors Available)
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Wool-Blend Cable Sweater With Side Buttons (3 Colors Available)
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You glow ! I do use a liquid foundation still but a very light water based one and mix it with a water based organic moisturizer and organic Argan oil so it ends up being exceptionally sheer and gives my horrifically dry skin some sheen ( very needed in New England winters ) . I’m in awe of how young your skin looks …and in shock that you’ve been able to avoid any procedures . Thanks for the great tutorials – fun to watch on this snowy day .
Thank you, Kelly! How wonderful that you know how to make a liquid foundation work well for you. Especially during the winter and all that dry indoor heat. I appreciate your kind compliment about my skin. Good lighting certainly helped in this post/video! Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my blog and to leave your comment! Stay warm up there! ~ Janis
Loved the lesson. Wondering about sun screen?
Hi, Joan! I posted this on my blog later, so I’m not sure if you gor to see it. ABOUT SUNSCREEN: I don’t wear SPF anywhere on my body unless I’m going to be at the beach or out in the sun for more than maybe 45 minutes. I want to get some sun on my body, because I want the vitamin D. But I don’t want it on my face so I almost always, even on cloudy days, wear a wide-brim hat. When I do wear a sunscreen, I use Sport Badger. For the exact one, see the link above. Thank you for reading my post! ~ Janis
Thank you for sharing. I really enjoyed all the tips and products shared. I, too, feel more natural with powder foundation and was using coconut oil for moisture. I’ll try shea butter and see how that works for me. I also appreciated the recipe for the exfoliant and facial conditioner: coconut oil, Himalayan salt with warm water. I use Mary Kay’s Blonde Eyebrow pencil. The color is good for finishing/filling them out and looks so natural using a gentle hand.
Hi, Christi! I’m so happy you liked this GRWM post. Thank you for letting me know. Also, I’m so glad you brought up the scrub I make. I meant to say that I apply the coconut oil and Himalayan salt mixture onto a face that’s been wetted (with warm water). I corrected it on the post just now, but I didnt mean to make it sound like I mix the oil, salt, and water together! Hope this makes more sense than what I originally posted. ~ Janis
LOVE THIS, Janis!!! The whole thing. Great presentation.Thank you!! Your look and approach to beauty have inspired me since I first discovered you. Been copying your blush across bridge of nose since I first saw it on you. Looks so fresh!
So you don’t do anything to your brows? They always look lovely.
Like you, I’m pretty natural and understated with makeup. So your advice and presentations are so helpful and much appreciated. I use many of the same products you do. I have discovered a wonderful little company in upstate NY where I get shampoo, conditioner and am beginning to get her makeup products, too. You might want to check it out: Good Earth Beauty … woman-owned and she has the cleanest, most natural and vegan products. https://www.goodearthbeauty.com/
Thanks for the tip of letting moisturizer be plain shea butter (duh!) and letting it soak in for 15 min before applying anything else. Why did I never think of that? Genius!
Thanks again and Happy 2018 to you!
Hi, Suz! Thank you. You are being very kind about my thin and scraggly eyebrows. Oh how I wish I had never ever begun plucking them in high school so many years ago. Also, I had a facial in my mid-30s and the lady who gave it also trimmed my eyebrows, so I’ve trimmed them ever since. They seemed to grow in a little differently thereafter. Was it just my imagination because I’d read somewhere they would do that? I don’t know. But I do trim the tops to try to give them a little bit more groomed appearance. Still looking for a brow color to fill in the patches. I will definitely have a look at Good Earth Beauty. Thank you for letting me know about the site. Happy 2018 to you, too. Cheers ~ Janis
Hi back, Janis!
I think your brows are lovely! And not too plucked. I did the same as a teenager… and also wish I had not. Then, about 10 yrs ago, an Indian woman threaded them…. really bad idea!! At least you didn’t do that. Nice tip to try trimming the tops a bit. Thank you!
Pink blush and lip colors are beautiful on you! I was surprised when you said your skin has a golden tone. Mine does as well, so I try to stay away from pinky-pinks and go for warmer honey or peachy tones. Pink looks so fresh and pretty on you. Have you always worn those cool colors? I may try those again.
I use the same mascara as you. I also use Pacifica Ultra CC Cream ‘foundation’ in warm/light over moisturizer… very sheer. And some peachy shades of cream (instead of powder!) blush samples I ordered from Good Earth Beauty. I’ll definitely be getting more! Very nice!!
And thank you for introducing us to Nourish Face Lotion. I use their Argan Oil alone as moisturizer. Will try the lotion, too. And I didn’t know they had a shea butter. Mine is a different brand and it’s grainy. Not too happy with that. Is yours?
Thank you again for your wonderful, helpful blog! ~ Suz
I’d only looked at all the photos. Now, I’ve taken time to watch the entire video. So Valuable!!
Thank you for showing and explaining so clearly about the powder and why. I am definitely trying your methods for the same reasons you use them.
Gorgeous! Please do make more of these.
Janis, you are lovely. Thanks for this video. I ordered the shea butter and the Nourish lotion. Your skin is just radiant. You seem to be so calm and put together. What shampoo and conditioner do you use?
Have a blessed New Year.
Lynda
Hi Janis,
You look amazing! I loved all your tips…I also love Shea Butter in so many ways.
2 tips for you:
1) Jane Iredale mineral foundation in Warm Silk – I have used it for years
2) Your brows are lovely as they are and they are strong but soft and natural looking so be careful not to emphasize them too much. But you may want to try this:
– use a clear mascara and add a bit of your mascara or eye shadow to the clear mascara. Just dab a teeny bit of your mascara on a smooth surface or a piece of saran warp, then brush the clear mascara wand around on it to collect a subtle colour and brush that through your brows. My brows are similar in shape and colour to yours and that is the best method I have found. It is not as awkward as it sounds and you will find your own method.
Cheers!
What a great idea with the clear mascara! Must also help keep them in place. Mine can get a little unruly. Thank you!
I absolutely loved this video and I use a lot of the products! I would love to know the recipe to your quinoa muffins as I too have a gluten intolerance. Thank you!!
Karen ❤️
Hi. Can you please tell me what brand of laundry
Detergent and fabric softner you use. Thank you
Hi, Lara! I don’t use fabric softener, because I don’t want the chemicals. I use the Whole Foods Organic Laundry Detergent. Thank you for asking! ~ Janis
I like the way your skinl looks, I am 59 years old and for the last the month I notice my skin Under my eyes it’s getting drier, darker, and more puffy. I have a question it looks like you applied something other than Shea butter under your eyes and on the eyelids, because it looks lighter like white highlight or is it the lighting? Please let me know
Hi, Sonia! The only thing I applied was foundation powder to my upper eyelids and shea butter under my eyes. It’s the lighting that makes it reflective. ~ Janis
Hi Janis
As Jackie O always said : ‘Less is more’
You are picture perfect. Your flawless skin amazes me.
Thank you for sharing such useful elegant make up tips.
You are always such a joy & delight to watch.
Thank you.
Kind Regards
Bernadine Roselt
Thanks Janis for all the advice. You are a natural beauty. I’m 65, dry skin, yellowish.color with dark spots for sunbathing when I was a ten aged without protection from the Sun. What your husband said about a lady looking attractive because she was happy resonates with me, My face showed pain for about 12 years, many doctors I saw prescribed strong meds that my system rejected, had strong pain day and night, until 2018 a brain benign tumor was found, It took 11 hours to scrape it off the bone.
You are helping me to bring my self esteem up, I want to look attractive to my husband of 43 years again.
I came across your videos at the right time, THANK YOU!
Hi Janis! Loved your video and you look simply radiant. My eyebrows appear to be a similar color to yours and the only product I’ve found so far (literally years of looking) is a Clinique powder eyeshadow in the color “Portobello.” I typically wear only natural, organic beauty products except for this eyeshadow to fill in my brows.
Kim, thank you so much! I appreciate you letting me know about this eyeshadow color. Also, thank you for taking the time to watch my video and come over to my blog and comment!! Happy holidays to you. ~ Janis
This was great. My question is do you clean your face with the scrub everynight or is there something else you use to clean your face.
Thanks so much for an inspiring tutorial.
Cathy