As I mentioned in last week's post, I have been working on "touching-up" my makeup routine over the past few years by choosing products listed in the "low hazard" category on the Environmental Work Group's (EWG) website Skin Deep.
The reason makeup matters is because everything we put on our skin eventually works its way into our blood stream. So, if we use toxic makeup, our body absorbs those toxins--ugh! We have other options. We can make a few swaps with our makeup and nourish our body in the process.
Alima Pure is the makeup I use daily, and I love it. I have now been using their products for almost three years and have learned some tricks along the way that I'm excited to share with you.
The Phase Out
I switched out my foundation first and then as I ran out of finishing powder, blush, eye shadow, and mascara I slowly replaced my old products with Alima Pure's products. Just last week my Eco Tools brand face brush fell apart in my hands...as I was applying my makeup for work. After coping with that frustration and scrambling to find a makeup brush that my toddler son has not used for dusting, I decided it was time to use my fun budget on some new brushes.
I finally conceded to try out Alima Pure's Face Edit Brush Kit. I don't love the name of the kit as it seems to imply our image needs editing, but I do love that you can get 3 brushes for the price of 2 and 1/4 brushes.
Before we get into how to find your best foundation, I want to reiterate that you do not need to go trash all of your makeup and start over. If you have the financial resources for that, be my guest! However, if you need to stick to a budget like I did, work on slowly replacing your products as you run out and as sales come along.
Choosing a foundation and the best color for you can be a little overwhelming, so here are a few tips to make the switch a little easier.
Step One: Choose your Foundation
Alima Pure has three different types of foundation that you can choose from: Satin Matte Foundation, Pressed Foundation with Rosehip Antioxidant Complex (bonus: these are refillable), and Liquid Silk Foundation.
After researching the different options, I chose their Satin Matte Foundation. This foundation provides a build-able coverage that gives my skin nice matte finish.
If you're not sure if powder or liquid is best for you, Alima Pure's blog has several posts about the benefits of each.
Step Two: Choose your color
Choosing the best color for your skin may be the most challenging part. BUT! That's why you are reading this. Fear not!
Alima Pure offers a wide range of skin tones. Each foundation has a different color palate, so it is important you decide which foundation you want first and then choose the color.
I read their guide to choosing the best mineral foundation color and found it very helpful. I was still having difficulty choosing which color to buy, so I ended up emailing their makeup artist (makeupartist@alimapure.com) a picture of myself. She provided me with recommendations for different shades to sample but ultimately recommended I purchase one of their Find Your Match Kits. I did not purchase of of these kits because it didn't have all the shades that she recommended to me, and I found it was cheaper to just buy the individual samples.
Based on the recommendations from the makeup artist, I purchased following samples for a grand total of $8.75: Beige 2, Neutral 3, Neutral 2, Cool 3, and Cool 2. Just to give some perspective on the colors I chose and the shade of my skin: I have fair skin and used to used the lightest shade that MAC makeup carried...that was until I started looking into MAC's ingredients (yikes!!!).
I applied the samples like shown in this guide. Right away it was easy to knock out 2 of the 5 colors because they did not match my skin well. I had it narrowed down to Neutral 2 and 3 and Cool 3. Next I applied one color to half of my face and one color to the other half. That narrowed it down to just the Neutrals. Next, I applied one color all over my face and wore that for a couple hours. Then I repeated with the other color and decided the Neutral 3 looked the most natural inside and outdoors.
I've now purchased several more containers of the Satin Matte Foundation in the Neutral 3 color which has brought me through all the seasons in a year. I have always felt the color works well for me. One caveat is that I like my makeup to look very natural so that it just evens out my skin tone. I also don't do any synthetic tanning and do not get a chance to lounge in the sun very long before a toddler pounces on me. Depending on your sun exposure/tanning habits, you may need to invest in a lighter and a darker shade depending on the season.
In summary:
- Choose which foundation fits your needs best: Satin Matte Foundation, Pressed Foundation with Rosehip Antioxidant Complex, or Liquid Silk Foundation.
- Choose the color that best matches your skin tone by 1) purchasing samples like I did, 2) purchase a Find Your Match Kit, or 3) close your eyes, spin your finger around, and pick a random color hoping it's the best for you...just kidding :)
This was just my personal experience with one type of foundation that Alima Pure offers. Check out this page for a list of the different types of powder and liquid foundations they offer as well as samples to ensure you find the best shade for you!
Alima Pure is just one brand of makeup that's working to change the face (pun intended) of the beauty industry through clean products and transparency. I'd love to learn about other products. Comment below (scroll to the bottom of the page) which products you are using and how you found them!
Check out Touching-up Your Makeup Routine: Part One here!
You are worth more than mediocre. You are worth exceptional health!
Caitlyn J. Hanson
© 2016 Living Wellness, LLC Revolutionizing health, one community at a time.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to diagnose or treat any illnesses or disease. Please always check with your doctor before beginning any new nutritional or fitness program or before making any nutritional/fitness changes.