While mineral makeup might be one of the biggest trends to hit cosmetics counters in recent years, many people are still confused about what it actually is.

To help become a mineral makeup aficionado, I have compiled five fast facts:

1. Great for sensitive skin:
It’s what’s left out of mineral makeup that makes it so good for skin. Unlike traditional foundation, mineral makeup is binder, preservative, oil and talc free which means it won’t clog pores and is especially good for those with sensitive skin and women who suffer from acne, rosacea, scarring or broken capillaries.

2. Minerals sit on top of skin:
Rather than being absorbed into skin, mineral makeup sits on top of it. This means it provides full coverage but doesn’t look thick or ‘cakey’ and won’t crease like traditional makeup can.

3. Minerals absorb oil:
Mineral makeup is perfect for oily skin as it absorbs oil and shine and gives a natural, matte finish. There’s really no better option for a fresh look for the warmer summer months.

4. Minerals are incredibly versatile:
Mineral makeup is a true multi-functional beauty essential. As it is pure pigment, you can control your coverage and build colour up to create the look you’re after or easily create new shades by mixing two together. Depending on the intensity of the finish you’re after, you can also use mineral makeup wet for a stronger effect or dry for a softer result. It’s also worth knowing that with the right brush, you can use your Pure Mineral Powder Foundation as a concealer.

5. Not all mineral makeup is created equal:
Some mineral products on the market are not 100% pure. It’s important to look out for formulas that are free of fillers such as talc since talc can be drying and may build up on the skin causing pimples, whiteheads and blackheads.

Natural Make Up tips for Dark Skin

Get even. If your skin is a deep color, you probably know you’re at risk for hyperpigmentation — brown patches caused by excess melanin. Balance your complexion by matching your foundation to your lightest area

Prep your pout. Instead of tracing lips with a pencil that’s in the same shade as your gloss, use a liner that’s identical to your natural lip tone. You will add definition without looking artificial.

Play up eyes. Add a little more drama to your gaze by dusting a chocolate-toned shadow over lids. Then curl your lashes and lightly dot along your lash line with a brown felt-tip liner.

Natural Lip gloss for Dark Skin. Deeper tones get a just-ate-berries effect from all-natural Burt’s Bees Super Shiny Lip Gloss in Zesty Red ($6.99, burtsbees.com).

Thanks to Fitness Magazine for the Make Up tips.

Here is a great website for summer looks. I like to pair affordable easy fashions with slammin’ shoes and accessories. Here is a great website for different looks.

http://www.papayaclothing.com/shop/

It has been an amazing start to summer. I spent the birthday weekend by the sea in Solomon’s Maryland with the family and it was amazing! It has been a summer for little dresses. My favorite dresses of the season came from one of my favorite places to shop Gap and Banana Republic Outlet in Queenstown Prime Outlets. I scored perfect T-shirt dresses in the cutest bright candy colors and pocket tanks dresses in fuschia and black absolutely perfect to throw on in this hot weather. So packing was extremely easy…throw in 7 or 8 dress and Havaiana and Coach flips and all done in one bag. For drinks with the girls its all about strapless dresses…perfect way to beat the heat and look stylishly pretty all at the same time. My friends and I are all into the maxi dress this summer….love to see them walk in the Chesapeake Wine Company with their pretty maxis and fab shoes.

I love affordable fashion, beauty products, wine and food. I have lived all over the world and living an affordable fashionable life has been a challenge but I have gotten pretty good at it. I have lived a double life for the past twenty years…on duty in uniform as a soldier and off duty in trendy clothes, hair and make up. It has all been a challenge. From finding MAC cosmetics in Germany and Hungary in local beauty stores (big score!) to walking into a flagship GAP in Piccadilly Square London it has all been an adventure.

One of my favorite products that I have been able to find all over the world is Nars the Multiple stick. Its a multi-purpose product that has saved me time and time again. Paired with a lipliner and eyeliner it can be used for eyeshadow, blush and lipstick. I packed it for a weekend trip to Budapest with a bunch of friends. Riding in a borrowed minivan with a backpack as luggage I was able to change my look for evening….even ran into famous rapper MOS Def looking my best.

A few of my favorite make up products for summer.

My fortieth year and I am feeling fabulous. Living in an amazing city, great home and friends. 20+years in the US Army and have lived all over the world. I am retiring soon and look forward to spending the rest of my life with my amazing man and the opportunity to start the second half of my life doing whatever strikes my fancy. Love Fashion and Beauty and plan to share my thoughts and experience with all that care to read this blog.

I love this lip balm…it comes in a cute vintage tin and everyone is fascinated when I whip it out and apply it. I have given this balm as gifts to my mother and sisters and they love it too. I get it at Sephora at the counter and love the different flavors that the lip balm comes in. Try it…in a pinch it can be use on any dry spot you have. I have also used it for eyeshadow if I need a pick me up.