Mineral Makeup Color Selection
Determining your correct skin tone for mineral makeup will create the most pleasing natural color pallete that is uniquely your own. AB Silk specializes in fair sensitive skins
we do not offer darker colors in our mineral selection.

First, observe the color of the skin on your inner wrist (or any place the sun has not altered your natural skin color). There are three tones to look for, you are a:

Warm ~ if the skin tone is Yellow - select WF WL WLM WM
Pink ~ if the skin tone is Cool - select CF CL CLM
Beige ~ if the skin tone is Neutral - select NL NM

Second, determine whether you are fair, light, light-medium, or medium complected:

F - Fair: You have extremely fair skin and burn very easily. You may be very blonde and have light eyes or have very dark hair with a porcelain complexion.

L - Light: Your skin is pale and you burn then tan. You might be pale in the winter and have a "healthy glow" in the summer.

LM - Light-Medium: Your skin is of average tone and you typically tan when exposed to the sun.

M - Medium: Your skin naturally looks lightly tanned all the time and you tan very well when exposed to the sun.


Warm Skin Tones ~ Yellow Undertones
Warm tones will have yellow, olive, golden or golden brown to them.

Your Best Colors: peaches, corals, apricots, tans
Skin: yellow/orange/olive undertones
Hair: black, brown, blonde, red, auburn, strawberry blonde
Eyes: brown, green, hazel
Veins in Natural Light: wrist veins are greenish


Cool Skin Tones ~ Pink Undertones
Cool tones will have a rosy pinkish or bluish cast to them.

Your Best Colors: pinks, roses, mauves, plums
Skin: pink/blue undertones
Hair: black, brown, blonde
Eyes: blue, gray
Veins in Natural Light: wrist veins are bluish


Neutral Skin Tones ~ Beige Undertones
Neutral tones will have beige tones or a combination of warm and cool tones. Skin: beige tone without predominant yellow or pink undertones


Application Tips and Techniques for a Beautiful Mineral Makeup Complexion!

First, skin must be well exfoliated with our exfoliants to smoothe skin and remove the rough dead skin cell layer. Especially the delicate eye area where fine lines can form. If skin is not smooth, then the finished look will not be soft and natural.

Second, skin must be well moisturized with our hydragels to prime skin for ease of application, especially dry skins. Allow the moisturizer to totally penetrate. Blot any excess as skin must be totally dry for a streak-free appearance. Oilier skins and those wanting the lightest veil of minerals may not need to moisturize.

Third, skin must be lightly dusted with our Radiant Foundation to kiss skin with a fine layer of silk and minerals. Too heavy an application can leave a mask-like appearance or a dry look and feel. Pick up a very small amount of minerals with a brush or sponge applicator, tap the applicator to remove excess, blend colors together and buff once on skin. Wet a color to create a more dramatic look or to provide concealing coverage. Allow the minerals to rest for a couple of minutes so they can "bloom".

Fourth, skin and powder must be hydrated with our hydrosols to set minerals after application for a soft natural look, mist face lightly to create a hydrated finish. This is the Hollywood makeup artist's secret to 'set makeup' and a necessary step to keep minerals from looking "powdery".


The #1 Beauty Tip: mist your face with a toner a few times a day, even over makeup. This adds crucial hydration for proper cell function!


BRUSH METHOD: light coverage You'll notice that your jar has a sealed plastic cover with holes. Remove the seal and shake out just a bit of powder onto a tissue. Then tap your brush to remove the excess. All that is needed is one application over your face and neck to achieve a natural look with sunblock properties.

SPONGE METHOD: heavy coverage Shake out a small amount of minerals onto a palette. Then add a bit of moisturizer or water (depending upon your skin needs). Start with small amounts; you can always add more of both, according to your desired effect. Blend well. Once blended, use either a moist or dry sponge (heavier coverage with a dry sponge) to apply your minerals over face and neck. Remember, unlike other makeup, one application will be enough to provide the look and protection your face needs.


Tips: * light coverage, apply with a brush
* medium coverage, apply with a dry sponge
* maximum coverage, apply with a wet sponge
* stipple the minerals on with a sponge or sponge-press on, do not rub or polish as you will get a shiny application
* the larger the brush the more powder is applied
* apply less powder at a time but apply more layers
* to conceal spots, apply with a cotton swab or finger
* stroke on brows to fill in or lighten or darken
* minerals can be mixed with your favorite light moisturizer to create a creamy liquid foundation
* use darker shades for a beautiful natural bronzer, simply dust on with a large soft brush
* after application, allow powders to set for a couple of minutes as they will “bloom” into a more natural color

The #1 application problem: too much powder is used, use sparingly in very thin layers!!! Too much results in a chalky mask-like appearance.

The #2 application problem: skin is not moisturized and minerals are not hydrated and set. This results in a dry mask-like appearance.


Silk ~ Silk is a natural moisture adjusting product which can absorb or release moisture as temperature or humidity changes throughout the day. It is also a great oil control ingredient. It “breathes” and allows skin to breathe as well. It both reflects and absorbs UV rays and contains 18 separate amino acids which are easily absorbed into the skin. It adds a sheen to your makeup products as the light is reflected.

Pearl ~ Pearl is not added to give a pearlescent sheen to your makeup, as it gives off no sheen. Pearl powder is an ingredient that has been used for thousands of years in Asia, as it has amino acids, calcium and protein. It is believed be good for bone development and help promote healthy luminous skin.

The main difference between Sheer Minerals™ Silk Mineral Makeup and those expensive mineral makeup and QVC brands is that most of the other brands contain fillers, such as talc and Bismuth Oxychloride, irritants which can cause itching and/or break out. The bismuth can also give an overly shimmery look to mineral powders, definitely not appropriate for the corporate look. Our minerals are also non-micronized, paraben free, silicone free (silicone coated pigments with dimethicone, cyclomethicone, methylparaben, ethylparaben), and do not contain carmine, preservatives, FD&C dyes, fragrance, or other additives.

In addition, our superior mineral blends are non-comedogenic and contain a high percentage of 100% Silk Powder. Silk is a natural moisturizer which retains moisture, providing anti-aging and healing relief for all skins. It is an ancient aid to dry skin. This has been an ancient oriental skin secret for generations, 100% Silk! Silk is also hypo-allergenic and does not clog pores so is great for problem skins as well.

We've simplified the selection and shopping process with only two categories: Radiant Foundation minerals and Sultry Colors minerals for eyes and cheeks. No other powders are needed for a professional look.




Our natural organic sheer silk mineral makeup powders are naturally derived from the earth's pure minerals plus we've added age-defying Silk. They contain powdered titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and iron oxide for natural broad-spectrum sunscreen protection with about an SPF 15-18. Non-micronized form means no absorption and enhanced UV protection. The minerals diffuse and refract light to minimize the appearance of pores, lines and wrinkles: Look beautiful with healthy skin using pure and healthy mineral makeup:

* Minerals are completely preservative and talc free
* Minerals have a fabulous texture, fantastic coverage and give the appearance of smooth flawless skin
* Minerals create a natural beauty to bring out the best in you
* Superb mineral quality and a great value for your money


AB Silk's Sheer Minerals™ Silk Mineral Makeup:

* To minimize large pores, apply a small amount of mineral foundation to the flocked sponge and apply to areas of the skin in a stippling effect. Buff off excess. Pores will disappear. Use our brush to finish the rest of the face.
* To minimize dark under eye circles and spots, apply a small amount of mineral foundation with a damp brush or cotton swab, let dry, then apply the rest of your minerals. Instant cover cream.
* Contains NO preservatives, harsh chemicals, fragrances, alcohols, oils, or dyes that cause problems including breakouts and/or allergic reactions. They also contain NO talc, kaolin, zinc stearate, or other drying binders; these are cheaper ingredients that can be irritating and drying to the skin.
* Excellent for ALL skin types including sensitive, acne, rosacea, post-op, and post-laser skins. The sunscreen and anti-microbial properties of the minerals help in the healing process. Minerals give skin a smooth, silky feel and a beautiful, younger looking, healthy glow; not at all like traditional powders that actually accentuated lines.
* Provide lots of coverage options from a light powder finish to an excellent spot camouflage or concealer to a full coverage foundation that still feels very light and natural. Minerals glide on the skin and can be easily blended. They can be applied dry or wet, with a sponge or a brush, blended with water or a moisturizer, all depending upon personal preference and amount of coverage desired. Minerals layer nicely. If you want more coverage, simply apply another layer. If eye shadow is too cool, apply another color on top to warm it up, or vice versa.
* Loose powders are gentle to skin, provide the best coverage, the highest level of sun protection, and last the longest. Pressing a powder requires the addition of fillers and binders which are cheaper ingredients that dilute color so you have to apply more product; they also add weight, can irritate or over dry the skin, and often require the addition of preservatives.
* Allows skin to breathe, are great for humid climates and active lifestyles because they are water-resistant, oil- and perspiration- compatible with high SPF broad-spectrum UVB, UVA, URA protection.
* Bonus ways to use the powders: brush on lips and seal with gloss, brush on brows, brush on nails and seal with clear nail polish, wetted and applied with a brush for eyeliner, etc.


Complete Mineral Ingredients
our Sheer Minerals™ contain Non-Micronized Pure Minerals and
THE MAGIC OF SILK
Iron Oxide
Iron Oxides are natural salts, oxidised to remove impurities. This produces beautiful "earthy" tones for natural mineral makeup. Iron oxides have various colors which are classified into three major color groups: yellow, red, and black iron oxide. These iron oxides are fine powders with a slight unique odor.
Mica
Mica is a naturally occurring mineral mined from the Earth's crust, purified and crushed into fine powder. It shines and glitters like a prism and is used to create shimmer and shine. Although mica is often thought to have its own particular color, the different colors of micas are produced by the optical reflection of their multiple layers. The theory behind the colors of mica is same as that of rainbows or soap bubbles (neither the rainbows nor soap bubbles have their own color). We see the different colors through the light interference of the mica base and the thin film of titanium dioxide coating the base. We can create different colors by changing the thickness of the titanium dioxide film.
Silica
Silica is found in rocks, this natural mineral is used to color and protect.
Ultramarine
Ultramarine comes from Lapis lazuli which is a complex rock mixture containing the mineral Lazurite. Blue, pink, and violet are the typical colors derived from ultramarine.
Zinc Oxide
Zinc Oxide is used to calm and soothe irritated skin and is an anti-inflammatory. It is a natural mineral, mined from quarries and refined to form a fluffy white powder. It is widely used in cosmetics as a whitening agent and is mainly used as a sunscreen bcause it has a large capacity to block all UV light. In fact, it is the number one choice for the most effective sunscreens.
Silk
100% Silk Powder. Food grade silk powder is a natural moisturizer. Silk powder retains moisture and entraps oil, provides relief from sunburn, windburn and household burns. It is an ancient aid to dry skin. The chief ingredient of natural skin powder contains a balanced mix of proteins and almost twenty five amino acids. Calcium is also abundant. These ingredients are vital for healthy growth and maintenance of the skin. The other main component of silk powder is a substance called fibroin which is an amphoteric protein. It is also rich in alanine, glycine and serine. These are essential building blocks or bases from which the protein in the skin is created naturally by the body. Not only this, silk is full of anti inflammation properties which can assist to reduce puffiness in the skin and make it more firm by reducing sagging and drooping of the skin. Though the effects are slow and need patience to observe, they are visible and if silk powder is used consistently. The main component of natural silk is fibroin. One particle of Silk contains 200 microfibers of fibroin. This is why silk has the ability to reach deep down into pores to deliver it's skin nourishing amino acids. Some of you may have experienced days where your makeup looks "orangey" or off color. Often this is because the pH of your skin is out of balance. The silk powder in our mineral makeup products helps keep the pH of your skin in balance. The luster of the extremely fine silk powder that we use in our minerals and skin care gives your face a "soft focus" look. This helps to diminish the look of any lines, textures, or imperfections on your face. The Amino acids found in silk are the building blocks of protein in the skin and are regarded as a part of the Natural Moisturinzing Factor (NMF). Silk is also recognized as the closes thing to human skin. Nearly five thousand years ago a Chinese woman, Lei Zu, studied the silk worm at work. Her powers of observation led her to take the thread-like filaments from silk cocoons and weave the first silk cloth. Even earlier, silk cocoons were used in folk medicine to dress wounds and care for the skin. Ancient medicine systems like Ayurveda also made widespread use of silk powder. Silk caterpillars spend the first stage of their lives feeding on mulberry leaves. Then some inner instinct sets the earthbound worm to spinning an enclosure to hide and protect itself. Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner referred to the silk from these cocoons as "spun light". There, cradled in warmth and shelterd against outside influences, the lowly worm transforms and emerges from darkness as a creature of air and light. It is unlikely to find another material so close in composition to human skin. The amino acids in silk proteins are nearly the same as those found in skin proteins. Silk balances pH and has a gentle antibacterial quality especially beneficial to delicate tissue of lips and eyes.


Mineral Ingredients ~ our Sheer Minerals™ do NOT contain: micronized ingredients or nanoparticles, fillers such as talc, arrowroot, cornstarch, tapioca starch, binders, carmine from beetles, metals, bismuth oxychloride, ferric oxide, silicone, dimethicone, cyclomethicone, methylparaben, ethylparaben, preservatives, FD&C dyes, waxes, fragrance, oils but contain pure pigments only, taken straight from the earth and created into safe cosmetic grade powders.

Mineral Makeup Volume/Weight The volume of a product can be listed as grams, fractions of an ounce, or teaspoon/tablespoon. The weight is usually listed in grams or ounces. This is very confusing to say the least.

Volume: The amount of space occupied by a three dimensional object (mineral makeup), usually expressed in cubic units such as 30 gram, 10 gram, 2 gram, teaspoon, or ounce.

Weight: The actual product weight. This expressed in grams or ounces. This does not include the weight of the container. Please note that some mineral makeup formulas are denser than others, thus they can weigh less but take up more volume.


Mineral Makeup Love Letters

from Ofelia
I'm so amazed with your products that I wanted to type a quick note. I purchased from you the blush and the mineral foundation and my skin now looks flawless. What I truly love about your products is that this is the first time I find a make-up that is so natural looking that it truly looks like I'm not wearing make-up at all; yet, my skin looks like when I was in my very early twenties. My wrinkles under my eyes go away, my skin tone looks perfect and the blush gives a simple rosy tone to my cheeks. The other added bonus to your products is that you need so little of it that so far the two items that I purchased from you are lasting me a long time. Kudos to you in the quality of your products!

from Hillary
'tricia - You definitely have a winner here with your minerals. I've worn mineral makeup (or tried to) for at least 10 years, and it certainly has evolved. There are many wonderful dedicated, creative women who have developed some exceptional products. However, your minerals have the most amazing polished finish I have come across. I don't know if it's the silk or what. It covers without being too matte, cakey or ashy. At the same time, it's not overly dewy, glow-y, or shine-y. It lasts all day without separating or breaking down and remains fresh looking. I apply with a sponge for any concealing and then one layer with a damp brush, go over everything once more with downward strokes to even out and erase any pores. I also spritz several times during the day. I don't know why no one is talking about it on the boards I read. Really, this is IT for me. Don't dare tweak it!!!

from Cynthia
I just had to write again to tell you how much I love your mineral make-up! I just received my samples the other day and tried it for the first time yesterday. The first thing I noticed was how much more smoothly it went on and how little I needed to use to achieve a smooth flawless finish compared to the mineral make-up that I normally use. Now I truly believe that not all mineral make-up is created equal; aside from how great it looked and felt on my skin; the real “eye opener” for me was how great it looked and felt after 5:00 pm (I start work at 8:30 am) straight into the evening (I had to go with my daughter for her college orientation and we didn’t get home until 9:00 pm); I didn’t touch up at all except for my nose area (to remove the shine with my kabuki brush not add more make-up) as I have very oily skin but that was all. I could not believe how long it stayed on and how long it stayed looking so fresh! I’ve always loved mineral make-up but if I planned on going out straight after work; I would always have to touch-up my make-up with more make-up to regain that fresh look. So much to my surprise; I didn’t need to do that at all! I think it even looks more natural than other mineral make-up brands that I have tried; I just can’t say enough good things about it to describe my satisfaction. I will definitely be using your Sheer Minerals from here on out. Thanks again for your time and for such great skin healthy products!

from Joanna
I tried the mineral makeup package that I ordered (Cool Fair foundation, Mineral Mist - Luminescence, and N Exfoliant - Crystal Cream) along with the Bliss Elixir as a moisturizer, and one of your flocked sponges. My skin looks absolutely, beautifully jaw dropping. It's so smooth and poreless and shine-free. I feel and look as though I'm not wearing foundation. I have only ever tried two other mineral foundations -- one commercial and one organic, and I like this the best. Cool Fair is a beyond perfect match for me, and the silk makes it very smooth and easy to glide. The Mineral Mist is a must-have product for me now. I'm going to carry it around in my purse for when I find myself in super-dry office buildings. It gives an instant, plumped up feeling to my skin. I feel like I've taken a long drink of water, topically. And moisturizers and makeup settle over it beautifully. The N Exfoliant has become my new darling. So quick, so simple, easy to apply from the squeeze bottle. When I rinse, my face doesn't feel tight or stripped; it feels fresh and hydrated with a lovely, tingling glow. I actually feel deeply clean, especially when I use a toner and the cotton ball wipes away clear. It beats out all the other microdermabrasion creams I have tried and the bottle is more sanitary than the jars. Overall, I am really tremendously pleased. You rule!

from Diana
I recently purchased the Mineral Make-Up, and since only using it for a few days, it's amazing how many compliments I've received! I have tried several "TV-Infomercial" mineral make-ups and AL, only to return them. I have finally found a color that matches my skin so perfectly...you can't tell I'm wearing anything at all. I am blessed with good genes, good skin, and for 52, most people mistake me for someone AT LEAST 10 years younger!! I don't like a heavy made-up look, and this make-up gives you a beautiful, natural look. I can dab some into my eye cream to touch up my dark circles, and now don't have that "raccoon-eye" look that other products gave me. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!

from Lisa
I had to let you know how pleased and impressed I was with the samples I ordered! I could not believe how generous the samples were. When I get something from Mary Kay it is just a few dabs of the product—not even enough to really try it out! So far, I love everything. I ordered all of the Dermaclear line. My skin is looking good, I especially like the scrub—the smell is wonderful and my skin is super soft after using it. Also, cannot believe how much I like the mineral make-up. I tried minerals one other time, but with my oily skin—it would break up. I asked for the light and medium neutral because I wasn’t sure which would work for me. I am a fair skinned brunette. I am using both and I love the results. First I put the light on and then use the medium over my cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. It makes me look like I have a healthy glow and tan. I also like using a brush instead of my fingers which I use for my Mary Kay foundation. I am giving it a few tests though… I wanted to see how it would hold up after I cut my lawn and went bike riding---beautiful! Now, for the nine-hour work day. My face feels like it can breathe and it does not feel heavy like I thought it would. I guess I cannot say enough about your products! Thank you! Thank you!

from Marla
First I want to say since I added the PS Sea Serum to my skin care it seems like my skin is softer and smoother than before. Like the texture is better. Also I have used mineral makeup for years, but after trying yours it is the Best. It seems to just glide on and does not settle at all into the lines etc. I really like the end result much better than what I have used in the past. I think with your products I am seeing good results and more consistent results. Also your service is the best!!! Finally it would seem I have found products that deliver results.

from Sarah
Hello, I have purchased the O line, D eye creme, sunscreen, and mineral make up from your company. I just wanted to say that the line is amazing. I have tried for 7 years to find a system that would work for me. I still get a couple blemishes here and there but I have only been using the product for about a month now. The blemishes don't last long and heal so much faster. I don't even get the purple marks on my face for more than a week or so now. Before I could have marks for as long as a year or more. The sunscreen is very nice and light and it works great over the hydrator to give me just the right amount of moisture. I LOVE the eye creme. It is amazing. I had super dark violet and blue circles beneath my eyes. I've had them for YEARS and have tried everything to rid myself of them. This cream has taken all the blue out already and has significantly lightened the violet to purple. The circles are still evident but not near as bad as what it was. I still have 2 more months to see the full potential of this product. AWESOME. The mineral make up is great. It is the only foundation I've ever gotten that truly matches my exact skin tone. The coverage is beautiful. I honestly haven't noticed a huge difference in adding the silk primer. I still have a shiny spot on my nose that is impossible to mattify. The silk setting spray is awesome. I find that if I forget to spray it on for a few days in a row, I start to break out. It's great. That being said, I love your products so much and really don't want to go on another search. Your products are everything I've ever wanted. Your products are amazing. I just want to thank you for allowing me to be a part of the Anna Bellina Skin Care Family and congrats on your Golden Globe Invitation. That is an amazing accomplishment.