An avid reader, Heather E. Sedlock recently posed the question, “Thank you for outlining the make-up and the benefits to mineral make-up.

But what about those of us who just can't get the technique of swirl and tap? I end up looking dusty - not airbrushed!” This was in response to a previous article entitled There are several possible reasons why Heather is experiencing this problem.

More information is necessary to address this reader’s specific concern, but a general set of guidelines on how to use Elizabeth Arden’s Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation, will hopefully do the trick! OPTION 1: BASIC DAILY SKINCARE REGIMEN  Skincare is the key to success with Pure Finish Mineral Powder.

Without a daily skincare system, minerals will not work. The answer: prepare the skin! Generally speaking, the regimen recommended here will help you have much success with mineral makeup. Intervene 3-in-1 Cleanser Exfoliator Primer - Safe enough to use in the morning and before bed (because the exfoliating beads are round - not square and abrasive) Intervene 3-in-1 cleanser is the most bang for your buck when cleansing. Rather than purchasing three products to cleanse in the morning and at night, Intervene 3-in-1 has everything you need in one $21.50 product. Massage onto wet face, then rinse well with warm water.

PREVAGE® Anti-aging Treatment - PREVAGE® is optional, but a high performance anti-oxidant is a good thing to get in the habit of using. Intervene Radiance Boosting Moisture Cream SPF 15 - Without moisture, Pure Finish Mineral Foundation will not stick to the skin. This is why Heather is having issues with looking “dusty.”

Intervene Time Fighting Radiance Serum - Another great 3-in-1 product, this radiance serum delivers immediate radiance and luminosity to skin, combats the first signs of aging so skin looks smoother (and less lined), when used with your moisturizer it primes skin for a flawless makeup application.

Only AFTER preparing your skin by cleansing and using a good moisturizing ritual, you are ready to apply Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation. Applying mineral foundation to dry skin will result in a dusty mess. Think about it in these terms…does paint look good on a wall that hasn’t had a good coat of primer? Probably not. The same goes for your mineral foundation.

OPTION 2: USE YOUR PURE FINISH MINERAL POWDER FOUNDATION OVER YOUR LIQUID FOUNDATION This is the “easy way out.” The rules of the basic regimen above still apply…never ignore good skincare habits… but if you’re still not loving your mineral foundation finish, use a tiny bit of liquid foundation in your correct shade (or one shade lighter) before applying the mineral foundation. If you like the air-brushed finish and wish to use Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation, use a wee bit of a liquid foundation, then apply the mineral sparingly as your finishing powder.

APPLYING THE PURE FINISH MINERAL FOUNDATION POWDERUsing the Elizabeth Arden Face Powder Brush, start at the end of the forehead and sweep across forehead in small circular strokes. Use a very light hand when doing this.

Then, swirl your brush with a bit more powder. Starting at the temple work your way down the cheek to the jaw-line using circular strokes to achieve an even finish. Swirl for a little more powder, and sweep across the chin and, using downward strokes, gently pull the powder to the neck. One last sweep of the brush down the nose, and you’ll be ready to go!