beauty blender with handle

DIY LAVENDER CLAY FACE MASK

Clay masks are often tailored for oily skin due to their oil-absorbing properties, but this Lavender Clay Face Mask is specially designed for dry and sensitive skin. Despite the ingredient list, it’s surprisingly simple to create! The process of blending clay, water, and oil into a luxurious mask is both satisfying and rewarding.

This recipe features a rich combination of argan and avocado oils to deeply moisturize the skin. Argan oil, celebrated for its nourishing qualities, is packed with vitamins A and E. To achieve its smooth, creamy, lotion-like texture, the oils and distilled water are combined with Polawax Emulsifying Wax and BTMS-50 Conditioning Wax. These emulsifiers ensure a stable blend, preventing the oil and water from separating.

INGREDIENTS

  • Four 8 oz. Short Bail Jars
  • 21.4 oz. Distilled Water
  • 1 oz. Argan Oil
  • 1.3 oz. Avocado Oil
  • 1 oz. Polawax Emulsifying Wax
  • 0.8 oz. BTMS-50 Conditioning Wax
  • 3.5 oz. Kaolin Clay
  • 1 oz. Purple Brazilian Clay
  • 2 mL Lavender 40/42 Essential Oil
  • 0.5 oz. Evening Primrose Extract
  • 0.2 oz. Optiphen

INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare Equipment: Disinfect all utensils, including mixing containers, a stick blender, spoons, and spatulas, by dipping them in a 5% bleach water solution and letting them dry. This step ensures your tools are free from bacteria and microbes, creating a safe environment for your mask.

Prepare the Clays: Measure 3.5 oz. of kaolin clay and 1 oz. of purple Brazilian clay. You can combine them in one container or keep them separate for individual addition later.

Heat the Oils and Waxes: In a heat-safe container, combine avocado oil, argan oil, Polawax, and BTMS-50. Heat the mixture in the microwave in 30-60 second bursts until the waxes are fully melted. Handle carefully, as the container will be hot. Set aside.

Heat the Water: In a separate large container, heat the distilled water to 160-170°F using a microwave or stovetop. Recheck the water volume after heating, as some may evaporate, and top it up to ensure you have exactly 21.4 oz.

Combine Water and Oils: Ensure the oil and wax mixture and the heated water are between 160-180°F. If the oils have cooled, reheat them. Place the stick blender into the water and burp it to release air bubbles. Pour the melted oil mixture into the water, scraping the container to include all ingredients. Pulse the stick blender until the mixture turns milky, indicating emulsification. Blend for about a minute.

Add the Clays: Gradually add spoonfuls of kaolin clay (or the kaolin and purple Brazilian clay mix), pulsing the stick blender after each addition. Continue until all the clay is fully incorporated. Blend for 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the container to ensure an even mix.

Cool and Add Preservatives: Once the mixture cools to 130-140°F, add the Optiphen, Lavender 40/42 Essential Oil, and evening primrose extract. Stick blend thoroughly, remembering to burp the blender, until all ingredients are well mixed.

Final Blend: If not yet added, incorporate the purple Brazilian clay and blend until the texture is smooth and uniform. Continue blending for a few more minutes to ensure full emulsification.

Fill and Cool: Pour the mixture into the bail jars. If bubbles form on the surface, spritz with 99% isopropyl alcohol. Leave the jars uncovered to cool for several hours, allowing the mask to set into a thick, lotion-like consistency. A slight skin may form on the surface as it dries.

USAGE INSTRUCTIONS

Apply a medium layer to clean, dry skin, avoiding the eye area. Let the mask sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Washing afterward is optional. For dry skin, limit use to once per week.

how to use setting powder without looking cakey

If you’re someone who loves makeup, you know the importance of a good setting powder. Not only can it help keep your makeup in place all day long, but it can also blur imperfections and provide a flawless finish. In case you’re not sure how to use setting powder, don’t fear. Here, we’re sharing a step-by-step guide on applying this face powder for a flawless skin.

What is Setting Powder?

Setting powder is a makeup product that helps to set your foundation and concealer in place. It’s usually applied after you’ve finished applying your base makeup and before you move on to other products like blush or bronzer. 

There are two main types of setting powder: loose powder and pressed powder. Loose powder is typically applied with a brush, while pressed powder can be applied with a brush or a sponge. Loose powder is generally considered to be lighter and more natural-looking, while pressed powder is more convenient to use and travel with.

how does setting powder work?

Setting powder works by creating a barrier between the skin and the environment. It is applied to the face after foundation and concealer to help set them in place and prevent them from smudging, creasing, or transferring. It also helps to absorb excess oil and give the skin a matte finish. Setting powder can also be used to blur fine lines and wrinkles, and to minimize the appearance of pores.

This face powder is a must-have for anyone who wants their makeup to look its best all day long, especially those with oily skin or who live in humid climates.

how to apply setting powder with a beauty blender

  • Prepare your skin. Make sure your skin is clean and dry before applying setting powder. You may also want to apply a primer to help your makeup last longer.
  • Dampen your beauty blender. Run your beauty blender under water and squeeze out any excess water. The beauty blender should be damp, but not dripping wet.
  • Apply setting powder to the beauty blender. Tap the beauty blender into the setting powder to pick up a small amount of powder. You can also use a brush to apply setting powder to the beauty blender.
  • Bounce the beauty blender over your face. Use a bouncing motion to apply the setting powder to your face. Focus on the areas where your makeup is most likely to smudge or crease, such as your T-zone, under your eyes, and around your nose.
  • Once you have applied the setting powder to your entire face, continue bouncing the beauty blender until the powder is evenly distributed.

how to use setting powder with a brush

  • Prepare your skin. Make sure your skin is clean and dry before applying setting powder.
  • Choose the right brush. A large, fluffy brush is best for applying setting powder, as it will help to evenly distribute the powder and create a natural finish. Some popular setting powder brushes include the Real Techniques Setting Brush, the Morphe M501 Setting Powder Brush, and the It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Buffing Powder Brush.
  • Tap off the excess powder. Dip the brush into the setting powder and tap the handle of the brush on the back of your hand to remove any excess powder.
  • So, where do you put setting powder? Starting at the center of your face, work your way outwards, applying the powder in light, circular motions. Focus on the areas where your makeup is most likely to smudge or crease, such as your T-zone and under your eyes.
  • Once you have applied the powder to your entire face, use the brush to blend it out until it is invisible. Be sure to blend the powder into your hairline, neck, and ears to avoid any harsh lines.

How to Choose the Right Setting Powder

Choosing the perfect setting powder can be a fun and personalized beauty adventure! First, think about your skin type and what you want to achieve. If you battle excess shine, go for a matte, oil-absorbing powder. Dry skin? Opt for a hydrating or luminous formula for that healthy glow. Most folks find translucent shades work well, but if you have a deeper complexion, consider a tinted option to avoid a ghostly look. Also, decide whether you like loose or pressed powder for your application style. Lastly, don’t hesitate to check out reviews and maybe even try a sample to make sure your makeup stays put without changing its texture

tips for perfect look

  • Apply setting powder after your foundation and concealer. This will help to set your makeup in place and prevent it from smudging or creasing.
  • Use a light touch. Too much setting powder can make your makeup look cakey.
  • Focus on the areas where your makeup is most likely to smudge or crease. This includes your T-zone, under your eyes, and around your nose.
  • Blend the setting powder well. Use a brush or beauty blender to blend the setting powder into your skin until it is invisible.
  • Set your makeup with a setting spray. This is optional, but it can help to prolong the wear of your makeup.

FAQs 

  1. Should you use setting powder if you have dry skin? In case you have dry skin, you may want to try a hydrating setting powder instead of a matte one. However, if you find that setting powder makes your skin look too dry, you may want to skip it altogether.
  2. How often should you reapply setting powder throughout the day? You typically don’t need to reapply setting powder throughout the day unless you have very oily skin. If you do need to touch up, use blotting papers or a small amount of powder on a brush.
  3. Can setting powder be used alone? While setting powder is typically used to set other makeup products like foundation and concealer, it can also be used alone to help control oil on the skin.
  4. Should you apply setting powder before or after blush and bronzer? You should apply setting powder after you’ve finished applying your foundation, concealer, blush, and bronzer. This will help ensure that all of your makeup is set in place and will last throughout the day.

Final Takeaway

Using setting powder is an essential step in any makeup routine. It helps to set your makeup in place, minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines, and give your skin a flawless finish. When choosing a setting powder, make sure to choose one that matches your skin tone and works well with your skin type. Additionally, make sure to apply it properly using a fluffy brush, and be sure to blend it well for a natural-looking finish. With these tips, you’ll be able to achieve a perfect, long-lasting makeup look every time.