Directing attention with mineral makeup: highlight what you like
Many people automatically think of makeup as camouflage: hiding what you like less. But the most powerful makeup rule is actually the exact opposite:
Don't emphasize what you want to cover up, but deliberately accentuate another spot.
Your eyes, lips, cheeks and eyebrows make up a whole. By cleverly choosing where to put the focus, you automatically lead the other person's eye to your strongest points. Mineral makeup lends itself perfectly to this because it works subtly, allows the skin to breathe and never looks "heavy.
In this blog, I take you step by step through this technique, with practical examples and tips specifically tailored to mineral makeup.
Why this technique works so well
Our eye is automatically attracted to:
- color
- contrast
- shine
- shape
When you deliberately keep one area calm and add more definition or color elsewhere, balance is created. Mineral makeup enhances this effect because:
- it blends with the skin
- you can build layers without a mask effect
- It reflects more gently than regular makeup
The result: you look fresh and groomed without anyone being able to point out why.
Example 1: Tired or dark eyes
When your eyes look tired, dark under the eyes or somewhat puffy:
What's best not to do
- Heavy eye shadow
- Dark eyeliner around the entire eye
- Too much mascara on the lower lashes.
This actually emphasizes fatigue.
Where do you put the focus?
Lips and cheeks
Tips:
- Choose a warm mineral blush (peach, soft pink) high on the cheeks
- Use a lip gloss or lipstick in a fresh shade
- Keep the eyes calm: only a light concealer such as the Pink concealer or Just Peachy Colour Corrector and a small layer of mascara
The face immediately looks more vibrant and attention automatically shifts to the mouth and cheeks.
Example 2: Redness or troubled skin (cheeks, nose)
With rosacea, redness or reactive skin, it is tempting to cover everything thickly.
What's better not to do
- Thick layers of foundation
- Lots of blush on red areas
- Strong contours on the cheeks
Where do you put the focus?
Eyes and eyebrows
Tips:
- Use mineral foundation in thin layers (buff)
- Leave blush subtle or omitted
- Accentuate the eyes with:
-soft mineral eye shadow
-well-shaped eyebrows with eyebrow powder or pencil
The gaze is drawn upward, away from the redness.
Example 3: Uneven skin or acne
For pimples or blemishes, less really works better.
What not to do
- Overly matte, powdery looks
- Full focus on perfect skin
Where do you put the focus?
Lips or cheekbones
Tips:
- Use a light foundation with natural glow
- Use concealer only where needed
- Add a soft highlighter on the cheekbones
- Pair with a beautiful lip color
The skin looks calmer and healthier by distributing the attention.
Example 4: Thin lips
Thin lips can disappear quickly if you don't give them proper attention.
What not to do
- Very dark matte lipsticks
- Completely ignore the lips
Where do you put the focus?
Lips + fresh skin
Tips:
- Choose light to medium shades with a soft sheen
- Use a lip gloss or satin lipstick
- Apply a small layer of highlight to the cupid's bow
- Keep eyes and cheeks muted
Gloss reflects light and makes lips appear optically fuller.
Example 5: Small eyes
What not to do
- Dark colors in the inner corners of the eyes
- Heavy lines under the eye or in the waterline
Where do you put the focus?
Upper eyelid and eyebrows
Tips:
- Use light eyeshadow in the inner corner
- Apply the beige eye pencil in the waterline.
- Accentuate the eyebrows subtly but clearly
- If necessary, add a soft highlight under the eyebrow
The eyes appear more open and larger, without harsh effect.
In conclusion
Everyone has something he or she is less than happy about. But beauty is not in hiding those details, it's in consciously directing attention. By accentuating one or two strengths with mineral makeup, you create peace, harmony and a look that is right.
Remember:
What you pay attention to, that's where the other person is looking.
With mineral makeup you can direct that attention in a gentle, skin-friendly and elegant way.
