Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics

While I was at The Makeup Show NYC, I had the pleasure of meeting Pauline Youngblood Soli, the Founder and President of Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics.

Now, when I hear mineral makeup I normally just roll my eyes and keep it moving. I've never had much success with it because a) the "dark" colors weren't dark enough for my skin tone making me look gray and ashy, and b) the mess that would inevitably ensue after all of my swirling, tapping, and buffing.

So I approached with caution, meaning I had my guard up and was just interested in the pretty lipsticks.

Didn't I tell you they were pretty???

But after speaking to Soli, my curiosity was peaked and I gave in allowing my makeup to get done and test the products.

Originally, Soli started out as a licensed Medical Aesthetician specializing in paramedical treatments. It was here that she was in contact with people with severely traumatized skin- from harsh laser treatments, acne, rosacea, to cosmetic surgeries. It would often take up to six months for the skin to return to normal and Pauline saw a void in the cosmetic options that were available for these patients.

She began working with chemists to develop a suitable option - a cosmetic that would cover raw, inflamed, or discolored skin, but allow it to breathe and heal. This led to her initial work with natural mineral cosmetics.

After developing her first loose mineral foundation (one that provided excellent coverage and a natural appearance while still allowing skin to breathe) that proved successful with patients, Soli decided to make this natural mineral foundation commercially available, and thus Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics was born.

A few of the foundation selections

Youngblood’s milling process, natural shade selection, and flawless finish make it ideal for Hi Def application. And with everything from your television to your digital camera going Hi Def nowadays, you can't take any chances (have you really looked at that Facebook profile pic lately?? Your pores are showing).

lippies and blushes =)

There is a wide array of concealer, blush, eye shadow, and lip color available. The mineral foundation- in both powder and cream formula- is incredibly natural looking and makes matching skin tones super easy. You may need to mix and match some foundations- as women of color we do not just have one shade. Often at times we may be darker in some areas of the face and lighter in others, so do not be afraid (or get upset) if you have to mix and match your shades.

Below are the products that I deem, Makeup Bag Must Have's

Mineral Primer
OHMIGOD THIS STUFF IS HEAVEN!!!

Since I have oily skin, I tend to run, fast, from makeup primers. First, the primers feel heavy on my skin and then they normally just end up making my makeup slide off my face- not good at all. This primer does none of that. It's lightweight and translucent blend that works wonders with foundation. My complexion was truly flawless after application and it feels super silky and smooth.

Crushed Mineral Blush (this is in Cabernet)

The color adds a nice *pop* to the cheeks. This shade is something amazing. That's all.

Natural Mineral Foundation (my shade is Hazelnut)

I could wax poetic about this foundation from dusk 'till dawn, but because this has already been a long blog post, I'll spare you. I will, however, let you know that this is lightweight and silky. It's sheer enough to not clog your pores but provides that full coverage I love and adore (it's buildable so you actually dictate how much or little foundation you have on).

In all::

Youngblood products are incredibly easy to use, long-lasting, and stand up to your active lifestyle (truth: I ran for my L train in the sticky heat and when I finally made it in the train I expected to see a sweaty greasy mess staring back at me but that was not the case. Eileen 1, NYC Subway 0)

Whether you're at the office or at the gym, our makeup is as high-performance as you are.

Youngblood is perfect for all ages and skin types - even for women with sensitive or problem skin.