The magic of mineral makeup is not just the natural-looking tint it gives skin, but it’s the skincare benefits it provides. Editor Trudi Brewer shares a breathable brand created for all skin colourings and skin types in mind. Film and television makeup artist Amy Elgar shares the virtues of Youngblood.
Youngblood Cosmetics trainer Amy Elgar, shares some of her favourite products in the collection, including the new YB16 Luxe Skin Perfecting Foundation Brush
Working 12-hour days on set as a film and TV artist, Auckland-based Amy Elgar needs makeup that lasts the distance and is kind to the skin. With shows like My Life is Murder, The Bachelor, Celebrity Treasure Island, Dancing with the Stars, and X Factor to her name, she knows her way around a powder brush. She is also the national trainer for Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics and a devotee to this clean makeup. Here, she shares how mineral makeup can benefit any beauty routine.
First up, what is mineral makeup?
In the broadest of terms, mineral makeup relies primarily on naturally occurring minerals rather than fillers, oils, and heavily synthetic ingredients. From a Youngblood perspective, this mineral makeup is about excluding any ingredients that can irritate or harm the skin. Youngblood only uses natural, pure, and ethically sourced ingredients. The brand is free from mineral oil, parabens, talc, artificial fragrances, and dyes, and is both vegan and cruelty-free.
What are the ingredients used in the range?
Some of the key ingredients include vitamin E, which helps hydrate and soothe. Calendula flower extract is known for its skin-healing properties, possessing both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Centella Asiatica extract helps reduce redness and diminishes the appearance of pigmentation and acne scars. Liquorice root extract helps reduce redness and improve the appearance of uneven skin tone. Rice starch absorbs oil, leaving a silky, mattifying effect, while plant-based hyaluronic acid creates a plumping effect and visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and texture. I view Youngblood makeup as the final step in your skincare routine - all the ingredients are designed to nourish and protect, and are naturally derived. These ingredients are also ideal for all skin types.
Does it deliver the same results as regular makeup?
It is true that not all mineral makeup has the same longevity as standard makeup. I have tried many in the past and been frustrated by the colour payoff or the wear. But Youngblood is the exception to this. Their new BeyondBlur Skin Perfecting Foundation offers 12-hour wear, medium to full coverage, and contains 70 per cent skincare ingredients - it's excellent. I also love the wear and colour payoff of the other products, particularly the Vividluxe Crème Blush Sticks, the Pro Sculpt Crème Contour Stick and Pro Glow Crème Highlighter Stick, which are the products I reach for time and time again.
Youngblood BeyondBlur Skin Perfecting Foundation, $115.
The newest foundation in the lineup is a radiant matte that is stacked with a powerhouse of skincare ingredients. Whipped into a weightless, full-coverage finish, it lives up to its name, blurring imperfections, balancing oily skin, and delivering a luminous, almost-there finish with buildable full coverage. Yes, it lasts for hours, and it is also waterproof and transfer-proof.
There are 20 shades in the collection from Fair/Light to Dark/Deep
How do Youngblood Foundations stack up against traditional foundations?
Youngblood has three foundations in its lineup to (literally) cover all bases. Loose Mineral - an absolute favourite, this foundation can be applied to achieve a range of coverage, from sheer to full.
It’s ultra-finely milled, providing a luminous finish. It can be applied immediately after treatments such as waxing, laser, and microneedling, and is suitable for all skin types. The Liquid Mineral is super hydrating, with light to medium coverage. It’s also a healing, soothing, anti-ageing foundation, featuring ingredients such as cucumber extract, squalane, willow bark and grapefruit extracts. Then there is the BeyondBlur Skin Perfecting Foundation, my newest obsession. It provides a medium to full coverage with a soft matte finish (which sounds impossible, but it delivers). As a film and TV makeup artist, I was traditionally unable to use mineral makeup on film sets or shoots without it requiring constant touch-ups. The Youngblood collection offers skin wellbeing, performance, and longevity, which are essential for my work environment. I've been using it on set with complete confidence and minimal touch-ups on those long filming days under bright lights.
What is the best way to apply mineral Foundations?
Youngblood have released a new brush that makes your foundation application easy and flawless. The YB16 Luxe Skin Perfecting Foundation Brush is ideal to use with the new BeyondBlur Foundation. It's designed to apply your foundation for a seamless, even finish and to achieve an airbrushed effect. The brush's angled design allows for versatile use, providing fast coverage and easy buffing of the finish. For the Liquid Mineral Foundation, I use the YB3 Liquid Buffing Brush, which gives you a glowy, natural-looking finish.
What about the loose Powder, that CAN BE MESSY?
Depending on the coverage you want, I use the YB1 Kabuki Brush to buff in a circular motion for full coverage. You can also use the YB16 Luxe Skin Perfecting Foundation Brush to stipple on targeted areas for further coverage. For light coverage, the YB2 Powder Brush, used in a sweeping motion, is excellent.
Youngblood VividLuxe Crème Blush Stick, $89
Cream blush is not only simple to use, but it leaves a luminous glow on the skin that helps boost radiance. This blush is also versatile and can be used on the eyes, lips, and cheeks. Boosted by a trio of skin-loving ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, skin-renewing ceramides, and youth-boosting peptides, it’s a pop of skin-loving colour to suit any skin. Pictured here: Pomelo.
There are five shades in the range
Cream blush is so on trend. How do you apply it?
My favourite way to use the Vividluxe Crème Blush Sticks is to apply the product directly to the cheeks, and then blend out with the YB6 Powder Buffing Brush - it is a foolproof way to add colour to the face seamlessly. The blush sticks really do blend in so easily that you can't make a mistake. After applying, continue blending until you achieve your desired finished look. All Youngblood products are designed to work together, ensuring a seamless blend, regardless of whether they are a cream or powder formula. For example, you can use the blush over the powder foundation with no issues.
What skin type is best suited to mineral makeup?
You can view Youngblood makeup as an extension of your skincare - it's colour that helps you continue to reach your skin goals, and it’s suitable for any skin type.
Does it offer SPF protection?
Some products contain natural sun protection, but due to NZ sunscreen regulations, we cannot state an SPF rating. We recommend applying your preferred sunscreen before applying makeup.
What is your favourite product and why?
I have so many. From a professional standpoint, probably the Weekender Palette because of its versatility. With nine eyeshadows, two blushes, and two highlighters, you really don't need anything else. I know that I will always be able to create a beautiful makeup look on a diverse range of skin tones with this palette. The price point is also an excellent value in this current cost-of-living crisis. I am also obsessed with the BeyondBlur Skin Perfecting Foundation. It's absolute wizardry that it can be a ‘luminous matte’ finish, yet here we are. I love to pair it with the Vividluxe Crème Blush Stick in Pink Prosecco for a polished and refined skin look.
Youngblood Weekender Palette, $125.
Channel your inner makeup artist with this travel-friendly palette for eyes and cheeks. It’s everything you need to create a subtle, luminous day makeup or smoky eye for after five. Housed in a clever, double-sided, slimline palette. It’s genius.
What's new for spring?
Along with the BeyondBlur Skin Perfecting Foundation, there are new ProSculpt Crème Contour Sticks and ProGlow Crème Highlight Sticks. The contour and highlight blush sticks are an excellent and easy way to add definition and a glow to the face - perfect for replicating a holiday glow without the damaging effects of UV. Super blendable and creamy, both formulas contain ceramides and peptides, which help to visibly smooth the skin and reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines... dream product! My favourite shade is Sunkissed. And the Everglow Lip Oil. It’s perfect for a glowy spring lip and offers nourishing hydration with prickly pear seed and apricot kernel oils. The formula is smoothing and feels really cushiony to wear - it's perfection. My favourite shade is Spritz.
Youngblood Everglow Lip Oil, $62
Drench your lips in a sheer shine with the benefits of lip plumping and soothing ingredients. Formulated with 100 per cent pure minerals that won't cause irritation, this oil is safe enough to eat. Pictured here, Spritz.
There are five shades
Best mineral makeup tip?
There is no point in spending a lot of money on expensive skincare and treatments if you're not also aware of what ingredients are in your makeup. You need to ask yourself, is the makeup I am wearing helping me achieve my skincare goals, or is it working against them? When purchasing mineral makeup, opt for a high-quality brand, such as Youngblood, to ensure optimal performance and extended wear. Brushes are also crucial in achieving the final finish to your makeup, so ensure you are using high-quality brushes. Finally, when in doubt - keep blending.
Here’s how to WIN
Summer-inspired, with full pink energy.