I'm a HUGE fan of
full-coverage mineral foundation for my day-to-day make-up. Here's why:
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Some of my mineral make-up - the packaging gets grubby easily... |
ADVANTAGES:
-
Ingredients: I prefer its
relatively simple ingredients compared to some of the scary chemicals (parabens and preservatives) found in other foundations.
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Sensitivity:
Mineral make-up can often be used by the most sensitive skin (even ones
that have undergone intensive beauty treatments like chemical peels).
Since it's non-irritating, it's perfect for acne-prone skin (like mine!)
-
Simplicity: with full coverage, I don't need to use a separate
concealer to mask my blemishes. I just increase the intensity of powder
over blemished areas.
DISADVANTAGES:
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Application:
Some people find loose powders hard to work with - however, I find it
easier and neater than liquid foundation. The "swirl, tap, buff" method
is super easy - and with the right brushes (I HIGHLY recommend
this one for dense coverage and
this one for a glowing finish), it only takes me three minutes to get an even finish.
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Portability:
Powders can have bulky containers and if they don't close properly, you
could end up with powder EVERYWHERE! However, most companies have
improved their packaging, offering secure closures and pressed compact
versions. Furthermore, I usually don't need to carry my make-up around,
as I find
one application lasts the whole day, and I only need to use blotting papers to touch up.
I'm currently using Everyday Minerals Pressed Powder in Olive Medium (previously reviewed
here). I adore it - full coverage and completely non-irritating BUT it's been discontinued, and I don't like its replacement - so I'm on the hunt for new mineral make-up. (For shade reference, I'm NC35 in MAC).
ONES I'VE TRIED:
1) Bare Escentuals Bare Minerals Foundation ($27 for 0.3 oz)
MUA rating: 2484 reviews (2.9/5)
My shade: Golden Medium or Medium Beige
Potential irritant: Bismuth Oxychloride in the original formula
My thoughts: Great color range - with over 20 shades to choose from. While
this is one of the most popular and easily found mineral brands, it doesn't work for me. The original formula makes my face irritated (due to the Bismuth) while the matte formula doesn't provide enough coverage to mask my blemishes. I do love this brand though - my must-haves include the
Tinted Mineral Veil,
Well-rested Eye Brightener and the
Handy Buki Brush.
2) Everyday Minerals Semi-Matte Formula ($12.99 for 0.19 oz)
MUA rating: 506 reviews (3.9/5)
My shade: Buttered Tan or Golden Medium
Potential irritant: reformulated with Lauroyl Lysine (derived from Coconut oil)
My thoughts: My current pressed powder foundation is perfection - it provides full, long-lasting coverage without looking powdery or cake-y. As my compact is running low, I recently ordered foundation sample kits - and found that they did not provide the same coverage or finish as before. After googling reviews, I discovered that EM changed their foundation formula (adding Lauroyl Lysine) - leaving many former fans wondering why
they replaced a star product with an inferior and irritating one.
3) Laura Mercier Mineral Powder SPF 15 ($35 for 0.34 oz)
MUA rating: 487 reviews (4.0/5)
My shade: Classic Beige
Potential irritant: Also contains some Bismuth Oxychloride but reportedly not as much as Bare Minerals
My thoughts: Love the finish of this foundation - it contains Pearl Powders that make your skin look airbrushed and glowing- it is seriously amazing! However,
it doesn't provide adequate coverage and my hyperpigmented acne scars show through. Would highly recommend it if you already have blemish-free skin, but I can't use it at the moment.
ONES I WANT TO TRY
1) Jane Iredale Pure Pressed Base ($50 for 9.9g)
MUA rating: 558 reviews (4.0/5)
My shade: Unknown
My Thoughts: I'm SO attracted to this because of the pressed formula and reviews of full-coverage (highly pigmented with no need of a separate concealer!) - although it is the most expensive mineral foundation I've researched. It is only stocked in salons or online, so I'm going to have to find a local salon and try it on in person to find my shade.
(Update: Reviewed here)
2) Cover fx Powder FX Mineral Powder Foundation ($35 for 0.12 oz)
MUA rating: 11 reviews (4.5/5)
My shade: Unknown
My Thoughts: I've heard that Cover FX is a great brand for easily irritated skin. However, according to the brand's website, this product only provides medium (not full) coverage. It's easy to find - my Shoppers Drug Mart stocks it - if they give samples, I'm definitely going to give this a try.
3) Alima Satin Matte Mineral Foundation ($25 for 0.24 oz)
MUA rating: 390 reviews (4.1/5)
My shade: Unknown
My Thoughts: A lot of former Everyday Minerals users are switching to this brand - on the plus side, it's creamy and non-irritating - unfortunately, it reportedly only provides light to medium coverage. I may order sample sizes from the brand's website to see how this works for me.
4) Pur Minerals Pressed Powder Foundation ($26 for 0.28 oz)
MUA rating: 536 reviews (3.9/5)
My shade: Tan
My Thoughts: Another mineral brand stocked at my local Shoppers Drug Mart (love easy to find make-up). Am a little hesitant about it's ingredients (which include Bismuth Oxychloride and Shea Butter) - but apparently it works for others with acne-prone skin, so I may give it a try.
Do you have any suggestions for full-coverage mineral make-up?