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Mineral Makeup – all it’s cracked up to be?

Annika

Hi everyone. I am a recent mineral foundation convert despite having always considered myself a foundation outsider. In spite of numerous attempts and brands I have never been able to apply it properly; an obviously made-up and caked face the inevitable end result. Whilst other women were enjoying flawless complexions I knew I would never join them. Until, that is, a good friend recommended mineral foundation (she swears that it’ll change your life).

 

After 15 minutes at the counter I was happily parting with my money for this miracle product. The real selling point for me is that it is so light you can’t really feel or see it – you don’t look like you’re wearing foundation. There is none of the gloopyness I usually associate with foundation, and yet it isn’t drying (apparently the minerals meld into your skin once your skin heats it up). I found it gave me good coverage and evened out my skin tone, without me looking drag queen-esque. Additionally, and possibly most importantly, the good quality mineral based products are free from preservatives, talc, oil, fragrance and some even have an SPF. After a few compliments from friends I am well and truly a convert!

 

I’m interested in reading other people’s experience with mineral makeup. Which is the best brand? Does it work on all skin types? Or perhaps I’ve converted too soon and there is a better product out there?

 

Ps One negative I found is that it doesn’t blend very well on dry/ peeling areas – any tips?

14 comments
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Bond7224
Bond7224 (1 year ago)
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Hi I've only tried mineral make-up once but i found that it 'sat' in every wrinkle scar and crevice! any tips or hints to make me a convert too?

tangerine123
tangerine123 (2 years ago)
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I'm a recent mineral foundation convert too! I tried using it last but because I wasn't moisturing properly I didn't really see any benefits and it looked very obvious. I totally agree that moisturing and using the right are key. I use Lily Lola's foundation and I've also noticed that the few blemishes and areas of bad skin I've had for ages have started to disappear since using it.

Annika
Annika (2 years ago)
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Hi Elizabeth, When I hear there are other converts I feel like we're part of a revolution!! I'll look out for Lily Lolo, it's certainly cheaper than some of the others and looks like it has the same credentials, though doesn't seem to have an SPF which is a shame. They're also the Green Beauty Bible Award winner which is a plus! I've found that using mineral makeup has reinforced the need to exfoliate, otherwise the powder can emphasize slightly peeling skin, which liquid foundation would cover over. Has anyone else found this?
tangerine123
tangerine123 (1 year ago)
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Hi Annika! One that I've also been using recently and that does have an SPF is the Green People pressed mineral powder with SPF 15 and are also Green Beauty Bible award winners. Its not a loose powder like the Lily Lolo powder but I've found it gives amazing overall coverage to my face where as with the Lily Lolo powder I tend you use that to cover specific blemishes. Hope that might be useful to you!
Annika
Annika (1 year ago)
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Thanks Elizabeth this looks great. I've been told that loose powder is best as it doesn't contain wax, though I don't think beeswax would be too harmful! Do you tend to stick to organic/natural products?
tangerine123
tangerine123 (1 year ago)
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For my face I do, as I used to suffer from acne and tried everything but began to worry about what sort of damage all the harsh chemicals in the products I was using would be doing to my skin in the long run. Now I use organic/natural products which have helped my skin so much. My skin is completely clear since using both those mineral powders and has never looked healthier! I'm a complete convert but I do realise with your skin everyone is just so individual you have to find the right combination of products.
euterpe13
euterpe13 (2 years ago)
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Hi - I've tried several brands of mineral make-up ( Bare Escentuals, Body Shop, Revlon, Max Factor, Everyday Minerals, Elizabeth Arden) and find the Bare Escentuals to be the best, although also the priciest.  Don't use liquid anymore - I love the sheer cover of mineral makeup and the way it stays put all day.  Important: make sure that moisturiser is properly absorbed before you apply, and do buy the best kabuki brush you can afford, and remember to buff the product into your skin - it is not meant to sit on top like traditional liquid or even normal powder.  If properly applied, you should find that it also blends well even into dry areas - I find that it give a lovely silky sheen even to my dry lips.

Annika
Annika (2 years ago)
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Ps Your tips totally worked! Thank you :)
euterpe13
euterpe13 (2 years ago)
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Glad to hear it! Remember to buff in a circular motion, working from the hairline and outside of jaw into the centre of the face. Bet you now look fabulous!
Annika
Annika (2 years ago)
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Hi, Thanks for your advice, I'll try buffing more (and being patient with my moisturiser) to help with the dry areas. I'm also using Bare Escentuals, glad to know you think it's the best! Do you prefer the Kabuki brush to the Flawless Application brush? And have you tried any other of their products?
euterpe13
euterpe13 (2 years ago)
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Hi Annika - I used to work for a brush manufacturer : don't buy either of the B.E. brushes, they are too small and overpriced - look for the BIG kabuki brushes in either natural goat hair ( we used to make a good one for Space NK) or if you prefer synthetic, the Body Shop. For concealer application, I use a very big eye-shadow brush ( look for the long-handled type, easier to use) or you could buy a good-quality artist's brush from art shop - they are basically the same as cosmetic brushes, but at half the price...
Annika
Annika (2 years ago)
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Hi, and thanks for all your advice, I'm a virgin when it comes to brushes so this is really useful. I got the starter pack so got the B.E. brushes, but will look out for a big Kabuki. And the artist's brush tip is brilliant, a really small brush would make it a lot easier!
Annika
Annika (2 years ago)
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Hi Jenny,

Thanks for your question! I find that it does stay put. After about 5 minutes it seems to sink into your skin. Also, the brand I'm using has a Mineral Veil you add after which is meant to 'lock makeup in place'. I know what you mean about the durabililty of liquid foundation, but it is that which I find feels so heavy!

Hope this helps..

Jenny_L
Jenny_L (2 years ago)
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Hi annika. I'm curious to know whether mineral foundation stays put? Because it's loose powder, I always assume it's going to fly off my face! Whereas liquid foundation always gives you that added sense of durability...