Mineral foundation is basically finely ground minerals such as mica, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide blended into a powdery substance that’s applied with a brush.
"Pure and natural"
The makers of mineral foundations argue that the minerals used in their products are unique, natural, and good for skin. One brand – i.d. bareMinerals – claims its products are so pure you can sleep with them on. Unless you fancy waking up to a make-up stained pillowcase, we don’t recommend this.
Mineral foundations are claimed to be good for sensitive skin as they contain “pure and natural” ingredients. But the ingredients aren’t “straight from the earth” as the advertising material would have you believe. Many of the ingredients found in mineral foundations are highly refined before they’re added.
Are they for you?
Mineral foundations are powder-based so they tend to be “absorbing” rather than “moisturising”. If you have dry flaky patches on your skin, mineral foundations can make them more obvious.
If it’s long-lasting cover you’re after, you’ll be better off with a liquid- or cream-based product. The mineral foundations in our trial generally lasted 5 to 8 hours, but you may be able to extend this by applying a primer first.
Try before you buy. Ask a sales assistant to apply the product for you and then wait several hours to see how the foundation feels on your skin, how long it lasts, how it looks in natural light and – most importantly – whether your skin gets irritated.
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