THE BEST MINERAL FOUNDATIONS AREN’T WHAT YOU’D EXPECT
Mineral makeup can have a bit of a holier than thou rep- you’re aware it might be better for your skin owing to the fact that it generally doesn’t contain fragrance, mineral oil, talc or potentially drying alcohol (although always check the ingredients list), but on the other hand, its traditional powdered format isn’t for everyone, as the fine particles can clog pores. Some love the light coverage and velvety feel of a loose mineral foundation, but these days there are liquid, gel, stick and hydrating cream foundation formulas that bring the generally sensitive skin friendly benefits of mineral makeup to a wider range of skin types. In fact, probably the vast majority of foundations you’ll see on shelves these days contain minerals of some description, so the ‘mineral’ labelling is often a little deceptive. That said, here’s our edit of heavily mineral based foundations on the market, from full coverage to barely there.
BAREMINERALS BAREPRO PERFORMANCE WEAR LIQUID FOUNDATION, SPF 20 £29 FOR 30ML
Great for: Full coverage for combination and oily skins.
I’m going out on a limb here to say that this is hands down one of my favourite foundation launches of the past few years: it’s creamy, smooth and easy to apply, covers redness, blemishes and uneven skin tone and lasts throughout the day without going claggy. Mineral pigments are suspended in a lipid rich formula for long lasting coverage and hydration, and papaya enzyme helps to lightly exfoliate and improve skin texture as you wear it. If you swerve mineral foundations because you’re spot prone or due to the fact that they don’t offer enough colour or coverage, this is one for you. There are thirty shades too, which trumps many loose mineral offerings.
COVER FX PRESSED MINERAL FOUNDATION, £32 FOR 12G
Great for: Oily skin.
With 40 spot-on shades and kaolin clay to mop up t-zone shine, this silky smooth powder provides medium coverage and doesn’t come off remotely cakey or chalkly. I find that it applies best with a sponge or Beauty Blender rather than a brush, and the fact that it’s fragrance-free, talc-free and water based makes it ideal for sensitive and reactive skins.
MAC MINERALIZE MOISTURE SPF 15 FOUNDATION, £30 FOR 30ML
Great for: Dry skin.
A nourishing yet lightweight medium coverage foundation that glides on evenly, doesn’t cling to dry patches and makes even the most tired skin look more radiant. Apparently it contains a whopping 77 minerals, and while we’re not sold that they all bring bonafide skin benefits to the table, the refreshing, hydrating formula, extensive shade range and fragrance-free status wins big plaudits from us.
BAREMINERALS ORIGINAL FOUNDATION SPF 15, £27 FOR 8G
Great for: Old skool mineral makeup devotees.
The mother of all loose mineral foundations, this classic ‘swirl and buff’ base has a cult following, likely owing to its light feel, minimalist ingredient list (just five) and smooth finish. It’s been on the scene for 20 years and many swear by its customisable coverage, although if you’ve got active acne, pigmentation or scarring, you might find you need something more heavy duty coverage wise.
