Posts from — February 2008
Mineral MakeUp Review
The average twenty-something girl has probably switched to mineral makeup in the last few years. It is lightweight and comfortable to wear. We have not had to worry about too many wrinkles, sunspots and scars to cover up so heavy coverage is usually not needed. But there are so many you can buy with so many price tags. Does the $30 pot of minerals with the fancy brush cover as well as my convenience store brand? I have been hesitant to try the cheapest brands but I am trying to save a little on makeup this year. Which is really a ridiculous thought being that I have no self control. I did a little research and this is what people are saying about a few of the most popular mineral makeups.
Bare Minerals
Cost: $25.00 for a pot of foundation, $60 for the starter kit… although you can usually get it for $40 at a place like Ulta.
My Opinion: I have been impressed with mineral makeup because it is light and clean feeling. I don’t feel as though I am wearing foundation yet it lasts as long as a liquid foundation. It gives sufficient and even coverage on good skin but will not help with redness around nose or mouth, and under eye circles. However in combination with a creme concealer (which bare minerals does not carry) it works just fine.
Brushes: Starter kit comes with a standard brush that you can get away with using.
Buying: You can purchase at any makeup store like Ulta or Sephora.
Sheer Cover
Cost: Anywhere from free (that is what I spent through a mail-in offer) to $30 for your starter kit.
My Opinion is: I would rate Sheer Cover more highly than Bare Minerals. It is light and gives sufficient coverage plus it comes with a duo creme concealer (two shades you can mix for matching your skin tone) that is one of the best concealers that I have used. The concealer is non-oily which doesn’t cause breakouts but it also is not pasty, good for dry areas. I also think that Sheer Cover lasts longer than Bare Minerals. They also have done away with the “Mineral Veil” — a translucent powder that sets the foundation. Now the process, unlike Bare Minerals, can be done in one step.
Brushes: Starter kit comes with brushes that they have recently upgraded a little so they are not super crappy. I still don’t love them though.
Buying: The annoying buying program is the downside. I don’t blame anyone for forgoing this long stupid process and just heading to Walgreens and getting the competitor. Once you buy the starter kit they automatically send you a kit refill, at full price, every 90 days. This is unnecessary and I think they are counting on the fact that you won’t call and stop shipment. I called after my first order and changed the cycle to refill and bill me automatically after every 6 months. At that time you have to order a minimum of 4 sheer cover items (a basic kit) in order to get their special offer price of $14.95. I probably will opt out of this program so I only have to reorder the makeup and pay $29.95. So it ends up being a little bit more than Bare Minerals.
Cost: $12.99
Opinion: Since I have never tried this product I will share with you what beautyandfashiontech claimed in her review. She remarks that The Neutrogena product works for me only as a finishing powder. She even states, “I hesitate to call it a mineral foundation at all. There just isn’t any real coverage from it.” She was also unsatisfied with the applicator saying she had she had to tap it hard and often to get a sufficient amount.”
Buying: Available at an convenience store.
Cost: $14.99
Opinion: I am going to have to go with beautyandfashiontech’s opinion as well on this one since I haven’t tried this product. She claims that “unlike the Neutrogena powder, Bare Naturale provides good coverage”. “It is cheaper than most of the best rated brands, yet from my experience, it is every bit as good. I highly recommend the product.”
Buying: Available at an convenience store.
Pur 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup / Foundation
Cost: $24.50
Opinion: Since I haven’t been able to try this either so I decided to go with the opinions of users on Amazon. One review said, “It provides great coverage - even under my eyes, where I have terrible dark circles - and is not as messy as other mineral makeup cosmetics like Bare Essentials. ” You also have to admit that being able to have a pressed powder versus a loose powder is convenient.
Buying: Available at makeup stores like Ulta or Sephora.
February 1, 2008 2 Comments
