mineral makeup: various brands
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free skin care · Sat Jan 24, 2004 10:43 pm

I really REALLY want to like mineral make-up because the idea of using loose minerals is so appealing to me. Natural and from the earth... But it's unfortunately not working for me. I've tried JI, BE, Monave, and Geografx, so far. And I have another sample of Earth's Beauty coming my way. I even bought Urban Decay brushes to apply my minerals. Well to answer your question Mabsy, the Geografx one worked the best for me in terms of color--I liked the color Amalfi. It wasn't exact, but close enough. The problem I'm having with all of them is that they seem to emphasize pores rather than conceal them. Also, the coverage is too light, but when I apply more minerals, I LOOK like I'm wearing make-up with that mask look. With the cream foundation i'm currently using, I barely use any and apply it only to my t-zone area. It could be that I don't have the application technique right with the loose minerals, or am using the wrong brushes. But on a positive note, I absolutely LOVE loose mineral shadows and will never use anything else ever again. I never wore eye shadow in the past because 1. it's hard for me to find good vegan eye shadow--everything has carmine in it! 2. Normal eyeshadows fade really fast on me so what's the point. But the loose mineral shadows I've tried have such great staying power and are super pigmented. I've tried the B.E. loose glimmers, but they are nothing compared to Monave or Geografx loose shadows, and the B.E. ones "may contain carmine." I have found my 2 favorite holy grail eye shadows now that I just love. :P After Mabsy's great review I think I really want to try J.I. liquid minerals. I do need help choosing a color though. I am Asian and approximately a B.E. #2 and a Geografx: Amalfi. Any suggestions anyone? thanks

free skin care · Sun Jan 25, 2004 8:30 am

I use Geografx and Botany 101. The problem with Botany is that you wait MONTHS for her to hand mill the stuff, so I'm still waiting for samples ordered on November 20th! She also makes a liquid MMU that people love. They have a trading board though and you can get ahold of samples easily. It's too hard for me, but her stuff is really great. Geografx is a top-notch company and service is fast.

The only other co. I've heard of that gives good results is Cory Cosmetics. I've never used it. Aromaleigh is another but I didn't like her stuff as much as GFX.

Are you using a moisturizer before putting on the MMU? That helps. Or, you can add a few grains of the MMU to your moisturizer and put it on that way. Like a liquid. In general, you should put on a light coat and add to it as needed. Also, using a light mist of heavy water softens the look and you can use a flocked sponge to smooth it out.

I used JI for years. Trying her liquid minerals is a good idea too! But I think most of your prob is in the application technique. Any more info, is too much for now! I've learned a lot over the past 6 months. Alexis

free skin care · Sun Jan 25, 2004 4:46 pm

Hi Alexis, I remember talking to you when you were just getting your samples, and you mentioned really liking Geografx. You also mentioned that people are actually trading samples while waiting for botany 101 samples! Well apparently she is doing so well, and is so overwhelmed with orders that she is not accepting new customers! I am actually on a wait list just to order samples, if you can believe that! I only order from companies that take phone orders, and Aromaleigh and Cory do not, so I won't be able to try them. I think I'm going to try liquid minerals next. My skin is too dry and dehydrated from this winter weather that the minerals just look flaky on me, and when I put moisturizer, the minerals don't go on evenly. But I love Geografx and Monave eyeshadows. They are the best.

free skin care · Sun Jan 25, 2004 11:02 pm

Quote:

Originally posted by thoughtcrime
The problem I'm having with all of them is that they seem to emphasize pores rather than conceal them. Also, the coverage is too light, but when I apply more minerals, I LOOK like I'm wearing make-up with that mask look.

I'm having the exact same problems. I want so bad to like this because of the nonchemical sunblock protection, and I'm dying to have the "flawless" complexion everyone's raving about.

I tried following instructions from the JI's website, tried the buffing technique (too abrasive, didn't work anyway) tried the flocked sponge, tried different moisturizers and even no moisturizer. And when I do get it on my face halfway decent, two hours later my skin looks greasy. (And I have dry skin, not oily!) Surprised

I ordered some loose minerals from Colors of Paradise. Hopefully their non-bismuth version will work better for me.

However, I agree with thoughtcrime about mineral eyeshadows. They're fantastic. I wish I'd discovered them sooner!

free skin care · Mon Jan 26, 2004 6:37 pm

Alohagirl,
Well I normally have combo. sensitive skin, but right now it's dry, dehydrated and sensitive that mineral makeup is not working on me. It's just emphasizing how dry and patchy my skin is. I just got a sample of earth's beauty loose minerals today, and it looks like it could be promising. But right now my skin is too dry for me to try it and give a decent review. I'll have to wait when the weather improves. FYI Geografx and Monave also contain no Bismuth and the owners are super nice and helpful. They have samples.

free skin care · Mon Jan 26, 2004 10:27 pm

Thoughtcrime,
The application info on EDS's Bare Escential "technique" page says to start on the outer edge of the face and work inward. I tried that and it worked better. (I had been starting in the T-zone and working outward, which leaves the heaviest deposits of powder in the most obvious places.) Also, I used the flocked sponge to lightly blend afterwards, and that helped, too.

Another thing I noticed is that color choice really influences the outcome. JI Amber matches my skin tone exactly, but ends up looking fake and orange-y. Warm Silk is quite a bit lighter than my natural color, but actually suits me better.

I hope your dry weather improves soon so you can keep experimenting. I'm eager to read a review on Earth's Beauty minerals. Wink

Tue Jan 27, 2004 12:50 am

Thoughtcrime,

Have you considered going into a beauty salon and doing the "I'm thinking of trying mineral makeup, could you please apply it on me so I can see what it looks like?" thing?

I think that way you would get it applied by a pro (well hopefully anyway Smile

) and therefore you'd find out if powder mineral makeup is just not for you or if you're having problems with the application technique (which I found fairly difficult on the beginning).

Alexis - thanks for the tip re: adding powder mineral foundation to your moisturiser! I never thought about that! I'm going to try that tonight Wink

Mabsy

free skin care · Wed Jan 28, 2004 9:20 pm

Thanks Mabsy and Alohagirl for the tips! I think I'm definitely going to have to have a pro show me how to apply minerals.

Wed Feb 11, 2004 12:58 pm

Read with interest all your comments re mineral makeup. I am an acne and eczema sufferer who has only wore foundation once a week due to increase in acne. Until I discovered Amazing Base by Jane Iredale, this not only covers up my acne scars but also feels non greasy and really makes my skin look good. I am currently on Roaccutane for my acne and this drys out your skin terribly but I can still use my Amazing Base. The secret with these minerals is to apply in layers. Let your moisturiser soak in then apply small layer with brush evenly, leave 5 mins check you haven't got the death mask! Then apply more! Had tried the MD base first and all it looked like was a mask. The Amazing Base has light reflective pigments which avoid this. I have used it for over 11/2 years and all my friends have bought it.

Seriously forget the rest and try this.

Wed Feb 11, 2004 4:44 pm

Hi Amanda,

I haven't tried the JI Amazing Base but I'm liking the JI Liquid Minerals at the moment. Is the amazing base very sparkly though? I mean because of the reflecting particles...

Ta Smile

Mabsy

Thu Feb 12, 2004 12:57 am

Mabsy

Not at all. There is certainly a "sheen" but feel this helps avoid that mask look. The main problem to avoid when putting it on is not to do it too thickly or you could end up looking a little too tanned! Get the right colour obviously then do a thin layer, check, then apply more accordingly. Also don't press the brush too hard into skin or can clog into pores. I use this in a morning (every day) and then if needed I do touch ups with the pressed powder if I get a little shine because of hot weather, office air conditioning.

What I really like is if I go out after work and want to touch up. I just use the facial spritzer (either JI or the Decleor one) and then put another thin layer on and it looks like have totally done it from scratch! It's very difficult doing touch up's with a liquid foundation.

Have never tried the JI mineral pearls due to it being a liquid and dermo said to always avoid those kind of bases with my acne problem.

May try it once completed Roaccutane. Nearing end of Month 2, 3 more to go!

Only real pain with the Amazing Base is that it can be a little messy. Tends to go everywhere if not careful!

The real benefit I find is how natural it feels on. I hate that greasy feeling of normal make up, you don't get that with this.

Really pleased have found this site as JI products are much much cheaper than here in UK. Only a few beauty specialist salons do it and they tend to charge £40 for the Amazing Base. I didn't mind though as my first pot lasted over 1 year.

free skin care · Thu Feb 12, 2004 2:18 am

Amanda,

Thanks for the tip about applying a thin layer, wait 5 min, then apply more. I tried it and it worked great! Very Happy

I have no idea why that works, but I'm glad it does because I've been struggling with various kinds of mineral makeup for weeks.

Sometimes I got good results with the flocked sponge, and sometimes I didn't. Sometimes a kabuki brush worked well. (And other times I found myself looking like the "dearly departed" at an open-casket funeral!) Surprised

Thanks again!
--Alohagirl :P

Thu Feb 12, 2004 6:17 am

Amanda,

Thanks heaps for your reply. I know what you mean about the prices. The Bare Minerals starter kits cost Au$199 in Australia, on EDS I can get it for about Au$85. Not to mention that they are hard to find in Australia - but nowhere near as hard to find as the JI products though!

Is Amazing Base just another name for the JI lose/pressed foundations or is it a separate product? Sorry, I'm probably being a ditz but I just can't find it anywhere on the product list. It sounds like something that I might want to get next time I place my order.... if I can figure out what colour would suit me....

Mabsy

Thu Feb 12, 2004 8:11 pm

Hey there,

Where is the Botany trading board? Amazing Base in Jane Iredales loose base. PurePressed is the pressed based. I don't really like Jane Iredale but I'll wear it when I'm out of the better stuff. I don't have oily skin but I find it makes my skin look oily. Also it seperates and makes every pore on my face noticable (and I don't have big pores). I've tried all the tricks and I've good at applying mineral makeup. I think its the ingredients they use. Also the colours aren't very flattering for those with fair skin. I have slightly pink toned skin so I wear Cool Sand (bisque will make you looked orange if you have cool or pink toned skin so stay away) but its VERY pink. So I wear very little and cover with my CG concealer stick in neutralizer (yes my skin is THAT fair) which I'd rather not use.

free skin care · Thu Feb 12, 2004 10:16 pm

Quote:

Originally posted by BabyGrrl143
I don't have oily skin but I find it makes my skin look oily

I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one experiencing that. I'm totally mystified as to how a product with no oil can make someone with dry skin look greasy! I'm also experiencing that "huge pore" look. Surprised

Babygrll, which brand of mineral makeup do you use to avoid these problems?

--Alohagirl:P

free skin care · Fri Feb 13, 2004 2:10 am

Alohagirl and BabyGrrl143,
I think the ingredient in mineral makeup that causes the shine is Bismuth. So perhaps you would do better with mineral makeups that don't contain Bismuth (Monave, Geografx, Aromaleigh....) HTH

Fri Feb 13, 2004 5:10 am

Quote:

Originally posted by BabyGrrl143
Amazing Base in Jane Iredales loose base. PurePressed is the pressed based.

Silly me! Thanks for clearing that up Smile

Fri Feb 20, 2004 5:29 pm

Quote:

Originally posted by alohagirl

Quote:

Originally posted by BabyGrrl143
I don't have oily skin but I find it makes my skin look oily

I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one experiencing that. I'm totally mystified as to how a product with no oil can make someone with dry skin look greasy! I'm also experiencing that "huge pore" look. Surprised

Babygrll, which brand of mineral makeup do you use to avoid these problems?

--Alohagirl:P

Fri Feb 20, 2004 5:54 pm

AHH! My post didn't work! Grrr. So now I have to rewrite it.
Anyways. Sorry this took awhile. I've been busy busy. I've tried Jane Iredale, Botany, Mineral Secrets, and Monave. Monave is the best for keeping oil away (though has a kind of drying look), and Jane Iredale is the worst. Though I think, no matter what brand you use, if you have any oiliness in your skin, that problem is unavoidable. It will catch up with you by mid day even if you only have a VERY little amount of oil (like me) When this happens I blot with oil absorbing sheets (I like clean and clear). I also wear my 'normal' powder to keep oilness away longer (i'd rather not but I can't afford a lot of mineral makeup). If you must use mineral makeup look for a good oil absorbing setting powder. A good primer powder is good too. I use Botany's primer powder but I find my foundation still seperates on my nose by evening. So I have to wipe it off (on my nose only) and reapply. If this happens to you, try not to apply makeup over it. It will just look WAY worse. A good thing to do, if your going out and don't have time to go home, is to carry makeup removal sheets ( that don't need water) around with you. If you don't have any try to take off as much makeup as you can with a tissue. Or find some samples of moisturizer (a department store is a good place) and use that (with a tissue) to take off your makeup. Well those are some tips to keep you makeup looking fresh. I don't know if there are any brands of mineral makeup that look great all day. I think thats just a hype.
I also want to say something about the shades of the mineral foundations I've tried. I have very, very fair, lightly pink toned skin. Ivory in Botany is my best match. Barely There in Mineral Secrets is good too. Cool Sand in Jane Iredale is fine but VERY pink, so I only wear a little (and use Botany for more overage). I want to like Monave's foundation (they have the lowest shipping. I hate paying over $20 to get a little item shippd) but it doesn't suit me. I've tried a sample pack of Ashlie, Kerrie, Claire, and Paula. Ashlie is the only only light enough but even though its supposed to be for pink toned skin...it's yellow! I applied very little and it looked yellow and when I went outside my mom said it looked orange. Also I don't really like the look of the foundation. It has a dull and drying sort of look. It may be good for those with oily and yellow toned skin though. Though if you have skin like mine, Botany is the best.

Fri Feb 20, 2004 6:01 pm

P.S. Both my samples of Botany and Monave took 4 weeks to get to me. I think Monave is just faster is you live in the US.

Sat Feb 21, 2004 12:59 pm

Hey,
It's nice to see so many brands of Mineral Makeup being reviewed Smile

I am a B101, GFX mineral fan Smile

If you are still using B101, try to get a sample of Vivanna Blusher - I love it soo much.. Smile

Quote:

Originally posted by Alexis52
I use Geografx and Botany 101. The problem with Botany is that you wait MONTHS for her to hand mill the stuff, so I'm still waiting for samples ordered on November 20th! She also makes a liquid MMU that people love. They have a trading board though and you can get ahold of samples easily. It's too hard for me, but her stuff is really great. Geografx is a top-notch company and service is fast.

The only other co. I've heard of that gives good results is Cory Cosmetics. I've never used it. Aromaleigh is another but I didn't like her stuff as much as GFX.

Are you using a moisturizer before putting on the MMU? That helps. Or, you can add a few grains of the MMU to your moisturizer and put it on that way. Like a liquid. In general, you should put on a light coat and add to it as needed. Also, using a light mist of heavy water softens the look and you can use a flocked sponge to smooth it out.

I used JI for years. Trying her liquid minerals is a good idea too! But I think most of your prob is in the application technique. Any more info, is too much for now! I've learned a lot over the past 6 months. Alexis

free skin care · Sat Feb 21, 2004 1:18 pm

Babygrrll143,

Wow, thanks for the long post, and sorry you had to write it twice!. It sounds like you've got this MMU stuff down to a science.

I have just one more question for everyone:

Does anybody REALLY get a "flawless" finish? And if you do, what product and technique do you use?

Thanks,
--Alohagirl:P

Sat Feb 21, 2004 4:06 pm

Does anybody REALLY get a "flawless" finish? And if you do, what product and technique do you use?

Thanks,
--Alohagirl:P [/quote]

Since I've been taking b5 my skin has gotten really clear(I've had about three pimples in the past 2 months) so I only have to apply a tiny bit of mineral makeup to look perfect. It's easier to get a flawless look if you have good skin to begin with of course. Before I used b5 what I did was apply a few layers of mineral makeup, and apply with the flock sponge on the problem areas for more coverage. Using a bit of mineral makeup and water to make a concealer is good. Just make sure you apply it in VERY light layers or else you'll get a really noticeable glob of makeup on your face that is almost impossible to get off unless you wash your face and start over. I've tried adding moisterizer to my foundation and mixing it in my palm to make a liquid foundation. I found that it gave more coverage. Though you have to blend more. There has been times when I needed more coverage on a blemish than my mineral foundation could give so I used my coverstick. I suggest finding a good mineral makeup concealer for extra coverage if you need it(Botany sells a liquid concealer though I haven't tried it). Also I like Botany's primer powder. It doesn't cover blemishes but I find that it makes my skin look alot less red and way more even when I apply it before my foundation. If you apply mineral makeup right and know some tricks it does look flawless. At least for me. I probably can't help with people who need alot of coverage since I don't but I'm sure there are people out there who can. I really think mineral makeup gives better coverage than normal makeup and it's way better for you and the environment.

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