Mineral makeup has been a popular choice in the beauty world for years, especially since Bare Minerals made a splash with its foundation. While the initial buzz has settled, there are still plenty of options available for those who prefer powdered formulas.
So, what exactly is mineral makeup? It’s made from finely ground natural minerals like iron oxides, talc, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide. One of its biggest advantages is that it doesn’t contain pore-clogging oils or irritating fragrances, making it a great option for sensitive skin. Many people also find that mineral makeup provides a more natural look compared to liquid foundations while still offering full coverage.
Some formulas even include SPF, but there’s a catch. To get the full sun protection as advertised, you’d need to apply a lot of product. If you prefer a lighter application, it’s best to use a separate sunscreen underneath.
I’ve used True Match liquid products before but never tried the powder version. It comes with its own brush, which is a nice bonus—assuming the brush is good quality. The formula includes Pro Retinol A, vitamin C, and SPF 17. With a four-star rating from 222 customer reviews, it’s praised for both value and quality. It’s priced at $11.99 for 0.35 oz.
Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation, priced at $11.99 for 0.18 oz., seemed promising, especially since I usually love Neutrogena products. The packaging is clever, combining the powder and brush in one, but the results were underwhelming. The color blended well, but the coverage wasn’t as strong or long-lasting as Sonia Kashuk’s. Verdict? Not worth the price—it felt more like a basic face powder than a true foundation.
Jane Be Pure Mineral Powder Foundation, at $6.99 for 0.18 oz., also had a great container, this time with a puff instead of a brush. It provided better coverage than Neutrogena’s, but it applied more like a pressed powder. I’ve been using it to control shine rather than as a full foundation. It’s affordable, so I’d say it’s a decent budget option, but the quality is just okay.
One thing to keep in mind: while mineral makeup is natural and often easier to match to your skin tone, it can be drying. This is especially important for those over 30, as the powder tends to settle into fine lines. My take? It’s a great choice for summer, particularly in humid climates where liquid foundation can feel too heavy.