Bargain Mineral Makeup

The Cost Factor

Is it really worth it to spend an arm and a leg on certain types of cosmetics? High-end brands would certainly have you think so, but these days it's not just the usual suspects that offer competitively priced products. Even drugstore brands, once considered the affordable option for those who preferred not to splurge on high-end lines, have experienced a surge in prices.

Foundation, in particular, is one item that most women are willing to pay a bit extra for if it means the difference between flawless and splotchy skin. Mineral makeup has enjoyed great popularity and growth in recent years, and it's no surprise that it's become a mainstay both in drugstores and high-end cosmetic establishments. Typically, prices for mineral makeup are modestly reasonable, but can also be costly.

For every great expensive or even mid-priced product, though, there's a cheaper alternative. Even bargain mineral makeup can be found if you know where to look!

You Won't Sacrifice Quality

It may come as a surprise to some that inexpensive mineral makeup is even worth discussing. The ingredients, some might think, can't possibly live up to those used in high-end products. This isn't always the case, though.

Many small manufacturers offer mineral cosmetic product lines that go well beyond basic foundations and powders to include eye shadows and blushes. Their ingredient lists are comparable, and often nearly identical, to those of higher-end lines, and many of these companies offer sample size versions of their products to allow consumers to test the products beforehand.

Using inexpensive mineral makeup doesn't always mean you'll sacrifice quality. However, finding reputable companies is important; visit a cosmetic consumer review Web site, such as MakeupAlley, to find in-depth information on some of the smaller brands and their products.

Bargain Mineral Makeup Finds

A quick search will reveal a vast number of companies that offer inexpensive mineral makeup. Weeding out the best from the rest, though, can be tricky if you aren't familiar with the companies. Here are a few that stand out, offer high-quality products, have a strong reputation and offer everything at affordable prices.

Alima Cosmetics

Trying before you buy is a great idea when it comes to mineral makeup. Alima Cosmetics] offers sample sizes of everything from foundation and eye shadow to blush and lip balm. All products are non-comedogenic, allergen- and irritant-free and anti-bacterial. Samples are priced between $1 and $1.50.

Everyday Minerals

Grab a small size foundation jar at Everyday Minerals for just $5, test out a blush for $8 or try a small eye shadow for $2.50. Reasonably priced products and a vast color selection make this line practically irresistible for makeup addicts. If you're uncertain about which colors to use, take advantage of a great offer and order a free sample kit. It contains trial sizes of three foundations, one blush and one concealer, all in shades of your choice.

Lumiere Cosmetics

Have some fun with the adventurous lineup at Lumiere Cosmetics. Not only are the prices right, the products are formulated to provide your skin with pampering, indulgent care. The mineral healing concealer, for example, contains skin-loving ingredients like neem (a natural antiseptic) and avena sativa (soothing oats). The "Happy Hour" collection of mineral pigments is a great way to introduce summery shades to your collection, and a sample package containing all seven colors is just under $14.

Fyrinnae Cosmetics

All of the products at Fyrinnae Cosmetics are vegan and easy on the wallet. Purchase a jar of foundation that will last you months for $7 or satiate your taste for adventurous colors with a $5.25 jar of eye shadow. There's even a lineup of "professional colors," which are created with the help of makeup artists and formulated to be even longer lasting than the basic colors. Best of all, though, is the $5.75 price tag.

E.L.F.

Expect to spend next to nothing at E.L.F., or Eyes Lips Face. The company has quickly made a name for itself thanks to its $1 products. Granted, as they've grown, so too have their prices – but even those prices are extremely reasonable. The new mineral lineup includes everything from $5 blushes to $3 eye shadows.