Pressed Mineral Foundations

Pressed mineral foundations are a convenient way to flawless-looking, healthy skin.

The use of mineral makeup really exploded in the beauty market in recent years. Mineral makeup, particularly mineral foundations and blushes, have become popular not only because of their ability to provide beautiful coverage, but also because it is considered to be better for skin than many standard makeup formulas.

Many mineral makeup formulas use natural minerals and eliminate binding agents, synthetic dyes, and preservatives. The non-comodegenic formulas of many mineral makeup products also will not aggravate acne, rosacea, and many other common skin conditions.

The two basic types of mineral foundations are loose mineral foundation and pressed mineral makeup. A company's foundation formula is often the same for the loose and pressed foundations. A key difference is that pressed mineral makeup may provide more coverage than the loose foundation forms. Some pressed foundations are designed to allow you to control the coverage level by applying them either wet (for more coverage) or dry (for lighter coverage).The overall look, however, is still designed to be very sheer and natural looking.

Pressed minerals also typically come in a convenient compact form, which makes it ideal for women on the go, traveling, and touching up makeup away from home. Although mineral foundations can be used alone, some women use the pressed foundations over liquid makeup forms to add a natural looking glow to the skin or in place of a pressed powder.

Like loose mineral foundations, the pressed forms are typically applied using brushes. They may also be applied using a makeup sponge or round. To Apply pressed mineral makeup:

1. First, cleanse and tone your face. A fresh face will ensure your makeup looks its best and will last longer.
2. Apply a moisturizer appropriate for your skin type. Mineral makeup works best on properly moisturized skin. Even if you have oily skin, don’t skip this step; just choose a moisturizer that is designed to for oily skin. Allow the moisturizer to soak into the skin before applying the makeup.
3. Wet your application tool (a foundation brush or makeup sponge) if desired for extra coverage (only if recommended by the specific brand).
4. Dust or dab the brush sponge into the foundation. Lightly circle the brush or sponge in the lid of the compact to eliminate any excess makeup.
5. Apply the makeup starting at the forehead and working your way down in small circles, (using a press and pat motion with a sponge) concentrating on the t-zone, layer makeup as needed for areas that need more coverage.
6. Use a small concealer brush or the tip of a makeup sponge to apply the pressed foundation to any areas that need extra coverage, such as any areas with blemishes or sun damage, or under the eyes.

Many mineral pressed foundations are designed to be four in one products, acting as a foundation, additional application acting as a concealing agent, and simultaneously a finishing powder and sun protectant. Most pressed minerals bases can be used as both a foundation and concealer, but be sure to check the specific product line to see if four in one use is advocated or it is necessary to purchase the concealer and finishing powder separately.

Which is the best mineral makeup for you? Like many beauty products, not all foundations in pressed mineral form are alike. Dermatologists recommend avoiding those that contain:

• Paraban preservatives
• Bismuth oxychloride (if you have sensitive skin, this can be an irritant, and is often the culprit of an allergy to mineral makeup)
• Synthetic fillers or binding agents

There are many different brands that offer pressed mineral foundations. These include

• PUR Minerals
• Larenim Pressed Mineral Airbursh Foundation
• Cover Girl TRUblend Foundation
• Mineralogie Pressed Foundation
• Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Pressed Foundation
• Jane Iredale Pressed Minerals Base

Be sure to check the recommendations when choosing color – even if you wear one shade in a loose mineral powder, you may need a lighter or darker foundation shade of pressed makeup. Reading mineral makeup product reviews can also help you decide.

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