FabSugar

Mineral Powder Makeups

FabSugar — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 14:56:52 -0700

If you find liquid foundations to be too heavy, you might want to try one of the new mineral powder foundations that are all the rage right now. These mineral-based, talc-free makeups provide the finished look and coverage of foundation, but they are very lightweight and won't dry out your skin. In fact, you'll be amazed how polished you can look by just applying powder. Plus, many of these products contain sunscreen, too.

However, the brush you use to apply the foundation is very important: Each manufacturer makes its own special brush, but it's not just a ploy to get you to buy one; invest in the corresponding brush if you want to try this makeup. Here's a look at some of my favorite mineral foundations.

Bare Escentuals i.d. bareMinerals Foundation SPF 15, $25, available here.

Jane Iredale PurePressed Base SPF 18, $48, available here

To see a drugstore version, read more

Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Mineral Powder Foundation, $11.99, available here.

Marvelous Mineral Bronzers

FabSugar — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 12:44:56 -0700

Mineral Bronzers are fantastic for sensitive or acne prone skin. They are non-caking, talc-free and are made from natural products with little amounts of color dyes or abrasives that can irritate your skin. They absorb oil and are believed to minimize the look of fine lines on your face. Here are some of the latest and greatest mineral bronzers on the market:

Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Bronzer is a super lightweight dual colored, mineral based pressed powder. Created with Vitamins A and E and infused with anti-oxidants, this bronzer actually helps protect your skin. The formula also contains Mica and Silica to help achieve a smooth, sexy, second skin feel. It's packaged in a sleek silver case with 2 compartments; 1 for the bronzer and 1 that flips up to store a mirror and a brush. Buy it here for $12.95. Available in 6 shades.

Pür Minerals Universal Marble Powder-Bronze is an amazing bronzer and skin brightener that helps to even out blotchy skin. It's full of vitamins, minerals and super soft shea butter to create light but thorough coverage. It's also oil, alcohol, talc, fragrance and chemical dye free. Pür-fect! Buy it here for $21.50

Two more, so read more

Therapy Systems Pressed Mineral Foundation SPF 20 is a custom formulated, triple jet milled powder made from ingredients like boron nitride and silk. Use the darkest shade (Buff) as a bronzer for exceptionally smooth all over color. Buy it here for $28. Available in 3 shades.

Lastly, a piece on mineral makeup wouldn't be complete without including something on bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation. This revolutionary magical makeup's tag line is "it's so pure you can sleep in it." After trying it, I must say, that I kind of believe them. It's made from 100% pure, crushed minerals which are free of everything. It won't clog your pores or irritate your skin.

There are thousands of testimonials online where women who suffer from skin conditions, claim that this brand has improved the overall appearance of their skin. It also contains natural sunscreens that protect your skin from the sun. This makeup has actually been recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. Buy it here for $25. Available in 12 shades.

Pretty Powder Compacts

FabSugar — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 23:30:00 -0700

On Tuesday I wrote about T. LeClerc Pressed Powder, which I love not just for its smoothing, shine-reducing qualities but also for the fabulously luxe metal compact. Of course, not everyone will agree that T. LeClerc makes the world's best pressed powder, but that doesn't mean you can't have a stylist compact, too. Here are some of the coolest powder compacts I've found, each of which is an accessory in itself.

Estée Lauder Sun Goddess Compact, $60, available here.
Estee Lauder is known for its collectible compacts; this slightly psychedelic design houses bronzer.

Tarte Provocateur Mineral Pressed Powder SPF 8, $28, available here.
Sleek, lavender, and square, this quirky compact is a girly treat.

Two more, so read more

Becca Fine Pressed Powder, $38, available here.
This edgy, hyper-modern compact design comes with a protective pouch.

Body & Soul Two-in-One Face Powder, $35, available here.
A vampy siren adorns the top of this foundation-plus-powder combo.

Laura Mercier's Out Of This World Eye Powders

FabSugar — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 11:46:37 -0700

I have always been a huge fan of Laura Mercier Cosmetics, but her new Mineral Eye Powders for fall are out of this world. The line of six loose-powder shades actually have outer-space-inspired names, including eclipse, milky way, meteor, galaxy, constellation, and asteroid.

These richly pigmented colors can be applied both wet and dry to look dramatic or soft. When applied wet, they have a dramatic sheen finish, while the dry application makes your eyes unbelievably sparkly. You can also use them as eyeliner; just dampen your brush with water, dip into a darker shade, and mix to desired consistency depending on how daring you want to be. You can buy them here for $20 each.