Mineral Cosmetics for the Summer

Do you ever fear that your makeup will melt off your face in the heat of summer? Is the combination of the humidity and your thick foundation contributing to clogged pores? Sure, ideally, we should all be able to experience carefree summers without having to wear makeup. Yet some of us, whether we work in a professional environment or have blemishes to cover up, would never dare to go bare, even during summer.

To be honest, I dreaded the summer when I used to wear traditional makeup. My face would feel oily and my makeup would begin to slide down my face. It was an atrocious sight. However, a few years back, I made the switch to mineral cosmetics, and boy, will I never look back. If you find the right mineral makeup for you, you will most likely fall in love. It can be long-lasting, provide adjustable coverage and most of all, the right formulation for your skin will pretty much guarantee that you won't experience any cosmetic acne.

There are so many kinds of mineral makeup on the market right now. I have gone through so many companies, and I must say that only a few can meet my expectations. However, once I found my favorites, I knew to stick to them.

Bare Escentuals: I didn't experience any breakouts or irritation from this company, though many attest to a strange itchiness due to the bismuth oxychloride in it. I personally didn't have problems with this ingredient. However, I do know that the color selection is meager and disappointing, that the foundation makes my pores look huge, that my skin looked oddly shiny, and that this line is so expensive! Before settling for this company, try others. I did wear it in the summertime, and I just looked strange.

The verdict: If you can afford it, and if you have small pores, then you will like this brand, and you will love the change from heavy liquid foundation.

Aromaleigh: Ah, my favorite company. From the Pure hues to the Illuminating Perle Powder (the best I have ever tried!), this company really offers luxurious products. I didn't like their products of the non-mineral line, though. So stick with the mineral cosmetics and you won't have problems wearing them in the heat. The foundations are great, and if you have oily skin, go for the Voile formulation. If you have sensitive skin, try the Glissade formulation. This line is a bit pricier than the others I have tried. Yet it certainly is more affordable than Bare Escentuals. You can also buy samples, and while the foundations are generous, the eye-shadow samples are a bit insufficient. And also, check out the wide range of Pure Rouge blushes. Verve is my favorite (it's supposed to be their dupe of Nars' Orgasm blush).

The verdict: Great for the summer heat. It doesn't budge for hours! I think you will appreciate the natural finish.

J.Lynne Cosmetics: The foundation had nice coverage and there were a lot of shades to choose from. The selection of blushes is unimpressive, and I was dissatisfied with their consistency. However, check out the Mineral Glow Loose Powder. They are beautiful, and do a great job at lighting up your face. I loved the shade "Summer". It makes me look like I've been out in the sun all day. This company is good and really affordable, but my skin began to mysteriously itch. However, that is my problem, and you might end up really loving the products.

The verdict: Relatively inexpensive and I would recommend that you at least try it. I recall the foundation shades running a bit deep, so when it doubt, order the samples (these are cheap as well).

Everyday Minerals: I was surprised that so many people love this company so much. Sure, the prices are cheap, but the foundations always turn awful colors on me. And also, I always had a few large zits appear after wearing it for a day. I cannot figure out what it is. However, the blushes don't bother me, and there are some lovely ones, such as "Siesta", which is a lovely light coral shade. Again, the foundations from this company stay true to their hues for long. Again, due to the low prices, this might be great for someone who is low maintenance and just wants basic coverage.

The verdict: I wouldn't dare wear this during the summer.

Pure Luxe Cosmetics: This provided such a nice color, and the color "Maize" was perfect for my medium yellow-toned skin. However, I broke out with such horrendous cysts, and while I cannot attribute it to one ingredient, I suspect that the Kaolin Clay dried my sensitive skin out and caused it to react violently. I wish it wasn't so, but I have heard that many people love it. If you have oily skin and don't suffer from skin sensitivities as I do, then you will love its rich, creamy coverage and the color choices. And also, check out the brilliant eye-shadow pigments and the lovely blushes. I sampled many of the blushes (including "Nymph", a peachy pink) and believe me, this company wins points for an astounding array of color choices. You can sample most of their products for about a buck.

The verdict: I wore this every day one summer in Manhattan, and I couldn't figure out where these cysts were coming from. It wore really well in the heat in that it failed to melt, so if I didn't break out, I would have continued with this brand.