Mineral Powder Foundation Review: BareMinerals & Mary Kay

I've used both bareMinerals and Mary Kay mineral powder foundations. The brand you choose depends on skin type and which list of ingredients scares you the least.

What is mineral powder foundation?

Mineral powder foundation is a powder-style foundation that is applied with a special brush. It's lightly buffed on the face, providing sheer, even, natural coverage and a silky finish. It's easy to blend and minimizes lines and wrinkles.

bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation

bareMinerals is the company that started the mineral powder foundation revolution. It is, "made from 100% pure bareMinerals, it's free of preservatives, oil, fragrance, talc and other skin irritants."

Like all mineral powder foundations, bareMinerals foundation comes in a variety of shades and is applied with a special brush, sold separately.

bareMinerals list of FIVE ingredients:

• Titanium Dioxide
• Zinc Oxide
• Mica
• Iron Oxide
• Bismuth Oxychloride

Mary Kay Mineral Powder Foundation

Mary Kay is a relative newcomer to the mineral powder foundation scene. Application is similar to that of bareMinerals, including special brush, sold separately.

Mary Kay Mineral Powder Foundation list of 16 ingredients:

• Talc
• Zea Mays (Corn) Starch
• Zinc Stearate
• Dimethicone
• Boron Nitride
• Zeolite
• Methylparaben
• Sorbic Acid
• Ethylene/Methacrylate Copolymer
• Propylparaben
• Tetrasodium
• EDTA
• Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
• BHT
• Iron Oxides
• Mica

I'm no scientist, but I'm certain I don't want ethylene/methacrylate copolymer on my face. Sounds like it belongs on the exterior of the space shuttle! For the record, it's a film former.

Ingredient list aside, how do the two brands FEEL on your face?

I've personally used both brands for an extended period of time. My skin type is typically normal-to-dry.

Both brands were easy to apply, didn't fade or wear-off during the day and matched my facial color perfectly. I was able to adjust coverage, from sheer to full.

The Mary Kay Mineral Powder Foundation left my face feeling a tad bit dry. So, if you're prone to dryness, Mary Kay's mineral powder foundation might make your face feel tight.

How do the two brands LOOK on your face?

Both brands did a good job of concealing fine lines & wrinkles.

Shortly after applying bareMinerals, my face became shiny. Remember, I have normal-to-dry skin, which shouldn't produce a shine so quickly, if at all. bareMinerals offers Mineral Veil, which is applied atop the foundation to absorb oil and provide a natural, shine-free finish. I felt like I had to apply the Mineral Veil too many times during the day to combat the shine.

Mary Kay's Mineral Powder Foundation advertises a matte finish. That's exactly what I had all day long. No additional powder necessary for my skin type.

Which one is right for you?

If you're not bothered by the difference in lists of ingredients and you like the idea of an all-day matte finish, then consider Mary Kay Mineral Foundation.

If you prefer a mineral foundation that's, "made from crushed minerals from the earth," bareMinerals will be perfect for you. Just be sure to purchase the Mineral Veil to ward off facial shine.

Sources

http://www.bareminerals.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-BareMinerals-Site/default/Link-Page?cid=WHAT_ARE_BAREMINERALS

http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient.php?ingred06=702326

Mary Kay Consultant Web site, Product Education page.