First brand I’ve tried: MAD Minerals
I used an old sample from my sis (colour is Olive Light) and surprisingly it was a perfect match for me! A 1/4 tsp sample jar (US$2.25) lasted me abt 3 weeks or so. I’ve since re-ordered, but not sure if the colour match is still the same as before (have not used it yet).
They offer sample kits for $8 onwards (I bought the 5 pc ‘your choice’ shades sampler set). Right now, they also have a 6 pc pro travel brush set with case, going at only $8.
Second brand I’ve tried: Everyday Minerals
I love this brand as the colour match is also pretty good (I use Olive Light as well) and I like the dewy look it gives me (using Original Glo formulation). Foundations come in 4 different formulations: O/Glo, Semi-Matte, Matte & Intensive. Everyday Minerals explain the difference between the 4 formulations:
Everyday Minerals knows that our complexions don’t always cooperate with us, therefore on those humid summer days you may want to give yourself a little edge during the heat. And sometimes during those cool spring mornings you want to radiate a glow that warms your spirit.
Original Glo gives your face that added touch of dewiness and long lasting coverage, and is ideal for normal to dry skin. Semi-Matte is a more subtle glow formulated for normal to combination skin. Matte, provides a silky smooth matte finish that is ideal for normal to oily skin. Intensive, ideal for all skin types, provides a silky near-matte finish and controls oil where needed without drying your skin. We suggest mixing and matching formulas so you can make all the right beauty choices to fit your personality and time of year.
For blushers, ‘All Smiles’ and ‘Waffle Cone’ are popular choices for daily, natural looks. I’ve also tried Soft Bronzer, but it’s kinda too light for my skintone to do anything. A new colour that has yet to be launched (‘New Car Smell’) is also quite nice.
Their brushes are also very soft, almost comparable to my Too Faced retractable kabuki (AUD$60+), and they are so cheap (US$10 only, even cheaper if you get them in the Personal Custom Kit -Full). I love the Long Handled Kabuki when my Too Faced kabuki is in the wash.
For first-timers, it is recommended to try the free sample kit (just pay US$5.95 for shipping) to test out your colours. Though they state that samples are good for 3-6 applications, I’ve found my sample lasting me more than 2 weeks! And I do use quite a fair bit to cover up my acne scars daily.
Currently, they have a promotion going on (their promotion changes every 2 weeks or so).
Enter discount code 5GizZt in your cart to get 8% off your order before March 10th. All orders over $35 (after discount and minus shipping) receive the 2 NEW PRE-RELEASE COLORS, the new sample-size eye shadow GLASS BOTTOM BOAT– a gorgeous iridescent blue-green that will remind you of that trip to Key West — plus the new sample-sized blush and eye shadow combo MOJAVE CAMPING a super versatile apple red with a luxurious shimmer and rich brownish undertones. These will be available March 15th but you can get a preview of two fantastic colors today!
Third brand I’ve tried: Lumiere Cosmetics
My sis loves this brand, but I don’t. I ordered the sample starter kit (US$9) early this year when they offered free international shipping. I couldn’t find a perfect match among the colours I ordered (light medium golden in Flawless & Veena Velvet, and light medium warm in Cashmere & Luminesse. ) The sample kit also came with pearlfecting powder, True Radiance all over colour. Lumiere Cosmetics explains their formulations:
Flawless – Unlike other mineral foundations that are chalky and heavy feeling Flawless is finely milled, soft & moisturizing. Formulated with squalane to create a creamy textured foundation that will almost melt into the skin to rehydrate and rejuvenate dry, lifeless skin. Flawless is a mica free matte but not flat foundation with a touch of glow.
Veena Velvet – The addition of a cosmetic grade oat powder has been added to this unique foundation to create a soft, creamy like textured foundation that is perfect for sensitive skin. Will help heal and soothe the skin and keep your skin oil free all day long without drying your skin. Veena Velvet is a all matte, foundation that is not chalky and completely blendable powder.
Luminesse – Created by customer request! This is yet another soft, finely milled foundation mimicked after a nationally known brands that is just as its suggests…. Luminous! While it is still a matte foundation, this formula offers a luminous glow with a light medium to heavy coverage. If you like the finish of Bare Escentuals, Sheer Cover or Jane Iredale, you are going to LOVE our Luminesse!
Cashmere – Silky Soft almost creamy like texture that will be great on ANY skin type as the high content of pure silk powder will soak up extra oil for those with oily skin and help retain moisture for those with dry skin. This is truly a remarkable foundation that will keep you skin looking fresh all day! Our Cashmere pure silk based foundation offers a satin smooth matte but, not flat finish.
The only thing I like from this brand is the True Radiance all over colour. It brightens up my face and is perfect as a blusher! The pearlfecting powder acts as both a primer & a finishing powder, but I feel that it’s not finely milled enough.
olive light
olive light-medium
satin glow finishing powder
silk veil finishing powder
translucent veil finishing powder
