Review: Alima Pure Satin Matte Foundation

Clockwise from top: Cool 9, Neutral 0, Cool 0, and Beige 2

When I hear that people are having trouble finding the right foundation, it's usually because they are trying lines that are too limited. Many foundations, especially liquids, come in such a limited range of color that it is nearly impossible to get a good match. Unless your foundation line is formulated with undertones in mind, it might be time to try one that does. Alima Pure offers one of the biggest selections in foundations I've seen in any line, and it's a great bonus that their Satin Matte Foundation happens to be quite gentle, too.

Pros:

• Gentle ingredients
• Amazing color variety
• Trial/sample options
• Affordable
• Attractive packaging
• Offers choices for both the lightest and the darkest skin tones

Review: E.L.F. Cosmetics Mineral Foundation SPF 15

Mineral foundations can be found almost anywhere these days, from drugstores to department stores. Many of us converted to mineral foundation under claims of it being safer and more gentle, but not all mineral foundations are created equal. Price is no way to tell which foundations are safe. Vegan-friendly budget line E.L.F. decided to create their own Mineral Foundation. How does it compare to the competition?

Pros:

• Very affordable ($5)
• Contains SPF 15
• Easy to apply
• Simple, safe ingredients
• Works nicely as a setting powder

Review: Afterglow Cosmetics Swirler

While I have found some great mineral powders, my biggest challenge is finding a convenient way to use them as a makeup artist. They can sometimes be messy and hard to use in a sanitary way. It seems you almost need a separate work space to portion out a small amount of powder, with edges to swirl up what you need. Afterglow Cosmetics seems to understand this perfectly, as they created a swirler which a convenient and sanitary way to use mineral powders.

Pros:

• Separates for two swirling spaces
• Great for makeup artists
• Can be used as a travel case for powders
• Broad surface is perfect for Kabuki brushes
• Forms a nice seal
• Affordable

Review: Ferro Cosmetics Ultimate Foundation

Loose powder foundations are one of the most popular natural products in the cosmetics industry. I've tried dozens, and many are essentially the same. Ferro Cosmetics' Ultimate Mineral Foundation is a standout foundation in the loose powder category because it is both gentle and has good coverage after just applying one layer.

Pros:

• Weightless feel
• Provides more coverage than most mineral foundations
• Helps balance out skin tones
• Available in a variety of shades
• Gentle formula
  

Review: Afterglow Cosmetics Organic Mineral Foundation

Mineral foundations have been popping up everywhere, but not all formulas are created equal. Afterglow Cosmetics, for example, offers one that contains organic ingredients. See below for my review of this Organic Mineral Foundation.

Pros:

• Light, weightless coverage
• Can be layered depending on desired look
• Contains organic ingredients
• Gentle formula
• Available in a wide variety of shades
• A little goes a long way
• Contains SPF 20
  

Review: Colorescience Sunforgettable SPF 50

I've grown fond of powdered sunscreens in the last year, largely because of the quick and easy application. I also love the fact that I can have sun protection over SPF 15 without the "sunscreen smell." Colorescience makes a powdered sunscreen with an impressive SPF of 50: Sunforgettable Mineral Powder.

Pros:

• Convenient brush dispenser
• UVA/UVB protection
• High SPF suitable for daily use even in sunny climates
• Lightweight
• No "sunscreen smell"
• Water resistant

Review and Giveaway: Philosophy The Supernatural Airbrushed Canvas SPF 15

I've tried many loose mineral foundations, but I'd never seen one with a sponge applicator.  Philosophy offers this particular setup with its sleek Supernatural Airbrushed Canvas SPF 15.

Pros:

• Provides odorless sun protection
• Color range is fairly strong (medium light to medium dark)
• Powder puff helps for a flawless application
• Mirror on lid for applications on-the-go