Mineral face powders captivate with their naturalness. They are considered safer for the skin than conventional cosmetics. However, is this really so? In this article, we will study the distinctive features of powders with minerals and get acquainted with 10 good samples, 1 of which can rightfully be considered the best mineral powder today.
What is special about mineral powder?
The uniqueness of mineral-based powders lies in their composition. Conventional loose decorative cosmetics for mattifying the skin are based on talc. It doesn't cause serious damage to the skin, but it does tend to clog pores, resulting in breakouts and blackheads. Mineral powders are completely based on natural ingredients. Even their color is determined not by a synthetic pigment, but by iron oxide. In addition to this, mineral powder includes:
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which provide UV protection and eliminate oily skin
Boron nitride, diamond powder, marble powder - they look like tiny shiny particles. Thanks to them, the powder has a slight reflective effect, which makes the skin seem to glow a little. This creates the legendary “blurry focus”, in which the visual perception of the skin is distorted and it appears perfect.
In addition to mineral powders, there are also mineralized ones. These are cosmetics only with the addition of minerals. As a rule, such powders still contain a little talc in their composition. However, mineralized powders have a number of advantages over mineral ones::
They are much cheaper
They are produced by a larger number of companies and, as a result, such powders are easier to find in stores
The palette of mineralized powders includes a larger number of shades, so it’s easier to choose a product for your skin tone
They can be applied with regular powder brushes
Mineralized cosmetics mattify the skin better
At the same time, the term “mineralized” is actively being replaced by the world beauty community with the word “mineral”. And even top cosmetics manufacturers, like Mac, do not focus on the differences between these types of products. Their powder contains talc and is therefore mineralized, although the company itself markets it as mineral.
Which powder is better for combination skin, mineral or mineralized?
Since the most common skin type is combination skin, it is very important to understand which powder is best to use for it. Combination skin is simultaneously prone to dryness and oiliness in different areas and this causes difficulties in choosing cosmetics.
Mineral powder is an almost ideal solution to this problem. Due to the ability of minerals to even out the natural texture of the skin, it can be used without first applying foundation. This, in turn, can cause the skin to dry out or become oily.
But mineralized powder, thanks to a certain amount of talc in the composition, has a much more pronounced matting effect. It almost completely eliminates oily shine.
Which powder to buy is up to you. To make it easier to choose, we have created a rating of the 10 best mineral powders.
Top 10 mineral-based powders
In the rating, we considered both mineral and mineralized powders, since each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.
10th place: Lancome Ageless Minerale
One of the most popular mineral powders is considered to be Lancome. The company, like many other “giants” of the cosmetic market, released mineral cosmetics at the height of the fashion for natural formulations.
In fact, Ageless Minerale is not entirely mineral, since it still contains talc in its composition. It is intended for aging skin, contains moisturizing components in the form of nourishing oils, so it does not dry out aging skin.
Ageless Minerale has a delicate satin texture and lays down in a thin, weightless layer. There is an analogue product for young skin, but it is too heavy to be included in the 10 best mineral-based products.
9th place: Bellapierre Mineral Foundation from Freshminerals
Bellapierre's delicate satin mineral foundation glides onto the skin in a thin layer, creating a barely noticeable coverage. It completely adapts to the skin within half an hour after application.
Bellapierre has two significant drawbacks. The first is the need to carefully control the thickness of the powder layer, because it can form a white mask that simply cannot take on the skin tone. The second disadvantage of the product can be considered its high cost - around $70 per jar.
8th place: id Bare Minerals Gold Gossamer
Id powder can be used over foundation or even instead of it. It is dense but light at the same time. She manages to reliably hide skin imperfections without creating the feeling of “clogged” pores.
Id Bare does not contain talc and can rightfully be considered a full-fledged mineral powder. But it has its own peculiarity.
To create the effect of a warm glow, manufacturers added small gold sparkles to the powder. Unfortunately, the particle size is still too large for the skin to look naturally radiant. However, Id Bare can be used as an analogue of highlighter - just apply a little product to your cheekbones to make your makeup look more festive.
7th place: Matte Mineral Veil from Era Minerals
The face veil is the finishing layer for the base. It is applied in a very thin layer and is needed to create a matte effect. The product from Era Minerals additionally evens out the color of the base coat and softens poorly shaded contours. Unfortunately, unlike mineral bases, it is not suitable for use as a full-fledged base for make-up.
6th place: Physician’s Formula
What sets Physician’s Formula apart from other mineral powders is its convenient packaging. It is made in the form of a bottle with two compartments. One contains a translucent finish with illuminators - reflective powder. The second compartment contains the main satin powder. The products can be used separately, but initially the manufacturers intended to mix the components to obtain a universal composition.
The packaging itself is very compact, ideal for carrying with you every day as a means for urgent makeup correction.
5th place: Hight definition from MAKE UP FOR EVER
Hight definition combines all the best features you can look for in powder.
It is available in both full-size and compact versions. The first one is convenient for home use, and the second one can be taken with you everywhere.
Hight definition is transparent, so it fits perfectly with any makeup.
Despite the lack of obvious pigment, it is also suitable for evening out skin tone, since it contains reflective particles. They create a “soft focus” effect that makes the skin almost perfect.
Make up forever also delights consumers with its price: their mineral products are almost three times cheaper than their analogues.
4th place: Innisfree No-Sebum mineral powder
Mineral powder from Innisfree is ideal for problematic oily skin. Its main purpose is to control sebum secretion.
Thanks to its mineral components, Innisfree has antibacterial properties and prevents inflammation on the skin.
This powder eliminates oily shine for 4-5 hours, while other mineral powders give a similar effect only within 2 hours after application.
3rd place: The Body Shop Mineral Foundation
Bodyshop mineral foundation is well-deservedly popular due to its modest cost, excellent coverage and lightness. And although Body Shop was unable to create a perfectly dense base that masks all skin imperfections, they have developed a weightless, soft product that does not cause allergic reactions or color complaints.
2nd place: Missha M Prism mineral powder foundation
The mineral base of the Korean company Missha is packaged in an exquisite gold jar. The set includes a retro puff, which is better replaced with a classic kabuki brush. Otherwise, you will not be able to avoid lumps during application.
A convenient dispenser allows you to take a small amount of product to apply it in a very thin layer. At the same time, Missha powder does not create the effect of an overlay mask typical of its analogues.
Unfortunately, only the full-size version is available for sale. Compact format tools are not provided. However, the large volume of powder does not in any way affect its affordable price.
The best face powder on our list
Monave company specializes in the production of mineral cosmetics. The choice of foundations in her line is so wide that it arouses interest not only among ordinary buyers, but also among professional makeup artists.
The composition of Monave mineral foundation is completely natural. Its pigment is determined by iron oxide, which is an exclusive feature of mineral powders.
Monave spreads evenly over the skin, even if you initially applied it not very carefully. It does not linger on the brush, so it is easy to pick up and dose.
Monave can be used as a stand-alone makeup base or as a top product.
Secrets of using mineral powders
Mineral powders have their own application characteristics. Here are a few secrets of using them:
Mineral powders have a drying effect, so before applying makeup, the skin should be well moisturized with a nourishing cream.
It is best to apply mineral powder using a Kabuki brush with short, dense natural bristles.
If you bought mineral powder that is too dark or too rich in color, simply mix it with a lighter product. Since iron oxide is used to pigment mineral makeup, different powders will work well together and give an even color when mixed.
In this article we have presented an overview of the 10 best mineral powders, but their selection in stores is much wider. Don't be afraid to experiment to find the perfect product for your skin.
Do you have mineral cosmetics? Which company's products do you prefer? Share reviews of your favorite brands and products!
The best option for problematic facial skin would be mineral powder, which has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects. This product can hide existing defects without drying out the delicate skin. Our experts found out which powders based on natural ingredients are considered the most popular, what are their advantages and disadvantages.
How to choose mineral powder
Before moving on to the rating of the best cosmetics, it is worth getting acquainted with the advice of makeup artists:
- The product should not contain preservatives, fragrances, wax, parabens or oils.
- A quality product should not cause allergies. Before application, it is worth conducting a test on a small area of skin.
- The shade of the powder is achieved through the inclusion of iron oxide; there are no dyes in a good mineral powder.
- It is better if the formula includes titanium dioxide, diamond powder, boron nitride, aluminosilicates, aquamarine, citrine and tourmaline, and algae extract.
- For oily skin, loose products with a mattifying effect are most suitable; for normal skin, a compact version is best; for dry skin, it is better to choose a creamy product.
When selecting rating participants, we took into account not only the composition of the funds, but also other important parameters:
- customer reviews;
- correspondence between quality and price;
- durability;
- number of shades in the collection:
- effect and sensations after use;
- appearance and smell texture.
For convenience, the rating is divided into two categories depending on the form of release of the powder.
Rating of the best mineral powders
Nomination | place | Name of product | price |
The best compact mineral powder | 1 | Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation SPF 20 | 2 270 ₽ |
2 | MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural | 2 550 ₽ | |
3 | Artdeco | 1 575 ₽ | |
4 | Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Airbrushing Pressed Powder | 950 ₽ | |
The best loose mineral powder | 1 | Clarins Skin Illusion | 2 253 ₽ |
2 | Colorescience Sunforgettable SPF50 | 4 222 ₽ | |
3 | NYX MINERAL FINISHING POWDER | 620 ₽ | |
4 | Make Up For Ever High Definition Powder | 1 330 ₽ | |
5 | KIKO Soft focus foundation | 2 250 ₽ |
The best compact mineral powder
Pressed products are easy to use. They mattify perfectly and can replace foundation.
Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation SPF 20
Jane Iredale is considered one of the leaders in the production of mineral cosmetics in the United States. The brand's products are suitable for girls whose skin is prone to allergies, increased oiliness, acne and clogged pores. The powder contains no talc, dyes, preservatives or fragrances. The minerals included in the formula inhibit the proliferation of bacteria, thereby healing inflammation. The main components include mica, iron oxide, titanium dioxide, pomegranate, pine bark and seaweed extracts.
According to reviews, the powder does not clog the openings of the sebaceous glands and eliminates unpleasant shine. It does not cause any negative effects, even if left overnight. Girls are delighted with the weightless consistency, which evens out skin texture and improves complexion. The powder lasts for 9-10 months, so you don’t need to be scared of its price. The product costs about 2300 rubles.
Advantages
- removes shine from the nose and cheeks;
- fits easily on the surface of the face;
- Over time, pores narrow and blackheads are eliminated;
- allows the skin to breathe;
- evens out tone and relief;
- economical consumption;
- UV protection;
- perfect composition.
Flaws
- There are no serious disadvantages.
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural
Next in the ranking is the mineral powder of the famous brand “MAK”. It contains minerals and vitamin E. It noticeably evens out the tone of the face, does not turn yellow and looks natural.
Judging by the reviews, the fine grind picks up well on the brush and is ideally distributed over the surface of the skin. The powder is consumed very slowly. The texture does not dry out problem areas and does not cause flaking. It does not cause clogging of pores or allergies. The powder has been tested by experts and recommended by many makeup artists and beauty bloggers. Price – 2450 rubles.
Advantages
- many beautiful shades;
- natural look;
- for any skin type;
- slowly consumed;
- useful components in the composition;
- no need to touch up your makeup during the day.
Flaws
Mineral powder Artdeco
We have found many positive opinions about the use of Artdeco mineral powder. Girls praise the easy application and silky texture. The product of natural origin is based on minerals and is ideal for sensitive dermis. The powder contains panthenol and tocopherol, which moisturize the face and protect against the harmful effects of environmental factors. I am pleased that there are no silicones or perfume compositions in the formula.
Girls are delighted with a convenient powder compact with a large mirror, but few people like the thin sponge. The product is not noticeable on the face, it covers redness and age spots well. Price – 1200 rubles.
Advantages
- ideal composition;
- does not dry the skin;
- prevents the appearance of oily shine;
- masks acne and pigmentation well;
- convenient powder compact;
- wide palette of colors;
- does not turn yellow;
- not felt on the skin;
- for any skin type.
Flaws
- terrible sponge.
Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Airbrushing Pressed Powder
The nomination is completed by a compact powder with minerals, which is suitable for skin prone to inflammation. The formula includes vitamins and beneficial elements that care for the epidermis throughout the day. The three main advantages of the product are smoothing, matting and lifting.
The finest grinding provides ideal coverage and disguises wrinkles, redness, and freckles. The product has a sun protection filter. Reviews about the product are contradictory. Some girls found it difficult to choose the perfect tone for their complexion. The cost is about 800 rubles.
Advantages
- SPF 10-20;
- good composition;
- perfectly mattifies acne and wrinkles;
- does not provoke shine;
- mirror and brush included.
Flaws
- few shades.
The best loose mineral powder
The crumbly form is considered the most common. This powder applies easily to the surface of the skin and does not dry out the dermis. The risk of overdoing the product is minimal. Light powder blends with the tone of the face and perfectly fixes the makeup.
Clarins Skin Illusion Mineral Loose Powder
The nomination is opened by the leader in sales in many online stores. The product combines the lightness of a powder and the durability of a foundation. The formula is based on plant and mineral components. The innovative system allows you to collect the right amount of product. This way, a flawless result and natural glow are achieved.
The powder is suitable for all skin types and is suitable for daily use. Girls are delighted with the interesting packaging design, pleasant texture, and even application. The powder costs 2850 rubles. The price fully corresponds to the quality.
Advantages
- many positive reviews;
- uniform distribution;
- pleasant texture;
- without harmful inclusions;
- price equals quality.
Flaws
- There are no serious disadvantages.
Colorescience Sunforgettable SPF50
The next participant in the rating is loose powder with SPF50. The powder provides instant protection from sun rays and maintains optimal temperature on the surface of the face. The waterproof product is sold in its original packaging with a brush dispenser. The powder does not cause irritation and does not clog voids. It is great for sports, parties and important celebrations.
The product is recommended by the Cancer Foundation as the best option for daily UV protection. You have to pay about 2,500 rubles for a product from an American brand.
Advantages
- red coral algae extract included;
- for all types of dermis;
- original packaging with brush;
- does not fall into pores;
- does not cause irritation;
- reliable protection against UV rays.
Flaws
- There are no serious disadvantages.
NYX MINERAL FINISHING POWDER
The mineral finishing powder with a slight tint continues the rating. It is designed to fix makeup and ideally mattifies the skin. It can also be used as a stand-alone product and applied to a clean face.
Judging by the reviews, the product does not weigh down makeup and gives the face a healthy look. The powder does not emphasize wrinkles and does not dry out the dermis. Pores are less noticeable with it. I'm pleased with the affordable price. It is a pity that the manufacturer did not provide additional UV protection. The product costs 560-750 rubles.
Advantages
- reasonable price;
- mattifies well;
- versatility;
- hides enlarged pores;
- uniform natural coverage.
Flaws
- without UV protection.
Make Up For Ever High Definition Powder
The next line in the rating belongs to the new generation of loose powder, which allows you to achieve a flawless complexion. It hides wrinkles and spreads softly and airily over the surface. It lasts for a long time. It is very difficult to overdo it.
Judging by the reviews, the product hides imperfections well and sets makeup perfectly. One of the disadvantages is excessive whitening of the face. I'm pleased with the convenient packaging - a washer with a strainer. Due to the grinding being too fine, the powder particles scatter wildly around. Therefore, it is important to adjust so that the powder is applied to the brush and does not scatter around. Price – from 1550 rubles.
Advantages
- comfortable to apply;
- hides oily skin;
- good durability;
- Perfectly fixes makeup.
Flaws
- whitens the face;
- very dusty.
KIKO Soft focus foundation
Mineral powder from the Italian manufacturer received many positive ratings from customers. The product is available in packaging equipped with a sifter for comfortable dosing. A large elastic puff is built into the lid. Beautiful shades are suitable for both fair-skinned girls and dark-skinned girls. The tone blends perfectly with the natural complexion and is invisible on the skin.
The velvety texture is pleasant to the touch. It consists of 90 percent micronized powder. The presence of silicones and synthetic substances in the composition is disappointing. We included the product in the rating for its magnificent matte effect and radiant finish. Price – about 1200 rubles. If you follow the discounts, you will be able to purchase the product for 650-750 rubles.
Every girl dreams of clean and healthy skin, which, unfortunately, is not given to everyone by nature. Of course, all skin problems must be eliminated comprehensively, since unpleasant rashes and any inflammatory processes are the result of the internal state of the body. But sometimes you just need to quickly get rid of visible problems, at least masking them for a while.
It is worth noting that problem skin needs special care and the correct selection of mattifying and concealing products. Mineral face powder is the ideal and safest option, which allows you to reduce visible inflammation and heal it a little.
Features and Benefits
At first glance, mineral powder for problem skin is no different from the usual one that most girls use. But once you look at the composition of the product for problem skin, it immediately becomes clear where it gets its name. At its core, mineral powder is crushed minerals that have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin.
For those with acne-prone skin, it is important that the concealer does not clog the pores, otherwise the problem will only worsen.
The mineral composition of powder may vary depending on skin type and cosmetics manufacturer. But there are known components that definitely should not exist. These include alcohol, talc and various kinds of preservatives. Mineral products do not need them, as they themselves are excellent antiseptics, allowing cosmetics to be stored for a long time.
As a rule, all good powders of this type contain SPF filters that reliably protect the skin from the harmful effects of sunlight. It is especially important to use such cosmetics in the spring and summer.
To remove cosmetics from the skin, simply wipe your face with micellar lotion.
The best manufacturers
Mary Kay
This cosmetic company is considered one of the most reputable and deserves trust among the fair sex of all ages. The assortment includes loose mineral powder. The product is presented in four shades, which are considered the most popular and in demand. Having studied the composition, we can conclude that the powder is only half mineral. In addition to minerals, it contains other substances. Despite this, the product fits well on the skin without forming a mask.
Vitamins A and E are an additional aid in caring for oily and problematic skin.
Clinique
This cosmetic brand pays special attention to creating care products for problem skin of various types. Mineral powder is presented in several samples, where Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Powder is recognized as the best. The product has a crumbly structure, and comes with a comfortable brush with natural bristles. The powder is suitable for both problematic and oily skin. With its help, you can eliminate unpleasant oily shine, hide large pores, and with them, redness and various types of rashes.
Using powder from Clinique allows you to achieve a double effect. Many dermatologists and cosmetologists classify this product primarily as a medicinal product, and only then as a cosmetic product.
Bare Essentuals powder from I.D has an average price category. Thanks to the wide variety of shades, a girl with any skin color will be able to choose the perfect option. Thanks to its soft crumbly texture, the product applies evenly and easily to the skin, hiding all imperfections and masking redness.
The sun filter allows you to use the product in sunny weather as additional protection against ultraviolet radiation.
L'Oreal Paris
The French cosmetics company is quite popular in Russia, and its cosmetics are worthy of attention due to the excellent quality of their products and affordable prices. Mineral powder is represented by the product Alliance Perfect Mineral Powder. This is an all-mineral concealer that is applied to the face using a built-in brush.
The packaging design is quite convenient, since you don’t have to constantly look for the brush; it won’t go anywhere or get lost.
Vichy
This company has an excellent reputation, as the quality of cosmetics and skin care products is at the highest level. The brand has many options for comprehensive care for problem skin, and all of them are considered quite effective. Mineral powder was no exception. Aera Teint Mineral Puder Make-up is natural and hypoallergenic.
The absence of comedogens allows the product to be used by those with sensitive skin.
Shise >
Pureness mineral concealer is presented in the form of a compact powder in a convenient package with a mirror and a sponge. It contains absolutely no oils, which is a positive characteristic of any mineral product. The powder is ideal for oily skin, effectively masks all rashes and redness without the effect of a mask.
Thanks to its weightless texture, the powder can be applied to the face throughout the day to correct makeup and enhance the camouflage effect. It is perfect for the summer due to the presence of sun filters.
Essence Pure Skin
This concealer is in demand among young girls, as it is quite effective and has a very affordable price. The creamy texture of the powder makes it easy to apply and distribute over the entire face. The composition contains zinc, which has a positive effect on problem skin, tightens pores and dries out pimples.
The inconvenience of using this product is the lack of a sponge for application.
Chanel
This cosmetics company is known to absolutely everyone. Cosmetics belong to the above-average price category; not every girl can afford to buy powder from Chanel. Mineral concealer Pudre Universelle Libre contains silicon microspheres that allow you to perfectly hide pimples and fine wrinkles.
Many girls associate this product with a light, weightless veil that covers the face and gives it protection from external environmental influences.
How to choose
A large number of brands of mineral powder mislead many girls who have just decided to start using mineral powder. First of all, its choice should be based on the correct determination of skin type. Many girls buy the wrong cosmetics that are completely unsuitable for them, blindly trusting the reviews of dermatologists, other users and ratings.
If you have clearly problematic skin that constantly suffers from rashes, redness, and enlarged pores quickly become clogged, then you should carefully study the composition of each mineral product for masking imperfections.
Expensive cosmetics are not always good; you shouldn’t buy powder just because of its famous name. The most important thing is that the product does not contain preservatives, dyes or fragrances. All these components will only hinder the positive effect, and may even worsen the situation.
Choose the powder format that is most convenient for you. Loose powder is a great finishing touch, but it's awkward to carry and best used before leaving the house. If you need to touch up your makeup throughout the day, then the best option would be a compact powder that won't crumble in your makeup bag.
Mineral powder for problem skin is a solution to problems for many girls. Our video is about this.