FAMOUS' Editorial Assistant and resident guinea pig Sophie Penhallow turns super sleuth and sorts the best from the rest in the complicated world of beauty products

Mineral Makeup - Pressed Powders

If you haven't heard of Mineral Makeup by now than you're living under a rock! This isn't just some fad new trend that will disappear into oblivion after 2 months so here's your chance to find out a little bit more about this amazing innovation. Not only is mineral makeup free of any nasties such as talc, silicones, parabens or any other irritating fillers, it also acts as a foundation and powder all in one. I mean c'mon, what more could a girl want! Better yet, it's perfect for people with problematic skin and feels so light and natural, it's like you're wearing nothing at all. I road-tested a few that I'd been dying to try out, so check out my results below.

Sophie xx

P.S. All of the products I tested were in the higher price range because they're all rumoured to be the best on the market. However, more wallet-friendly versions have just been released by brands such as L'Oreal Paris, Bloom and Avon so if you're cash-strapped don't fear, you can still have gorgeous healthy skin without the exxy price tag!

P.P.S. Also make sure to invest in a Kabuki brush to apply your mineral makeup with - it makes SUCH a difference to the coverage...trust me! I'm in love with i.d Bare Escentuals' full coverage brush which has a full head of luxuriously soft, goat hair (sounds weird but believe me, it's amazing.)



MY PICKS

Ultraceuticals Even Skintone Compact, $55 (1800 355 890)
This was the very first mineral powder I ever tried and the thing which got me hooked on my mineral obsession! It's a lightweight oil-free pressed powder with lots of added goodies including Vitamins C, E and Green Tea and added Titanum Dioxide and Zinc Oxide for sun protection.


Tip: Make sure you wait for your moisturiser or foundation to sink in completely before you apply as sometimes it appeared cakey in places (but I think this was just me getting over excited and putting too much on my brush!)
Coverage: Medium-Full
Rating: 3.5 / 5

Jane Iredale PurePressed Base SPF 17, $83 (1300 850 008)
On my recent 3 week trip to London and New York, this baby kept my skin protected and looking fresh (well as fresh as could be expected after sitting on an aeroplane for 14 hours!) Considering it reached temperatures of up to 27 degrees in both cities and I have skin the colour of a fluorescent light bulb, I was a bit worried about the potential for sun damage but I didn't have to be - this worked a treat.

Tip: Apply a light layer, wait three minutes and if it's a really sunny day apply one more for extra sun protection.
Coverage: Medium (apply with a wet brush for more heavy-duty coverage)
Rating: 4 / 5

glominerals gloPressed Base SPF 15, $72 (1800 664 455) This is a great product to start off with before you work your way up to something a little more heavy-duty if need be. It's extremely light-weight and gives a very natural looking finish so is great for anyone just wanting to tone down shine and get a bit of sun protection at the same time. Tiny bit pricey for the coverage it gives though.



Tip: Always remember to start from the inside of your face and work outwards in a circular "buffing" motion to help the mineral particles sink in evenly.
Coverage: Light-Medium
Rating: 3 / 5

CELEB PICK

Jane Iredale PurePressed Base SPF 17, $83 (1300 850 008) It seems I'm not the only fan of Jane Iredale's mineral makeup! Singer, Dannii Minogue was introduced to the brand by her make-up artist Karen Adler and has been a devoted fan ever since.

"I wanted to get away from putting chemical ingredients on my skin and use something healthier," admits the singer. Having grown up in Australia, Dannii knows first-hand how harsh the sun can be which is why she's such a big fan of the PurePressed base. "The natural sun protection factor will be particularly important for my visits back to Australia. It's miraculous how the base goes on so easily and you don't have to think about blending."