Mineral foundation: a fad, or here to stay?

Unless you've been living the life of a hermit, you will know about the biggest trend to sweep the makeup industry in the last decade: mineral makeup.

AC Nielson reports that in 2005 the annual sales of mineral makeup in America skyrocketed from $5.5 million to almost $150 million just two years later. Woah.

Just a fad? Nope.

The big difference between mineral makeup and normal foundation? Traditional makeup contains binders, synthetic dyes, talc and fillers. Mineral makeup is made only of finely ground natural ingredients such as zinc and titanium (okay - dirt), without the chemicals.

Mineral makeups can also provide longer-wearing, fresher coverage than many 'normal' foundations or tinted moisturisers.

Warning: All women should be issued with a Restraining Order against the cheap ones. They're low grade, coarsely milled and have bad brushes. Many still contain fillers, despite claiming otherwise. Avoid supermarket brands if you can.

Why go mineral? Incense-burning 'knit your own tee pee' types will feel warm and fuzzy about the natural ingredients.

But for me, the warm-fuzzy-factor isn't a selling point. I want performance and coverage.

My top picks are:

Isaada Cosmetics (PRICES VARY, EXPECT TO PAY ABOUT $60AUD)
I use this on brides after applying regular foundation - it doesn't fade, it's waterproof (and therefore tear-proof) and has a luminous finish, ideal for transforming Bridezilla into an ethereal goddess. Sun lovers will also appreciate the broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

idBareminerals (PRICES VARY, AVAILABLE AT DAVID JONES AND DEPARTMENT STORES)
Bloomingdales don't have an idBareminerals counter. No, they have an idBareminerals department. Quite simply: this stuff delivers results. Applied over your normal foundation, it also adds extra coverage for occasions when you need completely flawless, red-carpet skin. David Jones have great value starter packs for $100. If you're heading to the USA, stock up there: it's almost half the price.

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics (PRICES VARY, EXPECT TO PAY ABOUT $60AUD)
Developed by a former Beverley Hills medical aethstitician who wanted to create a natural makeup to help cover severely traumatised skin, Youngblood is fast becoming a cult brand based purely on performance. The range of colours is excellent - not too pink, not too orange. Try their outstanding bronzers too (if it's pay day).

Tips:

~ Always apply mineral makeup with a kabuki brush. Buff it gently into the skin.

~ Less is more.

~ A medium-sized tub should last 3-4 months, so dollar-for-dollar it's worth the investment. Go for quality.

~ Rosie x