One of the latest buzzwords, you will have likely heard the phrases “clean beauty”, and in particular, “clean cosmetics” thrown around the skin and makeup space.
While the term is ambiguous, unregulated and there’s a lot of greenwashing going on in the industry, it is defined by a move to non-toxic products that are formulated without potentially harmful chemicals as well as those that are ethically sourced and kinder to the environment.
Switching up your traditional base product to a mineral foundation is one way to transform your makeup routine in line with these skin and planet-friendly practices.
What are the benefits of mineral foundations?
Mineral foundations are a natural alternative to the traditional building block in your collection. They are created free from fillers or nasties and, while many come in powdered form, you will find the ingredient list doesn’t include the likes of talc, preservatives, alcohol or fragrances.
For this reason, they tend to be irritant-free for sensitive skin types, although they can work for most types. Those with combination or oily complexions will appreciate the mattifying benefits of powder, while acne-prone skin can be content with the knowledge that they are non-comedogenic.
Dermatologist Dr Emma Craythorne explains, “[Mineral foundations] are make-up that’s typically in powder form and contain ingredients such as talc, kaolin, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, iron oxide. Often with many of the formulations, there is no need to include additional preservatives or stabilisers and therefore there is less chance of a reaction. I typically recommend them for people with rosacea, particularly the oilier rosacea group or skin-sensitive patients”.
These mineral foundations give a natural finish that is buildable without overloading or feeling heavy on the skin. But it is worth noting as explained by Dr Craythorne “as many of them are powders, if you are someone with a dry skin type or a dry rosacea then it can sit on the skin with rather a caked, dry and dull look”. In this case, look to the liquid textures.
How do you apply a mineral foundation?
Maria Xavier Jackson – Education & Events Manager reveals her top tips:
See below for our favourite mineral foundations
bareMinerals ORIGINAL MATTE Mineral Loose Powder Foundation SPF 15
One of the leaders in the mineral foundation market, bareMinerals is almost synonymous with the specialised formulation - the clue is in the name, after all. Cruelty-free and vegan cosmetics are the brand’s MO so it comes as no surprise that there are several of the mineral-based products.
This powdered texture is targeted for oily skin where the loose pigments have a mattifying effect on application. It has a flawless finish, working to blur and shield imperfections and visible pores with a natural-looking buildable full coverage. Kind on the complexion, it is created without parabens or fillers. There are seven shades.
Buy now £38.50, lookfantastic
INIKA Loose Mineral Foundation SPF25
Much like the entirety of INIKA’s skin and makeup collections, this foundation is made from all-natural ingredients. The loose powder texture effortlessly applies to the complexion, providing a veil that blurs and counteracts redness at the same time. It’s a very natural-looking finish that shouldn’t clog pores. The star ingredient - mineral mica - enriches the formula with a radiance boost. It’s buildable and has SPF25 to boot.
There are six shades.
Buy now £38.00, Naturisimo
Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 20
As soon as you catch a glimpse of the exterior packaging, you know this is a luxe product and that continues on to the formula itself. Elizabeth Arden has created its mineral foundation with natural ingredients like those derived from seawater to support the skin’s balance and for strengthening, mica for luminosity as it offers light-reflecting pigments and silica from the super soft texture and blurring properties. There are also kind-to-skin components like soothing aloe vera, hydrating squalene and antioxidant-rich, nourishing vitamins A, C and E, among others.
The texture is weightless without feeling cakey or heavy as it glides onto the skin. Unlike many of its powder contemporaries, it doesn’t settle into fine lines and instead creates a light coverage that is buildable.
The brand has thought of everything with a grinder compact that prevents mess or wastage.
There are seven shades.
Buy now £25.60, Elizabeth Arden
bareMinerals ORIGINAL LIQUID MINERAL Foundation SPF 20
If you prefer the texture of a liquid foundation over a powder one, you need not miss out on the benefits of mineral formulations as bareMinerals has got you covered with this product. The hydrating hero contains the likes of squalane as well as anti-ageing peptides and prickly pear extract that helps to improve the condition of the pores and redness, while also bringing blendable lightweight coverage. It is made up of 88 per cent naturally derived ingredients that are non-comedogenic and clean.
There are 30 shades.
Buy now £17.00, Amazon
Pür Cosmetics 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup SPF15
Take a more minimalistic approach to your on-the-go cosmetics application by combining many steps with this one powder. Instead of karting around a heavy makeup bag, swap in the Pressed Mineral product from Pür Cosmetics and you have the bases covered.
It’s a foundation, concealer, setting powder and has SPF15, bringing science-led skincare ingredients into the realm of makeup. While offering a tint in five shades, it also enriches the complexion with the brand’s proprietary Ceretin Complex which has a lifting, firming effect. There’s also Waltheria extract that has natural brightening properties.
Buy now £27.55, Amazon
EX1 Cosmetics Pure Crushed Mineral Powder Foundation
This is not the kind of makeup that you can apply on the bus in a hurry. In the comfort of your own home with time on your side, this powdered product packs a punch for its affordable price tag. It’s buildable in nature and has oil-absorbing properties as you layer it onto the skin.
Whether you’ve noticed excess sebum production in your skin or blemishes when you apply your previous base products, this may be the solution with its non-pore clogging properties. There’s a good range of colours too that extend from the lightest 1.0 to the darkest 20.0.
Buy now £14.00, Amazon
Antipodes Mineral Foundation
New Zealand-born cosmetics label Antipodes takes a sustainable approach to the formulation of its skincare and makeup. The brand opts for natural and organic ingredients as well as its trademarked innovations.
The Mineral Foundation is the embodiment of this, combining earth minerals to balance the complexion with the label’s own Vinanza Performance Plus which is brimming with antioxidant power. It’s a lightweight finish that can be used by all skin types, even those with sensitivities.
Buy now £31.00, Amazon
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Powder
This is a multi-tasking powder where depending on the shade you choose from, it can work as a minimalistic mineral foundation, bronzer, sculpting contour or setting powder. From the formulation to the texture, it gives a great colour payoff that is infinitely buildable. It is made with pearlised pigments that have a very subtle sheen as well as skin-loving ingredients like vitamin E and a specialised mineral complex to ensure that it sits well on the complexion.
There are 14 shades but it’s worth noting that the darkest hue isn’t particularly dark.
Buy now £27.20, lookfantastic
BY TERRY Hyaluronic Tinted Hydra-Powder
French beauty practices are known for their effortless elegance and that’s exactly what you’ll find with this product from BY TERRY. The Parisian label has got your base down to just one multi-tasking hero.
The Hydra-Powder is a skincare-makeup hybrid that imparts the hydration of hyaluronic acid with a subtle tint for acing the enduring no-makeup makeup trend. While pegged as a setting powder, it offers a silky smooth flawless finish that blurs imperfections, pores, uneven skin and even plumps to counteract the look of fine lines. Oily skin types will also be pleased to hear that it counteracts shine too.
There are six shades.
Buy now £42.00, John Lewis
