[ST2Kids]

Okay, so I know everyone asks this but I've got to do it too...so what kind of mineral makeup do I buy? I just tried my first mineral makeup - Colorescience. I absolutely love it!! However, I've only bought the foundation, no finishing powder or eyeshadows, etc. Will I be this happy with different products? I never used to wear foundation except every once in a while because it was so heavy and cakey looking with my freckles. Now I can't go without! I just don't want to stick with the expensive stuff if I can get by with a little cheaper product. I'd love some imput!! All I seem to find is mineral specifics, not much of what works best with what skin types.

So here is what I need: Makeup for sensitive-acne prone skin. Unfortunately I break out easily. Lightweight. Coverage for freckles (though I don't need them invisible-I don't mind them), SPF coverage I'm in my late 20's so not too much worry with wrinkles, but want to keep my skin young.

& from what I've seen of Colorescience:

Pros: coverage, SPF 20, product in the brush gets two thumbs up, wide color selection

Cons: cost is high

[citre]

They are soo many different brands out there to try! You may want to start first by sampling different companies to determine what products are right for you! All they charge is shipping, usually around $4-6.

Ocean Mist Cosmetics (oceanmistcosmetics.com) offers a free sampler kit to new customers that comes with 3 foundations, a blush, concealer, and finishing powder. This company is one of my favorites! Their foundation has good coverage without being too cakey or heavy. It covers my freckles slightly, but just enough so they can peek through. =)

Everyday Minerals is a favorite on this board. I however, haven't had any luck with this brand. But there are many people who say EDM is their HG (holy grail), so its worth a shot. They also offer a sample kit, and you can order it as many times as you want. EDM also has three different foundation formulas - original glow, semi-matte, and intensive. Original glow gives you a healthy glow, not too shiny; its a dewy look. Semi-matte gives good coverage, and gives you a soft focus finish - not to glowy or matte. Intensive offers the fullest coverage. EDM also has some pretty blushes, eyeshadows, and decent concealers. I'm not sure about their finishing powder though, I've heard mixed reviews about it. Their website is everydayminerals.com Also, they have wonderful blushes. Their flat top is a must have!

Signature minerals (signatureminerals.com) also offers a free sample kit. You can choose six of whatever you want. You can get six foundations, blushes, eyeshadows, or you can mix and match. I've had good luck with this brand. I apply one of their tinted veils before I apply foundation, and again after I've applied foundations and my makeup lasts all day - even through a sweaty Turbo Jam session. SM also has lip colors. I recently ordered another sample kit from them to test their new glow veil.

Elegant Minerals (elegantminerals.com) also offers a 1 cent sample kit that comes with 4 shades of foundation. I personally love their foundation. It lasted on me and gave me a beautiful glow. Their blushes and eyeshadows are nice, too.

KT Naturals also offers a free sample kit. They had nice staying power as well, and I found a good match. (ktnaturals.com)

Aromaleigh (aromaleigh.com) does not offer free samples, but they have affordable samples. If all you purchase is samples, you can select free shipping. Plus they have a coupon code for new customers - if you spend over $20, you get like 5 taken off your order. They have sales every week, so you can get samples for cheaper. Plus they do give you 3 samples with every purchase. They have a very wide range of shades. This is one of my favorite brands as well! They also have a forum where they will help you decided what shades to get.

There are so many brands out there. I hope this little bit helps, but if you want to know more, just ask. I'll be glad to help! And I'm sure there are other ladies here who'll have some more advice as well. =) Happy hunting!

[love2482]

Have you thought of getting samples from various companies, and then deciding based on trying them out?

[ST2Kids]

I actually didn't know about the samples - thanks! I've already started ordering!

[Sirvinya]

I second trying samples. I always sample face stuff before buying. Usually from loads of different companies.

[Sibylla]

I agree, ordering samples is the best way to go. Sometimes you might get the shade right just by looking at your monitor, but oftentimes you really have to try out a few.