I agree that mineral foundations ARE much better for the skin, however, many also have crap ingredients in them which are NOT good for the skin. It's gotten to the point now that anything which is loose powder is called a 'mineral makeup', yet they truly are not. In addition, please be aware that Bare Escentuals (sp?) causes many women to break out in rashes, dermatitis and even more acne. That's because it has bismuth oxychloride in it, which is a very common allergen. This is not because they have 'sensitive skin'. It's because they ingredient itself is allergenic. I have read this on the internet time and time again, women and their experiences with products with bismuth oxychloride, especially Bare Escentuals. Look for a foundation free of this ingredient, as well as silicones (including dimethicone etc) and mineral oils, if at all possible. And it definitely is. Juice Beauty makes one with none of those ingredients and is a mineral liquid foundation actually, however, I have not tried it myself as of yet. I have tried their skin care ingredients, however, and have found them to be spectacular. I am writing this as a person who also has acne prone skin.
I have ordered the Premium Foundation base mix and Premium Concealer Base just last week from the Conservatorie to try out, hoping I can just tweak it to save me time mixing my own, as it has good ingredients in it and is free from irritants. 30 grams or so for about $5 to $6. CHEAP. Yet they put nothing irritating in there. You can mix it to your own skin tone with bulk oxides (natural colorants) which you can also buy from them, Coastal Scents, TKB and other places. Or even their ready mixed foundation - with the color already in there - foundation has equally as good ingredients in it. Concealer too. Their prices are good as well. Meow Cosmetics also makes mineral makeup, including foundations, which I have tried personally and which I have found are good. http://meowcosmetics.com Theirs comes in so many shades that you WILL find a match, and it comes in different coverages as well, from light to full. It also comes in a very large jar. They have also got over 300 loose mineral eye shadow colors, and they are very good. I have some of those as well and love them. Sign up for their emails and get discount codes mailed to you regularly.
Monave also has some nice products which a lot of women like. You can check them on Facebook and their website at
http://www.monave.com I believe it is. They are also very helpful, as I have recently discovered. If you have any questions, email them. They will get back to you with the info you need. I just tested out 25 of their new eye shadows which they were sending out to people free who were willing to review them and who were on their customer list and found them to be very finely milled and nicely made.
I started making my own mineral foundation, as well as 'primer', finishing powder, setting mist, etc, after trying several brands and not being *quite* satisfied with the results. I am far more happy with my own, but there are some good brands out there that are FAR better than Bare Escentuals (sp?) in regards to quality, as well as far cheaper. Really hoping this base from the Conservatorie is as good as it sounds from the stuff they put in it and that I can start custom mixing my own color from that. Tired of mixing my own base, I tell you....