The Foundation

Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Powder

I tried this Jane Iredale mineral foundation for the first time on a hot, sunny day here in NYC a number of years ago. I was almost out of my normal liquid foundation and pressed powder and decided to search for an all-in-one product. I have, in the past, been allergic to some ingredients in certain face products so I was careful to find a product that wouldn't irritate my sensitive skin.


I stumbled upon some reviews of this on a makeup-review website and was excited that it is also very natural and earth-friendly (natural ingredients, no dyes or parabens, vegan, gluten-free). I was really intrigued at it's claim of being a concealer, foundation, powder, and sunscreen (SPF 20) in one. That it was great for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin was also a plus. So I ventured off to C.O. Bigelow to try it. (Side note: this is an excellent source of quality health and beauty products in Manhattan if you are ever in the area.)

I was a little nervous at first because I had never worn mineral makeup before and was afraid that it would make me look too much like a ghost and washed out. The sales attendant helped me pick out a shade and had me put it on myself. I was amazed at how natural it looked. Sheer or layered to get a fuller coverage. Again, very natural-looking with no makeup line whatsoever. I love most that it is a multi-task product and has minimized the time I take to apply my makeup. Sometimes, I apply wet to my under-eye area or on a blemish for a bit of concealing, but I usually do use a separate liquid concealer as well.

On me, the coverage lasts all day. The foundation is also water resistant and I have confirmed this with many days at the beach with just this product on my face. It's very lightweight; I don't feel like I have anything on my face. It keeps my slightly oily T-zone looking good although I do sometimes need to freshen up if I am going out somewhere in evening.

The compact (with mirror, puff, and magnetic closure) is very slim, albeit a little on the heavy side.  I apply with a rounded, kabuki-style brush and I find this to be better than the included puff. I love that the mineral base pan is removable and refillable. I need to buy a refill about every three months or so. I buy one shade for the winter and one for summer when my face is a bit darker. I love the compact for travel and appreciate not having to carry another liquid item on the plane.

This is definitely a holy grail makeup product for me.

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