Put to the Test

Created on 11th September 2009

In this issue, top celebrity make-up artist Claire Harmer reviews foundations from the leading mineral make-up brands

Susan Posnick Colorflo

Pros

Very easy to apply as the foundation is inside the brush applicator so you just need to pump the button on the top. The foundation lasted well all day. It had a gentle sheen to it so it luminised the skin giving a healthy look.

The packaging is fantastic; extremely easy to keep in your handbag without any mess. There is a protective cover to put over the brush to protect it. Once you have used all your foundation you can just buy refills instead of a whole new foundation. Very good for changing of seasons/changing of colour tones.

Cons

It took a while to pump through the foundation when first using it. The packaging says to press the pump a few times but I had to pump it a lot to get anything out.

Marks Out of Ten: 9/10

www.skinbrands.co.uk/020 8997 8541, £39.95 and refills for £21.95

Youngblood

Pros

A little goes a long way. You just need to tap the loose foundation into the container's lid then apply with the Ultimate foundation brush in circular movements. Has a lovely finish and conceals imperfections well. I didn't really find that the skin was too shiny at the end of the day.

Cons

If you have poured too much powder into the lid you have no way of putting it back in.

You would also need to buy a foundation brush to apply this. Youngblood's Ultimate foundation brush is £40.00

Marks Out of Ten: 8/10

www.dermapure.eu/01306 886 425, £35

Jane Iredale

Pros

Applied easily to the skin. It gave good coverage and lasted very well. I found it helped refine enlarged pores where as other foundations have sometimes exaggerated open pores. It gives a healthy sheen to the skin and you didn't need to apply much to gain an even coverage

Cons

Would need to buy an application brush to apply which can be expensive.

Marks Out of Ten: 8/10

For stockists please call 020 8450 7111/£39

glo Minerals

Pros

Very good coverage. Easy to apply. Looks lovely when first applied.

Cons

Didn't last as well as I'd have liked. I found the foundation would wear easily and start to go patchy around the nose area. Not great on oil control either.

Marks Out of Ten: 6/10

For stockists: to order call 020 7491 0111/£32

proto-col Mineral Make-Up

Pros

Good if you are looking for a lighter coverage.

Cons

This product didn't last as long as I expected. It may work better with a make-up primer applied before the foundation. I found the skin was shiny quite quickly.

Marks Out of Ten: 5/10

proto-col products are available nationwide at Urban Retreat,  selected pharmacies, spas, salons and health farms and all products can be purchased online at www.proto-col.com/£24.45

bareMinerals

Pros

This foundation lasted well and you don't need to apply much. Very easy to apply and gives good coverage without looking heavy. Has a light sheen to give healthy look. Helped to refine open pores.

Cons

If too much is applied it will gather up and look patchy in fine creases. A slight shine came through later in the evening but after a very busy day. Would probably have been fine if I had an accompanying powder to apply to touch up.

Marks Out of Ten: 8/10

www.bareescentuals.co.uk/from £17.50

Christopher Drummond

Pros

Normal application procedure. Was happy with the look when I first applied the foundation. Slightly lighter coverage than the other foundations.

Cons

Needs a little more work to blend in the foundation. After a few hours the skin had started to shine and the foundation looked patchy on the shiny areas.

Marks Out of Ten: 5/10

www.justbeautydirect.co.uk/£50

CS&AM