Well an "itch" I could deal with, this BURNED like my face was on fire. I had to wash it off. I had previously tried mineral make-up at the counter of one of the BE stores and it did sort of itch a bit and 'felt funny' all the way home. Even with the cheap stuff I bought and tried back in May I was acutely aware of something being on my face, sort of 'itchy'. Even if I use the mineral make-up without scrubbing my face first I am thinking that this stuff ain't too safe for the eyes or lungs should any find their way there. I've already decided to toss it and go back to using pancake make-up as a foundation. Just a 'heads-up' to anyone who may be concerned with contact lenses.

if they are creating a mess using mineral makeup, then they need to do a tutorial on using them the right way.

Great thread! I wanted to comment on the exfoliation topic. I have a Mia that I use regularly but I recently added an Alpha hydroxy acid cream (10%) to my routine and I cannot believe how much smoother my skin feels! I wash my face at night with a washcloth and apply the cream to sleep. It is not expensive and I am so pleased with the results. My skin is so so smooth. I still use the Mia but in the shower in the morning. I used to use the scrubs but again, Alpha Hydroxy seems t work better and is my new best friend. I found this brand at TJ Maxx and will provide the link but any brand would be fine. It's the percentage concentration that matters. Check out the reviews. Here is a link that might be useful: Alpha Hydroxy Cream

Okay - here's my final thoughts - Definitely like the Smashbox the best. I don't wear alot of makeup and use a light hand with my mineral (powder) foundation. The primer makes your skin feel so smooth. I noticed a difference around my eyes, which are where I have a few small lines - the primer definitely smoothed things out. I have one (yes ONE - not sure how it happened) enlarged pore, and the primer makes that invisible. I do think my makeup lasts longer. I'm not one to "check my make-up" often but I have been the last week while testing the two primers. On days I worked, my makeup looked good all day long. I'm curious as to how the primer will perform in our hot/humid months. I'm wondering if it will "melt"? I will say that while I like the primer and I see it's benefits, I don't think it is as great as the author of the book does. But for now, I'm wearing it. Oh and as for the price, you use so little of the primer, that it should last quite a while. I purchased a large size sample for $12, and I would imagine just that sample is going to last me for some time. tina