I wanted to try mineral powder type of makeup, and we have a store in town called Ulta which has all different types of makeups, hair care items, perfumes, etc. So I went in there and found their line of mineral powder makeup was just $14, plus $8 for the brush. So I bought it, and LOVE IT. I use moisturizer first and let it soak in a couple of minutes while I'm doing my eyes, and then use the makeup.

I'm 55 and on me, think it looks a lot better than the Mary Kay liquid foundation I was using previously. It's very natural looking because it's not thick like the liquids.

I use Bare Minerals which is expensive but it lasts a long time. I use a small amount every day.

I still can't decide if I like it. I got some free samples from oceanmist cosmetics, (had to pay shipping) then I bought some maybelline mineral makeup and some Jane minerals. I got some Jane at the flea market for $2.00 so I bought it. Its colorless, since I can't get the shades right, its ok, but I don't like the applicator it has. I feel it just doesn't cover any dark circles or blemishes as well as a cream foundation does.

Here is a link that might be useful: free samples

These kind of discussions make me miss my mom. I think the main reason I don't wear makeup is I never learned how to. We need to have a KT sleepover and do make up! I would like to try one of those mineral ones myself. I think I will check out the drugstore this week. I have so many sun spots on my poor face I am not sure if it will make a difference or not. What do you think?

Trish in SC

My DD tried the CVS brand. She really likes it. I'm going to try it also. Can't hurt to save $$'s.

I have Bare Minerals which I purchased from QVC. I love it and the brushes. I agree it's price but it does last along time. And QVC has a 30 guarantee. If you don't like it mail it back and they happily refund your money.
The kits from QVC comes with a DVD to help get you started.

I also love the bare essentuals.It cost me $25.00,but it lasts me 5-6 months.I have tried the Loreal mineral makeup and was not as happy w/it and it ran about $12.00.The bare essentuals blush has lasted me almost a year and I still have alot left,I would guess 6 months or more.I think it runs about $18.00.It is well the money to me.

Shelley

Exactkly what msmarion said.....another QVC person here. I love the bare minerals and it does last a long time. I hate paying alot for make up too, but this works and it goes a long way.

"Exactkly"????? LOL..I do know how to spell exactly...I saw it as soon as I hit the submit and it was too late!

I wore the bare minerals and loved how it worked but my skin itched sooo bad for about 2 hours after I applied it? Strange I guess....now I use MAC makeup and I LOVE it!! Stacy

Was blessed with a good complexion, so I never spend big bucks on makeup.
I now buy Dollar General's brand for a buck fifty. Suits my needs.

For dressup, which is RARE, I do have Merle Norman products.

I will look for BM at my local Ulta.

I wore the bare minerals and loved how it worked but my skin itched sooo bad for about 2 hours after I applied it? Me too Stacy! I tried a couple different brands and they both bothered me.. I need better coverage anyhow.. so I'll stick to my regular foundation.

Seventy-four year old Nanny here, and I would just like to remind everyone that how you treat your skin is the more important thing....and a good skin-care routine will have you not needing a face lift as you age. I consider myself lucky, in that I always had very sensitive skin, so just covering up flaws etc. was not an option and good skin care
took care of flaws. I am quite pleased with Costco's Kirkland Borges line of products right now. And, darn...I am starting to get wrinkles, but not ready to try some of those wrinkle creams. Nanny

Smokey Mountain Minerials here, similiar to Bare Essentuals (from reviews I've read), MUCH less expensive! DD#1 loves it too now, so does DIL.

Vickey-MN

Here is a link that might be useful: Smoley Mountain Minerials

I use Base Escentuals. It is the best I have found. The starter kit is the best deal ever. The brushes, an instructional DVD and the Warmth are things I wouldn't have bought on my own but I am so glad to have them!

I like the Smokey Mountain Minerals, too. I bought a selection of sample sizes on eBay, and it has lasted a long time.

Most of the time I just use moisturizer and a light application of translucent pressed powder. (I like Almay and Avon's Incredible Finish.)

I use Jane Iredale mineral makeup, and love it. Yes, it's pricey, but as others have said about other brands, it lasts a very, very long time. A little goes a long way.

I've had skin cancer in three places on my face, so I have to be very careful about sun protection, and I think that the Jane Iredale products have the best sunscreen protection. It also feels great on my skin -- it has NEVER itched at all. I tried Bare Minerals and Youngbood, but both made my skin itch.

I use liquid foundation (currently Jane) put on with a foundation brush. Similar effect and control as the powders without the mess.

I've used Bare Minerals and Everyday Minerals. I like the Everyday Minerals better.

Linda

Here is a link that might be useful: mineral makeup

I tried the BE mineral powder and it did nothing for my skin. I think if you have really good skin without many blemishes it may work, but I prefer Smashbox liquid makeup when I choose to wear it.

june

While I love the powder type foundations, it will settle into any wrinkles and accentuate them.

Physicians' Formula makes a mineral face powder with no talc. I like it a lot because it looks good, doesn't bother my allergies, and has in a well-designed container with its own brush and mirror that is small enough to fit in my purse. It is not very expensive and the quality is good.

Since "aging skin" tends to be dry, I find it's best to use a good moisturizer first, before the powder. I also dab a bit of liquid foundation on my nose and under my eyes with a damp wedge sponge before applying powder.

I watched a news segment this morning where they advised us to buy high-quality foundation (for the smooth consistency) and mascara, but that the cheaper brands of powder, blush and lipstick weren't much different from the high-priced ones.

I like the Clinique moisturizing foundation that comes in a tube, even though it is a bit costly.

At my age, I use very pale blush and go easy on the eye makeup.

Speaking of cost, why are you skimping on your makeup? I think you deserve to use cosmetics that suit you, and I'll bet you could save money on something else in your budget instead.

I've tried five other minerals brands and keep going back to Bare Escentuals. And thanks to NaughtyKitty, I have the instructional DVD she got with her kit.

Jodi-

I've tried it all and finally think I've found the best--Estee Lauder. The mineral stuff just emphasized the circles under my eyes and it itched. Estee Lauder stays on all day. When I get ready for bed it looks like I've just put it on. 2 of my BFFs use it too and love it. I do use the Clinique moisterizer, but I've never tried the EL.

If Bare Minerals makes your skin itch (like mine) the Jane Iredale line does NOT. It's wonderful! : D

Blessings,
Haley