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

I recently picked up some from Physicians Formula because they had one that had a tiny amount of green and blue mixed in to neutralize the red. Unfortunately, like all powders it settled in every tiny line in my face. Normally I'm not self-conscious about them at all (DH says my crow's feet are cute because they mean I smile a lot, because the corners of my eyes crinkle when I smile... I love that!) but it seemed like the powder emphasized them! Powders also seem to really emphasize the texture of the bumps underneath, and if any areas have gone dry or my seborrheic dermatitis is flaring up (although that's much rarer since I started using Extina foam, thank goodness - it really sucked being Lizard Girl and Polka-Dot Girl at the same time!) the powder gets caught in the flaky/scaly parts. I'm currently testing a range of tinted moisturizers but most of them are too orange. I really, really hate wearing makeup but we've had stuff going on lately where I really should. (I'm still looking for a waterproof mascara light enough for me - I don't want extending, thickening, or any of that, just a little darkening... the one I used to love was discontinued and I'll be d@mned if I'm going to pay $25 a tube on eBay.) I can't go to the makeup departments in department stores because of the fragrance counters right next to them - I get migraines even if I dose myself with something like Maxalt or Zomig before going into the store.