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Recently, thre's been a trend towards 'mineral' cosmetics versus the traditional liquid foundations.  I've tried a couple of them - Cover Girl and Physicians Formula - and I haven't been too pleased with the results.  Each one claimed that it's leave me with an 'airbrused complexion', free of age spots and imperfections, but all it did was settle into my crows feet and fine lines and make me look 10 years older.  So, I tossed them away and went back to using my old standby, liquid foundation.

I don't know if any of you have any summer in St Louis experience, but if you do, you'll know that it's pretty darn humid.  Humidity and foundation don't play well together.  I put my makeup on in the morning, but by the time I get to work the majority is on the handkerchief I've used to wipe the sweat off of my brow and the rest is sliding off my face.  I'm not vain enough to HAVE to be fully-made up, all the time, but I don't like to go around looking like who did it and what for - ungroomed, in other words. 

I was waiting for prescription refills at the drugstore the other day and saw that Almay had put out a new mineral powder foundation.  It's a little different to the other mineral foundations; it's self dispensing.  Instead of shaking the powder out of the tin, dipping the brush into it and then applying it to your face, the Almay foundation dispenses the powder into the BOTTOM of the brush, making for a more even application.  It's not as expensive as some of the brands, retailing at around $10, so I thought I'd give it a try.

I've worn it for 3 days now, all of which have seen heat in the 90's and humidity of 50 - 60%, and as yet it hasn't settled into my wrinkles or slid right off my face.  Does it make my skin look pristine?  No.  But, I haven't come across ANY foundation that can do that and still look somewhat natural, liquid or powder or mineral.  It DOES even out my skin tone and cover out some of the mild blemishes, though.  It gives me a look that's groomed, but not 'going out on the town' made-up, and that's exactly what I wanted.  It's also easier and faster than liquid foundation - not to mention cleaner. 

All in all, I'm very happy with Almay's product - I'm giving it a 9 out of 10, and highly recommend it!


Comments
on Aug 02, 2007
Thanks for the review. I'll have to check it out. Humidity around here means I don't even look at makeup in the summer!
on Aug 02, 2007
I bought the neutragena mineral makeup. It works like the almay as far as shaking out the brush but I like the more even coverage of my liquid foundation. My skin has definate redness and the mineral doesn't seem to do as good of a job covering up. I use the mineral makeup now as a finishing step or a setting powder. I do think it is good for a just a quick step or a more natural look if you don't want to put on a full face.
on Aug 02, 2007
I like the more even coverage of my liquid foundation.


In the wintertime you won't catch me dead without my liquid foundation! However, it literally melts off my face in the summer so wearing it becomes an exercise in futility. Whilst this mineral stuff doesn't do as good a job as the liquid, it's an acceptable substitute. I like the idea of using it as a powder to set the liquid stuff, though.

Humidity around here means I don't even look at makeup in the summer!


I never knew how blessed I was when I was living in South Dakota, sporting my liquid makeup all day every single summer.

I detest humidity. With a passion.

on Aug 02, 2007
I detest humidity. With a passion.


I hear ya! Summer is an entire season where I feel in desperate need of a shower, even if I have just gotten out of one!
on Aug 02, 2007
This was a good review and good feedback. I will have to keep this in mind next time I am in the market. How does the cost compare?
on Aug 03, 2007

How does the cost compare?

It's very good.  I paid $10 and change for it, compared to L'Oreal Mineral Wear which retails for $12 and a few cents.

Summer is an entire season where I feel in desperate need of a shower, even if I have just gotten out of one!

I know.  I feel permanently clammy, and I hate that.