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Mineral makeups are a dime a dozen these days, and the sheer volume of options can make finding the right pressed foundation a tricky pick. A pressed foundation offers all the benefits of mineral makeup without the hassle and mess of a loose base. A trusted circle of beauty professionals and real clients like you got together to narrow the field to the quad that represents the best brands out there. Choose your fave from budget-friendly grocery brands and compacts sold in chic salons.
gloMinerals
Tampa beauty author Michelle Phillips, who penned “The Beauty Blueprint,” says her all-time favorite pressed mineral powder is Pressed Base by gloMinerals. Phillips chose the brand because it provides her clients with a sheer-to-full coverage depending on how much she applies. The calming blend of age-stopping antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E plus soothing green tea extract. The brand has nearly 20 shades in warm, neutral, cool, deep and olive color families.
Jane Iredale
Sara Daly uses Jane Iredale pressed base at her Waterfalls Day Spa. “Her minerals are skin care for your face, and make you look perfect,” Daly says. Jane Iredale products are her go-to foundations for everything from everyday looks to formal bridal applications. Not only will you find it in her business but also her beauty bag – “I have personally used it for four years and my skin now looks better.” These SPF 20 powders go inside a refillable compact so you can save money and the environment when it’s time to re-up.
Mary Kay
“I personally don't use a lot of mineral makeup since I don't feel that the coverage is good enough alone, unless it’s for daytime makeup,” explains NYC makeup artist Heather Adessa. An exception to that rule is Mary Kay’s pressed and loose mineral powders. They are great for a clean flawless look for day to day. She gives the brand her pick for acne-prone and sensitive skin users. The noncomedogenic formula means it won’t clog your pores while giving you that flawless look!
Mineral Fusion
New York jeweler Danna Weiss uses Mineral Fusion, available at Whole Foods retailers nationwide. “They have the best concealer and powder -- it totally covers,” she says. The hypo-allergenic, gluten-free formula does not contain irritating fragrances, parabens or talc. Botanical ingredients include aloe and cucumber, and age-fighting ingredients include white tea, and vitamins C and E. To apply, use a Kabuki brush and sweep it across the compact, tapping off excess before applying it to the face. Apply more as necessary to build up to the desired coverage level.
