Always the foundation skeptic, I resigned myself to using heavy creams and liquids to get full coverage and even out my dry, sometimes red and blotchy skin. Most of this looked cakey, didn't blend well, and would melt off my face within hours. Wishing I had perfect skin so I could swear off of foundation forever, I turned to the increasingly popular mineral makeup.

I purchased L'Oreal Bare Naturale Powdered Mineral Foundation in Light Ivory. When presented with the drugstore selections of mineral makeup, this one stood out as the obvious choice. Like many other mineral makeups, this product comes in a jar with a screw on lid, that transfers a small amount of mineral powder via tiny holes from the lower section to the top platform, where it is applied with a brush. However, for most makeups you need to purchase a brush separately, which you then need to tote around along with the makeup itself for touchups away from home. L'Oreal's mineral product has the brush built into the lid, which saves you money and space. It also makes the product very portable and easy to use anywhere. Speaking of money, mineral makeups are generally pretty costly. L'Oreal Bare Naturale is around $12, which may be more than some face makeup, but it it less than many other mineral makeups it outperforms. Another key factor was the SPF 19. I already wear a sunscreen on my face, but you can never have too much with that depleting ozone layer!

Being inexperienced with mineral makeup, I was not sure how much to apply. While it's possible to apply too much, if you work gradually you will get an even application. Most powder type makeups provide just light coverage, but I would say L'Oreal Bare Naturale provides medium to heavy....or it can. The beauty is that you can control the amount of coverage you want and need. While you may require a concealer for some things (very red breakouts, broken blood vessels, etc.), this product still does a great job of making them much less noticeable and evening out skin tone. I was a bit concerned that the powder might be shimmery, but it isn't- at least not much. It surprisingly gives your skin a dewy radiance- from a dry powder! I have tried this product over concealer and have never seen it look cakey. It just looks like I have- well, perfect skin! People have actually complimented me on how nice my skin looks, and have not realized I'm wearing makeup. It sounds cliche, but it's true.

The best part is, my actual skin looks even better without the makeup! A lot of redness and irritation has decreased, and I have fewer annoying little break outs. I think it's because this makeup is a lot more gentle on your skin than most creams and liquids. I have gotten great results from this product with dry skin, and I know people with normal and oily skin types who use it and love it, too. I think that would make this a good skin product for everyone, ranging from teens to older women.

I haven't tried other mineral products, but I don't really see a reason to. I have found something that works for me, and I plan to continue buying this product. Even for those who use more costly, supposedly "better quality" mineral makeups should give this one a try- you may find that you can save yourself money and save your skin in the process.

Recommended: Yes