Post last updated 19/02/2023
Mineral foundations have become the face base of choice of those who have problematic, combination or sensitive skin thanks to their minimal ingredient list and ability to perfectly cover the skin without ever looking cakey without disrupting the skin's natural balance.
What is a Mineral Foundation?
Mineral foundations are available as liquid foundations and powder foundations and more. Made from a blend of natural ingredients like zinc and titanium oxide, mineral foundation leaves out a lot of the chemical nasties found in regular makeup such as parabens, preservatives, oil and fragrance.
What Skin Type is Mineral Makeup Best for?
Mineral makeup is ideal for every skin type, though it is particularly effective for those with sensitive skin and people with oily skin thanks to their non-comedogenic properties which won’t block your pores but will absorb excess oil.
Our Picks of the Best Mineral Foundations
- Cover FX Pressed Mineral Foundation
- bareMinerals Original SPF 15 Foundation
- L'Oréal Paris True Match Minerals Foundation
- MAC MINERALIZE MOISTURE SPF 15 FOUNDATION
- INIKA Baked Mineral Foundation
- Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF15
- Elizabeth Arden Mineral Makeup
- EX1 Cosmetics Pure Crushed Mineral Powder Foundation
AdviceWhat is my skin type?
Wondering if you've correctly identified your skin type? We discuss all skin types including oily, combination, dry and sensitive and the best formulas for each.
1. Cover FX Pressed Mineral Foundation 12g (Various Shades)
Formulated with key ingredient Kaolin Clay, the
Cover FX Pressed Mineral Foundation is a talc-free formula that offers buildable coverage. The Cover FX Pressed Mineral Foundation is best suited for those with oily to blemish-prone skin as this hero foundation absorbs excess oil to leave a mattified and flawless complexion behind. It comes with an applicator sponge, which applies the product beautifully into the skin, so it looks natural and never cakey or dry. Our customers love the wide range of shades available in this range.
Key Features
- Free from parabens, sulphates, phthalates, mineral oils, talc, gluten and fragrance.
- Compact, easily portable packaging.
- Suited to oily and blemish-prone skin.
2. bareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation SPF 15 (Various Shades)
The foundation that put mineral makeup on the map, the
bareMinerals Original Foundation is made with only 5 ingredients and is free from parabens, talc, mineral oil and SLS. Boasting SPF 15 protection. This mineral foundation also provides 8 hours of wear, keeping the complexion looking flawlessly beautiful. What we love most about this foundation is its ability to be built up without ever looking cakey. Plus, even though it's a powder it gives a natural radiance to the complexion. Our customers love the value for money of this long-lasting mineral foundation.
Key Features
- Free from parabens, mineral oil, chemical sunscreen, talc, animal-derived ingredients, gluten and SLS.
- Dermatologist tested. Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.
- Not tested on animals.
- Read what our customers have to say
3. L'Oréal Paris True Match Minerals Foundation 10g (Various Shades)
If you're looking for a more budget-friendly mineral foundation, the
L'Oréal Paris True Match Minerals Foundation is a great option. It has a beautifully soft and velvety matte finish, which blends into the skin easily. Infused with sea minerals, the foundation is great for anyone with an oily to blemish-prone complexion as it helps to control excess oil and shine without drying out the skin. Our customers love how this mineral foundation evens out your complexion thanks to buildable medium coverage.
Key Features
- Great for those on a budget
- Ideal for oily and blemish-prone skin
4. MAC Mineralize Moisture SPF 15 Foundation (Various Shades)
Not all mineral face bases are powders, and the
Mineralise Moisture from MAC is one of the best mineral foundations for anyone with dry to dehydrated skin. The cream-gel formula melts into the skin and feels cooling upon application to hydrate and even out the skin tone. Vitamin E and hyaluronic acid provide all-day moisture so that the skin never appears dry or cakey, and with a light-reflecting formula, skin looks naturally illuminated.
Key Features
- Protection from sun damage
- Diminishes fine lines for a more even tone
5. INIKA Baked Mineral Foundation (Various Shades)
Certified organic, vegan and cruelty-free, the
INIKA Baked Mineral Foundation combines the skincare benefits of mineral makeup with the coverage of a traditional powder foundation. Blending seamlessly, this mineral foundation melts into the skin and can be built up to the level of coverage you desire. It covers imperfections and redness really well, so is perfect for anyone with problematic and reactive skin.
Key Features
- Vegan friendly.
- Certified organic and cruelty-free.
- Hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested.
6. Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF15 30ml (Various Shades)
Not all mineral foundations are power formulations.
Clinique's Even Better Makeup is a mineral-blend foundation, perfect for anyone with oily or combination skin. The oil-free formula helps to keep the skin shine-free throughout the day, while the mineral pigments help to perfectly conceal and even out the skin tone. Additionally, even though the finish is matte, the foundation helps to achieve a brightened complexion without ever looking flat.
Key Features
7. Elizabeth Arden Mineral Makeup 8.33g
The
Elizabeth Arden's Mineral Makeup is housed in a portable grinder, which means you reveal a fresh layer of mineral powder with each use making it super hygienic. This beautiful mineral foundation contains a blend of minerals, vitamins, and Sea Water Complex to help keep you fresh-faced and glowing, and the skin beautifully healthy. Due to its hydrating properties, it doesn't settle into fine lines or go cakey throughout the day. Pair with the
Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Mineral Makeup Brush for the most beautiful finish.
Key Features
- Handy portable grinder packaging.
- Non-cakey.
8. EX1 Cosmetics Pure Crushed Mineral Powder Foundation 8g (Various Shades)
Revitalise your skin with the
EX1 Cosmetics Pure Crushed Mineral Powder Foundation. Enriched with Vitamin E to thoroughly moisturise your skin whilst helping defend against environmental aggressors. The lightweight, non-cakey and breathable mineral foundation formula is available in a range of shades featuring golden and olive undertones to flatter all complexions.
Key Features
- Clinically and dermatologically tested. Non-comedogenic.
- Free from Bismuth, Talc, Parabens, Fragrance and oil.
- Vegan and cruelty-free.