Mary Kay Mineral Foundation: A Critique
- December 17th, 2007
- View Comments (89)
Today my Mineral Powder Foundation arrived! I have been sick for days so I am feeling better this evening and decided to give it a try before wearing it to work tomorrow. Overall, I do like it. I’ve decided to take this opportunity to list my pros and cons. Please note, this is the only Mineral Powder Foundation I have ever tried. It is not my intent to compare it to another brand of the same product. This is simply my take on the experience of wearing MK’s Mineral Powder Foundation. Here goes:
Pros:
- It’s easy and quick to apply.
- It conceals my pink undertones quite well–without concealer.
- I dusted on about 3 light layers — I tapped the brush quite a bit to avoid any clumping.
- The shade is a perfect match to my skin tone. I’m normally Ivory 104 so the Ivory 1 works.
- It doesn’t look like I have foundation on.
- My skin tone appears quite even.
- I think it may actually stay on better than the tube foundation. (Less transferability)
Cons:
- The powder is very loose and goes airborne quite easily.
- Because the powder is very fine, I kind of inhaled it while applying it — not pleasant.
- My skin is extremely dry this time of year so I am concerned that extended wear will show my dryness. I’ll be able to determine that tomorrow when I wear it all day.
That’s my experience thus far. I’ve had it on for about 15 minutes. Yea, I know, not a long time. I’ll probably have more to say about it after tomorrow — when I wear it for a full day at work and in the weather! 
Feel free to share your experiences and opinions of this product here as well!
Tags: Cosmetics, Idea Sharing, Know Your Product, Mineral Powder Foundation, Product Opinions
Deb MK
Shades of Pink
Carla K.
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I think you pretty much summed it up. I’ve been wearing it for at least a week now and I love it!
What I like the least about it is that its a little messy when you get too much on the brush. (I’m kind of clumsy and shook it around a lot without thinking…so I was stuck with a lot of powder in the sifter.) I think I have the hang of it now though. I haven’t inhaled it, but I can imagine its not fun, lol. I thought my skin would get oilier, but it hasn’t been too bad. I have areas on my skin that get pretty oily (my nose), and other parts get extremely dry (my chin), and this foundation goes well on both areas.
Another testimonial: my mother is in her mid to late 50’s and she LOVES it! It doesn’t settle in her wrinkles and it covers up most discolorations without concealer!
Have you heard any complaints about it yet? (If so I’d be interested in hearing the cons…)
Hope you feel better Shades!
Thanks, Sabrina! So far, I’ve heard no complaints. My mother ordered her own mineral powder and I will be getting that to her tomorrow. I’m eager to see what she thinks.
Ok, well that clinches it…I’m getting one for personal use. I had not ordered any yet and was afraid it would be too dark for me since I usually wear Ivory 100…I had heard you need to get a shade lighter and um, yeah that does not exist!
But if it works for you at 104, it prob won’t be too dark on me. I’m going to order it RIGHT NOW.
Sweet! I think the issue of darkness pertains more to beige and bronze tones. My mom is normally Beige 302 and I ordered her the Beige 1. She said she won’t care if it’s too dark, though–she wants more color.
I wasn’t sure I’d like it at all, but I do think I’m in love. LOL! Overall, I think it looks more natural than the liquid foundation. Today I got the dustiness under control, too. You just gotta be careful when handling it. If you jerk the cannister when it’s open, watch out!
I am excited to use it…I have been using tinted moisturizer, concealer, and then powder foundation on top. It looks really natural, but I am dying to start using the mineral foundation. Does it conceal too, or do you use concealer? If so, would you conceal before or after you do the foundation?
Thanks, Shades!
I haven’t used concealer with the mineral powder. It seems to have great coverage on its own. We had a training on application a couple weeks ago and it was advised that both concealer and highlighting pens should go on before mineral powder. So, to answer your question, MK Rules, I would conceal before the foundation.
I just tried it and I do like it! I was worried that it would be too light or too dark, but I wear bronze 607 and the bronze 2 is perfect. It does seem like it will be too light at first but that brush really blends it well. My face does not look like I have makeup on, but my pores have been minimized and there is no shine, so the look is way natural. I will probably still use a little concealer but not as much as before.
I like this better than the other loose powders we have.
Thanks for everyones tips in advance!
Hey, thanks for stopping by, foreverpink! Happy to hear your feedback.
I had an open house this weekend and one of my best customers (who is 21 and has perfect skin) told me that she HATES mineral powder because it makes her look ashy and that most DARK African American women don’t like it. I asked her if I could use her as a test subject when it came in.
Well today I went to her house and it didn’t work. She is a 808 and it was not good. She did look ashy. I read up above that foreverpink is a 607 and she used a bronze 2. Then what are 708 and 808 women suppose to use? It seemed like there needed to be a darker shade for her.
I also went to my neighbor’s house (who is 59 and ivory 200) she is in LOVE with the idea of mineral powder. She LOVED it, but boy do you need to figure out what to do. It was all in the air, all over her cloths, and boy do you ever need to let the moisturizer dry. It goes on too think in the areas that are wet or damp. It looked like she put on too much bronzer in places. She was not sure if she wanted the ivory 2 or the beige 1 (because it is winter), so I gave her my tester ivory 2 to try for a couple of days and give me her opinion. I will keep you all posted.
Hello, inmkbutsmart! That is some valuable input. I did wonder about those darker bronze shades and finding a mineral match. It’s interesting that they don’t have darker mineral shades. Perhaps an email to Corporate is in order!
My mom just left with her mineral powder. I’ll be waiting to hear how she likes it.
thanks for the input inmkbutsmart, I will keep that in mind
I think I just like the tube better for me. I need the coverage. I do like the quickness of the Mineral Powder. I did shake it too much, imagine that:) so I had to be extra careful with spillage. Right now I think I am like the Myst, unless she has changed, I am putting it on top, for an airbrushed look.
It is popular and we are having a great response from our clients. So I am loving the Mineral Powder, we really needed this addition to our line.
Have you had any response from the lipsticks yet? I love the new red, hisbiscus and the berry one for me personally. Can you tell I like cool colors? lol!
I think I like Hibiscus, Berry Kiss, Tanned, and Amber Glow. I think I’ll give those a try for now. I tend to like warmer colors.
I’m curious how Hibiscus and Berry Kiss will look on me.
Thanks for the info on the dark skin women. I have a friend and I will get her over here and put some on her and see what happens. I was telling her about your post inmkbutsmart, and she said oh that is so true. However we are going to try it on her and see what happens. Will just make sure she doesn’t need to go anywhere or have her other ready for her to put if this doesn’t work. Anyway thanks again for that info.
Me personally I am loving it. I do put concealer on and then yesterday I tried it with a little foundation under it and I think that I like it better with the foundation M/C. Just my opinion. Well, I pray everyone has a GREAT DAY
I too had too much in the top because I am traveling with it for people to try. I VERY CAREFULLY pulled the plastic section with the holes up and out and just put the powder back and started over.
Please keep us all posted if any of you use the foundation on your darker friends and customers. I just spoke with a customer who needs to reorder her foundation. I started to tell her about the mineral foundation, but didn’t because she is a 708. I don’t like that because I am “Miss Customer Service” and I ALWAYS keep my customers in the know.
Shadesofpink thank you sooooo much for starting this topic because most of my sister consultants are VERY positive about it and do not want to hear the cons. I need to know how to serve my customers.
I’m glad this topic has brought so much feedback! Thank you, ladies! Please continue to share new info.
Inmkbutsmart, I suggest you call or email Corporate and tell them your experiences with the darker bronze shades. Better yet, ask the customers to call 1-800-MARY KAY as well. They will listen to our customers, too!
Pink Bren, let us know how it goes with your customer.
Have a great day everyone!
Well, mine is still not in…hopefully it will be tomorrow.
I’m thinking it will work well for me since I usually only do concealer and powder foundation or concealer and tinted moisturizer. I use the medium coverage sometimes if I want to look extra nice…but I really don’t need it.
Also, my director send me 2 of each samples of the new lipsticks with my order in December. So far, I think I will like hibiscus, tanned, and amber glow. I haven’t tried them yet though. Right now my favorite is garnetfrost and I am thrilled it was not discontinued.
I have used it with concealer, gots me some dark circles I do. I actually blend my concealer with the highlighting pen - keeps the concealer from “resting” into fine lines. I also use foundation with the mineral powder on top. As far as under the eyes, I have a concealer brush that I use to dust the Mineral Powder onto the darkest area of my eyes and it works great! I don’t use it on the outer corners, where the crows feet are, I don’t need it there and it would most likely make the lines look more severe than they are. HTH
I can’t wait to try the new mineral foundation. My order should arrive today. It looks good on my Sales Director. I noticed the difference in her skin before she told me she was wearing it. It looks really natural and doesn’t rub off on everything.
Welcome, gorcat! You are right about the foundation–I don’t think it rubs off on anything either.
Today I tried it with concealer. My pink cheeks were stubborn today. So far so good.
I’ve observed that my blush stays on all day with the mineral powder foundation.
Hello! Thanks for checking in on Patch! I just ordered the new mineral foundation last night. I can’t wait to try it! Hope it works like I see on some of the infomercials about other mineral foundations. I only use powder foundation~blush~lipstick and occasionally mascara…waiting for mine now!
WOOF!
Hi Mercedes! If you’re used to powder foundation, I think you’ll be really happy with the mineral powder. I think the coverage is much better than the dual coverage powder. I have pink cheeks and even with concealer, full coverage foundation, and dual coverage powder the pinkness would peak through. Not so with the mineral powder!
To the folks wondering about the darker shades: The tinted moisurizer was a problem for me (Bronze 507 and I used the Bronze 1). The Bronze 2 is just way too dark. I have found that when colors are not specific but only general, like a Bronze 1 or 2, those colors just aren’t specific enough for us darker folks. I loved the thought of a tinted moisturizer but it made me look muddy. I have the same concern with the mineral foundations, I just don’t think the Bronze 1 is going to be the right color. I have an awful lot of yellow in my skin but I am really hoping it’s as good on my oily skin as I have read!
Its a shame, really, as the Dual Coverage 507 was absolutely perfect on my, yet it has been discontinued and corp. is totally out. In Touch says they are going to get a jump start on the Mineral Pressed Powders for the Bronze 1 and 2, I sure hope the Bronze 1 works. Matching foundation without having to mix two different colors has ended for me since I started MK and I really cannot imagine wearing anything else on my face.
Hi Sunset! I have issues with the tinted moisturizer as well. I am Ivory 104 and the Ivory 1 is a touch darker than my actual complexion. It does not match my neck. That and the texture of the moisturizer doesn’t quite absorb into my skin. It flakes.
Sunset, I would advise you to call 1-800-MARY KAY. Tell them your experience and voice your complaint. They may not realize how this affects our customers.
[…] mineral foundation would fare. A little bit of snooping led me to this cute beauty blog, with her review of Mary Kay’s Mineral Foundation. mary kay, mineral makeup Posted in […]
[…] Shades of Pink Keeping Life Balanced had a chance to use this new product line and seems to be happy about it. I’ve had it on for about 15 minutes. Yea, I know, not a long time. I’ll probably have more to say about it after tomorrow–when I wear it for a full day at work and in the weather! […]
How neat that you are called cute beauty blog…
Ok so I did a facial today with a lady in her 60’s and she HATES foundation because it settles into her lines. I was worried that the mineral powder would not work, BUT she LOVED it!!! It looked great on her! She was a beige 1.
Is anyone concerned about the new look book coming out? I have a TON of women who are on 507, 607 or 708 dual coverage. The dual coverage isn’t in the book and some colors are sold out. What are you going to tell them? What are you going to tell you customers who are ivory and beige who use dual coverage, but don’t see it in the book?
Any suggestions?
Hey inmkbutsmart, how did you demo the mineral foundation? I need to order some more in different shades so I can have people test it. Are you using a cotton ball? Just curious.
As for the new Look, I don’t have anyone in the discontinued d/c shades. I do have some ladies who use the dual coverage. I told them it is going away and will be back to fit in the new compacts. They know I still have them in stock. I’ve told them I think the mineral foundation provides better coverage so I may be able to transition them to that.
Hello,
I’m an Independent Beauty Consultant and I have been wearing the Mineral Powders since the 15th of December. I love it. It does take some practice in application and they mean what they say in light layers. But, if one follows the website demo there should be no problem.
I have somewhat dry skin in the winter but still get the shiny nose, I don’t get as much shine with the Mineral Powders.
I have never tried another brand so I don’t have anything to compare it to but I like it better than any of our other foundations.
I followed a tip from Make-up Artist Robert Jones and used the tinted moisturizer and then the Mineral powder and loved the outcome even more. In the winter I still apply the TW for Oily Skin Moisturizer and then the tinted.
Thanks
Brenda
Thanks
Brenda
Thanks for your feedback, Brenda! I love the mineral foundation, too. I tried it with the tinted moisturizer and still had the flaking from the tinted. My skin just gets really dry, I guess. Oddly enough, the mineral foundation alone does not flake. I’ll never fully understand my own skin! LOL
Happy New Year, all!
Hello Ladies!
I am new here, shadesofpink, I LOVE your blog!! I just rejoined MK a couple weeks ago, and have been looking for forums and blogs on the internet. I have only found negative info, UNTIL NOW! Thank you SO much for your wonderful resource! I was becoming very discouraged.
As for the Mineral Powder foundation, I stopped using/selling MK a couple years ago, because I found Bare Minerals by ID. I LOOOOOOOVE mineral foundation, it wears SO much better on my skin. I have been so bummed that MK didn’t make a mineral foundation.
Just a couple weeks ago, we had a teacher appreciation meeting at the school I teach at. They had one of our moms, a Senior Director come in and facial all of us teachers. Annnnd, she brought the Mineral Powder Foundation.
I was SOOO Happy! I resigned my agreement that night, and even bought the new showcase! lol
I am placing my 3,000 inventory order next week and have some very lofty goals in place…
…All because MK came out with Mineral Foundation. I am SO excited to be using and around MK again. I missed it terribly!
I hope you all find that you love this foundation as much as I do.
Happy New Year!
Kristin
Welcome, PinkDiva! So happy you found this site. Thank you so much for your input. I had never tried Bare Minerals. I wondered how comparable MK is to that product. What’s your opinion? It must be at least equal or you wouldn’t have signed back up, right?
Thank you for sharing!
Hi everyone. I just came across this in my search for before and after pictures or for recommendations on Mary Kay. I hope I am not totally off topic..but I don’t know how to find consultants here in Barbados, and I would like to buy some products online. I am about the complexion of Gabrielle Union and I have yellow golden understones. I have no clue which bronze shades I should get in foundations or concealers. Thank you for any advce.
Hi Keri, welcome! I am not sure if Mary Kay is available in Barbados at this time. Here is a link to the markets Mary Kay is in:
http://www.marykay.com/company/aroundtheworldlist.aspx
Due to importation/exportation laws, a U.S. consultant cannot send products to a different country. I inquired about this a few years ago when a friend of mine moved to Canada.
I’m not familiar with Gabrielle Union, but I googled her and judging by the pictures, I would say she’s in the Bronze 500 family. Possibly 500 or 507. That’s a guess. The best way to find your true foundation match is to meet with someone face to face so you can try things out and see what works.
Sorry I can’t offer much more help. Perhaps someone else can help more.
I am a Bronze 507 who was totally in love with the dual coverage 507 but since that was discontinued I tried the Bronze 1 MK mineral powder and I have to admit I love it. I don’t look ashy, I dont look heavily made up..the only thing is when I tried it I didn’t prime my skin first and I had some bags going on under my eyes and the powder made those look worse, but I have a feeling if I prime my skin before hand I won’t have that problem.
Thanks for your feedback again, Sunset.
Just a tip for covering bags under the eyes, if you use the Facial Highlighting Pen, it works well with the mineral powder. You would actually apply it before the foundation (unlike with the liquid foundation where you would apply the Highlighting Pen over it). Someone I know suggested that for some extra concealer coverage with the mineral powder. 
I’m happy to hear you’ve found a match!
I like the coverage.
It gets in my nose, and makes my nose tingle.
Hi Stephanie! I love the coverage. I tend to inhale the powder that gets in the air. Then I have a coughing fit. I have gotten better at controlling the powder “fall out.”
just wondering about mineral ingredients…
why does Mary Kay has as its first ingredient TALC when other companies promote their products as TALC-FREE?
What’s up with talc?
NewToMineral, I’m probably just as “new” to mineral as you are!
I’m not sure if there is any real significance to the inclusion of TALC or the exclusion of TALC. It could be something as simple as being a means to make the product their own. Sometimes patented formulas can prevent competitors from duplicating the product right away. I’ll do some investigating on this and post my findings! Thanks for the question!
Sorry it has taken so long for a response ladies. I have not felt well. Ok so as for how I am demoing the foundation…I have only done facials so far. So I let them use the demo brush and just wash it after the facial. I will use a cotton ball at classes, but I don’t know how that works. I can only imagine that it doesn’t do as well, but I have not tried it.
What is everyone else doing?
NewToMineral: OK. I emailed Mary Kay about the Talc question. I also looked at other brands’ ingredients. I didn’t see any that really boast talc-free. I did notice they don’t include talc. This is why Mary Kay uses Talc:
Talc is a mineral. It is safe to the skin and it allows the product to be applied smoothly and evenly on the skin. It also acts as an oil absorber.
Hope this helps!
inmkbutsmart: I hope you are feeling better. Thank you for sharing your demo technique for the mineral powder! I thought I would be demoing it today, however, she decided to purchase it instead!
So, we’ll see how she likes it.
thanks for the update.
I remember avoiding talcum powder for my babies - something about breathing it in is very unhealthy? I never researched why, but I just avoided it.
About the brand that boasts about being talc-free. I found it in the drugstore. I went back to check its name. It is Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Matte Finishing Veil. I also noticed that Neutragena says it’s talc-free too.
Hi NewToMineral! Thanks for the info on talcum powder. I don’t know of harmful effects of talcum, but I’ll look into it. I know that the woman from Mary Kay who contacted me made the point of mentioning they use safe levels of all minerals in the powder.
I found some sources online that suggest the biggest risk with talc isn’t so much use on the face, but uses in other areas…areas that can lead to ovarian cancer in women.
I may send another email to Corporate or call them later today. Maybe I’ll call them.
Thanks for pointing that out. I was unaware of any risk.
i’m so glad i came upon this site tonight. i just got my mineral powder today and am anxious to put it on in the morning. you’ve given me so many tips - thank you all!
Welcome, gerry507! Thanks for visiting!
I wore the mineral powder today. at first i thought it would be dark. i wear beige 304 and bought the beige 1 but it looks good. i’m still a little awkward putting it on but i know i’ll get the hang of it. i also tried the bronzed lipstick - love it! i can’t stop buying MK. The only item i have ever been disappointed in is the tinted moisturizer. it made my face look dirty and greasy. I’ve been wearing MK since i was 18. it’s the only skin care and makeup i’ll use.
Glad you love your MK, gerry507! I had trouble finding skin care that worked well with my skin. MK is the first brand that didn’t irritate my skin. I have trouble with the tinted moisturizer, too. It flakes off my skin. It seems that when my skin is oily it flakes. My skin is weird! lol! I think when it gets oily the moisturizers can’t absorb properly and they roll off my skin. Happy to hear the mineral powder is working so well for you!
Hi Shades. I tried putting the foundation on lightly sort of like a concealer but all over, then the highlighting pen then the Mineral Powder and I loved it that way. I saw the tip here or on someones blog and thought I would try it that way (with the foundation as concealer) and it worked. PTL!
Thanks, Angie. I may try that myself. Some days my pink cheeks are hard to cover. I did notice that when I follow the instructions and apply the powder using upward strokes I get more coverage. One of my co-workers/customers saw me putting it on and she said, “you’re using downward strokes instead of upward.” So, I tried following the instructions for a change and what do ya know. More coverage!
The jury is still out on the mineral powder for me. For some reason I really had to wash my face to get it off, I ended up cleansing my face twice just so it would feel clean. Then, my nose broke out with a nasty case of eczema! Where did that come from? I have never broken out on my nose like that. I had to change my cleansers and moisturizers, I can no longer use the Timewise because my face burns when I wash it, so now I am using the Classic Line #2. My face is much better now but now I have dark spots on my nose where the blisters were. After about a week of not wearing the Mineral Powder, I wore it again. It’s been really cold and dry here and even after moisturizing it makes my face feel tight, and my nose looks mottled.
Generally I have icky oily skin but then I determined I had to change my cleansers because I was over cleaning my face. Now that I have that taken care of would hope I could wear the mineral powder better but I don’t know as of yet. I love the ease of application but I find myself reaching for my medium coverage.
Love the new lipsticks, though.
Hey sunset, it sounds like the mineral powder might just be too drying for your skin. It contains Talc which is an oil absorber and it’s possible you could be allergic to one or some of the ingredients as well.
The mineral powder does have some strong staying power. I haven’t experienced that I need to clean my face more, however. If it’s not for you, by all means keep using what you’re used to.
I have a feeling mineral powder isn’t for everyone (I don’t think there is any product that suits everyone). Thank you for sharing your experience.
I have to laugh, Shades. Me with my icky oily skin and FINALLY there is something that dries it out. After all of the mattifiers, Formula 3 products…yay! But of course its overdone. And I wondered if I wasn’t allergic to something in the powder…there are two main ingredients the majority of folks are allergic to in all mineral powders and I think talc is one of them…
So I figured I was being too harsh on my skin for this time of year so I have moved to the Formula 2 until I find some balance in my skin. I tried the Timewise facial cleanser again and I had some burning but not as bad as before.
I am rather upset, since it is so much easier to put on than the liquid and it really does have good staying power, more than I initially thought.
Maybe I will try again after the winter weather. The cold this year is really harshing out my skin.
I do hope you can use the mineral powder, sunset, since you like its ease and convenience. I also hope your skin issue clears up soon. My skin has been acting weird, too. We had a slight warm up here this winter and when that happened, I seemed to get oily. I noticed when I’m oily I get a weird flaking. It’s not dry flakiness. As I observed it for a couple of days, it seemed like grease was rolling off my face (EW! I know!). It was very odd. I do think the mineral powder helped dry that up. I also noticed I didn’t need any extra moisture. Now we are back in single digits and low teens for temps and I’m making sure I don’t get too dry. Between the weather and my skin I don’t know which is more annoying!
I am 59 and have been trying to find a foundation that doesn’t settle into my wrinkles. I have not had a good experience with foundation since my mid 50’s. I rec’d my Mary Kay Mineral powder foundation a few days ago & have used it twice now. I followed the instructions and applied about 3 light coats. My face feels tight after I apply it and I was sorry to find out that my wrinkles show up with this foundation as well, not quite as much as they show up with other foundations though. I suppose I shouldn’t use foundation because my wrinkles are barely visible when I don’t have foundation on.
Welcome, M H, Thank you for your input. May ask if you are currently using moisturizer with your foundations? The reason I ask is because this can make a difference in the appearance of lines and wrinkles. If you apply foundation (of any kind) to dry skin, it will settle into the lines and wrinkles making them more pronounced. If you use a moisturizer, it will help keep the foundation on the surface more and it will not seep into the lines.
I tried and bought the MK mineral makeup wanting to really like it — thought I might even sign on with MK again in order to sell it. I am VERY familiar with other mineral makeups, by the way. First the positive, the color match was perfect! Unfortunately, other than that, I do not like the MK minerals at all. Why? If you want any coverage at all, you MUST put on several layers. Just dusting on a little bit does nothing for my skin, so the whole point of putting on the minerals is lost because you shouldn’t have to put a lot on. And… there is something in the minerals, that when you inhale them (which is easy to do because the minerals are so fine that they become airborne very easily), they’re very irritating when they go up your nose. The first time this happened, I was applying the minerals just under my nose, and wow, I started to cough. The second time, it wasn’t so close to my nose and I still wound up inhaling some and coughing. I’ve concluded I will not use them anymore and just keep them on hand in case of an emergency. Too bad because the packaging is great with the pouch and all, but I totally expect that MK will wind up reformulating this product. Sorry, wish I could give more positive feedback. The liquid MK product works much much better for me!
Thanks, Paula! I do know what you are referring to as far as the inhalation issue. I have emailed MKC twice now and am awaiting a response to my second email (which was more detailed than the first). I sent them links to some information I found regarding Talc. I believe this ingredient is the culprit for the issue of inhalation. You may be right. They may need to reformulate. I hope it is resolved soon because I love the ease of mineral powder.
Shades, do I understand about the grease running down the face!
That’s my face usually, even in the wintertime, but for some reason this year I am having all of the oily skin issues, like eczema and such. I have changed my cleaners and mositurizers to non-oily formulas and I simply stopped using the formula 3 of the basic line toner and moved to formula 2, and I have to use hydrocortisone on the breakouts, which is my forehead and nose. HOW ODD!!! Anyway, I have tried to use the Mineral Powder once I got my face healed, making sure my face was moisturized. I still broke out. I mixed my liquid foundation with my formula 2 moisturizer, then used the mineral foundation lightly over that…I still broke out in eczema, those icky watery blisters on my nose, forehead and in my eyebrows. It could simply be the mineral powder just dries my face out too much. I am rather bummed, its so easy to use and quicker than the liquid.
In reply to Shadesofpink, Yes, I do use MK TimeWise moisturizer under the mineral powder make-up. I have used the mineral powder foundation quite a few more times now & I have to say that it looks much more natural than any other foundation I’ve tried & gives my face a sort of soft look. It’s the most natural looking foundation I’ve used to date. By the way, I was excited when I found your site that gives hints and advice for using the MK mineral powder. I’ll be checking back often.
MH, I’m happy to hear you are seeing better results with the mineral powder. I’m flattered that you enjoy my site so much. Thank you so much for visiting!
Boy, I hope this helps…
I used the MK Mineral Powder Foundation again but this time I did not use the brush that came with it, I used the powder brush that comes with the MK brush set. I didn’t break out at all. Apparently the mineral brush is goat hair?
Anyway…I got my face all cleared up from the previous issues, I now use the Intense Moisturizing Cream beneath the mineral foundation, and I look great. Took some time getting there but I am glad I am no longer breaking out.
Never though the brush would be the issue…
Sunset, that is fascinating! Thank you for sharing that info! Of all things–the hair in the brush! Wow! I hope this has solved the problem. Does the “wrong” brush apply the powder any differently? I’m just curious because it is stressed that the flatness of the mineral powder brush is ideal for proper distribution of the powder. My inquiring mind wants to know! lol
LOL I have to laugh at the insanity of it all!
I have used the powder brush and then the blush brush out of the “old” brush set from MK and the only difference I have found is that I am not pounding the mineral foundation into my pores as much as I am with the short, flat bristles of the mineral powder brush. The powder goes on much lighter and I have better control…how many of us out there got too much on the mineral powder brush? And the mineral powder goes on the same, I have found.
I have never had sensitive skin in my life…but apparently now I do! At least I know I can use the mineral powders…I just have to super moisturize and use a standard brush! Really though, I still looked fabulous using the “wrong” brush.
Hmmm…that is great info! I have an appointment this week and the ladies want to try mineral powder. I was concerned because I don’t have extra brushes, but if the other brushes work, perhaps I’ll wash some of those for them to demo. I may try it myself with those other brushes and see what I find.
Good luck! I have my eye on the angled blush brush in the new brush set, I am thinking that would work awesome.
Have a great appointment!
Thanks!
I really liked the natural look. I am very fair and it doesn’t look like the dual coverage did, which was like I put baby powder on my face. The only thing I would suggest is make sure you have pretty good skin. I still have blemishes once a month (even at 30 yrs of age) and the concealer with the mineral powder on top doesn’t conceal that well. When my face cleared up it looked great. It also didn’t tranfer at all!!! I am surprised how much I actually like it.
I get an occasional zit, too. I use concealer + Medium Coverage Foundation + mineral powder. That helps for more coverage and helps to hide the blemishes.
I’ve been using Mary Kay since my godmother yelled at me for using Noxema, which was like 15 years ago. I have ordered the mineral power and am anxiously awaiting its arrival. I have recently been experiencing very dry, irritated skin and I’m alittle bit skeptical about using a new product. I’ve been using creme-to-powder for a few years and lately it hasn’t been working well for me. Also I’ve been breaking out on my chin, which is unusual, and the creme-to-powder makes it look worse. After reading through the responses, I have high hopes about switching to the mineral powder. It should arrive next week.
Hi Breezy! Thanks for visiting and for your input. I would love it if you came back once you received your mineral powder and let us know what you think of it.
Thanks everyone for so much great info! MK products have started me wearing some makeup again after many many years of “going bare.” I’m particularly interested in the minerals because they can look so natural on. This has given me a good basis for making some purchases and I love hearing from people with some of the same challenges I have. The talc issue did bother me, I’d like to hear more about MK’s position on why they use it.
Now, if they could only come out with something that really fixed up bags under the eyes!!
Hi Alice, and welcome! I’m glad you found us!
I have not heard any more news from MKC about Talc.
As far as bags under the eyes, the Targeted-Action Eye Revitalizer might be of interest to you. It helps to reduce dark circles and puffiness under the eye.
Thanks Shades! I’ll definitely give it a try. Have a great day everyone!
Glad I found this site as I’m in Australia and we are getting Mineral Foundation in May - SO SO Excited about it and the more I read all the comments the more i’m counting the sleeps till it arrives on our shores. My customers will love it.
Hi Jill, thanks for stopping by! The mineral powder foundation is huge here! I have a mineral demo party coming up later this month. I’m excited because I’ll be able to show them the new mineral color products as well. Woo hoo!
[…] So, now I’ll list some pros and cons as I did with the mineral powder foundation. […]
I have been working with my clients for the last several weeks and have found some interesting details.
My dark bronze ladies need maybe 10 minutes for the product to “warm up” on their face so we can see if it matches. It changes to your skin in a few minutes no matter what color your skin.
Not to be a bossy babe, but you may want to check your application methods if you are inhaling talc or your face looks ashy. There should be very little talc in the air when you put the product on your face. We are to dip the brush, tap excess into the sifter, swirl the brush with the foundation on the inside of the lid to work the powder into the brush a bit. Then you must press the powder onto your skin and swirl the brush over your skin. Repeat until your coverage is where you want it. The product can look really ashy and can fly up your nose if you do it differently. Which isn’t to say it can’t fly around, just that I have cut it down to negligible for me.
By the way, the ovarian cancer connection research concerning talc has not been replicated in studies and is considered inconclusive.
I am really happy that the product is buildable. I need lighter coverage in at sporty events like the gym or the ballpark. I love three layers for regular wear.
Cotton balls don’t work well. It’s easy to demo this product on the back of the hand — it SELLS– you can use the same brush on everyone’s hands, but get some extra brushes to use on faces in classes with your next order. Wash brushes in between classes.
This product has been HOT. People who have been unwilling to stop long enough to have a makeover for ages are asking me when they can try it. I give them a makeover with it if at all possible and they have almost all bought the Miracle set with the mineral powder.
I have fallen in love…
Red, I appreciate all of your input. Thank you so much for the info on talc. That makes me feel a lot better about it. I hadn’t gotten any further response from corporate, but I do accept that they use safe amounts. I have been very careful when applying the mineral powder foundation to keep most of it on my face and out of the air. I have found that using a regular powder brush from our brush set is more effective (for me, anyway) than using the brush that comes with the powder. I use either brush.
Again, thank you for all of your input!
I have been selling the mineral powder non-stop since its arrival. I have also used it myself. It is great for those who don’t like to wear make up at all. I have vound that most of my clients love the coverage and none have had any adverse reactions to it. I did have a fellow consultant that couldn’t use it and had irritation and breakout from it but simply use the clarifying mask and it will dry up everything and minimize those pores and you will be back to normal! As far as darker shades, I am and the broze 2 does work you just have to give it a chance. I am also in love with the tinted moist. I can’t keep it on my self. Most like the way it gives you that natural look and if you use it with the mineral powder it is the perfect match!! Try it for yourself. The facial cloths work well with removing the powder as well. Just thought you should know.
MK Pink YD–Thank you so much for your feedback. I am loving all the mineral products! I have started using it with the tinted moisturizer and haven’t had any issues. I agree that the mineral makeup gives a much more natural look and you don’t feel “made up” when it’s on. Thank you also for the info on darker shades. I have my first mineral appointment this Friday and I believe most if not all of the ladies will be bronze shades.
I think the mineral pressed powder is the perfect finishing touch for evenness. I use the highlighting powder instead of blush right now. I love it! LOVE IT!!
Also, Pink MK YD, I don’t know how much of the comments you read through, but one lady on this thread said she was having troubles in the beginning and it turned out the powder was not the problem at all–it was the brush! Have your friend try it with one of the regular brushes–they are made with a different type of hair.
I don’t normally post over here, but Shades asked me to. I am the husband of a Sr Dir who has been a consultant for 22 years and a director for 15. Shades asked me to copy my post from mypinktruth.wordpress.com to here:
Shades et al - In addition to the one inhalation study done on rats and mice in 1993 that is cited by all the “talc causes cancer” websites, I am finding papers arguing the opposite.
I have not finished my research, but here is the 1993 study results
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12616290?dopt=Abstract .
Note that the rats and mice were exposed to the talc aerosols for 6 hrs/day, 5 days/week, for a minimum of 104 weeks (2 years).
I personally do not think that the “Talc is carcinogetic” argument passes the common sense test. Given the massive amount of asbestos litigation, I cannot imagine that MK would manufacture something that could conceivably put them out of business. Note also that Johnson’s Baby Powder is composed of talc and fragrance, and Johnson’s is alive and well. In a short search of “Talc” and “lawsuit”, I found several hits, but they all had to do with talc miners who claimed that there was asbestos in the talc. (BTW, did you know that the term asbestos is not a mineral definition, like quartz, but a commercial definition of several different minerals, not including talc. see http://health.usgs.gov/inhalation/asbestiform.html .)
Obviously, the argument is that commercial interests have prevailed over various government agencies to prevent listing talc as a carcinogen. The other argument is that industry-controlled standards (i.e. “cosmetic grade”) are not sufficient, and therefore the public needs the FDA to “regulate” this standard. Ok, why?
Thanks, mkhonesty!
Shades, I posted a very long (Wordpress made me split it into two comments) post about talc and the latest boogeyman, paraben, over on ME’s blog.
Thanks, I’ll go check it out!
I purchased some mineral powder foundation for myself and my daughter. It looks good on her - she has an even skin tone, so it’s a nice, natural look. I’ve seen several other consultants wearing it and it looked good on them also.
However, I’ve been disappointed with the coverage on my skin, which is blotchy. I wore it to work for the first time today and had a few people ask me if I was OK - because I looked “flushed” - which is how I naturally look when I’m not wearing make-up. I’m afraid I’ll be going back to the medium-coverage foundation tomorrow.
Hello and welcome! hlaredzz–my mother doesn’t care for the mineral powder foundation on her. She is going to play around with it more and see if she is doing something wrong, but if it isn’t for her, it’s OK. Every product is not going to work for every person. Are you a customer or a consultant? If you are a customer, don’t forget that there is a 100% guarantee of our products. If you are not satisfied, exchange it for your medium-coverage.
Personally, I do love the mineral powder, but there is a reason MK didn’t discontinue the liquid foundations. Thank you so much for your feedback!
A thought on the coverage, make sure you use upward strokes of the brush. I was just brushing it on and didn’t think I was getting enough coverage. It’s amazing the difference following the instructions made for me!
Upward strokes do give you some more coverage. I also think the new pressed powders add more coverage than the previous pressed powders.