Powder Foundations
Description
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November 1, 2022
By Lisa Petrison
While it at first seemed to me that powder foundation would be likely to exacerbate the issues that I have with dryness and fine lines, most of the powder foundations that I have tried have looked pretty good on me.
Apparently if I put down moisturizer first and then finely milled powder on top of that, the resulting mix acts a bit like a cream foundation and works well on my skin.
Both pressed powder foundations and loose powder foundations have been good for me, often giving me a rather refined look that seems more natural than what I have been able to achieve with many liquid foundations.
Applying the foundation with either a loose fluffy brush (for just a little bit of coverage) or a dense kabuki-type brush (for much more coverage) has produced good results, I think.
The only significant issue for me so far has been that some of these foundations include a high enough percentage of zinc oxide and titinium dioxide to qualify as an actual sunscreen, and (as also has occurred for me with all the sunscreen-containing liquid foundations that I have tried) therefore have caused some very mild skin irritation.
If it weren’t for that, I likely would wear the Jane Iredale or Bare Minerals loose powder foundation frequently since I do like the way that they look on me.
TOP PICKS
♣ Living Clean Superstars
Aveda Inner Light Mineral Dual Foundation ($29)
+Bare Minerals Original Loose Powder Foundation SPF15 ($35)
+Burt’s Bees Mattifying Powder Foundation ($17)
Jane Iredale AmazingBase Loose Mineral Powder SPF20 ($48)
♦ Additional Possibilities:
Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation ($54)
+Mineral Fusion Pressed Powder Foundation ($33)
♦ Not Yet Tried:
Alima Pure Pressed Powder Foundation ($38)
Bare Minerals Barepro 16-Hour Powder Foundation ($35)
Fashion Fair Creme to Powder Skin Foundation ($37)
W3LL People Bio Powder Foundation ($27)
♥ Lisa’s Choice
Aveda Inner Light Mineral Dual Foundation ($26)
√ Burt’s Bees Mattifying Powder Foundation ($17)
Notes:
1) Living Clean Superstars – Products with high scores on both Performance Rating (5) as well as Ingredients Rating (4/5). + Clean Pick (Ingredients Rating = 5).
2) Lisa’s Choice – Products that I would purchase for my own personal use. √ Lisa’s Favorite
Alima Pure Pressed Powder Foundation – $38
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: 
(4 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: Parfum (Essential Oils), Lavender Oil, Orange Oil, Limonene, Linalool
Silicone Level: None
Main Ingredients: Mica, Rice Powder, Zinc Stearate, Squalane
The description of this product reads, “Pressed Foundation with Rosehip Antioxidant Complex is a lightweight pressed mineral powder with a velvety, matte finish in a refillable compact for easy, on-the-go application. Pressed Foundation is formulated with finely milled rice and mica powders to provide even, buildable coverage.”
I have not yet tried this product.
Size: 0.31 oz.
Credo Rating: 4.2 Stars (153 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Essential Oil, Natural Fragrance, Benzyl Alcohol)
Think Dirty Rating: 3 (green)
EWG Product Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Benzyl alcohol (6), Orange oil (5), Limonene (5), Linalool (3), Parfum (8).
Fragrance Ingredients: Parfum (essential oils), Calendula flower extract, Lavender oil, Orange peel oil, Chamomile flower extract, Limonene; Linalool.
All Ingredients: Mica, Rice Powder, Zinc Stearate, Squalane, Tocopherol, Benzyl Alcohol, Parfum*, Sunflower Seed Oil, Dehydroacetic Acid, Argan Kernel Oil, Shea Butter, Evening Primrose Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil, Aloe Leaf Extract, Calendula Flower Extract, Grape Leaf Extract, Lavender Oil, Orange Peel Oil, Dextrin, Aqua, Maltodextrin, Citric Acid, Chamomile Flower Extract, Limonene, Linalool. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides. *Made from a proprietary blend of all-natural essential oils.
Aveda Inner Light Mineral Dual Foundation – $29
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: 
(5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Natural fragrance, Linalool, Limonene, Geraniol, Citronellol
Silicone Level: High
Main Ingredients: Mica, Dimethicone, Silica, Zinc Stearate
The description of this product reads, “Find radiance in a wet-or-dry foundation infused with energizing minerals. Balances skintone as it diffuses light, and blurring imperfections-maximizing your inner glow.”
During the years when my interest in makeup was at its lowest, this was the only foundation or powder of any kind that I ever used.
It was especially convenient during the time that I was living in an RV, since it was very easy to carry and apply.
I don’t think that I have experienced any skin irritation as a result of using this product.
In addition, even when I was living in very dry desert areas, it tended to make my face feel more hydrated.
The fact that it was easily available at the Aveda salons where I got my hair cut was another plus.
Now that I am much more focused on makeup than I used to be and have tried many more diferent products, I still like this foundation powder.
It contains squalane and murumuru butter (but no cornstarch), and feels more hydrating to me than any other powder foundation or finishing powder that I have tried.
I like the fact that I can get the look of just a light dusting of powder by using a brush or more coverage by using the included sponge. (I have never tried applying it with a damp sponge as some people suggest, however.)
In particular, when applied with a brush, I think this product does a nice job of toning down the ruddiness in my face without settling into my wrinkles.
I still tend to use this product only when I am on the road, either on trips or just away from the house for a while.
A potential downside of this product is that it includes a high level of silicone (dimethicone), which can clog pores and which may have a negative effect on the environment.
On the other hand, I suspect that the silicone helps the product to go on more smoothly and easily, and that this is part of the reason that it tends to look nice even when I put it on without paying much attention in the car.
The product is stated as including Aveda’s typical blend of naturally derived fragrances, which could be a problem for some people.
Personally, I do not feel like this product smells like much of anything. Maybe the essential oils in the fragrances serve as natural preservatives though.
The main downside that I see with this product is that it is intended for use in a refillable compact that needs to be purchased separately and that is rather expensive.
The plastic cases currently sold by Aveda for this purpose also seem not to be getting very good reviews at all on the Aveda site.
I have an Aveda metal case that I bought a while back that seems to be holding up well and that still may be available for purchase either from some Aveda stores or through eBay.
Conceivably the product also could be kept in a totally different magnetized palette, such as the very nice zippered ones sold by Salt New York.
The product refill conceivably could be kept in its cheap plastic purchase container and used that way, but I do not see that as being ideal at all.
Despite the fact that this seems to be a very popular and well-reviewed product, Aveda sells only 11 shades in it.
I use the shade Linen (“medium-fair”), which seems slightly on the dark side for me but which still seems to work much better for me than any of the other colors.
Size: 0.24 oz.
Aveda Rating: 4.8 Stars (899 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Natural Fragrance, Non-Organic Soybean Oil)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 7 (red)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Dimethicone (3), Natural Fragrance (8), Linalool (3), Limonene (5), Geraniol (5), Citronellol (4), Titanium dioxide (3). (Also contains Soybean Oil, Methicone.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Natural fragrance, Linalool, Limonene, Geraniol, Citronellol
All Ingredients: Mica, Dimethicone, Silica, Zinc Stearate, Lauroyl Lysine, Squalane, Rice Starch, Magnesium Myristate, Astrocaryum Murumuru Butter, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Tourmaline, Soybean Oil, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Boron Nitride, Methicone, Natural Fragrance, Linalool, Limonene, Geraniol, Citronellol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Sorbic Acid. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides.
Bare Minerals Barepro 16-Hour Powder Foundation – $35
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: High
Main Ingredients: Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Mica, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Zinc Oxide, Diphenyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Diphenyl Dimethicone/Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Silica, Dimethicone Crosspolymer
The description of this product reads, “A sweat, humidity and transfer-resistant natural matte foundation that provides 16 hours of breathable full coverage —while visibly evening skin tone and texture over time. Absorbs oil and controls shine for 24 hours. New pressed powder foundation is talc-free and visibly improves skin over time. Can be applied wet or dry. Non-drying and non-caking formula. Includes an application sponge for on-the-go use. 16-hour longwear. Sweat-resistant. Humidity-resistant. Transfer-resistant. Dermatologist-tested.”
This is a new pressed powder foundation formula introduced by Bare Minerals in late 2021.
It replaced a previous product sold under the Barepro name that had been criticized for containing talc.
I haven’t tried this product but see that it includes a great deal of silicone as well as three different preservatives considered to be mildly problematic (benzoic acid, phenoxyethanol and chlorphenesin).
It also contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, as well as the surfactant polysorbate-80.
The formula contains some squalane (a hydrator) as well as some cocoa/shea butter and does not contain corn starch. So my guess is that it is less drying than some products.
However, the website does suggest the “oil control” properties of the product and so I am still not sure that this is going to be an ideal product for the drier skins of more mature women.
There have been a lot of complaints from people who have had a difficult time getting the right shade and so visiting a Sephora store to see the colors in person might be a good idea.
Awards: Allure Best of Beauty 2022
Sephora Rating: 4.1 Stars (416 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Polysorbate, Benzoic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin)
EWG Product Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Zinc oxide (3), Dimethicone (3), Licorice root extract (4), Tocopheryl acetate (3), Polysorbate-80 (3), Benzoic acid (3), Phenoxyethanol (4), Chlorphenesin (3), Titanium dioxide (3). (Also contains Diphenyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Diphenyl Dimethicone/Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Polysilicone-2, Methicone.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Grape juice extract, Pineapple fruit extract, Paeonia albiflora root extract
All Ingredients: Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Mica, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Zinc Oxide, Diphenyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Diphenyl Dimethicone/Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Silica, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Zinc Myristate, Boron Nitride, Cocoa Seed Butter, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Grape Juice Extract, Licorice Root Extract, Pineapple Fruit Extract, Shea Butter, Squalane, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Quercetin, Polysilicone-2, Aluminum Hydroxide, Polysorbate 80, Methicone, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Calcium Silicate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Water, Butylene Glycol, Lauroyl Lysine, Benzoic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides
Bare Minerals Original Loose Powder Foundation SPF15 – $35
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Very Mild
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: None
Main Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Bismuth Oxychloride, Mica
The description of this product reads, “Made with 5 clean, vegan ingredients, this lightweight, talc-free mineral foundation provides sheer-to-full coverage and promotes clearer, healthier-looking skin over time. Provides all-day coverage with a naturally luminous finish. Minimizes the look of pores and imperfections. Promotes clearer, healthier-looking skin over time. Won’t clog pores, cause breakouts or settle into fine lines.”
Although I would have thought that a loose powder foundation would be very well suited to my dry and mature skin, this product has worked a lot better for me than I expected.
I have found that it pretty much just disappears into my skin without looking like I am wearing any makeup at all.
I have tried applying this product in a few different ways.
With a fluffy powder brush, it provides a small amount of coverage and reduces shine a bit.
If I use a kabuki brush or other similar dense brush, I then can buff the product vigorously into my skin and get some more coverage from it.
Although I like the way that this foundation looks on me, I have found it to feel slightly annoying to my skin.
My feeling is that this is just due to the zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in the product, since it affects me in the same way that all the liquid sunscreens that I have tried have done.
I think that for many people, this product could be a good choice.
Size: 0.28 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.6 Stars (14,076 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Requirements
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Yes
Think Dirty Rating: 3 (green)
EWG Product Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (3), Zinc oxide (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 12.6%, Zinc Oxide 21%. Other Ingredients: Bismuth Oxychloride, Mica, Iron Oxides.
Burt’s Bees Mattifying Powder Foundation – $17
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: None
Main Ingredients: Mica, Squalane, Calcium Silicate
The description of this product reads, “Our 100% natural, non-comedogenic, oil-control Mattifying Powder Foundation gives you a smooth and even skin tone. Lightweight and made with Bamboo to blur imperfections, it provides buildable coverage that blends effortlessly. 100% natural, non-comedogenic, oil-control powder makeup lets you build coverage gradually as needed; includes custom sponge applicator and mirror. Blends easily to smooth and even skin, while absorbing oil without drying out skin. Available in six lightweight, mattifying shades to match a variety of skin tones, the mineral powder formula is perfect for oily or combination skin. Formulated without parabens, phthalates, SLS, petrolatum or synthetic fragrances; dermatologist tested; not tested on animals.”
Even putting aside the reasonable price, this seems to me to be a really nice foundation powder.
The foundation contains squalane and does not contain any cornstarch, and does not seem to be as drying as some powder products.
It seems to provide a fair amount of coverage and goes on nicely with a simple brush.
I think it looks nice on my skin, without emphasizing my wrinkles.
The ingredient list looks pretty clean to me and I have not had any problems in terms of my skin being irritated by it.
The main issue with this product seems to be in terms of getting the right color.
Only six shades are currently offered, with none for really dark skin tones.
In addition, there is no help at all provided on the Burt’s Bees website for those who are trying to figure out which shade to buy.
I purchased the Sand color, which seems to be lighter than would be optimal for me.
I think that for those who are interested in a pressed powder foundation, this one could be a really good one to try.
Although I have bought the Aveda product several times for use when traveling, I think I am going to start using this one instead since it seems better to me and also is more affordable.
Ulta Rating: 4.1 Stars (140 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Yes
Think Dirty Rating: 0 (green)
EWG Product Rating: 1 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Honey
All Ingredients: Mica, squalane, calcium silicate, stearoyl glutamic acid, bambusa arundinacea stem extract*, honey, glyceryl caprylate, tocopherol, maltodextrin, soybean oil, linolenic acid, linoleic acid, glyceryl undecylenate. May Contain: titanium dioxide, iron oxides, tin oxide. *Bamboo
Fashion Fair Creme To Powder Skin Foundation – $37
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: None
Main Ingredients: Diethylene Glycol Diethylhexanoate/Diisononanoate, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Tridecyl Stearate, Mica, Cellulose, Silica
The Fashion Fair website states, “This Fashion Fair all-time favorite is back with an improved formula that feels like a silky cream and dries to a thin, elegant, second-skin powder finish. Elevates your complexion with medium-buildable coverage. Vitamin C, Turmeric and Resorcinols are known to deliver a triple-powered brightening boost that helps improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation and diminish uneven skin tones. Featherlight powders help eliminate oil while locking in coverage for a smooth, natural-matte finish. 14 shades designed for darker skin tones, and normal to oily skin types.”
The product is stated as including a variety of beneficial ingredients: “Bamboo powder: This lightweight powder helps absorb excess oil without looking cakey. Resorcinol: A skin-brightener that helps fade the appearance of dark spots and even skin tone. Vitamin C: This skincare powerhouse is known for evening skin tone, reducing the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, smoothing out texture and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Turmeric: This known anti-inflammatory helps heal and brighten the appearance of skin. Green Tea Extract: This antioxidant-rich extract is known to improve skin’s moisture, fight acne, reduce inflammation and unclog pores.”
Although Fashion Fair does not make a shade that is light enough for me to use it as a foundation, I tried swatching the product in a Sephora store and did not feel that it irritated my skin.
Size: 0.46 oz.
Coverage Level: Medium
Sephora Rating: 4.5 Stars (40 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean At Sephora: No (Meets Criteria)
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Yes
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (3). (Also contains Soybean Oil.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Turmeric root powder, Camellia sinensis leaf extract
All Ingredients: Diethylene Glycol Diethylhexanoate/Diisononanoate, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Tridecyl Stearate, Mica, Cellulose, Silica, Boron Nitride, Polyethylene, Kaolin, Ethylhexyl Isononanoate, Carnauba Wax, Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Powder, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Hexylresorcinol, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Glycerin, Soybean Oil, Turmeric Root Powder, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides.
Jane Iredale AmazingBase Loose Mineral Powder SPF20 – $48
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Very Mild
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: Moderate
Main Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Mica, Boron Nitride, Zinc Stearate, Dimethicone
The description of this product reads, “Sweep on this airy mineral foundation for a luminous sheer to medium coverage that feels like silk. A loose mineral foundation that gives a sheer to medium coverage. Made from micronized minerals, oil free and weightless. An SPF 20/15 foundation, powder and concealer with broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sun protection. Water resistant to 40 minutes. Conceals redness and diffuses appearance of fine lines and pores with soft focus effect. 100% vegan and always cruelty-free. Reef safe. Recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation as an effective broad spectrum sunscreen.”
Although I think that the Bare Minerals loose powder foundation has performed well for me, this product seems even better in terms of providing a refined and elegant foundation look.
This product is stated as including a small amount of dimethicone (silicone) and a lower level of zinc oxide than in the Bare Minerals product, and I suspect that those things may make a positive difference in terms of the performance.
I also feel that this product may be more finely milled, though I am not certain of that.
The product also contains algae extract, an ingredient that always gives me pause since I feel there is the possibility that it will be contaminated with cyanobacteria toxin.
The fact that I reacted really badly to a Jane Iredale mascara that contained algae extract increased my concern about this.
I don’t feel that I had any issues like that with this product, though. The only reaction that I have gotten from it has been the same one that I get to all products containing enough titanium dioxide/zinc oxide to serve as sunscreen (a slight sense that my skin has been scratched).
In any case, I once returned something to the Jane Iredale site and found the process quite easy, and so those who are not able to tolerate this product should be able to get their money back.
I’ve tried applying this product with both a large fluffy brush (for very light coverage) and a kabuki brush (for more coverage), and both have worked well for me.
Regardless of how I use it, I feel that it pretty much just disappears into my skin, giving me a lovely airbrushed look without emphasizing my wrinkles or appearing that I am wearing any makeup at all.
Another thing that I also like about this product is that the design allows the powder to be sealed inside the container so that it does not spill into the cap during travel.
I have the shade Warm Sienna (“medium light with strong gold undertones”) in this product. While it may be a little darker and warmer than my skin tone, I think it has worked well for me in terms of giving my skin a very subtly sun-kissed look.
I wish that my skin were not bothered by it so that I could wear it more often.
Size: 0.37 oz.
Amazon Rating: 4.8 Stars (1192 ratings)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Problematic Colors)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (3), Zinc oxide (3), Dimethicone (3), Ultramarines (3), Chromium oxide greens (6)
Fragrance Ingredients: Pomegranate extract
All Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 14%, Zinc Oxide 6%. Also Mica, Boron Nitride, Zinc Stearate, Dimethicone, Stearic Acid, Plankton Extract, Algae Extract, Pomegranate Extract. May Contain: Iron Oxides, Ultramarines, Chromium Oxide Greens
Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation – $54
Overall Rating: (4 / 5)
Performance Rating: (4 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Very Mild
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: Moderate
Main Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Mica, Boron Nitride, Dimethicone, Stearic Acid
The description of this product reads, “Our #1 best-selling one-step foundation, concealer & sunscreen that blurs lines and nourishes skin with weightless, medium-to-full coverage and a second-skin finish. Lightweight, multitasking foundation, concealer and sunscreen. Skin-like, semi-matte finish. Hydrating, non-cakey formula won’t dry skin or settle in fine lines. Creamy texture builds and blends easily for a filter-like appearance. Micronized minerals lay flat and bind together while allowing skin to breathe.”
This is a quite expensive powder foundation that seems to get generally good reviews, and so I was disappointed not to be happier with it.
I found it – along with the blush and eyeshadows that I obtained in a sample kit – to feel very dry to me, to the point that I felt like I could hardly get any coverage from any of them when I tried applying them to my skin.
Although the Jane Iredale loose powder foundation has worked well for me, all the products in that kit seemed to be almost unusable to me.
Jane Iredale has since totally reformulated their powder blush and eyeshadow formulas, and I think that those are really terrific.
I wonder if they are planning to reformulate the pressed powder foundation as well.
I do feel that all three products in the kit that I bought felt clean to me, at any rate.
The kit that I purchased contained the shades Warm Sienna (“medium-light with strong golden undertones”) and Golden Glow (“medium with strong golden undertones”).
Warm Sienna seemed like it was okay in that kit, and the Warm Sienna color in the Jane Iredale loose powder foundation has been about perfect for me.
Amazon Rating: 4.8 Stars (4047 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Problematic Colors)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (3), Zinc oxide (3), Dimethicone (3), Ultramarines (3), Chromium oxide greens (5)
Fragrance Ingredients: Pine bark extract, Pomegranate extract
Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 14%, Zinc Oxide 3%. Other Ingredients: Mica, Boron Nitride, Dimethicone, Stearic Acid, Plankton Extract, Algae Extract, Pine Bark Extract, Pomegranate Extract. May Contain: Iron Oxides, Ultramarines, Chromium Oxide Greens.
*Information is for all shades except except Cognac, Mahogany, Velvet, Bittersweet, Cocoa and Warm Brown.
Mineral Fusion Pressed Powder Foundation – $33
Overall Rating: (4 / 5)
Performance Rating: (4 / 5)
Ingredient Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Very Mild
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: None
Main Ingredients: Mica, Lauroyl Lysine, Zinc Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Boron Nitride
The description of this product reads, “Finally, a powder foundation that won’t settle into fine lines. Mineral Fusion Pressed Powder Base is triple-milled for a smooth-as-can-be finish that airbrushes pores. Buildable coverage means total flexibility—go for a light dusting or layer on the coverage—all while staying shine-free and photo-ready. Pomegranate, White Tea, Red Tea, and Sea Kelp help promote lit-from-within radiance while banishing free radical damage. Powerhouse Vitamin C & E add to the skin-loving mix. To keep skin calm, cool, & collected, soothing Licorice Root teams up Aloe Root and Cucumber.”
As with the Jane Iredale powder pressed foundation, this Mineral Fusion product seems overly dry and difficult to use.
I had to work hard to pick up any product on the brush, and I still did not get much coverage from it.
I tried shade Warm 1 (“for light to medium skins with golden yellow undertones”) and have found it to be much too light for me even in winter.
It does feel plenty clean to me though. And the ingredient list looks fine as far as I am concerned.
Size: 0.32 oz.
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars (2249 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Yes
Think Dirty Rating: 3 (green)
EWG Product Rating: EWG Verified
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Licorice root extract (4), Aloe vera (3), Tocopheryl acetate (3), Titanium dioxide (3), Zinc oxide (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Mango juice extract, Mangosteen fruit extract, Rooibus leaf extract, Pomegranate seed extract, Cucumber fruit extract, Elderberry flower extract
All Ingredients: Mica, Lauroyl Lysine, Zinc Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Boron Nitride, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Hydrolyzed Mango Juice Extract, Mangosteen Fruit Extract, White Tea Leaf Extract, Sea Kelp Extract, Rooibus Leaf Extract, Licorice Root Extract, Pomegranate Seed Extract, Aloe Vera Leaf Extract, Cucumber Fruit Extract, Safflower Seed Oil, Tocopherol Acetate, Elderberry Flower Extract, Phenoxyethanol. May contain: Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide.
W3LL People Bio Powder Foundation – $27
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: None
Main Ingredients: Mica, Organic Cornstarch, Squalane
The description of this product reads, “Lightweight and hydrating pressed powder foundation. A weightless pressed powder foundation that perfects and smooths the skin with a semi-matte finish. Light-to-medium coverage with a semi-matte finish. Setting powder helps absorb oils and control shine. Ultra-fine pigments smooth and perfect your complexion. Infused with plant-powered ingredients like Olive Derived Squalane, Mica and Cornstarch. Talc free.”
Although this product contains squalane (a hydrator), it also lists organic cornstarch as the second ingredient.
I therefore would anticipate that it has pretty strong oil-absorbing qualities.
I have yet to try this product but hope to do so soon.
Size: 0.31 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.3 Stars (100 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Urea, Sodium Benzoate)
EWG Product Rating: EWG Verified
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Sodium lactate (3), Lactic acid (4), Urea (3), Sodium benzoate (3), Titanium dioxide (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Mica, Corn Starch*, Squalane, Pentylene Glycol, Lauroyl Lysine, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Potassium Sorbate, Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, Magnolol, Honokiol, Niacinamide, Fructose, Inositol, Lactic Acid, Glycine, Urea, Sodium Benzoate, Water. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides. *Organic Ingredients.
Shopping List
This section lists products that seem that they may have potential and that I am hoping to try in the near future.
Readers are highly encouraged to bring other relevant products that they have tried to my attention so that I can add them to this list.
100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Powder Foundation – $45
Mineral Fusion Brush-On Sun Defense SPF30 – $25
Wander Beauty Wanderlust Powder Foundation – $40
About This Website
The Living Clean in a Dirty World shopping website is designed to provide guidance to those seeking out products that are relatively low in toxicity and that provide generally positive user experiences.
Although the skincare and makeup sections have a particular focus on products appropriate for women who are in their 40’s or beyond, the information provided may be useful for other people as well.
The products are curated by Lisa Petrison, who has been focused on helping people to improve their health by avoiding toxicity since 2008 and who heads the Paradigm Change organization.
Her Living Clean in a Dirty World blog site discusses a variety of topics of relevance to those who are working to pursue a more natural lifestyle with less exposure to harmful toxicity.
Lisa is the author of several books, including A Beginner’s Guide to Mold Avoidance (co-written with Erik Johnson).
She also runs the Paradigm Change website (focusing on issues related to toxic mold illness) and the Mold Avoiders Facebook group (designed for the discussion of all topics of interest to those pursuing the mold avoidance approach described in the “Beginner’s Guide” book).
Lisa was born in August 1964 and has yet to try cosmetic surgery, Botox or other cosmetic treatments requiring interactions with a physician, or beauty products containing retinoids.
In her former life, Lisa worked as a business school professor, as a marketing consultant to a variety of large companies, and as a reporter covering the advertising industry.
She holds a Ph.D. in marketing and social psychology from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University as well as B.S./M.S. degrees from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern.
Lisa would like to extend a special note of appreciation to Ellen Kleiman-Redden for her help in trying out products and discussing issues related to this project.
She also would like to thank the many members of the Mold Avoiders community who have shared suggestions of products to be included here.
A Note From Lisa
Products that I have tried or researched and that I have not found to be acceptable from a toxicity standpoint have been omitted entirely from the discussions on this website.
However, since a goal of this project is to introduce people to a range of options in terms of price and functionality, some products discussed on this site include ingredients that may not be appropriate for everyone.
It’s my hope that all individuals making their way to this site will find at least a few options from each product category that meet all of their own needs and wants from a variety of perspectives.
The vast majority of cosmetics marketers now offer affiliate programs in which Internet content creators may earn commissions if people who are referred to the companies’ sites by clicking on links end up making purchases.
I participate in quite a few individual affiliate programs as well as in the Sovrn/Viglinks program (which automatically converts regular links into revenue-generating links).
Links on this page that may result in affiliate income may include – but are not necessarily limited to – those from the following companies: 100% Pure, Alima Pure, Amazon, Aveda, Bare Minerals, Burt’s Bees, Credo, Fashion Fair, Jane Iredale, Mineral Fusion, Pharmaca, Sephora, Ulta, W3LL People, and Wander Beauty.
Reader comments about products discussed on this website are very welcome.
Thoughts may be shared either by posting them in the comments section at the bottom of this page or by sending them directly to me at the following email address:
info at paradigmchange dot me
Companies that would like to offer me complimentary products to try out may contact me at this address as well.
Individuals who are seeking out less-toxic products or who are interested in pursuing a cleaner and healthier lifestyle may want to sign up to receive occasional email newsletters from Living Clean in a Dirty World.
Thanks very much for visiting the Living Clean shopping site!
Links on this page are in orange (no underlining).
