With each passing day, the market gets flooded with foundations claiming to offer unique compositions. But ultimately they become a total no-show when the formulation starts to melt, crease, and cake in appearance when worn. Luckily, the best mineral foundations are here to save the day, thanks to their minimalistic ingredient list, which doesn't include questionable ingredients and fillers. There are several advantages to utilizing a mineral foundation over a regular foundation. The main distinction is that mineral makeup contains no preservatives, talc, or colors. Our contributor and a renowned cosmetologist, Ghanima Abdullah, says, “Powder mineral foundations tend to contain SPF ingredients. They also might contain anti-aging minerals and are non-comedogenic, provided they are talc-free.”

Mineral foundations come in a variety of forms for a semi-matte, glossy and deep matte look to cater to every skin type. And helps achieve flawless coverage for acne-prone and blemished skin within minutes. Below are the most popular mineral foundations that offer lighter-than-air coverage for every budget whether to save or splurge. 

Scroll down for our best recommendations.

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  Editor’s Pick

  bareMinerals Original Matte Loose Mineral Foundation

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bareMinerals, the first brand to deliver a mineral-based product, showcases this classic powder foundation that boasts a buildable, sheer formula for a no-makeup, makeup look. The foundation features active ingredients like titanium dioxide (12.6%) and zinc oxide (21%) that work like sunblock for the skin. Furthermore, the product lasts on your skin for up to 8 hours, keeping the complexion looking flawlessly beautiful. When we tested the product, we found the instructions simple to follow, leaving no space for error and thus proving an amateur could use it and obtain a filtered finish and head out to catch up with your day!

2

Award-winning Product

LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Baked Balance-N-Glow Illuminating Foundation

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This marble-like mineral foundation consists of varying colored and pearlescent pigments that deliver a luminous, healthy-looking, and radiant finish to your skin. The powder formula self-adjusts to match the unique color of your skin, thereby amplifying its beauty and blurring out imperfections such as dark circles and acne marks. To boot, it contains the goodness of vitamin C, which is a natural complexion booster that also shields your skin from free radical damage. Having tested this product, we can say that it doesn’t settle into fine lines and wrinkles, and hence, is a great choice for mature and other skin types. This state-of-the-art product deserves a spot in your makeup stash!

3

L'Oreal Paris True Match Mineral Loose Powder Foundation

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This skin-improving mineral formula with SPF 19 is the pick for reducing the appearance of fine lines and pores in seconds. Infused with 10% titanium dioxide, the mineral foundation is safe for all skin types and find for blemish-prone skin seeking a gentle formulation. Providing a natural but radiant finish, it comes with a built-in blendable brush that makes this charming product the ideal on-the-go foundation for a soft and even tone. Furthermore, the customers enjoy how this mineral foundation helps even out their skin tone with its buildable medium coverage.

4

Best Versatile Mineral Foundation

PÜR 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation

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Considered one of the best mineral-based makeup products for medium to full coverage, this 4-in-1 pressed mineral foundation by PÜR is perfect for sensitive, aging skin. It features a Ceretin Complex, which includes a nourishing blend of retinol, lactic acid, shea butter, and ceramides that help improve skin tone and texture while also minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. When we tested the product, we found that applying the product with a moist makeup sponge makes it will blend beautifully. All in all, it comprises the benefits of foundation, concealer, powder, and sunscreen, making it a perfect budget-saver.

5

Best for Oily Skin

Demure Mineral Makeup Foundation

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Along with blending seamlessly, this mineral foundation by Demure melts into the skin without clogging the pores and settles on uneven skin. It is infused with crushed minerals such as iron, mica, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxides, it provides an amount of sun protection for long-wearing hours. When tested, we found the loose powder foundation gave light to medium coverage with a dewy finish. The buildable product delivers a sheer application and feels super light on the skin, making it perfect for all skin types. Unfortunately, it features a teeny tiny hiccup that the lid tends to open if carried in a bag or purse, making it not the best option for traveling.

6

Best Vegan

Gaya Mineral Powder Foundation

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This multi-purpose product harnesses the superpowers of being a mineral foundation, concealer, setting powder, and sunscreen — all in one! The blendable and buildable formula features 100% pure mica, (which is water, and heat-resistant) that gives a velvet-like texture to the foundation. Along with zinc oxide, it soothes irritated, sensitive skin and titanium dioxide that blocks and absorbs harmful UV rays. Addedly, green tea extracts with antioxidants prevent damage from harmful free radicals, making it an ideal mineral foundation powder for acne-prone skin.

7

Best Blendable Formula

ARTDECO Mineral Powder Foundation

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ARTDECO’s powder foundation delivers a 2-in-1 solution with the coverage of a classic foundation and the mattifying texture of a loose powder. The product contains a high-quality mineral complex of zinc, magnesium, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide to protect the skin against UV rays, and it’s wearable by all skin types. This loose powder foundation adds a natural shine to your complexion. Many consumers appreciate the value of this long-lasting mineral foundation and consider it best for night use due to its glowy finish.

8

Best Cost-effective Product for Oily Skin

Cover FX Pressed Mineral Foundation

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Formulated with key ingredient kaolin clay, the Cover FX Pressed Mineral Foundation offers buildable coverage. The mineral makeup conceals blemishes and provides an even complexion — a good pick for acne-prone skin. It comes with an applicator sponge that blends the product into the skin flawlessly, leaving it natural and never too cakey or dry. After trying the product, we found that its formula is long-lasting and blends well into the skin with or without the use of facial mist for a refined look. Lastly, it comes in a wide range of shades for all skin tones and types.

9

Best Matte Foundation for Oily Skin

Alima Pure Matte Foundation

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This lightweight powder foundation by Alima makes for the perfect daily wear foundation. The vegan-friendly product consists of active ingredients that are much more suitable for acne-prone skin. It contains mica, which mattifies your skin while also delivering a silky smooth texture. Titanium dioxide, which is a naturally-occurring mineral pigment works as a sunblock to protect you from UV damage. Addedly, the iron oxides and zinc oxides in this buildable foundation provide antimicrobial properties and also act as a physical sunblock. Moreover, it’s available in 45 shades, making it one of the best versatile foundations for all skin types.

10

Best Splurge-worthy

Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Mineral Foundation

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Though this lovely pick is on the pricier side, Elizabeth Arden's ultra-blendable mineral foundation allows you to achieve a look that's skin-brightening and comfortable to wear at any time. The non-skin drying formula is enriched with a sea water complex, containing elements such as calcium magnesium, known to strengthen skin and support natural mineral equilibrium. Moreover, the loose powder foundation comprises vitamins A, C, and E and natural skin conditioners, to provide the best for your skin. When tested by experts, we found the product’s pigment and coverage to be ideal for mature skin as it conceals wrinkles with no problems.

11

Best Mineral Foundation Stick

WELL People Narcissist Foundation Stick

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This one’s a multi-purpose mineral foundation stick from W3ll People, that offers convenience to apply and a satiny matte finish. Infused with the hydrating benefits of vitamin E, this creamy formulation by WELL People melts onto the skin surface, almost forming a second layer. The stick foundation is travel-friendly and glides like butter on your skin to effortlessly contour and touch up blemishes on the go. With no effort, you can get weightless complete coverage, a healthy glow, and a soft-focus finish - all-in-one with the foundation stick.

12

Youngblood Liquid Mineral Foundation

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This liquid mineral foundation by Youngblood contains rare deep sea water, botanicals, and over 20 ocean minerals that assist to relax and revitalize your skin. Considered one of the best liquid mineral foundations, it's full of iron, potassium, magnesium, and copper that moisturize the skin, making the product excellent for normal to dry skin. Moreover, it also contains cucumber and chamomile extracts to soothe and mollycoddle your skin. If looking for an overall nourishing and deep-pigmented foundation, then this is the one for you!

13

Mineral Fusion Liquid Foundation

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This non-comedogenic liquid foundation delivers an "I-woke-up-like-a-Goddess" look with a healthy glow and soft-focus finish. Unlike powders, this liquid foundation has a light texture that won’t cake or crease. It promotes firmer, younger skin by including an antioxidant-rich combination of green tea, vitamin C, rosehip oil, pomegranate, and peptides. Free of parabens, gluten, and nasty chemicals, this mineral foundation is a go-to for luxe mattified coverage. Lastly, when we tried the product, we found its formula weightless and quite buildable to cover dark circles and blemishes.

14

Glo Skin Beauty Loose Base Mineral Powder Foundation

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Among the best-pressed foundations, this mineral-based makeup by Glo Skin Beauty comes neatly packed, and filled with skin-nourishing ingredients. Infused with a combination of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as green tea extract, it protects your skin against UV damage, reduces redness, and prevents blemishes. Mesmerized by the list of ingredients, we tested the product to find it gives a flawless glow in seconds and feels super light on the skin. The buildable formula can be worn alone or topped with a highlighter for a natural dewy look!

Now that you have received an overview of the best foundations, we would like to give a little information on which type of mineral foundation you can match with your skin type.

Here are the types of best mineral foundations to know for your skin type:

• Powder: Mineral powder foundations are a great pick for oily skin that tends to sweat and produce excessive sebum when headed out for the day. Loose powders or “just” powders may tend to provide a sheer skin-like application that helps control the sebum at times. And give a radiant finish when blended well into the skin. Our contributor Ghanima Abdullah explains how powder foundations are better than the others, saying, “Powder mineral foundations are setting powders with a high pigment level to help control oil on oily skin and cover blemishes as well. They are better than liquid and stick foundations if you have oily skin or live in a hot climate that tends to melt your makeup.”

• Liquid: The liquid mineral foundation provides sheer-to-medium coverage for a perfect look and feels to your complexion. Liquid formulas tend to be more hydrating and provide full coverage with other makeup products to create a radiant look. We recommend liquid foundations to dry and sensitive skin that needs a dose of hydration and a creaseless look from time to time. 

• Stick: Stick foundations are a go-to product for individuals seeking hassle-free wear makeup that sets in minutes. Ideal for dry, sensitive, and mature skin, the creamy texture is easier to blend and provides medium to full coverage acting as a concealer at times too. Many stick foundations are made for convenience as they do not break or spill into your bag and can be worn in a cab too. 

Below we have shared a few tips to remember when purchasing the ideal mineral foundation that suits you and your sensitive skin for a natural sun-kissed glow.

So before you head to get the best mineral foundations, here are some tips to keep in mind on how to choose and use your mineral foundation.

• Mineral foundations are more sheer and hence blend better with your skin tone. Thereby, they are easier to fit into your makeup regime than standard foundations. 

• Though mineral foundations are easier to match, it is still possible to end up buying the incorrect hue or tone. Use a tone that complements your complexion, not one that contrasts it. It's not a terrible idea to select the two or three colors that best complement your skin tone. 

• Although most mineral makeups are comprised primarily of natural materials, you may be allergic to one of the components. If you've had issues with products you've used on your skin in the past, take the time to read the ingredients list to ensure you're receiving a product that will work for you.

• Talk to the makeup professionals for better insight into the formula. They might provide recommendations that you may not have considered but wind up being precisely what you desire. Many firms provide shade selector tools to assist you discover your match while buying online, especially for foundations.

These foundations are better than traditional ones as they offer the goodness of skincare and makeup in one. From including natural ingredients to skin-nourishing formulas, the best mineral foundations deliver a silky, flawless finish that blurs imperfections, pores, uneven skin, and even plumps to counteract the look of fine lines. Our list consists of the best mineral foundations ideal for acne-prone and hyper-sensitive skin that want to wear makeup and tend to suffer skin breakouts. We suggest reading the labels for precaution and giving a go-to mineral foundation for the ultimate luminescent glow.

Contributor: Ghanima Abdullah, Cosmetologist, The Right Hairstyles