All That Glitters: Modern Minerals Makeup

Do you like playing with makeup? This is the review for you.

I grew up obsessed with makeup. In fact, I remember twisting my grandpa's arm so much that he'd lay on the living room floor, while I put makeup on his face. There he was, a World War II vet, with bright pink blush and blue eyeshadow. Luckily, my skills have improved since then.. and I no longer subject old men to my habits.

I've tried so many make-up brands. From the dollar store, to the department store. I've even been an Avon lady. But my world changed when I found mineral makeup.

I adored the idea of using fewer ingredients.. So, I started where many people start; with BareMinerals. I enjoyed them, and I stopped using almost all standard cosmetics. But then, I came across a cleanser I wanted to try. Problem was, this cleanser specifically stated to not use it with mineral cosmetics. Ugh. So I put my BareMinerals aside.

After several months, realizing the cleanser wasn't really doing anything special for me, and that I missed my mineral makeups, I decided to go back. But by then, I had discovered a new brand: Modern Minerals. I ordered some of their 'light' foundations, a few different eyeshadows, and a face/body shimmer.

Why Modern Minerals? Well, their cosmetics are cruelty-free and vegan friendly. They never test on animals, and their containers are recycleable. They also don't use carmine (BareMinerals does). If you don't know what carmine is, don't worry, I didn't either. But it's a coloring developed by boiling insects. Eh. You can read all about it on Wikipedia.

If that's not enough reasons for you.. then there's the fact that they're super affordable. AND unlike other cosmetic companies, Modern Minerals has little "try me" sizes, so you can try before dropping full price on a color that you won't end up liking (which I doubt would happen anyway). But as of the time of this post, you can get the trial size for just $1.50, a medium size (modular mini) for $5.00, and the full size eyeshadows for just $10.00.

So, it costs less than BareMinerals, doesn't use carmine, and is made in the United States. Win. Win. Win. In fairness, many of you are probably aware that BareMinerals foundation does have an SPF. Modern Minerals makes no such claims. Though, it is worth noting that BareMinerals states that the SPF in their product comes from Titanium Dioxide. That ingredient is also present in Modern Minerals.

All in all, I think it strongly competes, if not wins in a side by side comparison with BareMinerals. What about your standard cosmetics? No question. Modern Minerals wins.

Let's just compare the ingredient list for the foundation I used before, and the Modern Minerals foundation.

Regular foundation (Cover Girl): Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Tridecyl Neopentanoate, Titanium Dioxide, Propylene Glycol, PEG-10 Dimethicone, PCA Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl, Taurate Copolymer, Squaline, Phenoxyethanol, Isopropyl Titanium Trisostearate, Butylene Glycol, Methylparaben, Ammonium Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Cyclomethicone, Propylparaben, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Polysorbate 60, Styrene/Acrylates Copolyner, Trisodium EDTA, Zinc Oxide, Iron Oxides. May contain: Yellow 5 Lake, Red 36

Modern Minerals: Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Iron Oxides

Which one do you want on your face every single day?

But does it work? Does it provide coverage? Do the eyeshadows sparkle? Well, I did a test run for you. I used EcoTools (which will be my next review) to apply all of it. And you should know that I did use an eyeshadow primer, made by EyesLipsFace or e.l.f.; as it was the most 'natural' primer I could find, and my eyelids tend to get oily and crease my eyeshadow.

So, first, I covered my entire face with the Light Almond foundation. And though the Light Olive foundation was far too 'yellow' for my skin, it covered my undereye circles fabulously; using my EcoTools concealer brush. At the time, I was breaking out (due to medications), so I found that wetting my brush with a tiny bit of water allowed me to dab it on like a liquid concealer. Covered everything completely.

Some of you may use blush, but I can't really provide reviews for that. My cheeks are always rosey, and since I was drinking this evening anyway.. I knew blush was completely unnecessary for me.

Then, for the fun part... the eyes.

I have a thing for purples. So I got my colors all ready. Creme Fraiche, Lotus, Mulberry, and the Translucent Shimmer for face and body. That's it.

Personally, I was doing the technique for a smoky eye, but keeping it a little lighter and with shimmer (it was for my birthday night out).

Step-by-step:
Liner: I used the Mulberry, Lotus, and Shimmer as liners, going from the outside edge.. going from dark to light. I used a technique called 'foiling' that really concentrates the shimmer. Just dab your liner brush in water, then dip it into the color. As you apply it, it'll go on like a liquid liner. I did this on both the upper and lower lashes.

Shadow: Using an angled eyeshadow brush, I applied Mulberry into the crease of my eye, and on the outer edge of the lid. I then applied Lotus to the rest of the lid. Lastly, I put the Shimmer on the inner corners of my eyes and on the brow bone.

And a final look at my overall face:

All photos are un-retouched, no color correction, etc.

The makeup lasted all night without any issues. I have an oily t-zone, and I didn't even have to touch up between dinner and drinks. And that's the Truth + Beauty of Modern Minerals ;-)

Clearly, I've found my new go-to makeup. Modern Minerals.