I tried using mineral make – up a couple of years back but I gave it up after a few months because I got too lazy to do the tap-swirl-buff-sweep thing every time. Mornings go quite fast for me so I needed something that I can apply in 5 minutes tops.
I pared my kit down to three make up essentials: Revlon Beyond Natural foundation , Max Factor Miracle Touch blush and Covergirl Wetslicks gloss. This worked wonderfully for awhile but eventually I stopped wearing make up altogether.
Then one day I dug up my old Monave foundation and decided to use it on a whim. I suddenly remembered why I loved using mineral make up: it gives natural coverage for my skin and it keeps the oilies at bay.
So I went online and started looking for other MMU brands to try. I liked Monave but it’s pricey so I wanted to find a more practical alternative.
I found Ellana Minerals, a homegrown MMU brand by Coney Avellana. I liked how their site was professionally done and the navigation is user friendly. I especially liked the fact that they gave out free samples. I think this is a must if it’s your first time to try MMU or it’s your first time to try a new MMU brand.
Of course, I’ve done my homework and I read positive reviews about their products but I wanted to try them out myself before I splurge invest in full-size pots. Although I rarely have negative skin reactions to make – up, some people do experience some negative effects because of MMU. So it’s always better to check the product first then buy later.
There’s a tip sheet on the Ellana site which helps you determine your skin tone. This will be the basis for the free samples they will give to you which you can request through this form.
I placed a request on Tuesday and paid the P50 shipping fee via BDO. I got my samples by Saturday because of the Holy Week break.
I got:
- Foundation: Perfect Blend Caramel Latte | Perfect Blend Hazelnut Latte
- Concealer: Radiant
- Finishing Powder: Espresso Con Panna
- Blush: Patience
I purchased a Charm kabuki brush before but it got lost somewhere after Ondoy. The only brush I have left is my Charm flat top brush so this is the only one I used to apply my MMU. I also borrowed the cover of my cotton buds tin to use as swirling surface for the make up.
So I had to tap-swirl-buff-sweep once again but using this little plastic cover made the process much easier and less messy.
Here’s my before and after shot:
You’ll notice that I have some red spots on my right cheek and on my nose but they were barely noticeable after. My overall skin tone also looks more even and smooth. I love how natural it all looks and how light it feels on my face.
Can you even tell that I have layers of foundation, concealer and finishing powder on my face? And I think that’s the whole point of applying make up. It shouldn’t cover your face. Good make up should cover the blemishes and just enhance the natural beauty of your skin.
As for the blush, it was too light for my taste and I had to apply a little bit more to get a blushing look. So next time I’ll just have to order something in a brighter shade.
I have yet to do an oil test to find out how long it can control the oiliness of my Tzone. I wasn’t able to take photos the following hours but I did notice that I didn’t shine so much as I used to.
Another thing I observed was how the MMU affected my skin the day after.
Okay, I have to confess, I get lazy at night so I often forget to wash my face. So I had the MMU on my skin overnight. But when I woke up the next day, the red spots threatening to be pimples were gone. Now that’s a pretty nice bonus.
MMU does not have specific pimple fighting ingredients like most acne products but it does have “Allantoin for cell regeneration and moisturizing properties” plus Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide which are known to help reduce inflammation.
So I think I’ll give Ellana a try for a few more days. The good thing about MMU is a little powder goes a long way so the sampler bags I got can actually last a week or two.
Good thing they have an online shopping cart and they accept Paypal so buying MMU from them is a cinch.
Have you tried mineral make up?
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
i’m currently using Maybelline’s mineral foundation. so far so good. my next plan is to to try Max Factor’s one because my skin is more used to Max Factor.
The Ellana seems great. In your after photo, you looked very fresh and au naturale
.-= ibyang´s last blog ..Reflective "Me" Time on Maundy Thursday =-.
Thanks Ibyang!
I haven’t tried Maybelline yet but I do feel hesitant to let go of my Max Factor Miracle Touch blush because I like its glowing effect on my skin. Thanks for mentioning Max Factor’s minerals, I’ll check that out too.
i have never tired MMU. i don’t wear make up anymore on an every day basis, but i wear them on big meetings and events. i have the liquid Shiseido, but now that you’ve given MMU a good review, i might give it a try.
.-= kayni´s last blog ..Beer Hair Rinse =-.
That’s a good way to go about it too, sometimes it’s better not to wear make up at all except during special events when you really need it. Though it’s not a requirement, my job kind of needs me to be made up a bit that’s why I put on light makeup. Try minerals and let me know how it works for you.
Hi Jayme, I swear by MMU foundation, I use Bare Escentuals mineral foundation and mineral veil, applied with The Body Shop’s kabuki brush. It’s great for daily wear.
Hey Dea, I’ve heard of Bare Escentuals but I haven’t tried them yet. Thanks for mentioning about the Body Shop’s kabuki brush, I lost my old kabuki so I’m scouting for a new one.