Hi, I've just spent loads of money on makeup and have been trying out the mineral powder foundation. The first time I used it I itched really badly and came out in spots, unusual for me. I don't have overly sensitive skin. I then used a different brand and the itching has still happened.

I've been using Artdeco and lily lolo and have had the same reaction with both. I can't afford to try another brand and am now worried that I can't use this on clients.

I've read loads of posts in here about how good these 2 brands are which is why I chose them. Has anyone else had the same reaction?

Also does anyone think the mineral foundation makes your skin look dirty?

I think I'm loosing confidence!!! :-(

Sorry to hear this! Could there be something in both brands that your allergic too? Could it be your makeup brush? I use lily lolo and love it, I don't find it looks dirty at all. Have you tried different shades? Could it be your moisturiser or perfume? Sorry for the list, trying to think of every possibility lol x

I thought it could be the brush, I bought a new kabuki brush at the Olympia show, I got the natural one as thought this would be best. I have got a kabuki from art deco but was saving this for clients, I might give that a go! Thanks for your thoughts!

its one of the ingredients in the mineral foundation hun........... i get the same reaction from alot of brands........ it makes me want to claw my face off!.......... even the id bare minerals does it!........ my skins not sensitive either but just cant get on with the stuff!
the one im using at the moment is estee lauder double wear mineral powder foundation and i love it!........ stays put all day and keeps my shine under control as im extremely oily.
its not cheap but if you go to the counter they give you a tester pot so you can try it (quite a generous size tester too!!!) xx

I have sensitive skin and I have been using the Jessica Mii mineral foundation, absolutely love it and my skin does not look dirty at all, but if it is an ingredient that is found in all minerals then maybe they are just not for you

I had the same problem until I began using a "primer." It's a silky feeling fluid that goes on before I apply the mineral make up. Once I started using it, no more itching.

it may be your brush. i had to give my lily lolo kabuki brush to my mum, everytime i used it my skin really itched.

i use a bare minerals kabuki brush instead now and not had a problem since

Ooh I'm liking the primer idea! I've been meaning to buy a decent one for clients anyway so will give that a go. If that doesn't work I'm not sure what I'll do as I've got loads of it!!

It is more than likely that the product you are using has bismuth in it. This causes itching for a lot of people.

Look for a true mineral range which doesn't contain bismuth or other fillers (including talc etc) and you shouldn't have any problems with irritation, itching or sensitivity.

i cant use mineral products that contain bismuth.
i react to lilly lolo (which im sure doesnt have that in it but i still react) and bare minerals.
i can use emani minerals and jane iredale no problem though

if its possibly the brush then apply with a sponge to see if there is any difference

Ooh really interesting to hear that some people react to the bismuth. My salon stock Bare Minerals and I can't really use it. I did change brushes to another brand and it felt much better. With the ID brushes I literally felt like my face was burning! With another brand of brush it just feels a bit warm lol

I was recommended Jane Iredale liquid minerals foundation and was going to try that next as I can't seem to get on with the mineral brands I've tried, they just make my skin look dry and blotchy lol.

Thanks for the tip geeks!

I stock Lily Lolo and I've had a couple of clients react to it with itching skin. I spent a long time researching mineral make-up to find one that has minimal ingredients and without Bismuth Oxychloride. I know Lily Lolo claim not to have any parabens etc including Bismuth and yet I've still had a few people react :-S

In fact I think Lily Lolo only contains, Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Mica and colour. It's a mystery! However I think like kattyJ said, that some people just react to something in mineral make-up.

I think that it depends on the purity of the minerals used. Many of them go through processing and some are even synthetic. For example ultramarine blue used in mineral makeup can be a synthetic version because it is cheaper and because it is a more intense colour. However it does not last as long. As in every cosmetic grades of ingredients will determine a more superior product.

It's interesting to hear everyone's stories. I've tried a primer now and changed to brush and still hav a problem. It's dried out the skin around my eyes now so I think I'm done with trying anything else!

My problem now is using this on clients, I can't see how I can take the risk. It doesn't seem very professional to say "oh by the way let me know if it makes you itch"!

I'm gutted, loads of money wasted!

If anyone would like to try Vani-t Mineral Make-up samples please let me know. They don't contain talc or bismuth.

Take a look at www.geminisupplies.co.uk for more information and Vani-t's amazing celebrity following.

Thank you Hayley