My MAD Minerals Mini Haul

I had the chance to try Mad Minerals mineral makeup thru MMU swapping with my friend Jessica. In return, I sent her samples from Coconut Bay Cosmetics & Ellana Minerals. Look what i've got:

Ingredients:

Mica (CI 77019), Zinc Oxide (CI 77947), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77492, CI 77491), Ultramarine Blue (CI 77007)

I got three shades of foundations: Olive Light Medium, Light Golden and Olive Light.

Olive Light Medium Foundation
(for a light medium complexion with yellow undertones)

Light Golden Mineral Foundation

(for light complexions with golden peachy undertones)

Olive Light Mineral Foundation

(for light complexion with yellow undertones)

Among the three shades, the Light Golden shade is my closest match. I also got a sample of the yellow corrector:





Loose Mineral Apricot Corrector
(Warms up yellow skin tones and sallow complexions)

The foundation samples went onto my skin easily enough; it controls oiliness and the finish is just alright, but I noticed a little bit of chalkiness that I was able to buff away. Not to mention a few small bumps I had on my face that I thought were just signs that my skin was still adjusting to this brand. But they did not disappear until the 3rd day, so I discontinued playing with the samples. This would be good for people who want a heavier coverage. I prefer light coverage especially during the summer months because in my experience, heavier coverage (in most brands I’ve tried) tends to “cake” at the end of the day. However, what works and does not work on my skin does not mean that the product is not totally worth trying. Remember, we have different skin sensitivities and preferences to consider. So still, it’s for you to find out and decide on what you like, and maybe you could share your stories too. =)

By the way, I’m intrigued with Mad Minerals liquid foundation. As it claims the following with regular use: anti-aging, antioxidant, collagen renewal, hydration, protection from environmental damage and diminishes lines/ wrinkles.

Hopefully, next time I'll be able to try them and make another review.







*Photos of liquid mineral foundation and shade chart were taken from www.madmierals.org for reference.

ELLANA Minerals

When they opened their store in Manila last year, i received a few samples from Coney, one of the people behind Ellana Minerals. The sampler set includes foundation, finishing powder and a blush. The shades that i got were the following, all in their Premium Blend* formula:

• French Vanilla Latte (foundation)
• Hazelnut (foundation)
• Toffee Mocha (foundation)
• Espresso con Panna (finishing powder)
• Heaven (blush)

*one of their two foundation formulas, the other one is Glow Enhancer Blend.

French Vanilla Latte is a light shade with warm golden undertones;

Hazelnut is a medium light shade with warm golden undertones; while Toffee Mocha is a medium shade that suits those with olive undertones. Among the three, French Vanilla Latte is my favorite. The foundation shades offer full coverage and matte finish, really good for those with oily skin.

I wish i got Glow Enhancer Blend instead, i just saw in their website that this formula provides a light to medium coverage. I prefer to have that look with sheen, not glittery but natural glow.. and long lasting coverage at the same time.

I like how the finishing powder (Espresso con Panna) helped in keeping my make-up lasts the whole day. It works like a concealer too, it minimizes the appearance of small imperfections and fine lines. For oily skin, it can be used prior to putting foundation.

I got a nice shade Heaven, a matte, deep muted pink shade with a hint of lavender. Very pigmented that the sample size will last a long way.

Photo copied from

www.ellanaminerals.com