Mineral Makeup Meltdown

The buzz being generated by mineral makeup is utterly overwhelming. It seems like at every corner I turn, there's an advertisement for a mineral powder foundation. Flip on the ultimate brainwashing, zombie creating device (commonly known as a television) and don't be surprised if you spend a hypnotic half-hour watching an infomercial for more mineral makeup. "Make two easy payments for $29.99 and the foundation set is yours!" It's as if I'm in David Lynch's "Mulholland Drive" diner scene. You know, the one where a character is explaining to another his recurrent nightmare about seeing a monster out behind the garbage at the diner they're frequenting for breakfast. The individual decides to face his fear and see if this nightmarish creature really exists, and it suddenly pops out of the trash! His frightening dream is a reality. Replace the hairy monster with a powder brush and a jar of mineral foundation and perhaps this best explains my feelings on the endless attention mineral cosmetics is garnering these days.

However, as a beauty journalist who encourages and reminds herself to review the latest and most talked about products, I placed these views aside and jumped on the bandwagon to see what all the commotion is about. Instead of trying a foundation, I thought I would take a little baby step and try an under eye concealer. I've heard praise-filled reviews of Jane Iredale makeup, so I purchased her Active Light Under-eye Concealer. The creamy concealer has a hefty list of skin care benefits that would make any dermatologist proud. It's packed with vitamin K, a key ingredient that actually lightens dark circles, cucumber extract to soothe puffiness and white tea extract to defend the eye area from free radical damage. The convenient pen and brush packaging allow for easy application and touch ups. The actual skin care benefits are phenomenal, but the product, in terms of camouflaging darkness and general "yuckiness" isn't so stellar. I had a difficult time blending the product and when I glanced in the mirror mid-day, the concealer had settled into fine lines and creases, making them more noticeable! Now, I see that Iredale has a full line of beauty products, ranging from eye shadow to blush. Perhaps I just had a negative experience with one of her many products. What are some of your experiences with Jane Iredale cosmetics?