Mineral Foundation Review
I have been a fan of mineral foundation for about 2 years, now. I was very skeptical about how something that looked like powder could possibly offer the coverage of a liquid foundation, but a girlfriend of mine encouraged me to give it a try after she has success with it. I gave in and ordered some Bare Minerals (a place where many people start), and pretty much never looked back. The makeup, in my opinion, is of a very high quality. Unfortunately, the price tag is also high (I know that more expensive makeup definitely exists, but when you are used to paying drugstore prices, $25 for a month’s supply of foundation totally stinks).
I know that part of what you are paying for when you use Bare Minerals is the name brand. They spend a fortune on advertising, and pass those costs right along to the consumer. I tried some of the drugstore versions of mineral makeup, but did not have any success with that venture, as I personally found the quality to be seriously inferior. I knew that there had to be some company out there that offered excellent mineral makeup but for a more reasonable cost than what I was paying. Friends, I found such a place!
Let me introduce you to Tiara Minerals by Colorful Designs, an etsy store run by a fabulous woman named Gail. This company, which also has a website, offers a really large variety of options for anyone looking to try out mineral makeup, or anyone who is looking to spend less on their makeup but maintain the great look they are currently achieving with higher priced brands. Gail is a huge fan of mineral makeup, and her love of it as a consumer turned into a business. She only uses the highest quality minerals in her products. If you are on the fence about whether or not mineral makeup will work for you, listen to what Gail has to say: “Traditional liquid makeup have oils and waxes in it that can clog your pores and feel heavy on your skin. Mineral makeup is so feather light and pure you can sleep in it.” You heard right, folks. YOU CAN SLEEP IN IT. Any mother out there will rejoice at the sound of this news! This is one less thing for us to do at night on those especially crazy days! Woo hoo! Gail also offers sample baggies so that you can try out some shades before making a commitment.
I was sent a 10 piece sample bag to try out for myself (incidentally, you can snag this sample set for yourself at the sale price of $9.99 right now!). I blended the shades fair and fairest light together, as that is what I normally do with my Bare Minerals to get the right shade for my skin. I did a test by putting Bare Minerals on one half of my face, and Tiara Minerals on the other half. The coverage was equally good, and the colors matched up so well that I was able to wear the makeup out of the house as is (I did put some mineral veil over it just to smooth it out a bit). One thing that really makes me happy about Tiara Minerals is the way the foundation is sold. You can actually buy a few different shades at once so that you can custom blend the colors just for you! With any set that you purchase, be it foundation, eyeshadow or blush, colors can be swapped out in order to best meet your needs. I am especially impressed by this ability to customize your order. Whenever I order from Bare Minerals, for example, I always get a few things that I don’t personally want or need (such as the bronzer), simply because it comes with the set.
One other standout for me was the Clear Luminous All Over Color. Remember that pregnancy glow? This actually returned a bit of that glow to my face, and if I can achieve that look again without having to be pregnant, sign me up!

Overall, I was so pleased with the products I received from Tiara Minerals that I opted to wear the makeup for our Christmas photos. I like a soft, natural look that makes my skin feel healthy, and that’s exactly what I got with Tiara Minerals. I also love how fast the application process is with mineral makeup. Anything that can save me time AND look terrific is a winner with me. I’ll be placing an order in the future, for sure!
Buy It!
Tiara Minerals foundation sets start at $3.99 for a sample bag and $12.95 for a set. Most of the products are available with free shipping to save you even more money! If you are looking for a new makeup to try out, I really recommend that you start with Tiara Minerals! Edited to add: if you aren’t comfortable shopping on Etsy for some reason, Amazon does now offer a really nice selection of mineral foundations. Just be sure to read the reviews before making a purchase!
Win It!
One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a 10 piece baggie set (net wt 14 g) of their choice. Choose from Fair, Light or Tan! The contest will run until Sunday, December 20th at 7:59pm CST, when a winner will be chosen at random and emailed. The winner will have 48 hours to reply or a new winner will be selected. You must include your email address in your comment or make sure it is listed in your profile! You must complete the mandatory entry in order for any subsequent entries to be counted. Open to residents of the United States.
How to Enter:
Mandatory entry: Go check out Tiara Minerals. Come back here and tell me the product she sells that you want the very most!
Additional Entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog via email or RSS. Leave a comment with your email address for the subscription (2 entries, so leave 2 comments)
2. Become a fan of Tiara Minerals on facebook (2 entries, so leave 2 comments)
3. Make a purchase at Tiara Minerals (5 entries, so leave 5 comments)
4. Add my button to your blog and leave me a url so I can find it! (2 entries, so leave 2 comments)
5. Follow me through Google friend connect
6. Enter my pacifier clip giveaway (it goes live Tuesday, December 15th)
Disclosure: I received product samples for review purposes. The views in this post are strictly my own.

2.Button on my blog.
http://greatblogsonline.blogspot.com/
donna444444@yahoo.com
Button on my blog.
http://greatblogsonline.blogspot.com/
donna444444@yahoo.com
follower
donna444444@yahoo.com
2.subscriber
donna444444@yahoo.com
subscriber
donna444444@yahoo.com
I would like the 3 Jars Tiara Minerals Beautiful Blends BERRYWINE.
donna444444@yahoo.com
Subscriber in rss feed
CharlieGurl57@aol.com
Subscriber via email
CharlieGurl57@aol.com
I would love the Tiara Minerals BLACK TOPAZ bare Eye shadow Liner 1g
CharlieGurl57@aol.com
I became a fan of Tiara Minerals on Facebook. #2
I became a fan of Tiara Minerals on Facebook. #1
I subscribed with the email address lilyk@mail2world.com. #2
I subscribed with the email address lilyk@mail2world.com. #1
The Tiara Minerals LOVEABLE bare pink blush looks very nice!
Following Google friend!
(panicxduh@yahoo.com)
Fan of Tiara Minerals via FB!#2
http://www.facebook.com/erinxduh
(panicxduh@yahoo.com)
Fan of Tiara Minerals via FB!
http://www.facebook.com/erinxduh
(panicxduh@yahoo.com)
I love Island Paradise Eye Shadow!
(panicxduh@yahoo.com)
Tiara Minerals Facebook fan! #2
Tiara Minerals Facebook fan! #1
Follower!
I like the 10 Jars Tiara Minerals BLACK JEWEL Eyeliner!
Ooh, I like the Blackberry eyeshadow. So pretty! I normally don't do smoky eyes but this color makes me feel daring! 🙂
melababy at gmail
I follow!
I'd love to try the pretty "Lovable" bare pink blush! peanut[at]nyc.rr.com
I subscribe in a reader. #2
I subscribe in a reader. #1
I follow your blog.
I love the 3 Jars THE COFFEE SHOPPE Eye Shadow eyeliner Sifters. Thanks!
I want to try the Liner Shadow: Green Tea ( dark green w hint of smokiness)
entered the pacifier clip giveaway
heidilynndonahue@gmail.com
i follow your blog
heidilynndonahue@gmail.com
i like the coconut beach eyeshadow 🙂
heidilynndonahue@gmail.com
I'm liking the variety of eyeshadows.
following your blog as klp1965
2 fan on facebook kathylpease
1 fan on facebook kathylpease
i like the 1 Jar PERSIAN (net wt 1g) bare Eye Shadow Eyeliner with Sifter jar 1pc Tiara Minerals in matte beige brown
I follow you through google friend connect.
litefoot873 (@) hotmail.com
2. I am a facebook fan.
litefoot873 (@) hotmail.com
1. I am a facebook fan.
litefoot873 (@) hotmail.com
2. I am an email subscriber.
litefoot873 (@) hotmail.com
1. I am an email subscriber.
litefoot873 (@) hotmail.com
I would love to have the 10 Jars Tiara Minerals BLACK JEWEL Eyeliner 2.99 ea 10g . Thank you for having this giveaway.
litefoot873 (@) hotmail.com
I like the 10 Tiara Minerals PEARL and TEDDY BEAR eye shadow. Thank you
candieluster(at)gmail(dot)com
Im a follower too
tishajean@charter.net
Im a subscriber too #2
tishajean@charter.net
Im a subscriber too #1
tishajean@charter.net
I like the 10 bag set in fair color nice giveaway alot of nice products.
tishajean@charter.net
10 Jar Tiara Minerals FAIRLY LIGHT Bare Foundation 26g 🙂
Wow~ great prices! I am not a BIG makeup wearer… for me less is more (I am a Mommy in a hurry most days.) I think this KIT would be what I would REALLY want. It has EVERYTHING is would use and could possibly want (well aside from the lip balm and mascara.)
My choice: 10 Tiara Minerals MEDIUM Bare Foundation Kit 26g. I can't believe the great prices, you are totally right!
Anyway, a BIG Thanks to Tiara Minerals for offering this great product!
Jes~
greimanj@comcast.net
facebook fan entry 2
pugsly77@Mail.com
facebook fan entry 1
pugsly77@Mail.com
i want to try the 10 set of grandeur eye shadows
pugsly77@mail.com
Tiara Minerals BARE SANDS bare Eye shadow Liner
I'm a follower
tylerpants(at)gmail.com
I'm a subscriber #2
tylerpants(at)gmail.com
I'm a subscriber #1
tylerpants(at)gmail.com
I'd love to try the 3 jars of Fairest Light, Light & Beige Foundaion Set!
tylerpants(at)gmail.com
I would love to have the NATURAL CONCEALER Multi-Use
con5459(at)gmail(dot)com
entered pacifier clip! (I'm glad I'm not the only one going crazy about missing pacis!!!)
Google friends (bethany cooney)
subscriber!
Subscriber!
WOW! Awesome giveaway! I really like the Black Jewel eyeliner set! Mineral makeup is so great! Thanks for the chance!
bkost3@hotmail.com
I liked the 10 set of Grandeur eye shadows
I'd love the Gorgeous Gems jar set!
I like the 10pc Tiara Minerals PEARL and TEDDY BEAR eye shadow.
ebkev@wowway.com (Kristina W)
4 Tiara Minerals Bare FAIREST LIGHT w CONCEALER
Christina – xristya@rock.com – I like the Tulip Blossom Eyeliner Set!
love the tiger eyes set!
amwysoc@ilstu.edu
I'd really love to have one of the foundation sets for fair skin. I love the feel (or lack thereof) of mineral makeup on my skin.
mrs.may1013@yahoo.com
I'd love to try the 10 Jars Blackberry Eyeliner – those purples are right up my alley! 🙂
stormraven at gmail dot com
I love the BLACKBERRY bare Eye Shadow Eyeliner.
president(dot)peaches(at)hotmail(dot)com
I like the Berrywine blends.
shawnac68@hotmail.com
I would really like the 10 Tiara Minerals LIGHT and MEDIUM bare Foundation Set 32g.
I think that the colors in the 5 Jars TIGERS EYE Bare Eyeliner 1g with Sifters are so pretty!!
cyclona66(at)aol(dot)com
I would like to check out the 5 Jar set of GORGEOUS GEMS Bare Eyeliner Eye Shadow
the gold eyeshadow looks awesome thanks minsthins at optonline dot net
Fan of Tiara Minerals, dadulka11@yahoo.com
I am fan of Tiara Minerals on FB, dadulka11@yahoo.com
I would love this 10 Jars Tiara Minerals BLACKBERRY Eyeliner , dadulka11@yahoo.com
Google Friend connect
Subscribe via RSS
OOh, I love the BLACKBERRY eyeliner! Thanks for the chance to win.
I am following on google friend connect
I like the Tiger's Eye bare eyeliner set. thanks!
VINTAGE CHARM Bare eyeshadow
I luv all the eye make-up. Many thx.
susan wiener, swiener1[at]tampabay.rr.com
My favorite is the 10 jar Tea Party set.
Heather
fairysolgod@gmail.com
Love the Blackberry Wine products. amazing site and products. Keep up the good work and thank you for the opportunity.
The Coconut Beach set of eyeshadow/eyeliner jars.
Mineral face powder.
I follow your blog!
Thank you for the giveaway 🙂
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com
I would most love to try the Grandeur Stones of Fire eyeshadow/eyeliner set!
Thank you for the giveaway 🙂
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com
I would like Beautiful Variety Eye Shadow eyeliner the most. I love the colors!
writeme@heidimail.com
google follower
facebook fan #2
facebook fan #1
email subscriber #2-
mframe00 at yahoo dot com
email subscriber #1-
mframe00 at yahoo dot com
I like the blackberry passion eye shadow.
Following you on Google Friend Connect.
I subscribe to your RSS feed. LesliePrice79@gmail.com 2/2
I subscribe to your RSS feed.. LesliePrice79@gmail.com 1/2
I want to try the blackberry eyeliner.
i like the desert sands eye shadow
I totally want to try the fair-light foundation set. AND the natural concealer.
great giveaway! Thanks so much.
paperaffection.etsy.com
I have your button at http://getalonghome.com
I have your button at http://getalonghome.com
I follow through friend connect.
Tiara Minerals Facebook fan: Cindy Greer Dyer
Tiara Minerals Facebook fan: Cindy Greer Dyer
Well, the first thing I saw was also the thing I wanted the most. I need the 5 Jars TIGERS EYE Bare Eyeliner 1g with Sifters.
i visited the shop & like the blackberry eyeshadow set 🙂
judybloomflowers@hotmail.com
I'm a fan on Facebook 🙂 #2
picnut1512@yahoo.com
I'm a fan on Facebook 🙂
picnut1512@yahoo.com
I subscribed via email 🙂 #2
picnut1512@yahoo.com
I subscribed via email 🙂
picnut1512@yahoo.com
I have been dying to try mineral make up so I would start with 7 Tiara Minerals LIGHT Bare Foundation Set.
I love the Blackberry Wine Eyeshadow and the Foundation!
ms.johnsonmahs at gmail dot com
I would love the "5 Jars GENTLE BLOSSOM Eye Shadow Eyeliners 1g with FREE SHIPPING Tiara Minerals."
clctaube @ yahoo.com
I follow via RSS, entry 2
I follow via RSS, entry 1
Sarah
untenuredteacher at yahoo dot com
I love the Vintage Charm bare Eye Shadow Eyeliner with Sifter. Beautiful color!
Sarah
untenuredteacher at yahoo dot com
I want the 10 Jars BLACKBERRY PASSION WINE Eye Shadow set!!!! LOVE IT!
kristi2bsb@yahoo.com
Also I faved her shop!
The Blackberry Passion Wine Set is gorgeous!
kelli at pfrog dot net
i follow you through google friend connect!
x2 I subscribe to your blog through email: poopoochoo@gmail.com
i subscribe to your blog via email
poopoochoo@gmail.com
I love the berrywine blends!
poopoochoo@gmail.com
e- mail subscriber #2 grndbaygal@gmail.com
e-mail subscriber #1 grndbaygal@gmail.com
i would choose the .4 Jars LIGHT Bare Foundation w Natural CONCEALER 3g Mineral VEIL warm Blush. grndbaygal@gmail.com
I have your button. 2
http://www.giveawaysgalore-kristen.blogspot.com
kstabler11@gmail.com
I have your button. 1
http://www.giveawaysgalore-kristen.blogspot.com
kstabler11@gmail.com
I'm a follower.
kstabler11@gmail.com
I would love the classic black eyeshadow liner.
kstabler11@gmail.com
I'd love the 10 JARS BARE BUFF BROWN Eye Shadows
tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com
i follow
courtneyc.le@gmail.com
button on blog
thecuppycakeboutique.blogspot.com
courtneyc.le@gmail.com
button added to blog
thecuppycakeboutique.blogspot.com
courtneyc.le@gmail.com
I am a fan of TM on FB
courtneyc.le@gmail.com
I am fan of TM on FB
courtneyc.le@gmail.com
I would love the tiger eyes set.
courtneyc.le@gmail.com
I'd love to try the berrywine medium shadow liner.
slynn41202 at yahoo.com
The vintage charm bare Eye Shadow Eyeliner is on my list of things to buy now!
i am interested in the 10 Tiara Minerals LIGHT and MEDIUM bare Foundation Set 32g.
I'd love to try the 10 pc Bare Eye Shadow Eyeliner : BLACKBERRY PASSION. Those colors are so pretty.
grafettekj at hotmail dot com
Totally love the Tiara Minerals Naturally Crushed Liner Shadow Mineral 🙂
bindu.oommen@gmail.com
I love the Gentle blossom eye shadows. Lovely colors!
mandm_2002 at hotmail dot com
I would love to try the gold eyeshadow. It'd be perfect for parties and going out!!
abigail.lee {at} gmail.com
follower
subscriber
love:
1 Jar DELIGHTFUL (net wt 1g) bare Eye Shadow Eyeliner Sifter 1pcTiara Minerals
I want the 3 NATURAL EYE Multi-Use CONCEALER. Word.
willow_moonspirit@yahoo.com
Email subscriber. 2 vidomich(at)yahoo(dot)com
Email subscriber. 1 vidomich(at)yahoo(dot)com
I would love to try the GRANDEUR STONES OF FIRE set. vidomich(at)yahoo(dot)com
Facebook fan entry #2
krievans(at)gmail(dot)com
Became a fan on Facebook – #1 entry
krievans(at)gmail(dot)com
Became a fan on Facebook – #1 entry
krievans(at)gmail(dot)com
Love the foundation! I am also a fair skinned person, so I'd love to get the fair skin set and be able to mix to customize. I have such trouble with foundation turning orange-y on me!
I loved the Black Jewel Gems so much that I bought them! I can't wait till they arrive.
orionova[at]gmail[dot]com
I've become a fan on Facebook.
orionova[at]gmail[dot]com
I'd absolutely love to try the ten baggy set of eyeshadow/eyeliner in Black Jewel Gems. They look like beautiful eyeliner, but just a little as a shadow would make a wonderful smoky look.
orionova[at]gmail[dot]com
I think I would be a med/light so I think I want to try this one…
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36736381
ambrerose@aol.com
following you on google friend connect
2.
I am subscribed via email!
l u n a w h i s p e r (at)g m a i l(dot)com
I am subscribed via email!
l u n a w h i s p e r (at)g m a i l(dot)com
I like most the TULIP BLOSSOM Bare Eye Shadow eyeliner set
The coconut beach eyeshadow set looks really pretty.
follower
subscribe rss
I love the 5 Jars COCONUT BEACH Eye Shadow Eyeliners in 1g Sifter jars
subscriber 2
Subscriber 1
Follow your blog.
Jennifer G
Fan on facebook. 2
Fan on facebook. 1
10 Jars BLACKBERRY PASSION WINE Eye Shadow eyeliner 1g each in Ten FULL 5 gram SIFTER JARS with FREE SHIPPING 10 pc Tiara Minerals 2.99 ea jar
I think my favorite is the 3 Jars Tiara Minerals Beautiful Blends BERRYWINE.
Became a Fan of Tiara Minerals on Facebook/VickieGrigsbyRiddle Entry 2
Became a Fan of Tiara Minerals on Facebook/VickieGrigsbyRiddle Entry 1
Google Friend Connect/Vickie Riddle
New subscriber via email to your blog. vickers_73460(at)yahoo(dot)com Entry 2
New subscriber via email to your blog. vickers_73460(at)yahoo(dot)com Entry 1
Sapphire in the Black Jewel eyeline set is one I really would love to have.
I already subscribe to your blog in my reader… 🙂 not sure if that counts.
FB Fanned, #2
Facebook fanned… #1
Honestly, the foundation. I feel bad saying that though… So the peach petal eye shadow is a second…