When I received news that Annabelle’s mineral makeup line was soon to arrive in my inbox, honestly I was a little concerned. Loose mineral makeup and I aren’t good friends. It’s messy, takes me a long time to use, and I never get a good enough coverage. But one lazy Saturday I took a deep breath, then opened up the box. Time to prove me wrong, Annabelle.

Swatches: “True Beige” foundation / “Hush” blush / “Terra” bronzer
(click to enlarge)

Foundation in “True Beige”

I apply this foundation with a dense stippling brush (like the MAC 187). I’m surprised that this gives a medium coverage. It doesn’t feel like anything on but it evens out my skin tone nicely. It lasts an exceptionally long time even on my oily skin; I know because my face wipes tell me so. It has a satin finish so it never looks chalky or cakey on my face. Around mid-afternoon it does get dewy on me but not like a grease ball; it’s more of a “glow.”  For those who are looking for a good and affordable mineral powder foundation, this is it.  Rating: A.

Blush in “Hush”

I love me some blush, so I really wanted to love the blush.  This one is a warm rosy pink, and has the finest shimmer to it.  The pigmentation is perfect.  We have a winner, right?  Wrong.  I had a problem with its staying power.  After I talk on my iPhone, some of it transfers onto my phone and ends up looking blotchy on my cheek.  Not cute.  It may fare better on those with non-oily skin.  Rating: B-.

Bronzer in “Terra”

I saved the best for last.  The bronzer is so lovely.  It imparts a stunning glowy sheen, kinda like I’ve just been back from vacation.  More like fake-ation!  Good, non-orange bronzers are hard to come by, and this is one of the best I’ve tried.  You already know I’m not a loose minerals kinda girl, but I love this so much that I might actually attempt to press it into a pan.   Rating: A+.

Here’s a photo of me wearing the foundation (also
worn as undereye concealer), blush, and bronzer.

The Low Down

Overall I think this is a solid offering from Annabelle.  The packaging of the minerals are big enough to swirl face brushes around, and the finish of the products is perfection.  If you’re itching to try this line, get the bronzer or foundation.  I would skip the blush if you’re oily skinned.  I still need a bit more convincing when it comes to loose mineral makeup, but for those who already love minerals, this is definitely for you.

Disclosure: This product was sent to me for consideration by Groupe Marcelle.