Staff tested: The best mineral makeup

M.A.C

M.A.C Mineralize SPF 15 Foundation/Loose in Light ($35) and Blush in Dainty ($25)

"I love the silky texture of this loose powder. It holds best when applied right after moisturizing, and is great for oil control, keeping my skin matte all day. The sponge applicator works well for a light dusting all over; I also used a small brush to build up coverage. The blush goes on glowy and sheer, making it mistake-proof even in this bright pink shade."
—Jennifer Masseau, Assistant Editor

L’Oréal Paris

L’Oréal Paris Bare Naturale Gentle Mineral Makeup in Nude Beige ($19) and Blush in Soft Rose ($16)

"I liked the texture of the loose powder foundation—it made for a smooth application and nice finish. And the blush (all you need is a little) gave a natural healthy glow. But the foundation does take longer to apply than my usual liquid and for me, that’s not practical when I’m getting ready in the morning, and not quite awake to start with!"
—Catherine Korman, Research

Susan Posnick

Susan Posnick ColorFlo Mineral Foundation in M5 Apricot ($64) and ColorMe Blush in Camelia ($25)

"At first I was baffled by the packaging, which is different than what I’m used to—built-in applicators deliver these loose powders directly to the skin. But it did breeze on lightly, and I liked the soft colour of the blush. I don’t know that I’m a convert, however; liquid foundation is easier to control, and feels as though none is wasted in application."
—Bonnie Munday, Editor

Bare Escentuals

Bare Escentuals bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation in Fairly Light ($31) and Blush in Flowers ($26)

"I try to buy skincare products that are natural, but have had difficulty when it comes to makeup. BareMinerals won me over. It looked and felt great on my skin, and provided flawless coverage that was neither too light nor too heavy. Once I figured out how much (well, actually, how little) to use, the blush was great, too—soft and subtle."
—Lindsay Borthwick, Associate Editor

Revlon

Revlon ColorStay Mineral Foundation in Medium ($19) and Blush in Honey ($16)

"I loved that the foundation came with a brush attached to the lid—great for travel—and that it has SPF 10. It felt extremely light and it gave me sheer to medium coverage. The brush that came with the blush is quite small, so I had to be careful to avoid a harsh line. The colour is nice, but not much different from my regular blushes."
—Stephanie Han, Art Director

Teye Minerals

Teye Minerals Mineral Powder in Cream ($63) and Matte Blush in Flirt ($42)

"The sheerness of the pressed powder makes for a quick less-is-more day look, and the sleek, light, mirrored compact is ideal for toting around. Also, I like that the blush doesn’t have “sparkle” particles in it (and I toned down the colour a little by mixing it with some of the foundation). I’d stick with my favourite liquid foundation for night."
—Rhonda Rovan, Beauty Editor

Teye Minerals

Teye Minerals Mineral Powder in Cream ($63) and Matte Blush in Flirt ($42)

"The sheerness of the pressed powder makes for a quick less-is-more day look, and the sleek, light, mirrored compact is ideal for toting around. Also, I like that the blush doesn’t have “sparkle” particles in it (and I toned down the colour a little by mixing it with some of the foundation). I’d stick with my favourite liquid foundation for night."
—Rhonda Rovan, Beauty Editor