I use a mineral powder foundation called GloMinerals, which isn't available from Adorebeauty but has done me really well because the tone I have matches really well, the coverage is excellent and yet it seems to look natural and I often get asked about what I'm using for this reason.

Because it's made mostly from zinc, I often wonder about its sun protection factor. At present I usually just wear a regular moisturiser of some sort underneath it, but wonder if that's really enough.

Does anyone know? The sunscreen thing is so tricky because it really doesn't last that long, and yet if you're wearing make-up, what are you supposed to do - wash your face and reapply it all with sunscreen again?

It will offer some protection, but you should definitely be wearing a sunblock or a primer containing SPF underneath it. This one is highly recommended and is going to be my next purchase: http://www.adorebeauty.com.au/adorebeauty/viewItem.asp?idproduct=11020

And yes, the re-application thing is stupid. That's why I like to wear a zinc-based sunblock (not a chemical sunscreen), because as long as you can feel it on your skin, you know it's still working. And zinc is really hard to budge so it won't usually sweat off or rub off during the course of your day.

Does it say on the package what SPF it is? This will tell you what sort of protection it gives. If it doesn't have an SPF then its not sun protection.
You need to be using an SPF 30+ sunscreen/moisturiser underneath - relying on makeup as your primary SPF is a big no-no because it doesn't provide enough or adequate protection.
Also remember you need to be re-applying you SPF during the day.
Also, I find it re-assuring to layer my SPF's, but you only have the protection of the highest SPF. So say I was wearing a spf30+ moisturiser and spf15+ foundation. I would only have spf30+ protection.

Although mineral makeup contains zinc or titanium dioxide (both reflectants), unless that product has been specifically tested for its SPF properties then it cannot quote an SPF rating on its packaging (ie they are not theraputic products). Products can vary with their components too (some have talc) so do not rely on your mineral makeup for sun protection.

akver1 - hello and welcome :)

I agree with everyone here - you should definitely wear an spf 30 underneath the glominerals. The sun in Australia is insanely powerful and you really cannot rely on a powder - even if it does offer adequate sun protection in theory, you probably do not put enough on to properly protect your skin. And Luisa B is also right in regards to the testing - you just cannot play with the unknown when it comes to sun protection.

I am using BECCA's spf 30 at the moment, which Ozzy recommended and I like it very much but in my opinion Invisible Zinc daywear is just as good. Both contain only zinc. The BECCA one is a thinner consistency if you prefer that but I find both leave the skin without a greasy residue/feel.

The Becca mineral primer rocks! I luuuuurve it!

I might need to get that, the IZ is good, but on cold mornings, it's a bit gluggy, and nigh on impossible to rub in - even after 'warming' it a it.

It's a beautiful product Rosie

I might need to get that, the IZ is good, but on cold mornings, it's a bit gluggy, and nigh on impossible to rub in - even after 'warming' it a it.

I find this too, I'm probably the only person on this forum who is not a fan of IZ. I just find it too hard to rub in? But it might be because I sleep in airconditioning so the tube is in my bedroom in airconditioning all night?

I've been eyeing it for ages, but then I figured that the IZ did the job anyway, but really, that adds a heap of time to my morning, and it takes forever to sink in when it's cold.

So I really do need the Becca don't I? I mean, I can't go unprotected, and I don't want to go around with a white coating on my face, the UC isn't rich enough for winter (perfect for summer though), and that's my only realistic option.

Wonder fi the males of the hosue were planning to spoil me for Easter? Well, no matter, cause they are now:whipcrack:

I find this too, I'm probably the only person on this forum who is not a fan of IZ. I just find it too hard to rub in? But it might be because I sleep in airconditioning so the tube is in my bedroom in airconditioning all night?


It's good for me until the weather gets really cold (has been this week), and then it's like concrete. I refuse to get put of bed at 5.30 in the middle of winter just to use my IZ. So I am on the hunt. And yes, I reckon the A/C might have something to do with it.

I find this too, I'm probably the only person on this forum who is not a fan of IZ. I just find it too hard to rub in? But it might be because I sleep in airconditioning so the tube is in my bedroom in airconditioning all night?

That's odd - how old is your tube? IZ used to be quite thick but has become gradually runnier - my latest bottle is not as thin as the BECCA one but still quite runny and certainly easy to apply.

That's odd - how old is your tube? IZ used to be quite thick but has become gradually runnier - my latest bottle is not as thin as the BECCA one but still quite runny and certainly easy to apply.

Nah it's not one of the old ones......I think I just prefer a much runnier consistency!

Nah it's not one of the old ones......I think I just prefer a much runnier consistency!

I am a natural goof so the runniness of the BECCA one sometimes ends in disaster (ie clothes, hands, carpet...)

I find this too, I'm probably the only person on this forum who is not a fan of IZ. I just find it too hard to rub in? But it might be because I sleep in airconditioning so the tube is in my bedroom in airconditioning all night?

You're not the only one Oz. I don't like it either. Much prefer the BECCA Mineral primer. It actually gets used and doesn't make my eyes sting like IZ.

Nah I didn't like the IZ either - even before I reacted to it - I found it awkward and hard to put on and the finish looked odd.

And here I was thinking I was the only one!!

That is so strange to me because my skin can get really sensitive but it loves IZ so much I am reverting to it after my BECCA runs out. I even put it directly underneath my eyes and it is fine. I just love it.

Yeah it wasn't a sensitivity issue for me, it just didn't peel my banana.