ILLUMINARÉConcealing Mineral Foundation

I think I've probably been using Illuminare for over a decade now. I've always had sensitive acne prone skin so I've tried SO MANY foundations (a lot of them high end and expensive) over the years but I've ALWAYS come back to this one because it's the only foundation that doesn't give me issues.This stuff can be hard to work with (you really have to experiment with it a lot) but once you find the best shade and the best way to layer it over the other products you're using (make sure you wear an SPF with this because it doesn't provide true sun protection!) it can literally cover ANYTHING and make your skin look more or less flawless 90% of the time no matter what issues you've got going on! It's given me the confidence to show my face throughout periods of bad hormonal acne, periods of dry/flaky/oily/and/or blotchy red skin and god knows how much discoloration (all of this from acne and retinoid and/or BHA use), and even a course of accutane without making any of it obvious!This doesn't aggravate my skin (or the acne I used to have) but the "concealing" formula IS pretty heavy and opaque so there's always the chance it could aggravate yours. Still, due to the ingredients there's way less of a chance of irritation and/or breakouts with it so it's worth trying. This stuff keeps you covered all day, so you don't have to worry about it rubbing off, and you don't need to do anything but blot or powder your face (if even that) later in the day. It's also semi-matte, so it won't highlight dry skin. It gives a dewy finish that those with oily skin may find a little too dewy in summer humidity. If you have super oily skin but lots of redness to cover you can still use this stuff without getting too shiny by mixing the mattifying formula with the concealing formula. Or you can just use it as a concealer (it blends really well). Or you can just use powder over it (i can't use powder so I don't). It's also great as an eyeshadow primer.Personally, I like to use the concealing foundation in portifino porcelain with a drop of of the mattifying formula in sienna sun (i use a bit more of the mattifying in the summer not only because of the color but because I get too shiny). The best way to apply it is with your clean fingertips or Jane Iredale's makeup sponge (highly recommend this makeup sponge; it's life-changing).I've never ordered it off amazon before but the site I usually order it from was out of my shade. I'm happy to report that it arrived looking unopened and brand new and the product was fresh (FYI this is not always the case no matter where you buy illuminare because sadly, Illuminare doesn't have expiration dates on their tubes anymore and most places allow returns with this foundation).

Best foundation formula. I mix mine with natural mineral sunscreen so it blends into my skin well & the formula is just beautiful on my skin. I like the thickness & spreadability better when I mix it with my sunscreen. I’ve mixed it with oil free derma e & tizo sunscreen, but have found the juice beauty one just blends a lot better & doesn’t break me out like the derma e did. It’s almost like you’re making your own B.B. cream.After I apply that mixture I’ll go back in and dab foundation by itself on a blemish or two if I have any that week. Works wonders as a concealer and foundation. I am a customer for life!! I hope they always carry this on amazon. I’ve noticed the tubes I buy online tend to be more fresh than the ones I’ve bought at my local beauty supply store, so for that reason I’ll stick with amazon.