Almay Pure Blends Mineral Makeup Review

DISCUSSION:

60 comments so far...

• 1 Anonymous // Aug 1, 2007 at 6:02 pm

  I just purchased it and have used it twice. So far I haven’t even clicked the button because there was enough powder on the bristles already from just pulling the plug out. I like it very much. It does even out my skin and isn’t as heavy as other mineral powders. Every other mineral powder I’ve tried was very aging (I’m 53). This isn’t like that. I will keep using it.

• 2 Jazmin, MakeupMoxie.com // Aug 1, 2007 at 8:08 pm

  Hi! Thanks so much for sharing your opinion.

  I don’t think I was very clear about whether the light-diffusing particles in this product served to minimize or emphasize the signs of aging, so I’m really glad that you pointed out that this product works well for you!

  Please let me know if you still love this product even after using the click-button. Maybe I got a faulty one, lol.

• 3 Anonymous // Aug 8, 2007 at 2:50 pm

  I like the product but also hate the complicated and wasteful packaging. Almay’s colors are a much better match to my own skin color than Bare Minerals selections. I simply dumped the mineral powder into a different container with a screw-top lid and used a Kabuki Brush for application.

• 4 Jazmin, MakeupMoxie.com // Aug 8, 2007 at 3:12 pm

  That’s such the downfall of this product! Almay would definitely have a winning product if it got rid of the terrible packaging (and dropped the price ;).

  So was it difficult breaking into your tube of Almay Pure Blends?

  I had a really hard time trying to crack open my container of Neutrogena Mineral Sheers. When I finally pried it open with a screwdriver, it sort of exploded into a big, powdery mineral makeup mess on my bathroom counter (and the front of my shirt). Not exactly a pretty scene, lol!

• 5 Angela // Oct 22, 2007 at 6:19 am

  This was my first go-round with any brand of mineral makeup and I love it! I was skeptical at first, not believing that what essentially looked like loose powder would give me coverage like a standard foundation, but I am very pleasantly surprised with the results and happy that I don’t have to mess with gloppy foundation anymore. My skin looks bright and evened out, and even helps my regular liquid concealor stay in place. In fact I find myself using less of it when I pair it with the mineral makeup.

  I do agree about the craptacular packaging–that little button shoots a geyser of makeup out of the brush and I feel like I’m wasting a ton of product.

• 6 Jazmin // Oct 22, 2007 at 2:53 pm

  “craptacular packaging” — LOL! I couldn’t have said it better myself!

  Your best option is to pick up one of those screw-top sifter jars and transfer your Pure Blends into it. You can pick them up at beauty supply stores like Sally Beauty Supply and you might even be able to find them at your local drugstore ; )

  Thanks for the comment, Angela!

• 7 Jillie // Oct 27, 2007 at 9:41 am

  I bought it at Wal-Mart for 10.73. I am pretty tan and bought the darkest (Medium).I used it right away in the car with the AC on low. I loved the coverage. It didn’t look like I had makeup on-just me, only better.
  BUT… I looked at my car after admiring my face and the dash, my seat and my purse were covered with powder specks!
  If it continues to work like it did today I would definitely buy it again.

• 8 Jazmin // Nov 19, 2007 at 7:26 am

  Hi Jillie! Sorry I somehow missed your comment there…and that sucks about your little powder shower! But I’m glad that you found a good mineral makeup that you’re happy with :)

  Thanks so much for sharing your experience!

• 9 Ems // Feb 7, 2008 at 10:54 am

  I totally agree… I got this for Christmas and I love the coverage it gives me; but, it is a pain to put on. I am constantly shaking it to get the brush full of makeup and more powder ends up in the air than on my face. Also, because I have to push down so hard to get the makeup on my face, the bristles feel like pins pricking my face.

• 10 Jazmin // Feb 7, 2008 at 1:36 pm

  Hi Ems! Thanks so much for sharing your opinion of this makeup…hopefully Almay rethinks its packaging!

• 11 Ruth Grogan // Feb 9, 2008 at 2:19 pm

  HI I have used sheer cover , did not like it made my skin feel real dry do you know if almayor the others are drying? I am 52 thankyou

• 12 Jazmin // Feb 12, 2008 at 1:19 pm

  Hi Ruth,

  Thank you for the question!

  I think you may find this Almay mineral foundation to be a little drying. You may want to give the new Maybelline Mineral makeup a try.

  If you still find that makeup to be drying, please let me know and I can try to help you find something that works better for you : )

  Good luck!

• 13 ldcn91 // Feb 26, 2008 at 12:10 pm

  Just got this foundation yesterday. I LOVE the make up itself, but along with everyone else, the packaging kinda sucks. I’m not having a terrible time with it, but it could be improved upon. I had been using Physicians Formula mineral powder, but this one looks better. It gives a “dewy” complexion. Pores aren’t as visible, and color matches better. Will continue to buy this product.

• 14 Jazmin // Feb 26, 2008 at 4:22 pm

  Hi lidcn91,

  Thanks so much for sharing your opinion of this makeup! I completely agree with everything you said ; )

• 15 ldcn91 // Feb 28, 2008 at 9:41 am

  Sorry to post again, but now that I’ve been using it for a few more days, I’ve had another problem with the container. I could NOT get it to release any powder into the brush. Had to transfer it to another container. I don’t know why, but I was surprised at how little product it is once transferred. However, I have found that I use much less than the Physicians Formula. As far as price, I guess it evened out in that sense. I paid $12 something at Walgreens. I think, based on your review, I’ll definately try Maybelline next.

• 16 Jazmin // Feb 28, 2008 at 12:42 pm

  Hi again! It’s great to see you back ; )

  lol, that container is just nothing but problems, isn’t it?

  I totally agree with your comparison to Physician’s Formula.

  If you try the Maybelline, please be sure to let me know how you like it! But just as a word of warning, if you have oily skin, you may not like the Maybelline mineral makeup as much as the Almay Pure Blends.

  The Maybelline mineral makeup just doesn’t control oil as well.

  Please feel free to leave a comment any time! I love hearing from my fellow makeup moxies : )

• 17 amy // Mar 10, 2008 at 10:02 am

  craptacular packaging, YES, but AWESOME product!! I have horrible, awful, no good, very bad skin. And this stuff makes me look great! Better than any Mary Kay, Clinique, MAC, or Cover Girl product I’ve tried in the past 10 years. Yes, the best thing in 10 years! It’s worth the packaging. Oh, and I live in Peru, and buying it in Lima, I’m paying about $20 bucks per product. UGH!

• 18 Jazmin // Mar 10, 2008 at 3:22 pm

  Wow! $20 is steep, but I”m glad that you’ve found something that works so well for you ; )

• 19 maryj // Mar 11, 2008 at 3:00 am

  I tried the Almay Pure Blends mineral makeup - the concept is great but… my problem is that I cannot release the powder by pushing the button. Yes the white pin is removed.
  Probably would be best to transfer to another container because I’m tired of fighting it.

• 20 Jazmin // Mar 11, 2008 at 4:46 am

  Hi maryj! If I remember correctly, you have to click the button quite a few times (maybe close to ten?) before the powder dispenses.

  You could also try returning it, since it’s sounds defective ; )

• 21 Karrie // Mar 13, 2008 at 5:13 am

  I was upset b/c this product actually made me break out. I was wrong to assume all mineral makeup was oil free and did not clog pores. This one is not. I should have read the package!

• 22 Jazmin // Mar 13, 2008 at 6:18 am

  Hi Karrie,

  Sorry to hear that this product made your break out. And even though most mineral makeup is oil-free (including this one, if I’m not mistaken), it can still contain other ingredients that could potentially cause break outs (like bismuth oxychloride and even titanium dioxide and zinc oxide).

  Here’s an interesting/helpful article about oil-free products.

• 23 Cat // Mar 14, 2008 at 7:20 am

  I liked the Almay Mineral Blend powder at first because of the good coverage. I did not have a lot of trouble with the actual packaging. I knew buying it that powder make-up generally makes messes. My main complaint and why I stopped using it is that it makes my face itch. Especially in the sun. I run on my lunch hour and had to stop wearing make-up. Defeats the purpose of being SPF 15!

• 24 Jazmin // Mar 14, 2008 at 12:02 pm

  Oh that sucks! But it’s best to not be wearing any makeup while you work out, any way.

  Did this makeup make your itch under normal conditions, too?

• 25 Cat // Mar 17, 2008 at 5:12 am

  Under normal conditions it is just a little heavier than the other powders, but does not itch. It does offer great coverage.

• 26 Jazmin // Mar 17, 2008 at 5:40 am

  Ok, so it’s probably the sweating thing? I very rarely work out with makeup on, so I haven’t encountered that kind of irritation (though I have worked out wearing tinted moisturizer and have had the yucky problem of having it run, lol)

• 27 Pocahontas // Mar 20, 2008 at 6:32 am

  I LOVE THIS STUFF!! I had really bad acne while using liquid foundations. When I started using Almay’s skincare products with meadowsweet along with the mineral foundation my face has never been clearer. But I must agree, the packaging is bad. They need to put it in a jar. But other than that, I love it.

• 28 Becca // Mar 25, 2008 at 7:51 am

  I’ve tried a few of the more well known brands for mineral make-up (Bare Essentuals, Sheer Cover, etc.) and like this one by FAR the most! It doesn’t look flaky, doesn’t make my skin feel too dry and it doesn’t look like I’m wearing a ton of make-up. I like to pair it with Bare Essentuals “Warmth” - makes my very fair skin look great! Natural and gives the illusion that I have a perfect complexion ;). Plus, I don’t feel bad about sleeping in it either. Breakouts are way less than when I was using foundation and all in all am very happy. The only thing I wish was that it had a different packaging. I personally don’t like the Bare Essentuals containers (I’ve dropped mine too many times to count and you can imagine the mess it makes!). The bristles aren’t as fine as my soft kabuki brush either. I’m one of those people that needs many, many clicks in order to get a decent amount of coverage…Almay, please change the packaging :)

• 29 Jazmin // Mar 26, 2008 at 11:22 am

  Hi Pocahontas and Becca, I guess we’re all in agreement that Almay really needs to change its packaging! I think that if Almay packaged it in a plain jar, they could justify lowering the price of this foundation…which would seriously put it in the running for the best “drugstore” mineral foundation.

  And, Becca, I agree that Bare Essentuals containers can definitely get messy, too. However, I haven’t really seen any better options. If you haven’t tried it already, one trick that helps (somewhat) is to keep the sticker over the little sifter holes.

  Pull it up about half way when you need to dispense the powder and then stick it back on when you’re done. The problem with this is that the sticker eventually stops sticking and you’re back to having a bunch of powder loose in the container.

• 30 alyson // Apr 6, 2008 at 7:45 pm

  Hi!
  Thanks so much for your reviews on these makeup lines; they really do help.

  Anyway, I was wondering if you recommend this for oily skin types. Also, I work out daily for school, so is it sweatproof/waterproof, or will I have to remove it before working out?

  (I’m a newb at makeup, so I really don’t want to make a bad move and ruin my face, hahaha)

  Thanks so much!

• 31 Jazmin // Apr 7, 2008 at 8:47 pm

  Hi Alyson! You’re so welcome! I’m glad that you’re finding the reviews helpful : )

  And, yes, I think this foundation is fine for oily skin types, but you may find that it wears off/streaks when you’re working out.

  But to avoid clogged pores and keep your skin in tip-top shape, it’s always best to remove your foundation before working out. Face cleansing towelettes are a quick and easy way to remove makeup before hitting the gym. Boots No7 cleansing wipes and even fragrance-free baby wipes are both great options.

  I know having to workout without foundation isn’t the most glam thing in the world…but your skin will thank you for it!

• 32 Hillarie // Apr 22, 2008 at 5:34 pm

  I, too, like the product. I sent Almay an email about it, and I should get a response soon. I’ll update you guys on it. It really does seem to be a waste on bad packaging and a good product.

• 33 Jazmin // Apr 23, 2008 at 8:09 am

  Awesome! Be sure to keep us updated…it will be really interesting to see what they have to say!

• 34 Hillarie // Apr 25, 2008 at 7:16 pm

  By my standards, a couple of days = two. It’s been three days now, and still no reply. I know they’re probably too busy to check their inbox as I check mine, but they need to address the issue at hand. I also sent them another email with a link to this very post.

  I just placed it in a different container, and the coverage is much better than it was when it was in that ridiculous tube. If the tube worked well, it would be a great idea, but this one doesn’t cut it.

• 35 karen // Apr 25, 2008 at 9:08 pm

  I too love the powder but not so the container. I thought it was great until the powder got low. I had problems with the button not working also. I keep a trash can close, when it doesn’t work I give it a good shake over the trash. You can see the powder come off. Wasteful but what’s a girl to do.

• 36 Jazmin // Apr 28, 2008 at 12:31 pm

  Hey Hillarie, still no reply?

  Hi Karen, eck, what a waste! Really the only alternative is to do what Hillarie did and transfer the product into a plastic sifter jars (available at beauty supply stores and sometimes at drugstores). I know it’s a pain…but maybe not as big of a pain as dealing with the original container ; )

• 37 Hillarie // Apr 29, 2008 at 3:08 pm

  Still no response. I’m really starting to think that they won’t for a long time, if they do bother at all. It’s a shame, especially since I thought Almay might be more customer-oriented than they’ve turned out to be.

  I found a liquid product by a different brand, but in a similar tube. The brush was smaller, and the result wasn’t bad at all. So, I’m thinking that the tube is best for liquids rather than powders.

• 38 Jazmin // Apr 30, 2008 at 8:17 pm

  Hmmm…I’ll try and see if I can get through to Almay. You could also try sending a message to Almay’s parent company, Revlon.

  Which foundation is it that you found? I’m just kind of skeptical of “dispenser” containers in general (even with those click-dispenser lipglosses with built-in brushes). You just don’t get as much control over the amount of product that you want to use.

• 39 Hillarie // May 1, 2008 at 1:11 pm

  I got a response! In the form of a letter, and they sent me a gift certificate for $3.50. Here’s what it says:

  Dear Miss (Last Name Here),

  Thank you for your recent comments from the Almay website and for taking the time to contact us regarding Almay Pure Blend Mineral Makeup SPF 15.

  We appreciate your observations and comments about our product. Please be assured your comments have been noted and forwarded to the appropriate personnel.

  (then they finished by stating that they enclosed the gift certificate and whatnot)

  So, I got the response. I suppose I’ll get another letter soon, since I directed them to this page. :)

• 40 Hillarie // May 1, 2008 at 1:13 pm

  Oh, by the way (I forgot to answer the second part of your comment), the brand for the liquid was Too Faced. I agree about the dispenser, but there’s no reason it can’t be fixed in the future. Just because the problem hasn’t been solved yet doesn’t mean it won’t ever be solved. I’m hoping it does soon, thanks to the convenience.

• 41 Jazmin // May 1, 2008 at 5:26 pm

  I’m glad you got a response. That was nice of them!

  And I totally agree with you. Advancements in packaging (and formulas!) are always being made, so I’m sure it will get better in the future.

  In the meantime, however, I still prefer simple containers, so that I can have greater control over the amount dispensed as well as the application tools that I use (though I certainly understand the appeal of convenience as well ; )

• 42 Trina // May 25, 2008 at 4:25 pm

  Love the product, hate the packaging. Product goes on easily, looks very natural while evening out skin tone and hide imperfections wonderfully. The only problem is the push button on the packaging works very inconsistently … sometimes it dispenses too much product, sometimes not nearly enough. I usually have to bang the brush in my palm or shake it if I want the right amount of product.

• 43 eli // May 29, 2008 at 2:23 am

  i really want to buy this but i have combination skin and most foundation i use doesnt last the day, AND i cant wear noticeable makeup at school >:( would this be ok for me to use?

• 44 tina // Jun 19, 2008 at 3:34 pm

  The funny thing is I love the packaging, it is exactly what I was hoping to find in an affordable brand because eminence has a $58.00 one just like it and the convenience of touching up the spf anytime is great! The eminence one does not dispense too much at a time like this one though, I think they just need to keep the packaging, but tweak it a little

• 45 Rhonda // Jun 22, 2008 at 12:46 pm

  I too used the Almay Pure Blends and I too loved the product but hated trying to put it on. It seemed that it either wouldn’t come out at all or it was getting excess makeup all over my clothes. I hope they would consider repackaging it because it’s a great product but alot of hassle.

• 46 Connie // Jun 27, 2008 at 1:18 pm

  I have never used a mineral makeup and I LOVE the product but also having problems with the applicator. I have to press the brush down very hard also and it does feel prickly like Ems stated in February. I have sensitive skin, rosasea (sp), very fair skin, and makeup usually turns colors on me. The light is working perfectly except for the brush. I may get another softer brush. Thanks for the site and the review.

• 47 Melinda // Aug 19, 2008 at 8:29 am

  I love this product too, I like the packaging - it’s quick and easy, however everyone is correct in stating that the packaging is wasteful. I clicked the button one morning and it shot about a foot! After that it just came pouring out and was wasted. I got 2 weeks worth of use and I was out.

  But….because the coverage was so great and looked so natural, I will probably go purchase it again. :(

  Almay…..help us out with the packaging problem!!!!!

• 48 Priya // Aug 25, 2008 at 12:52 am

  Hi

  I saw everyone’s response to Almay, but I was just wondering .. for the people who don’t generally have sensitive skin (me) but would rather be safe, would it help if I applied some sort of oil-free waterbased moisturiser before applying this powder… would that reduce the chances of it clogging pores?

• 49 Priya // Aug 25, 2008 at 5:24 am

  hey I wonder if this helps every1 as much as it helped me… there is white plastic stopper pierced in the centre of the brush.. all i do is leave it on, press the button.. pull out the stopper .. no surprise spouts! no mess.. and ure good to go..

• 50 Emily // Aug 27, 2008 at 12:20 pm

  I realize I’m late in the game, but I love this powder, even if it is expensive. Perfect, flawless coverage–I look like I’m not wearing make up and it evens out my complexion.

  If you despise the packaging so much, you’ll be pleased to know that the bottom simply unscrews! Unscrew the bottom and tap it into a jar to use with a separate brush.

• 51 Emily // Aug 29, 2008 at 8:05 am

  I should add that I also saved the little plastic thing on the bottom, which keeps the button from being accidentally depressed.

  I press it once a week and get just enough powder to last the week.

• 52 Barbara // Sep 30, 2008 at 8:12 pm

  hi, i purchased the almay pure blends and returned it to walgreens today. the whole button thing didn’t work right and by time i felt i had enough on a few hours later it looked like i fell into a pot of oil and i’m 49 yrs. old! i’m currently using revlon color stay mineral and i’m pretty happy with that, and it does give a matte finish that stays on all day, but i’m always on the search for something better so today i purchased physician’s formula in a kit with blush and mineral veil. tried in on my hand and i am not sure i’m going to be happy with the veil, it’s really sparkly and i can’t figure out if your supposed to unscrew the bottom and dip or shake the container and it goes into the brush. i’m going to look into it on their website or call the company tomorrow.

• 53 Ami // Oct 8, 2008 at 4:04 pm

  Your survey and comparisons of various mineral make up are excellent. Thank you for taking the time to do so. I have purchased the almay true blend. I found the same problem as others with the brush. A friend of mine showed me that if I raise the acrylic brush guard almost half way or desired length (and hold the guard to apply the makeup) it acts like a kabuki brush, and I got a better application that way.

• 54 helena // Oct 28, 2008 at 12:04 pm

  hi i have acne is this product good for acne i mean it dosent have oil and that stuff i want to try it but im afraid i already use almay clear comlexion makeup and its good but i want something a little more natural is this product good for me

• 55 Hillarie // Nov 10, 2008 at 8:35 pm

  Have you heard about the Almay Pure Blends line? I was walking through Wal Mart today and noticed the liquid foundation, eye shadows, and blush. They also have a lip gloss and loose finishing powder (and not in the horrible packaging) :)

  I do think they must have discontinued the mineral foundation, because it isn’t on the Almay site any more. I wish they would have just put the foundation in a better container…but I’m not complaining!

• 56 Mimi // Dec 4, 2008 at 9:45 am

  Great product better than any powder or liquid foundation i have used. Yea the packing sucks but i take the powder out and put it in tiny container and use another brush to apply it. But i love this product!!!! =)

• 57 anonymous // Dec 18, 2008 at 8:20 am

  I have a question. My older sister would like some nice lipgloss for Christmas. Would you recomend almay pure blend? They don’t have a bright pink and I wouldn’t know what other color to get. My sister has dark brown hair, fair skin and hazel/brown/green eyes. What color would be best for her? What about eyeshadow? I am just a kid and I have no clue what to get my sister. HELP!

• 58 teknogirl // Dec 30, 2008 at 4:52 pm

  I have just purchased this product on a 50% off sale at Longs here in Reno, NV. I searched the internet for reviews AFTER (hint: search reviews BEFORE you purchase and people like makeupmoxie will steer you clear of the riff raff at the makeup counter!) I purchased and tried this product today.
  Ew. Ew. Ew. I love MAC products, and would normally be at a Nordstrom or Macy’s to try and **HERE’S A HINT, LADIES** walk outside (no matter how far - they keep the makeup counters very far from exits due to cost AND the fact that makeup looks GREAT under their light) and have a look at my skin in the natural sunlight. However, with the economy, our family income not yet sliding back but having to cut back on things like this… Save for that rainy day that has already come to so many… I tried the Almay product - it was 50% off, and WHO COULD RESIST?!?!? ;)
  It’s a geyser of powder, on first press of button, the brush gets absolutely NO powder in the bristles, and my shirt, counter, hairbrush and eyelashes (not to mention contact lenses - ouch!) are now benefiting from this WONDERFUL product. It’s a shame I got none on my skin!
  Once I wiped the brush across the mirror on my compact which received a nice blizzard of product from first press and applied it, well, the product looked okay. I tried an upright, very very gentle and slow press of the button, which resulted in a nice pile of product on the bristles, which when I tried to apply to my face, fell limply on my chest and shirt. FAIL.
  I put it (SHOT IT is more like it, because that button somehow functions as a power pressure powder release - could maybe be good for small kitchen fires??) into a sterile makeup container and applied with the actually good soft bristled and well-anchored brush and it looks great.
  I will close in saying this - I agree that your opinion that says save money on snazzy (and ridiculous) applicator packaging and put it into an ID style container, offer the brush as a first time buy, then get refills for example… it would be a hit. It’s not the GREATEST in natural sunlight, but it does not look like something I picked up at Longs and could contend with my name brand dept store quality foundations.

  That’s my 2 (….well 10) cents. Thanks for your site, I will now report here before any rash (even half-off) decisions!

  You ROCK!
  Melissa in Reno

• 59 Holly // Jan 18, 2009 at 1:43 pm

  The only thing good about this Almay Pure Blends is that the store had it on sale for $3.00 and then gave you another one free. Had I paid full price I would really be kicking myself. The whole gizmo is a big FLOP! I don’t know anyone I dislike enough to give the free one too.

• 60 Diana // Jan 19, 2009 at 1:44 pm

  I bught 2 for three dollars thanks to the 75% sale :]
  it was so cheap! my sister says coverage is amazingg )

Leave a Comment