There is an overwhelming choice of brands and sellers of mineral makeup. A simple search of “bismuth oxychloride free mineral makeup” returns a number of online shops and can even be purchased through Etsy sellers. Many offer sample sizes, affordable starter kits and will throw in free samples with purchases.
My main criterion was for bismuth oxychloride free makeup and transparency of its ingredients. Choice is nice, but too much choice can be overwhelming. The look and feel (design, navigation and organization of the content) of the website was also a factor because aesthetics and ease of finding products can make for a more pleasant shopping experience, just as it does in a physical retail space. I narrowed down to three companies to choose from that are listed here from cheapest to most expensive.
Everyday Minerals, in Austin, TX
Foundation: large (8g) $12, small (2.5 g) $5, free samples pay for shipping
Their foundation has only four all natural ingredients (mica, titanium dioxide, iron oxide, zinc oxide). Their “Get this look” page is an easy way for see different makeup applications on nicely photographed models to select the makeup colors. Enter discount code W8gbZm in your cart to get 10% off your order before April 15th.
Alima, Portland, OR
Foundation: Full size (9-10 g) $18.95, sample jar (1/4 tsp): $1.50
Alima presents beautiful soft natural colors with a good selection in a easy to browse format, grouping by color. This professional, well-organized, minimal and cleanly presented storefront made products easy to find and a pleasant experience. A jar return rewards program encourages customers to return used jars (in recyclable packing and shipping materials).
Monave, Baltimore, MD
Foundation: full size (9-10 g) $25.00, sample pot: $2.50
I was drawn to Monave because they cater to minority skin tones (African-American, Latin, Asian and Middle-Eastern). Other bonuses included shorter shipping distance as the closest to me geographically and socially and environmentally responsible. With a retail store space in Baltimore, Monave buys local, supports the community and has a personal face. They also sell the base ingredients for making your own cosmetics.
I selected to try Alima based on their price and color selection. There are two other companies worth mentioning for their selection, flexibility and no frills approach (resulting in lower costs). If I knew what I was doing, I might have ordered from one of them.
AromaLeigh, Hilton Head, SC
Foundation: Full size $15.75, Sample bag $2.20, free shipping for samples
As a novice makeup wearer, I found their selection too overwhelming, however AromaLeigh has a very loyal following and a virtual community through their online forum.
M*A*D Minerals, location unknown
Foundation: Ranges from 5g-30g $5.00-$14.00; Sample bag or jar: $2.00 or $2.25
Flat rate on shipping and special shipping rate for bag samples only.
MAD Minerals offers a great selection of color with fantastic flexibility regarding quantities. They are great for daily make-up wearers looking for a bargain.
(Prices posted as of April 4, 2008)
