3 Mineral Foundations for 3 Budgets

I don't claim this blog to be a beauty blog in the least.  In fact, I know very little about beauty.

I'm quite certain after looking at my pictures, you would not come here looking for beauty advice or product reviews.  Clearly, I don't wear much.

And as a creature of habit, when I find something I like, I tend not to stray too far from it.

However, you also know that I'm a pretty thrifty gal.  Pair that with living much closer to a Walmart than a Sephora or Ulta and you can bet the majority of my beauty bag is purchased in a drug store.

I don't know that most of you are that different so I thought I would share something I've learned over the last 3 years.  The fact that I've tried 3 different mineral foundations in 3 years is quite the accomplishment for me.  (I was the girl whose roommates painted up to go out at night in college because I didn't know how to do it myself...)

These are the 3 mineral foundations I've tried in the last 3 years.  Below you'll see what I thought about them based on price, quality, ease of use, etc.

**I will add that I only use mineral foundation because I have such sensitive skin and I am not a fan of the liquid foundations.  I feel like they make me look too pasty and pale.**

mineral foundation by coachgaines featuring a mineral make up

Bare Minerals ($27) 

When first introduced to loose powder mineral foundations, this is what I went with because it is so well known.  I loved it.  The only reason I switched was because of cost and the fact that I had to order or make a special trip to Ulta to get it.

Perks:

+ Quality product - company stands by their product
+ Goes on smooth and has lasting coverage
+ Lasts a long time (several months in my case)

Quirks:

+A tad pricey for my budget at $27
+Only available in specialty stores
+Messy; powder gets everywhere even inside makeup bag
+Purchase brush separately

American Beauty ($28)

I opted to try this mineral foundation while at Kohl's with a gift card.  Slightly more expensive than BareMinerals, but Kohl's sends out coupons all. the. time. so it's much cheaper at least 20-30% off.  I love this product.

Perks:

+ Quality product
+Available at all Kohl's
+Made in America
+Goes on smooth and has lasting coverage
+Lasts a long time (several months)
+No mess; product stays in case
+ Kohl's coupons bring the price down to $22-$19

Quirks:

+Sometimes difficult to get out of container to use (particularly toward the end)
+Takes more product for full coverage

Physician's Formula ($13.95)

This is what I am currently using because I ran out of American Beauty and wouldn't be around a Kohl's for a while.  I have used Physician's Formula products in the past and liked them so I felt confident I would like this as well.  I have not been disappointed.

Perks: 

+ Available in most drug stores/Walmart
+ Wallet friendly
+ Compact: the brush fits inside the case
+ Goes on smooth and has lasting coverage
+ Lasts a long time (several months)

Quirks:

+ Messier than I would like: the powder comes out easily into the cap
+ Not a fan of the brush it comes with - I use my foundation brush