Product Review: @CoverFX – Part II: Mineral FX and Natural FX

Apologies again guys!

This follow up post to my original Cover FX review is WAY overdue – I had planned to post it a few weeks ago, but a busy schedule combined with the Anita Bagwandas’ Sylist magazine article ‘event’ caused the deadline for this post to be pushed back…I’m sorry to have kept you waiting!

I will be reviewing the Mineral FX and Natural FX foundations…but before I do, I just want to give you my final verdict on the Foundation primer as I promised in the previous post.

I have to say that I was really impressed with this primer.  The gel consistency does not impact the performance of the product in any way.  I used the primer with my usual foundation (Studio Fix compact by MAC) and also with the Fashion Fair foundation stick (which I am currently testing!!) and found that the primer provides that smoothest of bases and works well with both powder and liquid foundation formulations.  My only negative is that the primer does not contain any SPF – if it did, it would have received top marks!!

Overall performance score: 9/10

Prime position for this fabulous primer!

 

Mineral FX Pure Mineral Foundation 

I was looking forward to testing the Mineral Foundation as I really did not get on the ‘mineral make up bandwagon’ that hurtled by a few years ago.. I felt that I wouldn’t get the coverage I desired.

The mineral foundation may be a choice for you if you are looking for a ‘natural’ product (although I really do not like the term ‘natural cosmetics’, as a scientist – yes I have a Genetics degree – I know that it is impossible to create a safe, efficacious product without the use of chemicals…and in my opinion, chemicals get a bad wrap…water is a ‘chemical‘ after all….).

It claims it is:

• Natural cosmeceutical, chemical-free, radiant mineral foundation (ummm… chemical-free??)
• Eco-friendly: 100% biodegradable corn resin jar (see below).

Colour Match, Coverage and Wear

Unlike the other items in the Cover FX range, the mineral foundation is only available in two shades for brown skin, B15 and B25.  I tested the B25 shade.

I applied it with my own sponge –  I was somewhat disappointed that a sponge or brush was not provided with the product…I don’t know if it was due to the shape of the jar, but I was expecting to find some sort of tool for application inside.

The shade was  too light – which was a shame as it did wear very well.  The powder is finely milled and this caused it to blend effortlessly.  The powder can be built up to provide a medium coverage, which I found to be adequate.  The powder didn’t cake throughout the day and  I would happily use this foundation in conjunction with a concealer for a day when lighter coverage is suffice…however, I personally did not like the white packaging of the jar, because as with all loose powders, using the product can be quite messy and the dark brown powder stained the jar, making it look quite unsightly – this is just a pet peeve of mine – I hate messy looking packaging!! :- (

Mineral FX - Shade B25

Colour Match and Coverage Score: 7/10

Natural FX Water Based Foundation

The final product that I tested – along with the assistance of my lovely sister – is the Natural FX Water Based Foundation.

This product is virtually odourless – so it would be perfect for the most sensitive of skins.

It is described as a 2-in-1 concealer  and foundation and it boasts a SPF of  15 (hurrah!).  The shade that was provided by the Cover FX team was B15 – which is a warm caramel/fudge type shade….perfect for my sister, who was only to happy to test it for me!

Colour Match

Although the shade is a touch on the dark side for the tester upon initial application, it does blend well to give an even, natural looking finish.  Overall, I feel that the brand’s formulations are expertly produced and do not suffer from the offending overly red/orangey undertones that is the scourge of many a foundation for darker skin tones!

Colour Match score: 8/10

The formulation provided a moderate coverage that was able to disguise  scars/blemishes and it gave a dewy finish – although if you do have an oilier skin type, you may need to use a powder to keep the shine at bay… but for my sister, that was the only minus.

Coverage and Wear Score: 8/10

Marketing Support

Unlike the brands I have reviewed in the past – brands with budgets to produce slick and glossy campaigns, Cover FX is still a small player on the market with a much more limited pot of marketing dollars!

They have made the best of the digital space with active Youtube, Facebook and Twitter accounts and although there are no celebrity faces or supermodel muses to promote the brand, the basic marketing materials such as this leaflet which I picked up in store clearly communicates the brand’s offering.

Marketing support score: 7/10

2 comments for “Product Review: @CoverFX – Part II: Mineral FX and Natural FX

  1. May 12, 2012 at 5:44 am

    hey lovely, whats you take on the primer for oily skin?

    • beautypulseLONDON
      May 12, 2012 at 5:57 am

      I have combination skin and I found this primer to work really well. the gel formula is really light! I like it!

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