First off, let me just say that I am not a makeup kind of girl. If I ever need to slap on some colour on my fair face, it’s usually just eyeliner, a dab of blush, and — my only weakness — lipstick. No foundation, no finishing powder, natch. I don’t like the cake-y look, nor do I like looking like a Geisha-apprentice as I used to in my earlier youth, when I failed to find the right foundation.

But a little fairy dropped a pot of Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Mineral Makeup Foundation SPF20 into my hands some time ago and I’ve been using it religiously, causing my colleagues to ask when I became so vain. Am not!

Well, there are a few good reasons why I am so pleased with this product.

1. It’s hygienic. I am one of those who regularly throw out makeup products (sometimes only half-used :\) because I think they are too dirty. And why would I put dirty stuff on my face, right? Not to worry with this because, the ingenious people behind EA included a metal place above press powder! Which means I can get just a teeny weeny bit of powder if I gently run my brush over the surface, or, I could twist the compact slightly and the plate scrapes up more powder for me!  This means that the powder I get is always fresh and uncontaminated! Amazing.
2. It saves me money! Cause I only need to grind out whatever I need, which is usually very little, so I can use this for a very long time! My wallet says thanks!
3. It’s light. I barely feel like I’m wearing anything. Really. It’s like wearing seamless, well-fitting underwear. It totally blends into my skin but makes it look even better. I take it as a compliment when my aforementioned colleagues go, “I thought you were putting on foundation? How come I can’t see anything on you?” I love it.
4. It lasts. Awesome. Cause I find touch-ups in public toilets really a waste of my time since I’m always late/rushing/running.
5. Minerals. I love mineral makeup cause it’s less gunk-y, and more natural/organic and I’m such a sucker for those. Also contains vitamins A, C and E, to protect against the evils in our environment, like you know, the incessant construction in Orchard Road.
6. SPF20. Because sometimes I am so lazy to apply sunscreen.
7. The Kabuki brush. It is so easy to use, and so soft on the skin. It also comes in a mini foldable version to — ta-dah! — fit in your compact, so you can bring it out with you! Talk about convenience. The compact doesn’t come with the brush (it comes with a powder puff), but this is definitely a worthwhile investment at $41. And here’s a tip for you: Wash the brush with warm water as you usually would every week (if you suffer from slight OCD like me), and then wash it again with your normal hair conditioner! Keeps the bristles soft and just-like-new

Worth a shot, especially if you’re really into mineral foundation. Comes in 8 shades, at $56 each, at all Elizabeth Arden counters.