One of my favorite things about summer is paring down my makeup and opting for simple products and fresh, pretty colors. If you haven't already made changes to your daily beauty routine, let these be some helpful suggestions :)

Jane Iredale AmazingBase Loose ($31) and PurePressed Compressed ($37) Mineral Powder Base
When I first learned about mineral makeup several months ago, I was curious about the benefits and skeptical that it would be unique compared to cream-to-powder or powder-based foundation. What is mineral makeup, you may be asking? It's basically crushed natural earth minerals that come in a variety of colors. They contain no talc, fillers, artificial dyes, or perfume. You can get them in a loose version that looks like loose setting powder, or pressed in a compact like a regular pressed setting powder. The major benefits of this kind of makeup are that it works well for sensitive or acne-prone skin, and it can cover just about anything on your face without looking heavy - as long as you learn how to apply it correctly.

Just about everyone I know who uses mineral makeup has practiced to get the application technique right, but once you figure it out, it's easy to apply and go. I recommend a very fluffy powder brush that is domed or rounded in shape, not flat. The loose powder usually comes in a small container with a screwtop lid and shaker holes inside, so you can shake a little into the lid and swirl the brush in the powder. One important thing to remember about minerals: a little goes a LONG way. Start small and add more if you need to, since mineral makeup is very long lasting and hard to remove once you've applied it - great for long wear, tough if you make a mistake. Once you've picked up some of the color with the brush, I've found the smoothest way to get it on your face is by swirling and lightly dabbing, so you don't end up with a large concentration in one area. This also works with the pressed version, and for some reason the pressed minerals are more forgiving if you pick up more than you intended on your brush. If the finish looks thick or cakey, you can blend it out with a sponge, and just use less next time :)

I have tried both the loose and pressed versions from Jane Iredale, and I think both are fantastic. They have a silky feel, not too much shine (can be a problem with some brands that have too much mica) and come in a nice selection of warm, cool and neutral colors. For me, depending on the day, I can wear the lightest neutral "bisque", the second lightest warm shade "warm silk" or a mixture of the two. For those of you with very fair skin, "bisque" is just about the lightest ivory I've ever seen (as well as "crema" in La Bella Donna, see below).

Jane Iredale products are supposed to only be available from the "exclusive" distributor Caleel+Hayden at 1-888-496-8007, but somehow Beautydoor.com is still carrying them. The main problem with Beautydoor.com is no color swatches, so you have to know what you want. You can also check janeiredale.com for colors.

La Bella Donna Compressed Foundation ($45)
I've had good luck with mineral makeup, so I thought I'd branch out and try this pressed version from La Bella Donna. The silkiness of the powder is very similar to Jane Iredale but it does feel a bit creamier, if you can imagine that in a powder. The lightest shade I tried in this, "crema", is very close to JI "bisque" - very pale. The main advantages of pressed minerals over loose are portability and finish; a compact is obviously easier to carry in your purse, and the finish is slightly matte and a bit more sheer, which is nice for oilier skin. My skin is a bit on the dry side and I find that the pressed still works for me as long as I moisturize well.

La Bella Donna is available online at whosthefairest.com.

Wet 'n' Wild Twisted Cream Foundation Stick ($2.99)
Foundation always seems to be the one cosmetic I am drawn to. If it's new and looks promising, I have to try it. Plus, how could I resist something as inexpensive as this? I've been surprised and impressed with Wet 'n' Wild lipstick and lip liners before, so I figured this foundation would be something special, and in a way it is. This is the lightest, sheerest stick foundation I have tried, so for someone who wants a light makeup that's just a step up from concealer, this is a nice choice. It has a silky, almost weightless feel that glides so effortlessly on the skin, you barely have to blend it; you can literally just draw it on and go. The stick is portable and you don't need a sponge to apply or blend - just your fingers.

For my own needs (some red acne scars and the occasional blemish), it doesn't have quite enough coverage. I found I kept layering it on hoping for a "flawless" finish, but this makeup is really for someone who has little to hide and just needs a light base.

Twisted comes in a small but nice selection of fairly neutral colors. I have the lightest, and I think for winter it would be fine, but in summer it's a bit pale. For someone with very light skin it might be a good match.