I have to admit that I was not expecting miracles from this cosmetic line. A reader with rosacea, who felt that it was the best line out there for her skin, suggested it to me. The benefits of mineral cosmetics according to the Jane Iredale web site are:

• Non-comedogenic, will not block pores
• Virtually no allergy risk
• Broad-spectrum UVB and UVA protection - SPF 20
• Anti-inflammatory, helps to calm and soothe irritated skin
• Very water resistant rating by an approved FDA lab
• Complete coverage for skin conditions like acne, rosacea and redness following treatments like chemical peels and laser resurfacing
• Contains no fillers
• Composed of inert minerals that cannot support bacteria
• Environmentally aware and not tested on animals

Amazing Base ($31.00)
This is the loose powder form of Jane Iredale foundation. It takes some practice to apply this product properly. It is best applied a little at a time with a powder brush. I apply it with light downward strokes. I find that the best way to cover some of the redder spots on my cheeks is to smudge a little of the product onto those areas with a sponge (I use Jane Iredale's Flocked Sponge ($5.00), which allows for easy feathering and blending, is washable, and is touted to last forever). The coverage is nothing short of remarkable. It evens my skin tone beautifully. The Jane Iredale web site has an excellent color guide to help you choose your shade wisely and suggests using a yellow-based shade if your objective is to hide redness. I chose Amber and it has been just perfect for evening out my skin tone. This product has an SPF of 20 and broad spectrum UV protection, which I am very excited about since using this base eliminates the need for applying a separate sun block. My sensitive skin has not reacted to this product at all. The finish is very natural and smooth - this base looks great.

PurePressed Base ($37.00)
I also tried this product (in Amber as well) and incredibly, I like it even better than the loose powder! I find it even easier to get full, even coverage with the pressed form. It, too, takes a little practice to apply properly, but is definitely worth it. To apply this, I use "The Handi," Jane Iredale's small squirrel brush ($34.00). As with the loose powder form, I apply lightly in short, downward strokes and smudge a little extra product on the redder parts of my face. This product yields a slightly more matte finish than the loose powder base, which I tend to like better. Using this product has even reduced my need for Prescriptives Camouflage Cream, which I never used to go without. This product has an SPF of 17 and broad spectrum UV protection as well. It comes in a handy mirrored compact so I can carry it along with me if necessary, though this base seems to last for the better part of each day without needing touched up. Incredible!
Circle\Delete Under Eye Concealer ($28.00)
Circle\Delete comes in two shades packaged together in one container to allow you to blend the colors to get just the right shade. I dab it on my under-eye circles with my fingertip and blend in. It does a great job of concealing and looks natural under the mineral bases. I chose Circle\Delete 1, which combines a medium and light yellow that are easily blended for just the right match. This concealer has a smooth, creamy texture and blends easily.

Cover Care Oil-Free Cream ($20.00)
Cover Care is a fairly heavy-duty cream concealer that is oil-free and highly water resistant. As with all the other products in this line, a little bit goes a very long way. To apply, I squeeze out a tiny amount, warm it between my fingertips and then apply in thin layers to the reddest areas on my face. This, too, blends easily and looks natural under the mineral bases. I chose Warm Silk, which is just slightly lighter than my natural skin tone, and it has worked very well for those days when I need a little extra coverage (though honestly, the powder bases alone are often all the coverage I need!) If you wish, this product can be thinned with a moisturizer for a slightly less opaque finish. I have not found that to be necessary, since even its opaque finish is very natural looking.

The bottom line on these products is that they are my rosacea dream come true. With a single product, I get natural, complete coverage. I have had no adverse reactions to any of the products, which is of utmost importance when dealing with rosacea. My morning regimen has become almost laughably simpler. I used to complain about the number of products I had to layer onto my face every day just to take care of my rosacea properly: cleanser, moisturizer, Metrocream, sunscreen, concealer, foundation, powder, then color. A single Jane Iredale base has combined the sunscreen through powder steps into one, and my face looks great. And since I'm applying fewer products, I'm having less trouble with clogged pores, my skin is less irritated, and is even looking a little less red these days! Thank you, Jane Iredale!

Jane Iredale products are available at janeiredale.com or by calling 1-800-817-5665.