This morning as I put on my make up, having run out of my normal bareMinerals I grabbed the Avon foundation from the depths of my make up bag. On the tube I randomly thought, ooh I should review this when I get to a computer, and so here we are hours later and starting a review!

**Packaging and pennies**

The Avon mineral foundation is clearly aimed at those who want to use mineral foundation without paying the extortionate prices of the top beauty brands (i.e. bareMinerals!). When I bought this from my friendly Avon representative it was actually on offer for 2 tubs for £10, at £5 each I felt as though I was walking away with a bargain, not least because I was leaving my Avon rep back up North as I moved South! I've since realised you can buy Avon products online at www.avon.uk.com where this foundation retails for £10 for 6g (though once again it is on offer as at September 2011 at £4.50)

It comes in the standard Avon cardboard box, and on opening out pops a clear jar, with a plain black screw top lid. I think that the top of the jar looks cheap and plasticky, though for £5 I am not complainoing too much! On opening the tub for the first time you simply peel away the plastic cover which is covering the holes that allow the powder to tip out, there is no way to close these holes once you have peeled back the cover and I think the holes are a little bit too big as I find that lots of powder makes a break for it when I put the lid on and just leave it to be stored in the bottom of my make up bag.

Another bugbear of mine about the holes being too big is that the mineral foundation is able to roll itself together in balls and so these shake through the holes and you need to break them down before use.


**Whats the right colour for me?**

Picking a colour from the internet/from a book.....Yep thats tough! And very much a guessing game! I would always keep in mind that they are never as they appear on screen, and if you have a helpful Avon rep she may have some samples or be able to get you a sample so you can try, unless my Avon lady was just extra helpful! There are (I think!) 10 shades ranging from Ivory right through to Spice, so theoretically there should be a colour for you out there. I personally have the "Shell" colour, which is billed as a "Light/Medium" shade. I have to say that I find that this matches through to my skin tone well enough provided I take time and care to apply and blend thoroughly. I have medium tone skin, I can be quite pale but I tan easily, and again, when tanned this foundation is a little bit too light. I won't complain though at only £5 a tub!

**Application and Utensils**

As this foundation is a mineral powder you need some form of "utensil" to apply, its not like liquid foundation you can just rub in using your finger tips. When using now I tend to use my Bare Escentuals brush that I received with my bareMinerals kit, however before that I used a kabuki brush. Either way I would recommend you invest in a large headed brush, similar to a blusher brush, they don't have to cost the earth and I have seen reviews on here for cheaper brushes which work well (and curse everytime that I didn't see them PRIOR to spending a fortune!!)

To apply the foundation I personally:
- Tip a SMALL amount into the lid of the tub
- Break up any "balls" of foundation where they minerals have decided to clump together
- SWIRL the brush around the lid
- TAP the brush by banging the handle against your wrist (be gently though to save bruising yourself!) to remove excess mineral foundation
- Apply to the face in a circular motion, for some reason I start with my chin and then do each cheek, followed by forehead and nose

I don't normally bother applying more than one layer of this foundation personally.


**Foundation on my skin**

Originally when applying I had to make sure that my face was well moisturised as I found the foundation clung to patches of dry skin, not a good look! But other than that I thought that I had no problems with this foundation until this morning, on the tube, as you get hot and sweaty (lovely!) my face began to ITCH, I can only attribute this to the foundation that I applied as most days (when I can't be bothered to wear make up) I just feel flushed and hot.


**Would I recommend?**

I wouldn't - I personally feel that it is worth the money to invest in the higher quality brands out there, it may be pricier but your skin will thank you!