Nope. To me, it increases translucency - it looks like the healthy glow of sunlight microscopically shining through a young person’s skin before it gets all thick and opaque and weather damaged. It’s designed to do that, anyway, and I think it does, and that’s what makes it so natural-looking, it doesn’t block light like liquids and waxes do. But if that’s not the look for you, then it’s not for you. Took me 20 years of trying different makeups to find the one I like, and as my skin changes with age, I’ll probably need to change it again.
I like MAC because of the range of colours… NC35 is a perfect match for my untanned skin and I want a base to absolutely match my skin, not darker, not lighter, matching. It’s hard for me to find a base with a yellow tone (most of the ones here are pink-toned) but MAC does the job. I have three different ones (Studiotech, Mineralise and Hyper Real) so that I can change the look depending on where I’m going and how ropey my skin is at the time.
Benefit does a nice primer (Dr Feelgood) and tinted moisturisier (You Rebel).
I tried about 3 different mineral ranges, but in order to get the look right I had to spend a vast amount of time blending various shades to get a colour that worked for me (I had to add lots of their “tone down dark circles” yellow powders to make it match)… way too much effort. That “matches every skin tone” doesn’t seem to apply to me.
Giorgio Armani does great foundations, but it isn’t sold anywhere here except Brown Thomas in Dublin and I don’t like buying makeup mail order because I can’t trust myself to get the right shade or formulation without trying it on.
Word. I am a yellow girl. You put me next to my redheaded husband (who is quite pink) and I look jaundiced. So that may be partly why the minerals didn’t work for me.
I have a very few fine lines around my eyes but that’s about it–I just didn’t see the minerals as giving any sort of youthful glow–I really felt like I had a mica-esque sheen on my face. As someone else posted upthread, I don’t like glitter on my face and that most definitely includes the small amount of base I use.
I do know more than a few women who agree with **WhyNot **and just love their minerals. Fortunately we have a plethora of choices when it comes to make up!
I just wanted to say: SKIN TWINS! I’m 35 untanned,42 tanned! 
I like MAC Select Moistureblend too. My shade is NW20. What is this “tanned” thing people are talking about?
Seriously, I wish I could tan.
That’s exactly the reason I gave mine to my sister. The shine amplifies the fine lines. I heard that the Ulta version of the minerals is less shiny. I’m going to try it.
Thanks! I’m about out of my Bare Escentuals, and I’ve just ordered a kit from these guys.
Skin twins, that’s cute!
I need to get some MAC foundation. I haven’t gotten around to matching my skin, but I know for sure I’m not an NC30; my mom has a sample of that and I tried it on my jawline once. BWAHAHAH it was super dark yellowy orange! I know they discontinued the 10, though, and I fear that’d be what I need. 
MAC has such a huge range though, I’m sure they will have something. Hell, some of the girls at the counter are SUPER DUPER WHITE (but they have the black hair, rocker chick look). I’m sure they’ve got something for you.
Actually, looking at their site, it just depends what you want. The Studio Fix foundation powder that I LOVE LOVE LOVE goes all the way down to. . . well, N3 which is. . . obscenely white heh. Link
I should point out MAC colours that are “C” have a yellow base, ones with “W” have a pink base. I believe it stands for cool and warm. Look at my location, NW15 is MAC’s biggest seller here. The one thing I can guarantee is that the MAC stand will have lots of my shade, as I seem to be the only person in this place who wears it!
DiosaBellissima- cool!
zweisamkeit- yep, super dark yellow is my skintone, it’s why I don’t suit most other foundations.
Oh, I know all about the MAC numbering system; I just haven’t bothered to get any foundation since when the itch strikes me, I never have the cash. 
I always wondered why they used cool = yellow and warm = pink, since it seems logically to be the other way to me, but whatever. I know what they use, so I’m ready.
[sub]I just got my fluidline eyeliner in Iris Eyes a couple of days ago; it’s a very nice bright purple with pinky pearl. Makes my eyes POP![/sub]
I’m 42 and started using Bare Minerals about 3 months ago. So far I really like it, although I’m not sure I quite have the technique all the way down yet.
I really love using the brushes on my face rather than rubbing liquid makeup on my skin every day. And the concealer brush is like a miracle! I was really surprised at how well the minerals cover up red spots and freckles.
I have noticed what someone said about the “shininess” of the makeup, but I think also that it is a good shiny…it makes my skin glow rather than shine if that makes sense.
I’m still trying to perfect my eye shadow application. The BE starter kit has a shadow called “Well-Rested” which is supposed to look good on everyone. It does have a bit of shimmer so I only use it sparingly. All those glitterly eye shadows just make my eyes look old.
Love talking about makeup!!!