PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation Refill SPF 20

Minerals that cover and protect at once

PurePressed Base is a pressed mineral foundation built on mica, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide: the iron-oxide pigments give the colour and the two sunscreen minerals give both coverage and a physical SPF 20. There is no talc and no bulking filler, so the powder sits on skin rather than sinking into pores or lines, and coverage builds in sheer layers from medium to full.

The finish

Semi-matte and skin-like, with boron nitride for slip and a soft-focus blur. Pomegranate, pine bark, plankton and algae extracts ride along as antioxidants. Dermatologist tested, sensitivity tested, and the formula clinics use on skin that is reactive, post-procedure or acne-prone.

The refill

This is the pressed pan alone, 9.9g, which clicks into the jane iredale PurePressed compact bought once and kept. The compact holds a mirror and a sponge; a brush gives sheerer coverage, the sponge fuller.

The fit

The foundation for skin you are treating. It goes over your morning serum and sunscreen without undoing either, and it is what we recommend after peels, needling and laser once the skin is closed.

Sensitive, reactive and acne-prone skin that cannot tolerate conventional foundation; skin recovering from clinic treatments; anyone wanting a talc-free, cruelty-free base with real coverage; and powder-foundation loyalists who want a finish that still looks like skin.

Worth knowing

Shade matters more with minerals than with liquids. The five shades here run from light to medium: Warm Silk, Satin, Amber and Golden Glow for warm and golden undertones, Natural for pink. Send us a photo in daylight if you are unsure. SPF 20 in makeup is a second layer, not a replacement for sunscreen. Refill only; compact sold separately.

Mornings, after sunscreen has set. Press the sponge into the powder and pat onto skin for fuller coverage, or sweep with a kabuki brush for a sheer, natural finish. Build a second layer only where you need it.

Set with a hydration mist to take the powder finish to skin, and reapply over the day for extra sun cover.

Use alongside

Over Advanced Day Total Protect or Ultra Facial Defense SPF50+, which do the real sun protection. Over Liquid Peptides or C E Ferulic in the morning; neither pills under mineral powder. Remove at night with a cleansing oil such as Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil before your usual cleanser.