Mineralogie Magic at Nue Blue Eriu

I've blogged before about my scepticism regarding minerals. I'm inclined to think of them as a bit 'emperor's new clothes' - trumpeted for the sake of it, as opposed to because they're really blimmin' good at what they should be good at. Lauded for flawless coverage that's lightweight, good for skin and natural, minerals often just seem to me to be messy, hard to use and awkward. Plus, completely unsuitable for my dry skin.

So when I was asked to attend the launch of a new mineral brand to Ireland, Mineralogie, I went along with no particular expectations. I admired the pretty colours and peacock-inspired packaging, but when it was my turn to hop up into the seat for a bit of a makeover, I resigned myself to hating the result. My cleansed skin was prepped with some serum, which was allowed to sink in for a few minutes, and then the foundation powder was buffed on. Almost holding my breath, expecting my skin to immediately feel stressed and dry, I sat there waiting. And waiting. It didn't happen. Skin felt comfortable and the coverage was light and very natural - great for daytime. I began to have a good feeling about this. A very pretty pink was buffed onto cheeks, eyes were smokey-d up with mineral shadow, one of which was a lilac that was fantastically good next to my brown/green eyes, and lips were glossed with an iridescent mineral lip slick.

All-in-all, it was a hugely positive experience, and in a move I approve of, Mineralogie have dispensed with the sometimes tiresome swirl and tap method in favour of loaded brushes, like Susan Posnick products, or Lancome's Star Bronzer. It makes the product genuinely easy to use as well as being portable, so a large thumbs up for that. Other standout benefits? A great colour choice is available across foundation, blush, shadow and lip products, and there is also a custom blending service available - which I'm pretty sure is a first for a mineral brand that's available here.

Mineralogie products are available now from Nue Blue Eriu stores, so if you've been dithering about checking them out, I'd recommend the brand as one that's definitely worth trying.