Youngblood Mineral Radiance Crème Powder Foundation ($56.00) is a cream to powder foundation that smoothes on as a cream and dries to a powder finish. The company says it, combines “the great coverage and light-reflecting qualities of a liquid foundation with the shine-controlling, skin smoothing benefits of a mineral powder foundation.”

I’ve been hesitant to try a powder foundation because I was afraid you’d be able to tell I was wearing it. I also didn’t know if the powder would work for my skin type. But my fears were assuaged. Not only was Youngblood Mineral Radiance Crème Powder Foundation great on my skin, it made me look good too!

Could this Makeup Be Anti-Aging?

The palmitoyl tripeptide-5 in Youngblood’s foundation has been shown to increase collagen production.

One of the things that Youngblood Mineral Radiance Crème Powder Foundation has to its benefit is an ingredient like palmitoyl tripeptide-5. This peptide sends a synthetic signal that acts like the throbospondin I tripeptide sequences and activates TGF- β, which in turn, promotes collagen formation (Journal of Cosmetic Science).

In a study where participants were given a cream with 2.5% palmitoyl tripeptide-5, the cream benefitted users, even besting the cream it was compared to with a formulation of 10% palmitoyl pentapeptide-3.

And this particular formulation seems to have a pretty decent amount in, which means that it could help your skin look smoother and firmer overall with continued use.

[Read More: Do Peptides Really Work or Not?]

And Can’t Forget Antioxidants!

Youngblood Mineral Radiance Crème Powder Foundation contains vitamins E and C, which are synergistic and enhance the effects of one another. This is because they can “borrow” electrons from one another in order to renew themselves when they’re depleted (Cosmetic Dermatology).

In several studies, these antioxidants have been found to increase the potency of sun protection (Acta Dermato-Venereologica). And while vitamin C is better at protecting against UVA damage, vitamin E is better at protecting against UVB damage. 

Cream-to-Powder Makes Mica Safer

Putting mica in cream-to-powder form means a powder finish with little to no risk of inhalation.

The same mica that you’ve heard about as a rock and probably seen a ton of in cosmetics is in Youngblood Mineral Radiance Crème Powder Foundation. The reason companies put mica into products is because, when mixed with titanium dioxide, it can take on different colors and give products anything from a subtle sheen to a full-on glittering effect (Cosmetic Dermatology).

It also makes makeup look more “alive.” Sometimes a matte finish can give the wearer a flat look, but mica adds that extra complexity that keeps you from looking like you’re in pancake makeup.

[Read More: What Does Mica Do in Makeup?]

Unfortunately, there are some concerns about putting mica in products that can be easily inhaled like loose powders and aerosols. The particles can cause scarring on the lungs and have been found carcinogenic in mice (Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Toxicology and Epidemiology). It’s important to note that these conditions occur with exposure to large amounts of mica, and we still do not know the effects of using products with mica daily.

However, for those who steered clear of powdered mica products, but liked the look, Youngblood’s Foundation has the finish of powder, but mitigates the issues of inhalation with a cream application.

Personal Use and Opinion

I do not have the Youngblood Mineral Primer, but it is recommended that it be applied first. Instead, I applied my usual moisturizer, and then the Mineral Radiance Crème Powder Foundation. It went on smoothly, and set to a satin finish. I tried the Foundation using the sponge provided, and also with a foundation brush, which Youngblood advises can also used for application. It is easy to build the coverage, so the brush and sponge seemed to work equally well for me.

Either dip a foundation brush into the product, or use the compact’s sponge to gently press into the product. Remove any excess. Youngblood recommends that you start at the center of the face, and with light strokes, work outward.

I loved that the Mineral Radiance Crème Powder Foundation quickly evened out my skin tone, and very little was needed to achieve that. The Foundation also took away the redness around my nose. With a bit of concealer over it under my eyes and on top of any blemishes that the foundation didn’t totally cover, I was finished.

Disclosure: I was provided with a sample for my blog and Youngblood Cosmetics has allowed me to post on FutureDerm.

Bottom Line

Youngblood Mineral Radiance Crème Powder Foundation goes on easily and smoothly, leaving skin looking fresh. It has several beneficial ingredients, including vitamins C and E and palmitoyl tripeptide-5. Overall, it’s something that I would definitely use again.

Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Octyldodecanol, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Isomerized Linoleic Acid, Spent Grain Wax, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Behenic Acid, Algae Extract, Nylon-12, Silica, Polyethylene, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Allantoin, Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract, Jojoba Esters, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Caprylyl Glycol. May Contain: Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499).