Tired of heavy makeup that clogs your pores?
Jane Iredale’s PurePressed Base is my holy grail, and you should snag it too!
This in-depth review spills my experience, pros, cons, and tips for a flawless look.
With comparisons and user insights, you’ll see why this mineral foundation is a game-changer!
My Experience with Jane Iredale PurePressed Base

I’m a 38-year-old marketing manager in Boston with dry, sensitive skin that’s prone to redness.
For years, liquid foundations felt like a mask, leaving my face tight and flaky by noon.
Powders were worse—cakey and pore-clogging.
Last summer, my dermatologist suggested Jane Iredale’s PurePressed Base for its clean, mineral formula.
I bought the Golden Glow shade ($46 refill, $57 with compact) and The Handi Brush ($38) from Dermstore, hoping for a lightweight fix.
First application was a revelation.
After moisturizing, I swirled The Handi Brush in the pressed powder, tapped off excess, and buffed it on in downward strokes.
It took 60 seconds to even my skin tone, hide redness, and blur fine lines without settling into them.
The semi-matte finish looked like my skin, not a filter.
I spritzed POMMISST hydration spray ($33) to lock it in, adding a dewy glow.
By evening, my face still looked fresh, no touch-ups needed, even after a humid commute.
The SPF 20 was a bonus, though I layered sunscreen for beach days.
Now, after six months of daily use, my skin’s happier.
No breakouts, no irritation—my redness even calmed down.
On extra-dry days, I pair it with a tacky moisturizer and concealer for spots, but the buildable coverage often suffices alone.
The compact’s sleek gold case is purse-friendly, perfect for quick checks.
At 60, my mom tried my Warm Silk shade and loved it for her fine lines, proving its versatility.
A refill lasts me four months, making the price feel worth it!
About Jane Iredale
Founded in 1994 by Jane Iredale in Massachusetts, the brand pioneered mineral makeup with skin-nourishing formulas.
Now global, it’s sold in 40+ countries, endorsed by dermatologists for sensitive skin.
Cruelty-free and free of talc, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, Jane Iredale’s PurePressed Base blends micronized minerals with antioxidants like pomegranate extract.
The company champions eco-friendly packaging with refillable compacts.
Product Description
Jane Iredale’s PurePressed Base is a 4-in-1 pressed mineral powder: foundation, concealer, sunscreen (SPF 20), and skincare.
Its 9.9g refill ($46) slots into a refillable gold compact ($21), offering medium-to-full buildable coverage.
With 26 shades, it’s talc-free, vegan, and non-comedogenic, featuring titanium dioxide (14%), zinc oxide (3%), and botanical extracts.
Apply with The Handi Brush and set with hydration spray for a semi-matte, second-skin finish.
Pros of Jane Iredale PurePressed Base:

- Buildable Coverage: Light to full, it evens skin tone effortlessly. I cover redness with one layer, spots with two.
- Weightless Feel: Feels like nothing on my skin. No heavy, cakey vibes, even after 12 hours.
- Skin-Nourishing Ingredients: Antioxidants like pomegranate soothe my sensitive skin. My redness faded over time.
- Non-Comedogenic: No clogged pores or breakouts. My acne-prone friend swears by it too.
- SPF 20 Protection: Shields against UV rays. I layer sunscreen for long sun exposure.
- Long-Lasting: Stays put through sweat and humidity. My 9 AM application lasts till dinner.
- Versatile Application: Brush for light coverage, sponge for full. I switch based on my mood.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: Refillable compacts cut waste. I’ve reused mine for two refills.
- Shade Range: 26 options fit diverse tones. Golden Glow matches my medium skin perfectly.
This foundation’s a dream.
Its buildable coverage lets me go natural for errands or glam for date nights, always blending seamlessly.
The weightless texture is unreal—I forget I’m wearing makeup, unlike liquids that suffocate my skin.
Pomegranate and pine bark extracts calm my redness, making my face look healthier with each use.
As someone with sensitive skin, the non-comedogenic formula’s a godsend; no zits, even during stress.
The SPF 20 adds peace of mind, though I double up on sunny days.
It lasts all day, surviving Boston’s muggy summers without fading.
I love switching between The Handi Brush for a sheer look and the flocked sponge for more coverage.
The refillable compact’s sustainable, saving me money and guilt.
With 26 shades, my mom and I both found matches, proving its inclusivity.
Jane Iredale’s PurePressed Base is my ride-or-die for flawless, healthy skin.
Cons of Jane Iredale PurePressed Base:
- Pricey Investment: $46 refill, $57 with compact stings. I winced at the initial cost.
- Dry Skin Prep Needed: Without moisturizer, it clings to flakes. My dry patches looked rough once.
- Limited Concealer Power: Doesn’t fully hide dark scars. I still need concealer for blemishes.
- SPF Not Enough: SPF 20 isn’t sufficient for all-day sun. I layer sunscreen for safety.
- Powdery Finish Risk: Over-application looks chalky. I overdid it early on, oops.
- Shade Matching Challenge: 26 shades, but online picking is tricky. I ordered samples first.
- Brush Dependency: Needs a good brush for best results. My cheap one left streaks.
- Not Oil-Controlling: My T-zone gets shiny by noon. Oily skin types might struggle.
- Compact Durability: Gold case scratches easily. Mine’s scuffed after a purse tumble.
The PurePressed Base isn’t flawless.
At $46 for a refill, it’s a splurge—my drugstore powders cost $10.
Dry skin folks like me need heavy moisturizer; skipping it once made my cheeks look flaky.
It’s not a miracle concealer; my acne scars still peek through, forcing me to layer concealer.
The SPF 20’s nice but weak for beach days, so I slather on extra sunscreen.
Apply too much, and it turns powdery—I learned to use a light hand after a cakey mishap.
Picking a shade online was stressful; Golden Glow worked, but I tested samples first.
A quality brush like The Handi is crucial; my old brush made it streaky.
For oily skin, it’s not matte enough—my forehead shines without blotting papers.
The chic gold compact scratches fast; mine’s beat-up from my bag.
These quirks make it high-maintenance, but I’m still obsessed.
Comparison with Other Mineral Foundations
- Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Vs. BareMinerals Original
BareMinerals Original ($32, loose powder) is a classic, with a luminous finish.
My sister loves its glow, but it’s messy and irritated my dry skin.
Jane Iredale’s pressed format is travel-friendly, and its semi-matte finish suits my redness better.
BareMinerals has bismuth oxychloride, which some find pore-clogging, unlike Jane Iredale’s cleaner formula.
BareMinerals is cheaper, but I prefer Jane Iredale’s staying power.
- Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Vs. Pur Minerals 4-in-1
Pur Minerals 4-in-1 ($36, pressed) offers medium coverage with niacinamide for anti-aging.
My friend uses it for her oily skin, praising its matte finish.
Jane Iredale feels lighter and less drying on my skin, with better redness control.
Pur’s shade range is smaller, and its compact feels flimsier.
Jane Iredale’s antioxidants give it a skincare edge, though Pur’s price is tempting.
- Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Vs. Glo Skin Beauty Pressed
Glo Skin Beauty Pressed ($48) blends minerals with vitamins for a satin finish.
I tried it at a spa; it covered well but felt heavier than Jane Iredale.
Jane Iredale’s formula soothes my sensitive skin more, and its SPF 20 beats Glo’s SPF-free version.
Glo’s 20 shades are solid, but Jane Iredale’s 26 offer more inclusivity.
Jane Iredale wins for weightless comfort.
Also Read: My Experience With Laura Geller Foundation
Maintenance Tips for Jane Iredale PurePressed Base

- Moisturize Thoroughly
Apply a thick moisturizer before use.
I use CeraVe to prevent flakes on my dry skin.
- Use a Quality Brush
Invest in The Handi Brush or a dense kabuki.
My $5 brush left streaks until I upgraded.
- Apply Lightly
Swirl, tap, buff gently for sheer coverage.
I over-applied once and looked powdery.
- Set with Hydration Spray
Mist POMMISST or D2O after application.
This keeps my dry skin dewy all day.
- Clean Tools Weekly
Wash brushes with mild soap weekly.
Dirty brushes made my skin bumpy once.
- Store Properly
Keep the compact in a cool, dry place.
I left mine in a humid bathroom, and it cracked.
- Touch Up Sparingly
Use a sponge for midday touch-ups.
I blot oil first to avoid caking.
- Exfoliate Regularly
Exfoliate twice weekly to avoid texture.
Flakes showed up when I skipped this.
- Check Shade Seasonally
Reassess your shade as skin tone changes.
I switch to Warm Silk in winter.
These tips make PurePressed Base shine.
Moisturizing is non-negotiable; without CeraVe, my dry skin looks patchy.
A good brush like The Handi transforms application—cheap ones ruin the finish.
Go light with the powder; my heavy-handed first try was a chalky mess.
Hydration spray’s a lifesaver, turning the semi-matte finish dewy for my parched skin.
Clean your brushes weekly; I got tiny bumps from a grubby one.
Store the compact away from humidity—my bathroom stunt cracked a refill.
For touch-ups, I blot oil and dab with the sponge to avoid buildup.
Exfoliating keeps flakes at bay; skipping it made my forehead textured.
Check your shade with seasonal tan changes; I’m lighter in winter.
Master these, and you’ll rock this foundation like a pro.
Why Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Stands Out?
This foundation’s clean ingredients and buildable coverage make it a gem.
My sensitive skin thrives, and the semi-matte finish looks natural.
Compared to BareMinerals’ mess or Pur’s heavier feel, Jane Iredale balances lightweight comfort and staying power.
The SPF 20 and eco-friendly compact seal its status as my daily go-to.
Some Reviews Summarized
Users rave about PurePressed Base’s lightweight coverage and natural look, perfect for dry or sensitive skin.
It blends over shiny sunscreen flawlessly, lasting all day.
A good brush ensures control, though concealer’s needed for heavy blemishes.
Hydration spray enhances the finish, and the compact’s chic for on-the-go.
Also Read: My Thoughts On Jane Iredale Makeup
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, for sensitive skin, its clean, nourishing formula justifies the $46-$57 price. Long-lasting coverage and skincare benefits make it a solid investment.
No, it’s non-comedogenic, with minerals like zinc oxide that soothe rather than clog. My acne-prone friend had zero breakouts.
Absolutely, it’s buildable, lightweight, and long-wearing with SPF 20. Perfect for natural looks, though oily skin needs blotting.
Jane Iredale, BareMinerals, and Pur lead, but Jane Iredale’s clean formula and shade range make it top for sensitive skin.
Final Thoughts
Jane Iredale’s PurePressed Base transformed my sensitive skin, and you’ll love it too!
This review shared my journey, pros, cons, and tips for a flawless finish.
With clean ingredients, SPF 20, and buildable coverage, it’s a must for natural beauty.
Grab it now—your skin deserves this mineral magic!