I've gotten several requests for a review of La Bella Donna mineral makeup ($42.50), so I recently selected a shade from my favorite New York spa, Bliss!

I reviewed the mineral foundation from Youngblood several months ago, and I'd say this is a very similar product. La Bella Donna is slightly less shiny on the skin, but otherwise it has the same natural finish, adjustable coverage, and long wearing benefits. You can apply it with a powder brush for light, allover coverage, or with the enclosed sponge for fuller, complete coverage. Personally, I like the silkier texture of La Bella Donna and I found I can use less product to achieve the same look.

Unfortunately, you always take a chance ordering makeup without seeing the colors; this shade is just not the one for me. After browsing through the spring Bliss Out catalog, I thought "Catarina" looked the best for me, but, alas, it is not :( Now that I have my summer catalog in hand, their newest color addition, "Crema," looks like a better color for my pale complexion.

review: 7/99

La Bella Donna Compressed Foundation ($45)
I've had good luck with mineral makeup, so I thought I'd branch out and try this pressed version from La Bella Donna. The silkiness of the powder is very similar to Jane Iredale but it does feel a bit creamier, if you can imagine that in a powder. The lightest shade I tried in this, "crema", is very close to JI "bisque" - very pale. The main advantages of pressed minerals over loose are portability and finish; a compact is obviously easier to carry in your purse, and the finish is slightly matte and a bit more sheer, which is nice for oilier skin. My skin is a bit on the dry side and I find that the pressed still works for me as long as I moisturize well.

review: 6/00

La Bella Donna is available online at whosthefairest.com.