Love it: Antipodes' brand new mineral foundation

I fell in love with the Antipodes skincare brand from the moment I met founder and creator Elizabeth Barbalich back in 2006, when the Wellington-based brand was still in its infancy. With a background in pure science, she's a firm believer in the importance of scientifically validating her organic beauty products so that they don’t just feel delicious and are kind on your system and the planet - they actually work. Like, really work!

But on to the latest big news for the brand, which is the release of their very own foundation, which has been scientifically shown to improve skin health. Called Antipodes Performance Plus Mineral Foundation, it is dermatologically approved for normal and sensitive skin and completely fragrance free, whilst giving the healthy, flawless appearance of a soft and dewy second skin. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and can vouch for the fact that - unlike many mineral foundations - it is seriously hydrating, mainly due to the fact that it features Antipodes’ revolutionary Vinanza Performance Plus as a key ingredient. An antioxidant-packed extract from sauvignon blanc grape seeds and the skin of the superfruit kiwifruit, Vinanza helps powerfully protect and build resistance to damage caused by environmental aggressors and pollutants, whilst extract of mamaku black fern helps foster cell renewal, making for an everyday essential item for plump, healthy, youthful skin. This means that regular application of this pot of goodness helps reduce facial flushing, while Australian-sourced earth minerals help balance oil production, rescue blemished skin and provide the most natural of tones. Magic!

It’s available in three shades at the moment and is super easy to apply once you know how. Sprinkle a small amount of foundation into the lid of the pot, then cover your makeup brush - I like Antipodes’ matching natural hair kabuki brush - with foundation, and tap off excess before applying to your freshly moisturised skin in circular movements. For total skin perfection, simply layer more foundation on areas of concern, and you can even mix a little with rosehip oil to hydrate and cover dark circles and crepiness around the eyes.

Antipodes have also released an equally gorgeous complimentary product to covet called Antipodes Performance Plus Skin-Brightening Mineral Finishing Powder. A translucent, silky smooth powder, it maximises the length of time your make-up stays on, and minimises unwelcome shine and open pores by refining your complexion with a perfect matte finish. It also contains the magical Vinanza Performance Plus, and can be reapplied as often as you need throughout the day.

I’m a huge fan of mineral makeup and have tried pretty much every brand out there over the years and this is definitely one of the best - and a great reason to buy (and love) local.