Mineral make-up has been taking the world by storm and it looks like girls here in Cork are getting in on the mineral buzz.

Unlike most foundations, mineral foundation powder is made entirely with minerals and comes in a loose powder form.

Most of the new mineral make-ups on the market do not contain any preservatives, talc, fragrance or chemicals which can cause allergic reactions or clog pores.

It must be said that mineral make-up is not for everyone as it can take some to get used to applying it and some people find that they just do not get the coverage they need from a powder, but, with a little bit of practice most people find that mineral make-up is a great alternative to heavy foundations and compacts and actually helps to prevent flare ups, beak-outs and irritations.

With a host of cosmetic companies now offering mineral make-up, you're hardest decision will be which one is best for you so here's some of the newest and nicest products to hit the shelves.

IsaDora Mineral Make-Up

IsaDora's mineral make-up is made entirely with minerals including amethyst, tourmaline, citrine and aquamarine which energise the skin cells and boost micro-circulation.

Their range includes a Foundation Powder (€19.95), Mineral Blush Powder (€18.95), Eye Shadow Powder (€10.95) and Compact Powder (€19.95).

One of the best things about Isadora's range is that it is exceptionally light whilst still managing to give great coverage and is ideally suited to anyone looking to try mineral make-up for the first time.

The Body Shop's Nature's Minerals™ Foundation SPF 25

The Body Shop has just launched its own Nature's Minerals Foundation SPF 25 (€25.65). Like IsaDora's range it only contains minerals and is oil free, preservative free and fragrance free. The product is rich in ingredients like Mediterranean clay and kaolin, which together help to ensure that the product stays in place. It also contains mica which helps to hide all those fine lines we'd rather forget about.

Easy to blend and build, it also expertly reduces the appearance of redness, imperfections and blemishes and visible pores.

Their range also includes Nature's Minerals™ Eye Colour (€15.40).