Blogdorf Goodman Mailbox:
I have a make-up question.
Have you or any of the other beauty bloggers ever tried Bare Escentuals? For the past couple of months, I’ve been using pressed powder in the morning after I’ve applied moisturizer. (I hardly ever wear liquid foundation.) I think the powder is settling in my fine lines (Jennifer and I are currently obsessed with the crows feet that we think we have…but really don’t have. Haha) Supposedly, Bare Escentuals does not get in the fine lines and I think it says that it improves the skin. (Also, they say you can sleep in it.) Just interested to know if you have any info on the product--thought that I might give it a try that next time we head to Sephora if it’s a decent product.
Thanks!!
Jacquie
Readers: Does anyone have anything good or bad to say about Bare Escentuals? Any raves or disses for mineral makeup in general?
I am afraid that I have never experimented with mineral makeup.
I avoid the Bare Escentuals store because it is always jammed with customers.
Let Jacquie know your opinions in the comments!
sephora.com
posted by Annieytown @ 7:53 PM
45 Inspired Comments
45 Inspired Comments:
I don't use it, but I have a friend of mine that does and she LOVES it - literally. She says it's the best thing that she has ever tried. I have to admit it looks great on her skin, especially the loose powder/bronzer.
When I was looking for a powder, a lot of people recommended the bundle pack of Bare Escentuals from Sephora
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P116620&categoryId=C10470
When I first tried it, I absolutely adored Bare Escentuals. However, as time went on, I started to realize that to actually get everything covered I needed to use more than the recommended amount. Then I started to look cakey and dull. On top of that, my skin would get VERY itchy once I put the product on, almost unbearably so, and it would take a little while for that feeling to go away - a problem I've heard from several other people as well.
Despite my personal experience, I know that a few of my friends absolutely adore the products so I think to really get a true idea you have to test it out yourself. And since Sephora has both the bundle pack, like the previous poster mentioned, and a fabulous return policy I think there's no reason not to try it.
I really love these products. I still use a liquid concealer for belmishes, then I use the fairly light BE foundation, blush, and a dusting of mineral veil. You have to make sure you tap the brush off and just luse a light dusting of the mineral veil. I can tell when people don't do that because it leaves a "pearly" finish. If you do it correctly, you will look flawlessly airbrushed. The big thing is to invest in a good face brush (foundation)and a big kabuki brush (mineral veil). You need to wash these every 2 weeks MINIMUM if you are prone to breakouts.
I did not like the warmth bronzer powder at all.
Hope this helps. I really am amazed by these products and if you can catch a show on QVC of have a stroe in your local mall, get a demonstration of the swirl, tap, buff method before you experiment with it.
I used Bare Escentuals for about a year and at first I really loved it. At the time I was living in Texas where there was a good deal of humidity. I had to stop using it becasue I have really dry skin and when I moved out of TX and up to NY Bare Escentuals seemed to make my dry skin worse. Also, with my skin so dry the makeup just didn't go on very well anymore and didn't look as good as it did in TX. While I was using it in TX I did get several compliments on how good it looked (which was great since I have problems with acne and scaring). I think it's definitely worth a shot. Oh, and using a foundation primer like the one from Smashbox can also help the makeup go on really well.
I tried it this past summer, and I ended up returning it. Like some of the other commenters here, I found it din't work well on my dry skin. I generally looked dry and pasty, no matter how little I used. I don't think it was a matter of technique, either, as I watched the video carefully (parts of it twice) and did exactly what they said.
Like anything else, I think you just need to try before you buy. I bought my starter kit at Nordstrom, where they have a generous return policy, but you can also buy sample kits off eBay that would give you a chance to use the product for a few weeks and see if you like it--just make sure you get one that has the accompanying brushes. Just a thought...Good luck!
Does anyone know what the difference is supposed to be between the mineral powders and something like Lancome's Dual Finish Powder? Does anyone use of either of them w/ a primer?
Some MMU makes my skin itch, but Everyday Minerals doesn't. I would suggest that rather than BE for a person trying MMU for the first time, if only because the sample pack is just the cost of shipping -- so if it doesn't work out, you haven't invested much money. I find I can use their mineral concealer on a few areas that are red on my face, so I don't have to build up the regluar MMU foudnation too much, therefore doesn't settle in lines or look powdery or cakey. Definitely requires moisturizer beforehand for me, especially in the winter.
http://forums.delphiforums.com/n/nav/start.asp?webtag=mineralmania
if you go to above site you can learn alot on this topick. not all mineral powders are alike.
I just started using Bare Escentials (I bought the starter kit for $65 at Sephora) and I love it so far! My skin is always very dry in the winter and I've heard that people with dry skin don't like this product. However, I've found that when I first apply the lotion (the skin "revver-upper"), the makeup goes on beautifully. Plus, it feels light and smooth when I'm done. I really love the look of it and I'm excited to buy more of the products. Right now I just use the lotion, light foundation, warmth, and mineral veil (which makes my skin so soft!) and I definitely want to buy some of their other products!
I started using BE a little less than a year ago - it really gives a nice look and feels much more natural on the skin. Unfortunately at times it did make my skin itchy - I'm told this is due to the ingridient bismuth. I have since switched to a company found online called Everyday Minerals - they used to have a great offer where they will send samples for free with cost of shipping. I still stick with my MAC Moisturecover Concealer, but am very happy with the results. A quick spritz of MAC Fix+ blended over top can prevent the powdery look. (can you tell I like MAC?)
I love BE but moisterizer is key! My complexion looks flawless with BE. My friend uses it too and I think she looks 10 years younger when wearing it.
I used BE for about a year...it was one of the few things that didn't bother my rosacea...it did not settle into the wrinkles. But it did not last all day & was inconvenient to reapply. After about a year it all of a sudden started bothering my rosacea so I have been on the foundation hunt ever since.
Dear Jacqui
I LOVE Mineral make-up and have posted on it on my site, but Bare Escentuals is a little shimmery for me ... that said you should try Philosophy and Urban Decay both of whom do great mineral powder bases (although with strange sponge applicators, but you can screw off the top and use a brush) ... and for top ups during the day Susan Posnick Colorflo is brilliant. Just like you I don't like liquid base, the feel or the look, so mineral make-up is ideal and can be applied as finely or thickly as you want, and yes it's non pore clogging and gives a soft focus effect. Thumbs up all round for me. And as a beauty editor that's a big claim for me to make. XNadine
I absolutely adore the stuff. I won't use anything else.
bareMinerals is the BEST makeup. I absolutely love it. I've been using it for about 2 years and would never switch to anything else. It makes my skin look flawless...and it feels good. The ONLY bad thing is that once you start using it, you'll be hooked and you'll want EVERYTHING that they make! I highly recommend it!
Sorry for my bad english! I do use Bare Escentuals - I LOVE IT! It's the best I've ever tried. I have dry skin.
I couldn't use Bare Minerals because I just couldn't ever get it to look right, but my daughter has been using it for about 3 years now and wouldn't even consider using anything else. The way her skin looks with this makeup on is the envy of all her friends.
A previous poster asked about Lancome dual finish makeup...this is actually what I use. I have tried many things over the years trying to find something else I liked as well because it's kind of expensive. But I keep going back to it. I use it dry so you can apply it quite lightly or heavier in spots that you need. My skin is very oily and this contains the oil better than any other foundation I've tried!
I couldn't use Bare Minerals because I just couldn't ever get it to look right, but my daughter has been using it for about 3 years now and wouldn't even consider using anything else. The way her skin looks with this makeup on is the envy of all her friends.
A previous poster asked about Lancome dual finish makeup...this is actually what I use. I have tried many things over the years trying to find something else I liked as well because it's kind of expensive. But I keep going back to it. I use it dry so you can apply it quite lightly or heavier in spots that you need. My skin is very oily and this contains the oil better than any other foundation I've tried!
I love it! Many of my friends use it, and I finally broke down and bought some. One nice suprise is the lotion. I haven't heard much about it, but it actually shrinks my pores. I bought the starter kit, and that worked out great. It has more than I would have gotten to begin with, but for the price it is much cheaper, and I have ended up using it all.
I have been recommending this makeup to everyone!
Tried it and absolutely hated it! Made every pore on my face visible, it itched like crazy, and caked by noon. Plus, I used the lightest kit and STILL turned ORANGE on me. I was not a happy camper- but thank goodness Sephora is so generous with their returns :) I've read that it's a certain mineral that can cause itching, and better mineral makeup can be found elsewhere-- but I think I'll just stick to a good primer, a great foundation and great pressed powder. I think it's just a hit-or-miss depending on your skin. Some love it- some (like...me) hate it. Good luck!
Thank you all for your comments and great suggestions! Looks like I have some research (and shopping) to do. THANK YOU!!
BE is generally my "summer makeup" because I live in ultra-humid NYC, and it's the only makeup that doesn't make me feel dirtier than I already do in the summer. I love their eyeshadow powders to double as both shadow and liquid liners. I also really like their translucent powder. But it takes time to put on in the AM, so it's usually my weekend summer makeup.
I recommend going to an actual boutique if you have one near you - they have a much better color selection than Sephora. You might also want to try Jane Iredale mineral makeup - it's liquid, but minerals.
Good luck!
Bare minerals is too expensive for me, but I have been using Physicians Formula mineral makeup and I do recommend it. Throw away the nasty brush it comes with, though. I know that Jane (a really cheap drug store brand) has a mineral make up, and I think I will try that one.
I've tried BE three times and three times I've ended up swapping it away. It emphasized pores and lines and felt itchy and 'thick' on my face. It takes more than the company suggests to get coverage, and it has a shiny effect that is not glowy or fresh or healthy, just a weird sheen on me.
I like the Bare Minerals (I bought the starter kit), but the brush that comes with the kit feels quite scratchy on my face. Do you have any recommendations for another brush to use? Thanks!
I really liked the way that Bare Escentuals looked on me for a while (during the summer), but had to stop using it because I am on Tazorac, a retinol prescribed by my dermatologist. I have sensitve, bordering on dry skin, and the buffing that you need to do to make this foundation look right roughs up my skin. During the winter, it looks bad. I would avoid this if your skin is dry or peely at any time of the year.
I love bare escentuals-- especially the tinted mineral veil. I wear it alone with just a little bit of concealer and it gives me the little bit of color I need and great coverage. I am allergic to mica (found in almost every bronzer on the market-- trust me I've tried them all.) And the tinted mineral veil does not contain mica, or if it does it contains such a minimal amount it does not aggravate my skin. The warmth that comes in the kit, however, DOES contain mica. If you're using the warmth with the other products in the starter kit and your face itches, it's probably because you, too, have a mica sensitivity.
I tried it for several months at the rave recommendation of friend whose skin always looks flawless. Turns out, she just has naturally flawless skin (I recently saw her when she was sick & wearing no makeup. Wanted to kill her, I was so jealous.)
Anyway, back to the product - the mineral powder itself left my face too pearly/shiny - which is why you're supposed to dust on the mineral veil. This is pretty much plain old cornstarch, and goes on very dull-looking. Now I sound like Goldilocks - one's too pearly, one's too dull...I couldn't achieve a matte finish that was 'just right'.
In addition, my skin often felt itchy when I wore BE, and it certainly was no less prone to breakouts than ever.
I'm also a bit put off by the proliferation of other products in the Bare Escentuals line - items such as mascara, which have nothing to do with the minerals concept. I tried the mascara, and it was gummy, gloppy awful!
personally, i love it. it gives a natural light-to-medium coverage without the heavy feel of other foundations. i've been using the foundation for months and am thinking of adding the mineral veil because it does add that "airbrushed" look. personally, i love the "warmth" - i use a light dusting on my cheeks and eyes. their blushes and eyeshadows are nothing to write home about, though. :)
I tried BE and it was really itchy for me too. I believe it's the bismuth - many people are allergic/sensitive to it. There are other lines that do not contain bismuth, such as Alima (alimacosmetics.com....i think). I use Alima now and it looks really natural - they have a huge selection of colors, including yellower and olive tones, and you can mix them up. A trick I use is to pat my face with a damp paper towel to "blend" the powder after I apply it. I just pat gently, not rub.
i love mineral makeup. however the only bare essentials that i've used is their eyeshadows. they layer great and they feel like im wearing nothing. I use Urban Decay Sureal Skin powder, and La Roche Posay Anthelios sunscreen. It gives me all the moisture and coverage i need.
Hi there. I've been using minerals for about 6 yrs. I still use other forms of foundation though. I like my variety. Anyhow, I don't like BE for my foundation. There are other lines that have better colors and are milled much finer. You'll notice that with the BE e/s, some colors are milled pretty crudely in comparison to others. The Glimpses are good though. Love, love those.
The BE product that I would never, ever be without is the Mineral Veil. My skin is combo/oily and I like to use the Veil under my minerals. Sometimes I put it on top of whatever foundation I happen to be wearing. It doesn't leave a texture on my face. I don't care for BE blush either. It's not bad, but there's better. Now, the Bare Radiance is milled nicely and I use a color that isn't too sparkly. I won't vouch for allll the colors; I really haven't checked them all out. I've been using mineral blush almost exclusively for years now cause I don't ever have to be concerned with skin issues and I like the control I have with application. If you buy blush, don't go crazy. It takes years and years to go through a jar.
Application is everything for the foundation and blush. I use one of those Lancome skunk brushers for the blush. Seems like everyone is coming out with those optical brushes. I like a big, fat powder or blush brush for the foundation. I don't care for the kabukis, tho some folks like them. As far as coverage goes, I never try to get a foundation to cover everything. I just want damage control. If I get a spot, I whip out one of those tiny, pointy brushes and it works nicely. If you've got alot to cover, mineral foundation may not be for you......but you could consider it for touch ups during the day.
Brands I like? Well, I went through my period where I was sending away for samples years ago. Like I said, the stuff lasts and lasts. I really like AuCourant. The site blows though (the mineral parts)--the colors are all off. Sue is the owner and she's great to work with. I think that Jane Iredale has nice foundation and her site has lots of good info on minerals in general. LBD isn't bad. Get samples.
I like BE's shadow liners. They really stay put. Fun to work with wet or dry. I was at a BB counter the other day and they couldn't get it off with their makeup remover! I used to like BE lippies years ago, but they changed their formulation and you have to deal with the scent.
Another thing---if I have to go out in the heat and sweat, I like minerals. It's got decent SPF and it's resistant to water. You can splash your face with water and it pretty much stays put. I took the stuff to Aghanistan cause it works so well. If you actually get to the point where you're dripping with sweat, you can smooth the stuff out with "light" finger tips while your skin is still damp. Hey, a girl's gotta do what she can out there. You can also dampen your finger tips and smooth the stuff out if you get too much product on your face and want to remove some of the texture or if you're looking too matte. Some do this if the stuff has settled into lines.
Aw well. Have fun.
Sephora says BE is best for combination to oily skin. I have combination skin and really like BE, but I prefer a larger powder brush over the BE flawless face brush. I haven't tried either of the kabukis. You will probably still want a separate concealer. I turned my mom on to it, and she really likes the mineral veil too, but says you need a light touch. She has dry skin and lives in Las Vegas (dry) so it couldn't be too drying.
I have used the products, having bought them at the BE store - they put it on much heavier than I did, but at home, I was able to get a fantastic, natural finish - especially with Smashbox underneath - flawless, even with a few acne scars. BUT after just 2 months, I developed unbearable itching. It started slow, and got worse. I washed all the brushed thoroughly, and tried again after about 1 month off - and I broke out in hives! Yikes. SO if you don't develop this sensitivity to the products, it is great once you learn how to put it on and blend blend blend ...
hope this helps!
Bare Escentuals = YUCKY !!!
And the company's head, Leslie = ANNOYING !!!
: )
I tried the foundation and wasn't impressed. I have combination skin and it didn't seem to give me the glow I was looking for. However, I love the Mineral Veil as my loose powder. I wear an Estee Lauder liquid foundation in my t-zone only and sweep the Mineral Veil over to set. It works great in all seasons but it really stands up to the humidity of the midwest.
I used it for a year. Sure it got rid of redness, but it made my lines more visible and if you are out on a hot day it tends to move around -- my sunglasses would always be caked in it. I thought it looked good at first, but try putting it on or going out in sunlight -- it ain't all that pretty -- and I can actually tell you uses it these days because it looks so dull. You are rubbing powder into your face really, it isn't that great.
I don't care for the shimmer look that BE has. I much prefer everydayminerals in the matte formula.
Forgot to say the the everydayminerals powder does not contain the bismuth product that causes itching in some people. You can get the powder in original (high shimmer), satin matte, or matte formulas and can also get samples to see which color works best
I used BE for a while but it made my skin itch. Also, I've read that it doesn't photograph well when you use the Mineral Veil. That it makes you look very pale.
I use Aromaleigh mineral foundation now. I have dry skin and BE would make my skin look flaky, even with a primer. Aromaleigh's Glissade foundation has silicone in it so it's better for dry skin. They have a great range of colors as well.
I'll give another shout out for Everyday Minerals. I have used about 8-10 different mineral makeups including BE and Aromaleigh and my 2 favorites are Everyday minerals and Alima. These are identical on my skin but EM is quite a bit cheaper and the CS is fantastic.
I would recommend reading the reviews on makeup alley, this is one product that gets a lot of mixed reviews. I definitely would not recommend this to anyone with sensitive or acne prone skin. I tried it last year and broke out in a rash & cystic acne, the rash disappeared in a few days however the acne took at least 6 months to clear!
Not tried BE yet but will soon. I do use another brand of mineral makeup and did experience the itchies like others have mentioned about mineral makeup. The way I remedy the problem is that I spritz my face with a toner or water, Shu's Depsea Therapy water is great for this, after applying each step of foundation. Then I pat in the water so the foundation apsorbs it. The result is itch free foundation for the rest of the day!
I did get sucked into using BE. I quite liked it at the begining because it felt light and natural and somewhat easy to apply. However, I think BE is a bit messy. It gets everywhere! Especially if you want to get 'that' nice coverage. I switched to Studio Fix by Mac cosmetics becuase you don't need to use a lot of foundation to get a flawlwss coverage and it's not as messy as BE.
I LOVE it. I think it has improved my skin. It takes some getting used to, but the results are worth it. I have really never looked better, and my skin feels great too!
Post a Comment
<< Home