Bare Escentuals

Nearly everyone has heard of this line of products that was made famous by the infomercials a few years ago. Since then, it seems like everyone is a BE addict. So does it actually do what it claims?

Since 1976, when we opened our first store in Los Gatos, California, Bare Escentuals has focused on using only the finest ingredients in our products. This commitment led to the creation of our revolutionary mineral makeup called bareMinerals®. Made with crushed minerals from the earth, 100% pure bareMinerals are free of preservatives, talc, oil, fragrance and other potential skin irritants. All ages and skin types can benefit from our feather-light 100% pure bareMinerals, but especially those concerned with skin sensitivities, allergies, scars, blemishes, rosacea, wrinkles and pigmentation.

from www.bareescentuals.com

I'm here to tell you that yes, it does! I started using the i.d. bareMinerals line a few years ago. I love it! It truly is light, and does not appear or feel heavy at all. Best of all, it gives you this natural glow and it covers great! It takes me less than 2 minutes to apply so I never have an excuse not to put it on, but why would I want to! I even used it on my honeymoon, in the hot humid Cancun weather and it worked great! Also, one of my friends who has very sensitive skin and only uses hypoallergenic products always uses and loves the foundation!

I only use the BareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation although they do market a "starter kit" that includes many different products, but I've found that the foundation alone works great! The foundation lasts me about 2 months.

A few tips when applying:
1. Make sure your face is well moisturized before applying. This will help the foundation adhere to your skin.
2. Make sure to "buff" your face very well while applying. This is the most important application step. I use a regular powder brush* and make sure to sweep the brush against my skin a few times before completing the process.
3. Apply a little bit of powder at a time. You can always add more if you need it. The beauty of this product is that you can apply more coverage to certain areas if you need it and not apply so much to the areas where you don't. You can even apply a little bit of onto of a pimple as a concealer! I usually do this with my finger, just a little bit goes a long way.
4. If you need to touch up during the day, I would not recommend re-applying. I would simply use a blotting sheet or a lighter weight powder such as Shiseido's Luminizing Color Powder (review to come later). Of if you must re-apply, make sure to use the powder very very sparingly, otherwise it looks a bit cakey.

*BareEscentuals does recommend their Kabuki brush for controlled application. It probably does a really good job with the "buffing" but I find that my regular powder brush works just fine.

You can view a step-by-step video on how to apply here:
http://www.bareminerals.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-BareMinerals-Site/default/HowTo-Show

BareEscentuals, i.d. BareMinerals as well as many of their other products can be found an specialty boutiques across the U.S. including Sephora, Ulta, Macy's and Nordstrom. You can also purchase at www.bareescentuals.com

bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation retails for $25
Full Coverage Kabuki Brush retails for $28