Mineral Make up is the current buzz in the cosmetic world even though the forerunners in mineral makeup, Bare Escentuals, have been established since 1976.
Mineral makeup doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals and is completely natural, unlike most of the traditional types of foundation, which might contain; oil, talc, fragrance and preservatives that can cause irritation to the skin. Mineral foundation is usually a powder which has been pigmented and made with titanium and zinc oxide. These oxides provide natural sun protection, whilst zinc has anti inflammatory properties which, means mineral makeup is suitable for sensitive and acne prone skin.
Bare Escentuals has been around since 1976 and they have perfected their range of mineral makeup after years of research. The foundation is called Bareminerals and is available in a wonderful collection of shades. There is also a vast selection of eye colours and face enhancers. The foundations in particular are the starting point for mineral makeup and Bare Escentuals say the “foundation feels like a cream and blends flawlessly, giving you the look and feel of bare skin“.
Does it really work?
Yes I can honestly say it does but it takes some but not not a lot of practice. I have tried many foundations of different types and textures and I can say hand on heart that this is my preference. It doesn’t feel heavy, it looks natural and you don’t feel like an extra from the The Mask.
The only draw back is the loose powder can be messy and awkward to reapply throughout the day. However, I would say the coverage is very good and really I have never needed to reapply.
Going back to my point about practicing. You do need to get used to applying the powder. It is better to start with a very small amount on the brush and then build on top of that. This is because if you apply too much it can look ageing. The powder sits on the face and it shouldn’t.
The trick is to take a small amount in the lid. Swirl the brush in the lid and tap the excess off. Then apply to the face with circular buffing motion. The more you buff the powder into the skin the better the coverage. Then keep building until you have the desired finish. It is as simple as that.
The Bare Escentuals Get Started Kit shown here contains a CD to help learn how to apply for flawless effect. The kit also contains two shades of bareMinerals, 1 Medium & 1 Medium Beige SPF15 2g each, BareVitamins Skin Rev-er Upper 68ml, Mineral Veil 2g, Warmth All Over Face Colour 2g, flawless application brush, full coverage Kabuki brush, maximum coverage concealer brush.
This is a perfect starter kit to both mineral makeup and the Bare Escentuals range.
Available from HQhair £49 or Beauty Bay £45
