Bare Obsession
I just took a peek at Sephora’s website, and lo and behold, the home page is devoted entirely to mineral makeup! As you probably know—mostly because I will not shut up about it—I’ve been using mineral foundation for years, and consider myself something of an expert on the matter. Not all mineral foundations are created equal, however. Recently, I’ve been working with two facial plastic surgeons in Beverly Hills (much more on this later!), and I’ve been tapped as their skincare expert to help create an in-office and online store. If you’re getting your face hacked to bits (in the name of beauty, bien sur!), there are two fairly good assumptions one can make: 1) You’re at least a teeny bit vain; and 2) Your skin is going to need some post-procedural TLC. The leap to mineral foundation is therefore a natural one, since the best versions not only cover skin better than traditional foundation, but are also weightless and won’t irritate all those nips and tucks. When I found out we couldn’t carry Bare Minerals (unlike some other cult mineral makeups, doctors’ offices can’t carry the brand), I was gutted, to say the least. So began a search for mineral foundation that we could feature…and which I could stand behind. And…sigh…the search is still on. Over the years, I’ve tried Jane Iredale, Glo Minerals, Colorescience, L’Oreal, Hourglass, and blah…blah…blah. I don’t like any of them, for various combinations of the following reasons: the powders aren’t as finely milled; the coverage is inferior; the packaging looks like it was made from recycled diapers, etc. I’m always amazed when women corner me and ask, with a slight edge to their voice, “But, have you tried (insert mineral makeup brand here that is not Bare Minerals)??? It’s so much better!” Alas, my friends, I’ve tried them all…and the only one I can get on board with is Bare Minerals–people are obsessed with it because it works. And a couple of months ago, when Bare Escentuals approached me to appear in one of their infomercials…I agreed to extoll its virtues for free. Why? Like I said: because I’m obsessed…and because it works.
April 9th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Just another testament to bare minerals: I have been using it since I was 15 (I am weeks away from turning 22!) I almost switched to TRUE mineral makeup (TRUE is the name of another brand, incase you were worried I meant bare minerals is pretend or something) and then thought, why bother? Bare Minerals is amazing. I just bought two more containers of BE foundation the other day. Everytime I see someone debating over it at Sephora, I always tell them to go for it! This is life changing stuff.
April 9th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
I’m over 40, have rosacea & started using Bare Minerals about 2 years ago after reading your blog! I was in the mall headed to Sephora yesterday when I walked past a Bare Escentuals store. I was so excited. They opened about a month ago. I was in a hurry but I want to go back & check out all their other products.
April 10th, 2008 at 7:12 am
I love BR too, but the only think about it that really bothers me is that it is sooo messy. My bathroom sink area is always coated in it and that’s easy enough to clean because I can see it, but eventually it seems to get into everything because it is light and floats everywhere in the room. I have allergies this isn’t good for me.
The other thing I don’t like is that it is not travel friendly. If I want to take this in my purse for a touchup, when I open the container powder is everywhere. Also gets all over your clothes if you try to do a quick touchup in the car before a date and can stain light colored clothing. I love the make up, but overall, it’s a bit of a hassle.
I’ve been using tinted moisturizers and my skin looks better than ever. This is after many years of fighting breakouts, dry skin, etc.
April 10th, 2008 at 9:30 am
I agree with Laurie about the mess and the inconvenience of trying to take it with you for touch ups.
However, that being said, my skin has never looked better since I started using it. Before I switched, I swore by MAC Studio Fix foundation and didn’t think I would ever find a product that would convince me to give it up. However, a few friends used it and everytime I asked what they used to get that flawless skin, they said BE. I finally bit the bullet, bought the starter kit and now am absolutely in love! Even my blush looks better when layered on top. Now if they could just find a way to make it travel-friendly…+
April 10th, 2008 at 10:07 am
I wish BE would come up with a compact like glominerals. I’m currently using BE, but have requested samples from a couple of other mineral makeup companies as they have a wider colour selection. Time to experiment!
April 10th, 2008 at 11:20 am
I totally agree with you! I LOVE the stuff. Even if I’m running late, I wont leave the house without the stuff beautifully applied on my face!
It is a bit messy, but I’ve resorted to taping up some of the holes so that I don’t have the mineral powders everywhere. It’s done the trick to minimize the mess.
And I’ve turned many of my girlfriends to the stuff. I started getting compliments about how my skin was glowing and I had to fess up that it wasn’t me, but the minerals! So they’re all hooked as well!
April 10th, 2008 at 11:57 am
I’m surprised you haven’t blogged about their line Rare Minerals yet - suposed to help with acne/breakouts or something like that. Have you had a chance to try?
April 10th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
I have tried Rare Minerals and do like it, although I’m not obsessed. Here’s my review: http://jolienadine.com/blog/2008/03/23/bare-escentuals-rare-minerals/. I’ve been using the Blemish Treatment these past few days (which I actually blogged about just yesterday!) and it definitely makes a difference. A caveat: just because I’m not *obsessed* with Rare Minerals doesn’t mean it’s not great - I’d completely recommend the entire line. When you’re as infatuated as I am with Bare Minerals, however, love for any other product pales in comparison…even a different product for a different purpose from the same company!
April 18th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
have you tried the laura Mercier mineral makeup?
June 4th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
Hello,
I have uses mineral makeup in the past and really loved it. I would love to try Bare Minerals but I’m almost 40 now and I’m afraid it would be to drying for my skin. I already have fat lose under my eyes and have some creases. Do you think it is too drying for women my age? Do you use a moisturizer under it? If you do can you recommend one? I also have acne so I thought about trying the Rare minerals. Thank you for your help.