Bare Minerals

pugsandwine · March 2012

Yay? Nay? What's your experience been like?

I just got a Starter Kit on Friday and am on the fence. I'm used to wearing a fairly heavy foundation (Estee Lauder Double Wear liquid with a finishing powder brushed over it) and this system is SO different.

I don't necessarily feel like I can do it 'on the go' so much as I could my foundation because there are like a MILLION different steps.... I find I like how it looks when I'm done - but I'm not quite sure I have as much coverage as either I'm used to or I want...?

I have the palest, most irritable, sensitive skin there is. Haha. I always am given the lightest shade possible of whatever foundation product I'm using, but my skin has a lot of red spots from irritations (seriously - I can't use MAC because it's too harsh on my skin. 0_0), so I need decent coverage...

ANYWAY - I'm excited at the thought of a light, powder based, foundation. I'm really interested on you guys' thoughts on the BM line - as it's so new to me and it's a bit too early for me to make a proper assessment. I'm still learning how to use it!

FormerCityGirl · March 2012

A big nay for me! I tried it a month ago and even with using an acne wash every night, I still had horrible breakouts. My skin has finally cleared up and has never looked worse than when i used bare Minerals. I got rid of the kit and switched to Tarte Amazonian Clay. I still have to clean it out of my brushes since I don't want it near me ever again.

pooh8402 · March 2012

I actually find BM to be easier to apply than liquid foundation, since you don't have to blend quite so much. I don't use all of the steps that the starter kit gives you (I started off with that, too). I used a creamy concealer first, then the powder foundation with my kabuki, then the bisque under my eyes for a little extra. I rarely use the mineral veil. you are correct that it is not as easy on the go, the powder gets everywhere. very messy.

I do find it to be a bit drying, and thus only use BM in the summers. most of the year, I use a liquid foundation or TM.

I think you're just not used to the level of coverage. it's not as heavy as what you were using before, but that's a good thing! I think most younger women use too much foundation (myself included) and cover up their pretty young skin. I used to use a heavier foundation and have only recently (in the past year and a half) switched to using a TM most days.

edit: to add to what the PP said, a lot of people have reactions to the bismuth ingredient in BM. if you have sensitive skin, this may not be the mineral foundation for you. I didn't have a reaction to this product, so I like it, but many people do. just something to be aware of.

pugsandwine · March 2012

FormerCityGirl:
A big nay for me! I tried it a month ago and even with using an acne wash every night, I still had horrible breakouts. My skin has finally cleared up and has never looked worse than when i used bare Minerals. I got rid of the kit and switched to Tarte Amazonian Clay. I still have to clean it out of my brushes since I don't want it near me ever again.

Interesting.... I've recently discovered the Tarte Clay eyeshadows/liners, and I'm enjoying those... Do you think the foundation is heavy or greasy? Not having seen it or tried it, but knowing their shadows, I'm curious on that...

pugsandwine · March 2012

pooh8402:
I actually find BM to be easier to apply than liquid foundation, since you don't have to blend quite so much. I don't use all of the steps that the starter kit gives you (I started off with that, too). I used a creamy concealer first, then the powder foundation with my kabuki, then the bisque under my eyes for a little extra. I rarely use the mineral veil. you are correct that it is not as easy on the go, the powder gets everywhere. very messy.
I do find it to be a bit drying, and thus only use BM in the summers. most of the year, I use a liquid foundation or TM.
I think you're just not used to the level of coverage. it's not as heavy as what you were using before, but that's a good thing! I think most younger women use too much foundation (myself included) and cover up their pretty young skin. I used to use a heavier foundation and have only recently (in the past year and a half) switched to using a TM most days.
edit: to add to what the PP said, a lot of people have reactions to the bismuth ingredient in BM. if you have sensitive skin, this may not be the mineral foundation for you. I didn't have a reaction to this product, so I like it, but many people do. just something to be aware of.

I can already see that happening to me after three days of use. I've upped my Moisturizer level quite a bit...

I've never found a TM that works for me (the whole pale thing/red splotches). Which do you use?

I can definitely see myself moving away from the Primer part and using a moisturizer and liquid concealer before the base powder... I think that might give me more of what I'm wanting.

I agree on the too heavy thing! I am so used to being caked and my skin never gets to breathe. I'm trying to embrace my pasty self and fix that! Wink

pooh8402 · March 2012

I use Neutrogena TM. this stuff:

FormerCityGirl · March 2012

Bridal-Smash:

FormerCityGirl:
A big nay for me! I tried it a month ago and even with using an acne wash every night, I still had horrible breakouts. My skin has finally cleared up and has never looked worse than when i used bare Minerals. I got rid of the kit and switched to Tarte Amazonian Clay. I still have to clean it out of my brushes since I don't want it near me ever again.

Interesting.... I've recently discovered the Tarte Clay eyeshadows/liners, and I'm enjoying those... Do you think the foundation is heavy or greasy? Not having seen it or tried it, but knowing their shadows, I'm curious on that...

I got the bronzer/blush combo from Ulta for $15 to try and love both products. I don't usually do foundation since nothing seems to stay all day or it breaks me out. So far these products are working great and the blush never wears off. The bronzer gave me a great glow and looks really natural. I may try the foundation this winter when I get paler, but the bronzer is working great for spring and summer since I just went to light blonde hair and do a spray tan.

CarrotsMakeMeFat · March 2012

I love the matte foundation, not the original. I also use the mineral veil in the compact...it is a great product! I switched back a few months ago and my acne has lessened and so has my skin without makeup on.

I also love the well rested powder for my dark circles, I use the Maybelline age rewind illuminator and set it with the powder. The ready wear eyeshadows are great too, very pigmented.

ETA...the bismuth ingredient is not in the matte vesion, so try it if you have issues with the original. I have not tried Tarte foundations, but I am in love with the smoulder eyes liners and amazon clay blushes

pugsandwine · March 2012

CarrotsMakeMeFat:
I love the matte foundation, not the original. I also use the mineral veil in the compact...it is a great product! I switched back a few months ago and my acne has lessened and so has my skin without makeup on.
I also love the well rested powder for my dark circles, I use the Maybelline age rewind illuminator and set it with the powder. The ready wear eyeshadows are great too, very pigmented.
ETA...the bismuth ingredient is not in the matte vesion, so try it if you have issues with the original. I have not tried Tarte foundations, but I am in love with the smoulder eyes liners and amazon clay blushes

Okay - what is the diff between the Matte and the Original? The woman tried to sell me Matte and then another Saleswoman butted in and said 'Oh no no - she needs original.'

So I got the original, but I've been curious, since.

Guh. All this makeup talk has me craving another trip to Ulta - even though I was just there and dropped too much $$ on Friday. I am developing a new addiction!

Vanessa Doofenshmirtz · March 2012

I tried it and returned 5 years ago. Felt too heavy and dry, I was too aware of feeling something. Shortly after I found the mineral liquid foundation I still use. The aesthetician (sp?) who initially sold it to me said its so gentle that her most sensitive clients tolerate it well, even straight after a peel. Good for Rosacea and other red spots. Excuviance Skin Caring foundation. I am in search of a powder to set it though. It does slip away towards end of day. It's not heavy coverage, but is buildable.

Dovey1122 · March 2012

I use the Matte. I like it a lot better than original. I have T-zone oily skin. I find that wearing the matte it wears better. I felt the original would just fall off my skin. I also use the compact tinted mineral veil.

I also agree with whoever said it was easier to use/blend than regular liquid foundaiton.

LandOBiscuit · March 2012

I loved it. I use the matte starter kit. It takes 2 minutes to do the 3 steps. Really. My skin looks fabulous. I also noticed I don't need to use any dark circle concealer because it does the job too.

smilejenn · March 2012

I've been using Bare Escentuals for over 10 years and I love it. I've tried other foundations over the years when something comes out with a lot of hype, but I can't ever seem to get the same coverage that looks natural like I can get with BE. And after using BE, I've noticed that most other liquid and powder foundations will cause breakouts with my skin.

There could be a slight learning curve with using Bare Escentuals...it's been so long since I've started that I can't remember. You may want to visit the BE Addicts forum for tips and tricks.

soontobefour · March 2012

I started using it a few years ago and loved it, then my skin started itching when I would apply it. After using a liquid for a little while, i decided to try BE again. I realized that my itching was caused by their line of make up brushes and switched to Eco tools, now I use those brushes and BE original (in fair). My skin has never looked better! I wondered about the amount of coverage too, so I did half of my face in mineral and the other half in liquid. The coverage was about the same but the mineral side looked so natural, while I could see the liquid sitting on my skin. I thought it looked gross. I think the key with BE is to get the correct shade and LESS IS MORE! Start with a very small amount and build on that. The more you blend (using less) the more coverage you will get. I also use the original mineral viel, but instead of swirling it on, I pat the brush on my skin. BTW I also recently discovered that Clinique's sheer city block SPF 40 is hands down the best primer for BE, it seems like it really holds onto the minerals! Sorry to go on and on, but I wanted to help you and I feel like this is one of the few makeup lines that really takes practice and advice. But it is worth it, hope this helps!

pugsandwine · March 2012

soontobefour:
I started using it a few years ago and loved it, then my skin started itching when I would apply it. After using a liquid for a little while, i decided to try BE again. I realized that my itching was caused by their line of make up brushes and switched to Eco tools, now I use those brushes and BE original (in fair). My skin has never looked better! I wondered about the amount of coverage too, so I did half of my face in mineral and the other half in liquid. The coverage was about the same but the mineral side looked so natural, while I could see the liquid sitting on my skin. I thought it looked gross. I think the key with BE is to get the correct shade and LESS IS MORE! Start with a very small amount and build on that. The more you blend (using less) the more coverage you will get. I also use the original mineral viel, but instead of swirling it on, I pat the brush on my skin. BTW I also recently discovered that Clinique's sheer city block SPF 40 is hands down the best primer for BE, it seems like it really holds onto the minerals! Sorry to go on and on, but I wanted to help you and I feel like this is one of the few makeup lines that really takes practice and advice. But it is worth it, hope this helps!

This is really helpful - Thanks!

ChileRellanos · March 2012

I used BM a few years ago for a few years. After about a year or so of using it, my face went crazy! It hurt so bad and had like cysts full of blood and it was terrible. Turns out I have rosacea, and the BM really caused a lot of inflammation in my skin. I did a round of steroids, and had some topical cream, and haven't used it since we figured out that was the culprit. Since then, I've had stuff irritate my face, but nothing like that. So beware if you have sensitive skin. It's not the miracle worker it claims to be.

I also was diagnosed with celiacs around the same time, and they wonder of that inflammation also increased the rosecea effect. So it may not have been all the BM, but my derm said she's seen quite a few people react badly to it.

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