I love makeup. The people at Ulta know me personally. I could play with eyeshadows, brow correctors, eyeliner brushes, lip glosses, and bronzers all day long. Not to mention, I have tried every thickening / lengthening / separating / waterproof / black / very black / blackish brown mascara out there (although my current fave is Voluminous, but that's another blog entry). However, despite my love for all things cosmetic, there are three types of makeup I've always had problems with: foundation, concealer, and powder.
Until I met bareMinerals.
Here are a few complaints I've heard from the makeup-shy/foundationally challenged:
-Complaint: I have sensitive skin. It needs to breathe.
-My response: Well, I wasn't aware that skin had a respiratory system, but that's not a problem with this makeup. Your skin will get plenty of fresh air- and sunshine, but not too much, since it has an SPF of 15. "But I don't like sunscreen," you may whimper. Trust me, it'll keep you from looking like an old handbag by the time you're 30. And as far as sensitive goes- this makeup is pure. No preservatives, fillers, binders, talc, oil, fragrance, or other potential skin irritants. None of the stuff that makes your skin break into hives. Just pure minerals and goodness.
-Complaint: I don't think it will cover well.
-My response: Have you tried it? Can you say flawless complexion? Just try it. You'll never go back to regular makeup. It's not a powder, even though it looks like one. It has a creamy texture that buffs right onto the skin. You can apply as little or as much as you want/need. You'll love it.
-Complaint: I don't want to look too made up.
-My response: Um, that's why it's called BAREMinerals. It looks like your skin- but way better. It will cover anything and everything. And you'll never get that cakey look like you might with liquid foundations and powders.
My advice: Buy the starter kit. It comes with:
-2 shades of bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation. Works as foundation AND concealer. Once you find your perfect shade, you can buy the bigger size at Ulta.
-Mineral Veil finishing powder. Once you buff on the foundation, use this as a finisher to lock everything into place and do away with any shine. It's so light it's practically see-thru, totally unlike pressed powder, which can look chalky.
-Warmth All-Over Face Color. Kind of a brownish-red color. Don't let it scare you. It's awesome, and looks good on everyone. (Believe me, I've put it on at least 10 very different looking people, and it looked great on everyone.) Use it to highlight cheekbones and add "warmth," literally, to your complexion. I use mine like bronzer, even though the lady at Ulta told me not to. :)
-Glee All-Over Face Color. This is more pinkish than the warmth. I use it as blush, and apply just to the apples of my cheeks. Unlike regular blushes, which can be hard to match and harder to blend, this color also looks good on everyone, and is very easy to blend.
-Flawless Application Face Brush. You can use this to apply foundation, mineral veil, or face colors.
-Handy Buki Brush. Use this to apply foundation to the areas where you would like more coverage.
-Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush. Use this with your foundation to cover any and all imperfections. This brush is my favorite. It's like a magic wand.
As time progresses, you might want to try some of their other products, but these 7 are my old faithfuls. Try bareMinerals, I promise you'll love it- and if you don't, it has a 60 day money-back guarantee.
Verdict?: Fresh...faced. :)
Damage?: $60 for the starter kit (which, if you add up the individual cost of everything, is a bargain). However, the makeup containers in the kit are smaller than regular size, so you will have to replace them sooner- but you will still have your brushes, so it's worth it to buy the kit. Purchased separately: regular-sized foundations: $25, mineral veil: $19, all-over face colors: $20. Keep in mind that each regular-sized container will probably last you a good couple-few months, depending on how much you use. I have to buy a new foundation every 2-3 months, but my mineral veil lasts about 6, and my face colors last for a year or so.
