This is a Minimal Makeup review of the Bare Escentuals bare Minerals foundation with SPF 15.
I’ve tested many brands of foundations from Clinique to Smashbox to Lancome and back again.
About bare Minerals Foundation
No preservatives, no fillers, no binders…just all natural, quality esca makeup. That is what Bare Escentuals (or Bare Essentials) stands by.
BE cosmetics boasts of over 30 years of experience, having won a beauty award from Glamour, and recommendation from the Official Skin Cancer Foundation.
Discovering Bare Escentuals
As I mentioned before, I’ve tried many brands of foundation in both powder and liquid forms. I used to favor liquid over powder because they would go on smoother and offered more coverage (the brands that I used anyway). I was a little skeptical at first about trying BE because I loved using liquid foundation.
After reading all about BE’s foundation with SPF 15 nearly two years ago, I discovered that it was advertised as offering coverage ranging from light to heavy. The 0.3 oz. container was priced at $25, and while this is not exactly cheap, it isn’t too pricey either. As it was affordable for me, I figured ‘why not?’
Does bare Minerals Live up to all the Hype?
It’s up to you to decide that. However, in my personal unbiased opinion, YES it does.
Swirl, tap, and buff…Those are the three steps BE directs you to perform towards embellishing your face with their blend of natural minerals and ingredients.
To apply the foundation, I used a foundation brush I got from a Laura Geller kit. After putting a small amount of it in the bottom of the container’s cover, I swirled the foundation around with the brush, tapped the loose minerals off, and proceeded to buff on my face.
Smooth & Weightless Finish
I could immediately see that my face appeared to have a healthier, natural glow. The foundation succeeded at refining the appearance of pores and concealing little blemishes. I was surprised at how easy and smooth it went on, how light it felt on my skin, and how fast the application process was.
This foundation is virtually weightless, and a little amount definitely goes a long way. Small amounts provide great coverage and lasts all day for me.
Fast, Speedy Application
It takes me 1-2 min to apply the foundation. I don’t feel the need to use a pressed powder over it.
Excellent Shine Control
I also should mention that I have combination skin with some areas that are somewhat oily and some that are normal. bareMinerals foundation does a great job of oil control. In fact, I dare say that they have done the best with controlling shine from oil than any other foundation brand that I’ve used.
Great for My Skin
I have allergies and sensitive skin by nature so I am very careful about what kinds of products I use on myself. I have had absolutely no allergic reactions to this foundation, nor any other BE product for that matter. Perhaps this is a coincidence, but since I’ve started using BE cosmetics, my complexion has improved and I tend to break out less.
Easy to Wash Off
Long-lasting makeups have the tendency to cling to your skin (which is probably why they’re long lasting) and as a result, they are hard to wash off. This is not so with bare Minerals. They say you can just wash it off with just water, and I’ve found that this is not quite true. However, you don’t need a special remover to get if off either. I’d say that 95% of it comes off after showering. By the time I’m done with my nighttime facial cleanser, I can’t see or feel any trace of it.
Powder Can Get Messy
The only somewhat negative thing I have to say about this foundation is it can get a little messy as it consists of very fine, loose mineral powder. If you carry it in a cosmetic bag
Wrapping the Makeup Review Up
Well, it’s very obvious that I’m a big of Bare Escentuals because they make quality, natural cosmetics. They basically advertise their products as being healthy for your skin, and making your complexion and skin look that way. This has proven true for me personally.
I’ve been using the bare Minerals foundation SPF15 for nearly two years (in Tan, just in case you’re wondering what share I prefer using). I’m always up for something new, but it will take something spectacular to get me to switch ESCA makeup brands thus far.