Best Mineral Make-up? Hits & Misses, Does it work?
Ahhh, so I have finally decided to give this whole “mineral” make-up thing a try! Anything that is supposedly good for your skin, while concealing your blemishes and providing a healthy natural sheen is worth giving a shot. I will cross my fingers that the products live up to the hype.
So I scoured the web and according to Beauty Polls consumers raved primarily about Bare Escentuals (Bare Minerals), followed by a small cult following for Everyday Minerals.
Well after reading all the rave reviews for Bare Escentuals I went to my local Sephora and bought a starter kit. The tarantula eyed sales rep assured me it was the best, and that for only $60 dollars I was getting a $181 dollar value kit. 
Click on image to check out Kits at Sephora.com!
So I went home and tore into my little kit. I immediately bypassed the instructional video (Who has time for that? Plus I regard myself as a makeup Svengali - ha!) What follows is what I liked and dis-liked about the Bare Minerals makeup.
HITS
- the bare vitamins serum they include in the kit, to prep your skin pre-application was light, scentless and absorbed readily into my skin without leaving any yucky heavy coating
- Believe me, I was skeptical, however the powder did manage to mask my facial flaws (I mainly suffer from red/pink zones and the occasional crop of 1-2 big zits during certain times of the month). It was not heavy or cakey and I was complimented at work that my skin looked specially “glowy” that day!
- Attention Gym Fans! - you can wear it to the gym! Does not streak, or sweat off or have that “oh my god, why is she wearing so much makeup to the gym vibe”… but enough coverage to entice the cute gym chaps.
MISSES
- It’s messy! - I guess I was just not use to it. Being a lifetime foundation and pressed powder user. Plus I tend to wear black, alot! The first time I used bare escentuals I made the mistake of wearing my shirt first and I got tiny specs of powder all over it. First time, last time situation.
- Also, initially I felt that it dried my skin. Another humbling moment for yours truly, I should have watched the instructional video because I have come to find out that a “little” goes a long way. In my skepticism, I was using too much and it started settling in my wrinkles and drying my skin. Now I use just a sprinkle and blend with the brush so I get a nice soft result.
- The “tan” or “bronzer” powder was too dark for me, I am really fair and I felt I looked like an Oompa Lumpa. But you guys may not have that problem.
So does it work? Answer, YES!
It was slow going at first, trying to change my habits and get use to my new facial cosmetic regime. But I will say that I do get complimented on my skin tone when I use it, and I have not had any additional break-outs or skin irritations.
During my research there are some who swear that EverydayMinerals is better, that it’s more pure and does not cause any irritation or itching. Well I did not experience those symptoms with Bare Minerals but if you want to give EverydayMinerals a shot, the company sends free samples!
EverydayMinerals starter kit costs $75.00, click here or the image to go to EverydayMinerals.com!
To shop for Bare Escentuals Makeup & Cosmetics, click here.
Comments
Comment from Heather
I have used Bare Essentials for 7 years. My first experience with it was not positive. In fact, I walked into my aunt’s house and that is EXACTLY has she described me–an Oompa Loompa. About a year later, I went into Sephora and they showed me the kit, etc. I, too, am very fair complexed. My advice about the bronzer (Warmth) is use just a hint. I just use the smallest amount on my brush. That cannot be stressed enough and always tell future convert-ees that “hint.” Less is definitely more in this case.
Comment from lizbeth
I want to know if somene recomend to me, the mineral foundation of revlon, my face is mix, oily and dry, the Tzone
Comment from Mo
I’m a Bare Escentuals addict…and I have to agree about warmth…just a touch is ALL you need. It’s also versatile, and you can use it as a lip balm. I highly recommend watching the DVD…all of it. I also watch the QVC programs for BE. You can get some great deals…but more importantly some fantastic application tips. Keep open minded about it-I think you’ll become an addict soon enough:)
Comment from Vicki
A while ago I bought a sampler pack of Bare Essenctuals from eBay. After using the products, I could not find the right color combination. In addition, I did not have any special moisturizer or instructions on how to use the product other than an infomercial I once saw… less is better. I have combination skin, and within no time the T-zone was oily, which was NOT the look I wanted. I ended up giving the powder to a workmate, and it looked good on her. Guess I’ll stick to the old fashioned moisturizer, followed by a good base makeup.
Comment from Michelle (aka MK Mishi)
Of course you were going to hear from me… Mary Kay just rolled out mineral makeup. And I am using the mineral foundation and so are some of my friends. After the inital getting used to loose powder phase, LOVE it. A little goes a long way and if you are unsure of the color, go lighter.
You get the brush and the powder for $28.00!
Keep in mind that even with mineral makeup there are still of course going to be preservatives or fillers.
If they say they are ‘pure’ minerals or all natural.. and you don’t have to refridgerate the product… they are lying!
Comment from Goddiss
Hey thanks for the tip!!! I tried ordering Bare Minerals years ago and the company never got my order to me…and now Im glad that I didnt forego it..it sounds like its a pain in the BOO-TAY!
Comment from Heather
I’ve been using Bare Escentuals for 4 years now. I love it! I get full coverage without looking like I’ve put on a mask. I can work out, and my make-up stays in place. Heck, I’ve slept in it a time or two - never had a breakout because of it -and still looking good in the morning. (However, I don’t recommend that on a regular basis.) There are no preservatives in this product. It is the only foundation I’ve seen that comes with an expiration date! My current container expires on 07/08.
I have very fair skin, and I do agree with the others. A LITTLE goes a long way with the bronzer. Should you over do it; clean your brush on a tissue, go back over your face with the foundation powder toning down the warmth, and follow with the mineral veil. It takes a little practice (doesn’t everything?), but it is the fastest and easiest way to put on makeup that I have found. I am addicted to BE and will never go back to using regular makeup again.
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[…] So I finally gave mineral make-up a try, read my post on whether it works? The Hits& Misses of mineral makeup and what I and people think are the best brands… Post title: Best Mineral Make-up? Hits and Misses and Does it Work? […]
Comment from Kate
I have been using mineral make-up since Nov. I agree it can be very messy if you do not apply it the right way. You should dress after you put it on. Living in FL it is much better than liquid foundation. Down here when you sweat in the summer it won’t cake up. My brand of choice of course is Jennifer Stallone’s new Seriesse product S.I. Minerale. I have had professional make-up artists rave over it vs. other brands.
Comment from Violet
I have been using mineral foundation for years and love it but I can’t use BE. It has a lot of Bismuth Oxychloride in it which can be very irritating to some people. They also don’t have a shade light enough for a true PPP (pale porcelain princess) like me. I use Youngblood in “Pearl”, a shade made especially for the palest of the pale (especially redheads like me who have a yellow skin undertone). It may sound like a pain but with practice you can put mineral on a lot faster than liquid foundation.
Comment from Mel
I started using Bare Escentuals in 2005, and I also have the problem that the bronzer is too dark for my skin, but without it, I look like I’m made of metal. The solution that works best for me is to take a very small amount of the bronzer and mix it into the foundation color in advance (I use “Fairly Light”). I am able to exactly match my skin tone with this technique, and it saves an entire step each day when I put on my makeup. I was concerned that mixing it would cause a problem with the consistency of the foundation changing, but that has not been a problem either. I have been mixing my Bare Escentuals products this way for nearly 3 years now, and I have never been happier with a foundation! I highly recommend it.
To be on the safe side, I recommend using a 3rd container to mix into, and start by mixing only small amounts of foundation and bronzer, that way, there should be enough foundation to lighten the color if you accidentally add too much bronzer.
I hope this helps
Comment from Becky
Tried all of them, I NOW swear by Pur Minerals, just because of the fact I was sick and tired of using my vaccuum to suck up $40 worth of foundation when it fell of my vanity - it is a little costly, but for me, it is worth every penny when it looks good on me and not on my floor!
Comment from Michelle Armstrong
I am a Mary kay consultant and we have the mineral makeup now. Just one step. It is only $28 and is wonderful. You can just use a concealer under it for blemishes. It’s transfer resistant and does not wear off during the day. Try it out if you have a consultant near you.
Comment from Kari
I have tries bare escentuals in the past, and while the coverage is good, they never had my true shade, so my skin really never looked good. Oh and none of their concealers are light enough for me. After reading this article, I actually went onto the everyday minerals website and got the free samples. They arrived within a few days, and I was allowed to pick a concealer, a blush, and 3 foundations!! I am very fair and olive complected, and everyday minerals actually had my shade!! The concealer is also light enough, and it’s just awesome; I could wear it alone if I wanted. My search is over, its beautiful make-up, very modest price, and it lasts all day.
Comment from Lori
I finally took the mineral make-up plunge myself in February! I got the Bare Escentuals starter kit as well, and I had the same reaction as you. Overall, I love it! But, the powder gets EVERYWHERE. After the first week there was a nice film of skin color on my vanity!
Comment from Joy
Mishi said:Keep in mind that even with mineral makeup there are still of course going to be preservatives or fillers.
If they say they are ‘pure’ minerals or all natural.. and you don’t have to refridgerate the product… they are lying!
Sorry, but that’s patently ridiculous. One of the many plusses of MMU is its extremely long shelf life. I’ve never heard of a single person refrigerate theirs.
Comment from Carol Clifton
Interesting…All the hype about mineral make-up. I am a cosmetic junkie and have tried mineral makeup on several occasions. It is ONE BIG huge mess especially when my daughter gets hers on the carpet in her room. I think you can achieve the same “Look” with other products that are just as “GOOD” for you skin if not better than
minerals.
Comment from Cindy L
I tried Mary Kay mineral makeup , it broke me out, why? because it contained TALC come on , everyone knows this isnt good for your skin!! I threw it away. There is nothing natural and good about talc.
I use Pur mineral makeup.
Comment from Melissa
I have also tried every Mineral Makeup under the sun…I hate the mess I got from a loose powder. I now use Cosminology, it comes in a pressed powder so it is easy and convienient. I get a natural look with great coverage and best of all there is no loose powder mess! The price is great and shipping was fast.
Comment from leslie
I used to use Bare Essentuals, but didn’t like the mess and it didn’t cover my red red blemishes like it said it would. I found a wonderful pressed mineral compact made by a Dr. it’s Dr. Dima’s Cosminology. I feel good about putting it on my skin and it’s easy and mess free. Plus I can put it in my purse without it getting everywhere.
Comment from Karen Severson
Try Larenim, available online or at health food stores. Lots of products, super for sensitive skin, NO bismuth or talc. Great colors.
Comment from Leigh
I am a professional makeup artist, I have a very large range of clientel, I do weddings, photo shoots etc and I deal with some very picky and high end clientel. I used to use Bare escentuals but found that many of my clientel complained of the dry feeling or Bismuth Itch (as I call it, due to the bismuth oxychloride) and it did NOT photograph well leaving many looking very greasy. I have since switched to faerie organic Minerals and have been using them on myself and my clientel for about 2 years now with rave reviews. No Itch, No bismuth, All natural with a georgeous glow. My clientel loves it. They are a small company and I love how personable the customer service is. I also like that they have *real before and after photos unlike the big companies that edit them and use georgeous models. I would highly recommend them!
Comment from Kate
I am an actress and have struggled with acne for years. I feel that its 1. hormonal and 2. because I sweat my butt of on stage almost every night of the week. I started using JANE IREDALE two years ago and I love it. The first couple of batches I bought at my local spa, then I switched to ebay. I tried cheaping out and purchased L’oreal minerals and it doesn’t compare (dried out the skin, made me look like I was wearing a veil). I know Jane is expensive, but it not only helped to clear (yes clear my acne) it stays on for the length of a show (usually I would have to have a puff in the wings for touchups). This sounds so cheesy, but this makeup has really changed the way I present myself. I am so grateful for this product.
Comment from Robyn @ PurelyCosmetics
Here’s a couple of tips for you about mineral makeup. I am a second generation klutz; a day doesn’t go by that I’m not wearing what I’ve eaten, and I walk into walls on a regular basis. The BEST way to reduce the mess and save the grout on your bathroom counter is to buy hamburger patty paper sheets. You can buy 1,000 5″ square sheets for under $5 at a restaurant supply store like Smart And Final. I place a sheet on my counter, tap the powder onto it, and swirl my brush. It gives you a lot more room to work with instead of aiming for that 1 3/4″ circle of a lid, and you throw away the sheet after each application. It’s also more sanitary, as you’re not dumping the powder back into the jar after cross-contaminating it with your brush, which may have bacteria on it.
When looking for mineral makeup, read the ingredients. Avoid products that contain bismuth oxychloride (as previously mentioned), as many find it to be a skin irritant. You also want to avoid products that contain parabens, as these have been linked to breast cancer and premature skin aging.
If you have fine lines, an ideal ingredient is silica (not siliCONE), as it has an optical blurring effect. Oily skin does best with ingredients such as Kaolin Clay, Bentonite Clay, silica and/or silk powder. Silk powder is also perfect for combination skin, as it has the dual properties of hydrating your skin where necessary AND absorbing excess oils. It also reflects light the closest to skin, and avoids that ashy look you can get in photographs.
I hope this helps.
Comment from V. Blink
I own a small, indie mineral makeup company called Erth Minerals mineral makeup so I have quite a bit of experience with mineral makeup application. Though we very rarely have returns or complaints, when we do, 99% of the time time the problem can be resolved by having a discussion with the customer as to how to properly apply the makeup in order to look their best.
There are lots of great videos showing how to apply mineral makeup on http://www.youtube.com . Just searh for “mineral makeup application.” Hope this helps!
V. Blink
Comment from Melissa
About 1.5 years ago I tried Bare Escentuals. I loved the way it looked on my face after application, but began to notice parts of my face growing extremely red and irritated. It was especially terrible if I sweated at all. After some research, I found my skin was sensitive to bismuth, like many others, and discontinued the use of BE makeup.
Since then, I found Everyday Minerals and love it. The kits available are at such a good price and the make up doesn’t irritate my skin or cause breakouts. The makeup is a bit messy, though, but it’s nothing a handi-wipe can’t clean off my bathroom counter.
Comment from Carolyn
Try Elizabeth Arden`s Pure Finish Mineral Makeup. It comes as a solid in a compact that you twist to grind only what you need. It gives a very smoothe, soft finish. It contains no talc, only things good for your skin. It will not dry out the skin or settle in lines. It has a natural spf 20. You can use a little or build on it for more coverage. I love it! The price is $37.50.
Comment from stephanie
So, I love everyday minerals, it IS more pure (it lacks the bismuth oxychloride that gives some girls allergies and is also created through artificial means despite being claimed as “all natural”) and is way cheaper than bare minerals. The website you linked offers the SUPER (read: bigger) custom kit for just FIFTY dollars, not seventy-five, and there is a smaller one for only thirty-four dollars and it still comes with more than bare minerals does, not to mention you get to pick which products are included. That means brushes, blushes, concealers, eye shadows or foundations in any combination of six or twelve. They also have a MUCH larger selection of colors for foundations and blushes and eye shadows than bare minerals. I hate to see girls gush about their yellow complexions being so “flawless” because they don’t realize they have a wide range of color choices to choose from when using mineral makeup, they all just assume the 8 shades by I.D. “fit all.” They don’t. And at twenty-five dollars a third ounce for it, I’d be looking elsewhere anyway! You can buy just the foundation for eight dollars at EM.
Comment from Lisa
Everyday Minerals may be the best thing out there, but I wouldn’t know because they don’t offer any shades darker than “tan”. I remember BareMinerals didn’t have any dark shades at first, but they are the only company I see out there that has shades for me, and for that I have to give them major kudos. I did get some brushes and shadows from Everyday Minerals, though. They seem to have great, affordable products but they need to expand their foundation lines. Also, for those who complain about the MESS, check out EnKore Makeup on youtube. There’s a great vid about reducing the mess. Basically, when you first purchase your makeup, DON’T remove the sticky plastic from the sifter holes. Leave it in place, and poke 2-3 holes in it until just enough comes out. Before closing it, stick in a round cotton pad (large jars) or a small cotton ball (small jars) to prevent powder leakage. If you have big messes during application, you’re probably using too much product to begin with. They are designed to apply light and build to the coverage that you want.
Comment from Barbara
I didn’t see any comments about Avon mineral make-up.
Who’s tried it?
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