I like to really get stuck in there and commit to a product before I review it, so sometimes I'm a bit
behind the times! I know a lot of people rave about bare minerals skin kits, but then there's lots of comments out there slating the formula/coverage and that it makes you look aged. I needed something to create a more natural look as a lot of the products I have are very high coverage so I decided to go ahead and try it myself and hope for the best!
I picked up a bare minerals kit about 3 months ago. I settled on the flawless complexion essentials kit which you can personalise to suit your shade and make up needs, here's what I chose
Matte SPF 15 Foundation in Golden Fair
You can choose between this and the original foundation...both are mineral powder a but I can't resist the pull of matte foundations! I have oily combination skin, so this was a no brainer for me :). The foundation really is matte, but without that awful powdery tight feeling that I've had with other mattifying products. And believe me, this had been put to the test during very busy, hot and sweaty shifts at the bar - it stayed put and if I did develop any oiliness it looked dewy and glowy rather that sticky and awful. The SPF is a massive bonus too.
Rating -9/10
SPF 20 Concealer in Bisque
This is a powder concealer, I have to say I didn't even need to use this! I found that placing some of the matte foundation using a concealer brush where I needed it, like under the eyes and over blemishes, did the trick perfectly. I don't have a pic of this as I gave it to a friend.
Rating - n/a
Ready Luminizer Duo - 'The Love Affair' and 'The Shining Moment'
Ok, so this product has a pinky shimmer highlighter (Love Affair) and a more nude one (Shining moment). I've used the nude as an eyebrow highlight and on my Cupid's bow which looks pretty when applied carefully. The pink is very shimmery with a peachy undertone. I must say I have tried cheaper products that can do this job better, and I also tend to avoid products like this that can come across artificial if your not careful. At the stage where I picked this to go in my kit you can choose a bronzer, blush or lots of face powder alternatives...if I could turn back time, I'd try one of those instead.
Rating - 5/10
This is a lovely transparent powder that actually looks pinkish in its pot, it's basically an all over face colour/setting powder that just breathes life into your skin after you've used the rest of the system. The only product I can liken it to is the benefit dandelion, but it's still poles apart when it comes to consistency and application as it's a loose powder. You may not feel the need to use this step, I don't when I'm in a rush or just need a quick everyday foundation look.
Rating - 8/10
This does what it says on the tin, a lovely silky primer that allows your powder foundation to blend perfectly. I probably wouldn't use the bare minerals foundation without applying this primer first. It's glides on and doesn't sit on your face and block pores, which I'm always nervous of seeing as I have really oily areas. Fundamentally, it stops the foundation applying patchy, top marks! My only issue is that the tube which came in my kit is tiny, I'd be happy to repurchase but I'm kind of annoyed that he tube size didn't match the foundation which I'm still making my way through.
My kit also came with a concealer brush, flawless application face brush (for the foundation) and an angled face brush (for highlighter/blush). One thing to note... They are MINI size brushes, which I actually LOVE! They fit in my everyday make up bag very nicely :) But...they're not going to look striking on your make up table so don't get your hopes up. I also received a couple of mini samples...bonus!
Rating - 9/10 (an extra point for cuteness)
The application of this is so fun! It's such a huge difference to using liquid foundations, the buildability of the product impresses me a lot. This is the system id choose to achieve "no make-up make-up", using they're swirl and tap technique and then buffing the product over and over until I've got my coverage. I don't feel the need to keep powdering my face throughout the day, which is something I've always done. This sits so nicely and naturally on my skin, it feels weightless and if I do feel like it needs a touch up I'll go ahead and use the mineral veil.
I've rated the products out of ten for how they worked with my oily combination skin. Some of you may find that the matte is not the right choice, or maybe you will love the liminizer duo! Just because it didn't work for me doesn't mean it won't be what your looking for.
Over all I think that the price seems pretty steep to begin with, but then when you take into account the amount of products your getting (not to mention some great brushes) and the quality of those products then it makes sense. I will be repurchasing the foundation and primer for sure.
I'd love to hear your experiences with bare minerals...any recommendations?
Sarah xoxo
