**1 Your first impressions: are you a bareMinerals® fan already? What’s your regular makeup routine? On What are your initial thoughts on the packaging, instructions, smell etc or the Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream? How did you find the brush? Have you used a brush to apply foundation before?
I used to be a Bare Minerals fan when I was in my 20's, and used the original mineral makeup in the pots, but gradually stopped using it as I found it too powdery and settled into lines as I got older, plus it was too messy - once I had a baby a few years ago and then went back to work, I usually do my makeup on the train, so there was no chance of being able to use the original style makeup on a commute.
I was really excited to see that BM had diversified into other product styles, so was really delighted to be chosen to test this.
My usual makeup routine involves a lot of products, and I do tend to flit between products and brands, and am a bit of a beauty junkie. I use both very cheap stuff - e.g. Kiko, through to more expensive such as Chanel and Suqu. Basic routine is moisturiser, energising balm, eye cream, primer, foundation, concealer, eyebrow pencil, eyeliner, mascara, lip pencil, lipstick, lip gloss/balm, blusher, bronzer. If going out, highlighter and eyeshadow too.
As it was so long between receiving the product and this thread becoming active, it's difficult to recall the packaging etc, but I do remember it was quite basic, and there wasn't much in the way of instructions, or really what the product was intended to do. Is it a tinted moisturiser, a BB cream or a moisturising foundation? In my eyes, it seems most closely aligned to a BB cream, this the category I'd put it in.
I quite liked the minimal packaging, and the actual tube looks sleek.
I was quite surprised by the fact that a brush was designed for this product, as I'd usually associate using a brush with a heavier foundation. Somehow the two jar, as the product seems to be more designed for the days when foundation isn't needed, a quick and easy fluid to sweep on with fingers, for a more relaxed look. I don't know, it just seemed wrong to use a chunky brush for such a fluid and light product. I've used a brush for foundation before, albeit not as chunky as this one.
Having said this, I did really like the brush once I started using it, but must admit that I've been using it more often with my heavier foundation than the BM. It does give a great effect.
**2. Did you notice an immediate impact in terms of coverage, glow and hydration of your skin?
As soon as i put it on, the product looked great - my skin was dewy and looked really fresh. However, after a few hours wear, my skin actually looked worse than when using my normal foundation or normal BB cream. It tended to crease into the wrinkles, accentuate lines, or just sort of settle on the skin, or look a bit 'waxy' and greasy.
The coverage was too light if I put a minimal amount on, but looked artificial, as above, if I put more on.
As for long terms effects, e.g. Hydration of skin over a few times/weeks of wearing, I didn't notice any difference, although I didn't wear it every single day due to not being able to get a suitable look from it. I'm not sure how hydrating a product can be anyway, that isn't being massaged in like a true moisturiser or serum.
- How easy was it to use this product alongside your usual makeup routine? Did you use alone or layer with other products for a fuller look? How did you find the brush?
I used this in place of my usual BB cream or foundation, but only on the days where I didn't have many spots (even at the age of nearly 40, I'm prone to these, especially round the chin), and when my skin was quite clear anyway. I would never wear it alone, as I always need concealer and bronzer on top.
I didn't change the rest of my routine pre using the this product, and maybe that's the problem - because I used three separate moisturising products beforehand - e.g. Moisturiser, balm, and primer, there was too much 'slippage' for the product to be really effective, and not enough colour to make a massive difference once the initial glow had worn off.
As above, I really liked the brush, but more to use with other products than this!
**4. Would you recommend the Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream to your friends? Would you buy it again?
No, sorry, I'm afraid I wouldn't recommend it. I think it's expensive compared to other BB creams, which is what it is really. My usual cream is a fraction of this, and gives better coverage and hydration, and spf 50. I wish this had worked for me, but sadly not. Thanks for selecting me though!