Bare Escentuals

[gregssausageroll]

I've probably spelt it wrong but I'd imagine you know what I am talking about!

My local salon is stocking this and have asked me in for a make over which is happening tomorrow. I do need new foundation so will see what it is like but in all honesty if I do decide to buy it will be from QVC so I have 30 days to return if not happy.

What is the stuff like? I am 40 but have pretty good skin.

Can I still use primer?

What is the veil that I saw in the shop?

I don't use primer

moisturise first and crucially it must have all sunk into your skin first, don't be impatient and start applying the foundation until skin is dry or you'll get patchyness; similarly if you don't moisturise beforehand you get a horrid powdery old laydee effect

then swirl tap buf buf buf and buf some more

the veil is a finishing powder, not essential but gives a super smooth finish

I use light and fairly light , mixed together in a pot lid

a little goes a long long way

BUT

it's a very personal thing, I have friends who HATE the smooth polished finish, so yes get from QVC with 30 day money back guarantee

Thanks. What about concealer? I take it I need to use their own one?

ah the clever thing is that you can use the foundation as concealer too, using an eyeshadow brush; the makeover will show you how

(they might do a concealer now, I guess? I just use the foundation)

I bought a little tester pack in Debenhams today - normally 15 pounds but it had got a bit of money off. tester pots of two foundations, a concealer, a veil and two mini brushes. Have just had a little play with it and am v impressed indeed so far. My skin looks smooth and quite 'glowy' even though I don't have any blusher on. Not entirely sure what the 'Veil' has done but overall am v pleased with it and suspect I'll end up buying the bigger set next month!

I bought the starter kit thing and used it for a week or so but I dont know if my skin decided not to like it, I ended up with very flawless but very 'flat' looking makeup.

In the end I did one day of the minerals stuff, and then the next did my usual bobbi brown tinted moisterisor and the results were the bobbi brown look was preferred - with the minerals one people said I looked flawless but older whereas the bobbi brown one I was dewyier (shinier in other words) but looked alot younger and the word used was 'fresher'.

I keep it for evening black tie things now, as I think in dim lighting it is still very flattering. :)

I love it! I'm 47 (aargh) with very dark circles I've never managed to get rid of, and a very busy morning routine. In 3 mins I can for the first time in many many years look better than I normally do. Started with the starter kit and gave the fairly light to dd2 (15) as she's very pale and she loves it too.

I shower etc, moisturise in the mornings (not primer, just Liz Earle) then do normal packed lunch, waking up 4 kids 22 times, loading washer etc, then go back to do the foundation. I have become addicted to the bisque concealer and we had to make a trip to buy some yesterday before work tomorrow! I teach and would hate to frighten the kids!!

My glam 60yo neighbour who works in the cosmetics industry has apparently used it for many years too. She says buy on line as much cheaper than shops.

I love it and would highly recommend it to anyone. Applying it does take a bit of getting used to (I started off using the mineral veil all over which ended up with old lady powdery effect and probably a bit too much of the bronze highlighter too) but once you get the hang of it it is brilliant and very easy.

PS I only use the primer for special occasions

What precisely do you do with the veil, Gertie?

So does the veil go over the foundation?

If any of the experts 2 minutes, could you please have a look at the sets on QVC and guide me with what looks to be a good buy?

You might want to check out Aveda'sInner Light foundation. I find it a much nicer product to use and rates higher on Makeup Alley reviews. Much less gimicky and a better range of skin tones.

If you don't have a kabuki brush, any decent brush works. I wear it with Barbara Daly concealer (excellent stuff, pat on with concealer brush). I could go on all day about how much I love it!

Colonel, the veil is like a powder you apply over the top to minimise shine. You only really need it on the T zone.

Sausageroll, I'm not sure I could be considered an expert - can you go for your makeover and see the products there, which ones you need etc and buy them on QVC after? I started with a starter kit - foundation, mineral veil, bronzer, little tube of primer and 3 brushes. I have recently had to replace the foundation itself but still have tonnes of everything else

Thank you - will try it tomorrow and report back. :)

I've just started to use this and it looks great - but (quick hijack if I may)... it doesn't seem to cover the large pores I have on nose/chin. Am I doing something wrong or do I need the primer?

I was using it for a while and liked how easy it is to use, but it really did age me. I found it made my open pores look much worse.

I just bought a starter kit yesterday (Debenhams sale!) and am not sure so far. I am used to a fairly full coverage liquid foundation and the sheer look is taking a bit of getting used to. I get a few blemishes and haven't mastered covering them yet any top tips??

I'm 21 and I love it. The starter kit is definitely the best thing to start with - I'm still on my original veil but have replaced the other bits. It's good value just for the brushes really.

I think for people having trouble you just have to layer really slowly to build up enough coverage. I also use some tinted moisturiser (benefit yourebel light, if anyone is interested, or I swipe my mum's Laura Mercier) mixed in with my normal moisturiser to thin it out even more. It acts as a more opaque base (if that makes sense) so you end up with a more "solid" finish. Worth trying if you feel you need more coverage.

And make sure you keep the concealer brush clean - I do mine every week or two with baby shampoo and it works so much better afterwards.

I'm 37 and I love it and use everyday (for maybe 2 years now). I had major break outs with liquid foundation, so this is fab. I have tried other mineral foundations, but none are as good.
I usually moisturise, leaving it about 15-20 mins to sink in, then apply another brand (No7) mattifying lotion to nose and chin (combination skin). I recommend the new matte foundation compared to the old version, and def use the mineral veil. With the matte and the veil I find it does not go cakey after a few hours on oily areas. I used their primer but it just gave me spots.
I would recommend the kabuki brush as it gives a good finish. Dont load it on as you will get that flat look some have mentioned. I use the foundation sparingly and do get that 'dewey' look. The 'warmth' powder is good too to use as a tan enhancer in the summer. If you can get one of the starter kits you can give it all a go with less outlay. My first one contained 2 foundation colours, mineral veil and warmth powder, plus a kabuki brush, conceler brush and blusher style brush. Not sure what the kits have in now.
I buy mine from Debenhams as they often have 10% off but will take a look at QVC.
Good luck with your make over.

OK, I have been and it looks quite good. They had a wee offer on a starter kit so bought from there. It has 3 brushes, 2 foundations, veil, warmth and some other thing I can't remember the same of. I also bought a blusher - yes, she saw me coming!

Will have a play around over the next few days but she did say it takes a bit of practice. She looks amazing and uses all of the stuff and does her entire face in about 10 minute now.

She was honest though and said it doesn't suit everyone so as she knows me I can take the stuff back if I don't get on with it.

One of my Year 10 girls told me that I looked 'pretty' today - the BM stuuf MUST work! :)