Bobbi Brown or Bare Minerals? And do I need a primer? If so, which one?

[JennyWren]

I was converted to mineral foundation last year and I love it, but my Bobbi Brown is running out. I was out shopping and saw a Bare Escentuals shop so I went in to see if it was similar. I didn't have time to have a colour match or anything as the shop was about to close, but the assistant had enough time for the initial sell . She said that there was better - but she would, wouldn't she!! Really, though - is there a difference? Which is considered better?

The other thing she said was that I should be using a primer. I don't remember the Bobbi Brown assistant last year mentioning primer at all - is it necessary? I don't have deep pores to cover, and I don't have very oily skin, but should I be wearing it to help the foundation stay put? Do both brands need it, or are they formulated differently? And do I need to use the BE/BB primers or is there another brand that is (whispers) cheaper?

And what about the 'warmth' and mineral veil layers? I was attracted to the mineral foundation because it was so simple - now it feels much more complicated than I had realised.

All help gratefully received! Thank you!

I have switched from Bare Minerals to Bobbi Brown and look so much better.

I use a Laura mercier primer

Arisbottle - perhaps I happened on the better one in the first place then! Do you find that the primer helps to keep it in place?

No, you don't need a primer.

I have very oily skin so use a primer. I use bare minerals buthaven't tried bobbi brown - didn't realise they did one.

I do find it helps. I use the bobbi brown long lasting foundation but have noticed it doesn't stay as long without the primer. I also notice a huge difference when I use a foundation brush.

I think bobbi brown do have a primer as I can remember it being used by the woman on the counter when I bought my foundation.

I recently bought mineral foundation etc from Lily Lolo and are really really pleased with the results. I wear factor 50 suncream from sunsense as a base. My skin looks lovely with it all on. I got the yellow powder for dark under eyes and its really effective. I'm glad I bought the finishing powder too as that does make a difference. I also use ELF HD powder if going out.

I have completely misunderstood . Ignore me. I though you were comparing mineral with liquid foundation .

Ah no - I was meaning the mineral powder foundation. Perhaps I should just keep going with what I have!

You do need a primer if you find make-up doesn't last (i.e. oily skin or working environment affects make-up - if you work outside, for e.g.). I use the Barbara Daly primer from Tesco on days when I need make up to last, or on sweaty nights out. Normal days, I use a layer of Mineral Veil before I start the foundation and that works well.

It's about what works for you.

I have tried Bare Minerals (Bare Excentuals is the same brand, just renamed) and I swapped to Lily Lolo as their foundation and concealer suits my skin better and I prefer to not have bismouth. That said, I don't rate their Mineral Veil equivalent to stick with BM MV.

Lily Lolo do testers for £1.29 if you wanted to try some?

Thanks everyone. I'm going to stick with Bobbi Brown, I think - have asked DH to pick up some more for me in duty free this week! But I'm also going to try a primer to see if it makes a difference. I figure that the Tesco one won't break the bank and might be great.

I do fancy a Lily Lolo tester size for travelling though - what colour should I go for, do you think, if I use Bobbi Brown Light?

I use my Bobbi Brown BB cream as a primer

How about Mirabella? I heard they have some pretty good mineral makeup products.