Bare Luxury is the Bare Escentuals TSV for November 18, 2011 - here is my review and a few pictures and swatches.

First off, I really like this kit.  This holiday season is a little overwhelming so far – with so many tempting choices.  Plus with the recent release of the Bare Escentuals Ready pressed eyeshadows – there are just too many goodies to choose from when we all want one of everything and two of some.

At $49.98, this kit is a great value.  It includes a new Ready 2.0 eyeshadow duo, two waterproof eyeliners, two Moxie lipglosses, a new all-over face color, two brushes and a makeup bag.

As far as overall impressions go, this is one of the most visually impressive kits to date.  Going along perfectly with the luxury theme, the sparkly gold makeup bag, gold handled brushes and shiny gold product lids, the presentation is very upscale and beautiful.  This would make a great holiday gift for any lady who loves makeup.   I read that Bare Escentuals is releasing the pressed cosmetics to expand their reach to people who aren’t interested in loose minerals – you know, to go more mainstream.  This collection is a wonderful example of their new strategy – it is for everyone – not just for those of us who happen to love any kind of mineral makeup.

The Ready Eyeshadow Duo (in the beautiful gold case) includes the colors Golden Iris and Azure Iris.  The Golden Iris is a lighter shade of lavender and the Azure Iris is being called an amber shade.  These are both universal eye colors that will work beautifully with any eyecolor and skin tone, especially the Azure Iris color – both shades are sparkly.  I really love the brownish one – I was really unsure what it would be based on the picture and description from QVC.  I would call it a light bronze – it is really pretty.  Both shadows can be worn alone or you could use them as the first color and use darker shades for the crease.  The ready eyeshadows are said to have anti-aging, skin care properties because they include a SeaNutritive Complex, antioxidants, cold-pressed borage oil, caffeine and cucumber.  Time will tell on that, I suppose, but they do go on smooth and stay all day without creasing – with or without primer.

The colors of the round the clock eyeliners are dark mocha (named 10PM) and navy blue (called Noon), they are waterproof and are the type of pencils that must be sharpened.  While these are not my favorite eyeliners, I like them and will use them.

The new all-over face color is called Gold Radiance.  It is a really pretty rose pink color.  It is nice as an all-over color – although it really is pink.  I like it better as a blush – you just have to apply several layers.

The lipglosses are called Marvelous Moxie – I think this is new – I am wondering if this is a spin off from the Buxom lip gloss line?  The two colors are called Wild One (described as a peach sheen) and Daredevil (described as a berry sorbet).   The peach one is very sheer – on me I could only see gloss, not really any color, but it is very glossy.  I will probably wear this over a lipstick rather than by itself.  I love the berry one.  It is beautiful and really unlike anything else that I have.

The two brushes have gold handles and are very nice.  I love the shadow brush for the pressed eye shadows – it will be my standard brush for Ready eye shadows.  It is perfect for them and the gold is so pretty.  The other brush is the standard issue flawless face brush, but the gold handle makes it a nice addition.

Finally the bag.  I love the bag – it holds the contents of the kit perfectly with room to spare.  It is a great size and it has a very nice magnetic closure, which I love – so nice not to have to mess with zippers or snap closures.  Best of all it is really sparkly – it looks like it has been dipped in gold glitter.

Swatches

Again, I love this kit and think it is a great value for the money.  I will be looking forward to the follow up auto deliveries.

It is available to order now – here are the details on in case you missed them before:

The price is $49.98 and Auto Delivery will also be available for 3 future kits in April, July and October 2012.

Item Numbers                                   Single Shipment            Auto-Delivery
now through 11/17/11                           A822087                       A222814
11/18/11                                                     A218358                         A222761
It is currently available with 3 easy payments of $16.66. I do not know if the easy pays will still be available when it is presented on air. The auto-delivery orders will also be on the same easy pay plan.

The item numbers for 11/18 are: A218358 for the single kit, for the auto-delivery.

Update – Bare Luxury did not sell out on November 18.  It is still available for $54.96 at QVC

Today’s Special Value from QVC.com! 

Bare Minerals released their Matte Mineral Makeup to meet the growing demand for a Bismuth-free mineral foundation. Includes ingredients, color descriptions and reviews.

Read More – bareMinerals Matte Mineral Makeup

Related Pages -
Bare Minerals Makeup
Bismuth in Mineral Makeup, Bismuth Free Mineral Makeup

bareMinerals MATTE SPF 15 Foundation $28.00 Store: Beauty.com bareMinerals Matte SPF 15 Foundation $28.00 Store: QVC.com bareMinerals SPF 15 Matte Foundation $28.00 Store: Sephora.com

Pure Pressed Base is an upscale foundation. It comes in a elegant gold refillable compact with a magnetic closure and has ingredients that are beneficial to the skin, which is why Jane Iredale is called the skin care makeup. It has an SPF of 20. It comes with a sponge, or it can be applied with a brush. I personally prefer to apply pressed mineral makeup with a brush to apply several light layers.

Read More – Jane Iredale Pure Pressed Base

Pressed Mineral Foundation is becoming more and more popular in the beauty scene. Why? There are many reasons for the increased interest in mineral makeup including the fact that there are no synthetic or artificial ingredients. The organic, natural composition makes a persons skin feel fantastic while also deterring wrinkles. Better still pressed mineral makeup isnt loose meaning its less messy and easy for traveling.

Read More – Pressed Mineral Foundation

Mineral Hygienics Mineral Make Up offers a very good selection of bismuth free mineral cosmetics.

I have been using their starter kit for about a month now and I am very impressed. First of all, it is bismuth free and only contains four ingredients. So anyone looking for more natural cosmetics should definitely take a look at these. The products seem to have a much finer texture that other mineral powders, which gives the foundation a smooth, matte finish. I wear medium in everything and their medium is a perfect match. It provides medium to fuller (not complete) coverage. However, you can achieve full coverage by using these tricks – Concealing with Mineral Makeup.

What impressed me the most is that this makeup stays on until you take it off. I was blown away that at the end of the day (the very end – at bedtime) I still have what looks like all of my makeup in place and it stays there until I take it off. I haven’t slept in it, but I think I might just to see exactly how long it does stay put. I am sure I am not the only one who has glanced in a mirror during the day and thought “what happened to my makeup?”! I do not recall any other foundation that has ever had the same staying power as this one. This is not only important because if we put on makeup we actually want to wear it all day, but also that it continues to provide sun protection all day long. Which got me thinking, if we are using mineral make up as our sun protection and it wears off by lunch time, then we are no longer protected. Another plus is that they offer a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Read More: Mineral Hygienics Mineral Make Up

Related Pages:
Review Mineral Hygienics Mineral Make Up
Bismuth Free Mineral Make up
Mineral Makeup Reviews Home

I have been using Pur Minerals Pressed Mineral Makeup for several weeks now. After a slow start, I am really liking it. I did not care for it initially because I thought it looked too heavy – then I realized it was an “operator error”, I was using too much. It only takes a very light sweep across the makeup to get enough on your brush.

I wear Medium in everything and have cool skin tones and the Blush Medium color is a perfect match.

It provides good medium to full coverage with minimal effort. Even though it does contain Bismuth, it has a nice matte finish.

One of my coworkers (who knows I am into mineral makeup) asked me what I was wearing this week – she said it looked so nice with a nice matte finish – she tried mineral makeup but didn’t like the “glow’ from the one she tried.

I am also using Pur Minerals Pressed Mineral Eye Shadows and I really like them as well.

I would recommend Pur Minerals to anyone who wants to use mineral makeup but doesn’t like using the loose formulas.  I feel like it offers a little better coverage than most mineral makeups, so I would also recommend it to anyone who wants more coverage.  There have been quite a few Pur Minerals Reviews submitted by visitors and for the most part they are very positive.

If you are thinking about trying it, they have a great starter kit.

Shop direct for Pur Minerals

Related Pages:
Pur Minerals Mineral Makeup
Pur Minerals Reviews

Have you noticed that some mineral makeup companies are making Mineral Mascara?  Mineral Mascara is water based with minerals used for the color and consistency and doesn’t have the fibers, tars and other chemical products that can cause eye irritation.  These would be worth a try if you have sensitive eye or are concerned that regular mascara may be harmful for your eyelashes.

Pur Minerals Mineral Mascara is water-resistant, smudge-resistant, ocular-tested and completely free of tar and fibers. Get a full, soft, clump-free look that is safe for even the most sensitive eyes, including contact lens wearers.
Ingredients:  Water, Acrylates Copolymer, Beeswax, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Stearic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol Stearate SE, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Triethanolamine, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium PCA, Wheat Amino Acids, Symphytum Officinale Extract, Panthenol, Hydroxyproline, Sodium Hyaluronate, PEG-8, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Disodium EDTA, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Methylparaben, Diazolidinyl Urea, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben May Contain: Iron Oxides, Ultramarines, Titanium Dioxide.

Physicians Formula Mineral Mascara says theirs is the first mineral mascara specifically developed for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers and that their Mineral water-based formula conditions lashes and helps prevent breakage.  “This good-for-your-lashes mascara is rich in mineral water, pure mineral pigments and active mineral extracts to help promote strong, healthy lashes. Mineral Wear Mascara also contains derivatives of Vitamins A & E, Vitamin B5, and natural botanicals which condition lashes and can help prevent breakage.  Ultra-hygienic, dual-sided applicator features soft plastic bristles and a firm comb, which work together to coat and separate lashes.”   Ingredients: Water*, Beeswax, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Cyclopentasiloxane, Pvp, Glyceryl Stearate, Propylene Glycol Stearate Se, Stearic Acid, Triethanolamine, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Cellulose Gum, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Malachite Extract, Oleic Acid, Panthenol, Polybutene, Retinyl Palmitate, Rhodochrosite Extract, Simethicone, Smithsonite Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tetrasodium Edta, Tocopheryl Linoleate, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben. May Contain: Iron Oxides, Ultramarines, Titanium Dioxide. *Mineral Water.

Affordable Mineral Makeup Mascara is an all natural mineral mascara – if you are looking to go all natural you may want to check it out. It has a couple of good reviews on the site.   Ingredients: water, beeswax, candelilla wax, ozokerite, carnuba wax, fennel extract, hops extract, balm mint extract, mistletoe extract, matricaria extract, yarrow extract, iron oxide, titanium dioxide, ozokerite.

I’ll be trying some of these out & will post my reveiws – if you have used any mineral mascara, please leave your review either in the comments below or at Review Mineral Makeup.

Because of the problems caused by Bismuth in Mineral Makeup, many users are opting for Bismuth Free Mineral Makeup.  The good news is that there are many great brands that do not include Bismuth Oxychloride (which can cause itching, irritation and the “glow” that some people love and some people hate).

The brands of Bismuth Free Mineral Makeup are:
Affordable Mineral Makeup
GloMinerals Liquid Mineral Foundation
Illuminare Liquid Mineral Foundations
Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup
Laura Geller Makeup
Mary Kay Mineral Makeup
Serious Skin Care Mineral Makeup
Simply Karen Mineral Makeup

If you are looking for a traditional loose powder mineral foundation, try one of these:

Affordable Mineral Makeup
Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup
Serious Skin Care Mineral Makeup
Simply Karen Mineral Makeup

If you are looking for the purest, “green-est”, most eco-friendly foundation, go for Affordable Mineral Makeup™ – it only has 4 ingredients – Titanium Dioxide, Mica, Iron Oxides, Zinc Oxide – and is a small vegan, earth friendly company with great customer service.

Related Pages:
Bismuth in Mineral Makeup
Mineral Makeup Ingredients

(Yes, I know it is Colorescience – but most people forget to add the “e”!)

Colorscience has a great looking line of Mineral Sunscreen Products that include not only products for the face, but also for the body.

With so many of us looking for more ways to incorporate more natural and less chemical products into our daily lives, the timing couldn’t be better!

The line is called Sunforgettable and includes 4 different applicators (all have the same product).

The Sunforgettable products contains an SPF of 30 and the ingredients are: Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 12%, Zinc Oxide 12% Inactive Ingredients: Bismuth Oxychloride, Calcium Silicate, Corallina Officianalis, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/ Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer, Iron Oxide, Manganese Violet, Mica, Titanium Dioxide.

The products are effective immediately upon application – so you don’t have to wait like you do with many creams. They also claim to be “very water resistant”. I love the thought of a powder because I have very sensitive eyes & most sunscreens irritate my eyes. It is also a Godsend for people with acne & sensitive skin who have found that sunscreen aggravates their skin issues.

This nearly invisible light weight mineral powder uses micronized minerals to offer the first SPF 30, all-clear, mineral powder with broad spectrum (UVA and UVB and Infrared) sun protection. This breakthrough formula provides physical sun protection with Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide and will not absorb into your skin. It is safe for all ages, can be used by men as well, is odor free and won’t rub off on your clothes.

All 4 application methods are available in “Clear”, “Almost Clear” and “Perfectly Clear” and each color also comes in a “Sparkle” version. The 4 application methods are a powder brush, a roller ball, a shaker and a really cool looking orb. Here they are:

Colorescience Sunforgettable SPF 30 Brush – This nearly invisible light weight mineral powder comes in an easy-to-use retractable brush. The convenient, brush-on applicator makes all-over application easy and quick.

Colorescience Sunforgettable SPF 30 Rock and Roller Ball – The convenient rock and roller ball design makes all-over application easy and quick.

Colorescience Sunforgettable SPF 30 Shaker Jar – Comes in an easy-to-use shaker jar.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Orb SPF 30 – Puff on the protection with this ‘powder-ful’ broad spectrum formula.

Directions For Use:
Apply generously and uniformly before sun exposure, repeat application after perspiring, immersion in water or toweling.

Related Pages:
Colorscience Mineral Makeup

Maybelline Mineral Makeup is one of the newest in an ever growing line of drugstore mineral makeup. I tried it out this week – Here is my Maybelline Mineral Makeup Review:

Price – $8.99 for 0.28 ounce (includes a small natural hair brush).

Shade Selection – Maybelline’s Mineral Power Loose Foundation is available in 8 shades. I wear Medium in virtually every foundation I have ever worn (I always wear the color that they say “80% of women can wear this shade”). The store where I purchased mine was out of all medium shades, so I tried the darkest “light” shade – Creamy Natural. It was a good shade for me – maybe just a little too pink for my cool skin tone.

Coverage – I was very disappointed in the coverage. The Maybelline advertising promises “Medium to Full Coverage”. I didn’t get full coverage, not even medium coverage. I have a few dark areas on my face that are easily covered by most mineral makeup brands. Even with concealer, they were still visible. The makeup did provide color on my face, but no coverage. It was not natural looking at all you could definitely tell I had on makeup – but that could be the result of the color selection, not the foundation itself.

Ingredients – I was very disappointed with the ingredients. Synthetic wax? On my acne prone face? One of the main reasons I love mineral makeup is that it is all natural without a lot of unnecessary ingredients and it doesn’t cause my very acne prone skin to break out.

Here are the Maybelline Mineral Makeup ingredients:
Zinc Oxide, Polyethlene, Boron Nitride, Dimethicone, PTFE, Synthetic Wax, Acrylates Copolymer, Lauroyl Lysine, Cetyl Dimethicone, Aloe Barbadensis/Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Trumethylsioxsilicate, Trisocetyl Citrate, Isopropyl Titanium Trisosterate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol Chamomilla Recutita Extract/Matricaria Flower Extract (+/- May Contain: Mica, Cl77891/Titanuim Dioxide, Cl77163 Bismuth Oxychloride, Cl77499, Cl77492, Cl77491/Iron Oxides, Cl77007/Ultramarines).

I was surprised that although Zinc Oxide is listed first, there is not an SPF given with this makeup. One of the other reasons I love mineral makeup is the SPF without having to use a separate product. (And the value on this definitely goes down if you have to purchase an additional product for your SPF.) I was also wondering why in their advertising they state “Mica amplifies natural luminosity” and “100% natural mica creates a more natural luminosity”, yet mica is listed under “may contain” ingredients, along with Bismuth – which is problematic for some users.

Stash or Trash? Definitely the trash on this one for me. Maybe if you have great skin and want sheer coverage and don’t mind that long list of ingredients you might like it, but this one is not for me!

Have you tried Maybelline Mineral Power Makeup? Please share your review in the comments section!