Information on bareMinerals

When it comes to mineral-makeup brands, bareMinerals is one of the best-known. In many ways, the line launched the mineral-makeup craze, with many other cosmetics companies hurrying to come up with a loose mineral foundation to compete with bareMinerals. The brand has come a long way since its early days as a mineral-makeup pioneer. Today the range includes more than just powder and foundation, with a variety of eye, cheek and lip products available to do a complete face of makeup.

Launched in 1995, the bareMinerals cosmetics line was the brain child of Bare Escentuals CEO, Leslie Blodgett. The line began as an effort to create a natural makeup that was less likely to irritate the skin and cause breakouts. The brand’s original products all came in loose mineral-powder form to avoid the inclusion of chemical fillers and binders. bareMinerals didn’t become a cosmetics powerhouse until 1997 when QVC, a home shopping network, began selling the products. In 2010, Tokyo-based cosmetics company Shieseido purchased Bare Escentuals and the bareMinerals line. Since the acquisition, the range has expanded to include a variety of products, including pressed-powder products and later a liquid foundation.

The cornerstone of the bareMinerals line is their Original Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF15, which is a loose mineral powder that promises a no-makeup look and feel that lasts all day. The Original Foundation has a naturally luminous finish, but a Matte Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF15 is also available for a shine-free complexion. As part of the Ready line, bareMinerals also offers a pressed foundation with broad spectrum SPF20, which is easier to take on the go. In February 2014, the brand announced the launch of its first ever liquid foundation, the bareMinerals bareSkin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF20. It also has two concealers: the Bisque Broad Spectrum SPF20 Concealer is a loose mineral product, while the Correcting Concealer Broad Spectrum 20 is a traditional cream concealer that pairs well with liquid or cream foundations.

Like their Original Foundation, bareMinerals’ original eye shadows all come in loose-powder form and can be used wet or dry. They are available in a wide range of colors and finishes, such as shimmer, sheen, velvet and matte. However, the Ready line also features pressed eye shadows, which comes in duos, quads and larger, limited-edition palettes. The brand also offers Liner Shadows, which are loose or pressed shadows that can double as eyeliners. Pencil eyeliners, such as the Lasting Line Long-Wearing Eyeliner, are also available. bareMinerals makes several different types of mascara, including the Lash Domination 10-in-1 Volumizing Mascara, which is meant to plump, lengthen and separate lashes.

bareMinerals has a wide range of loose mineral blushes, including both matte and shimmery finishes. The brand also features loose products called All-Over Face Colors, which range from warm bronze tones to rosy shades and can be used anywhere on the face that requires a little extra color. The Radiance loose powders are similar, but feature shimmer to provide a soft glow to the skin. The Ready line also features pressed blushes, bronzers and luminizers if you aren’t a fan of the mess that loose mineral products can cause.

bareMinerals hasn't stopped short of lip products. Their Marvelous Moxie Lipsticks have a moisturizing formula with omega fatty acids and antioxidants to help condition and protect the lips. The Marvelous Moxie Lipglosses also contain moisturizing and conditioning ingredients, but provide a high-shine finish. If your lips need a little extra definition, the Marvelous Moxie Lipliners are twist-up pencils with antioxidants and minerals for lining and filling in your lips. For a lightweight lip product, the Loud and Clear Lip Sheers offer moisture, sheer color and a shiny finish. The Jack of All Lip Balms also provide sheer color and intense moisture, but they have a soft, natural finish.