Review: bareMinerals Original SPF 15 Foundation

Last year when my skin was going through a bad phase, I had no choice but to start using a foundation. I wanted one that had excellent coverage but still looked natural. My cousin suggested I try Bare Escentuals original foundation. Now this foundation is a cult favourite! I read so many good things about it, that I knew I needed it in my life. I wasn't disappointed when I (finally) got my hands on it.

Bare Escentuals has two formulas with their foundations; the original has a more luminous finish, has a powder to cream finish and blends well to a medium to full coverage. The matte version which is still relatively new, has less soothing properties, it also has a medium to full coverage but has a less luminous finish. 

I have the original foundation in Fair (it's perfect for those with light skin and pink undertones). It gives good coverage and still feels light-weight as if I am wearing no make-up at all. The coverage is build-able and totally blends in. My skin doesn’t look cloggy or cakey. However if you're looking for perfection, I suggest using a primer underneath for a better finish. I use Bare Escentuals Prime Time before applying the foundation. 

One of the things I love about this foundation is that it also functions as a concealer. Just dab extra foundation with a concealer brush on the problem areas. I've used it as a concealer for my under eyes and it works great-for me. 

On the Sephora website it says the foundation is formulated without:

- Parabens

- Sulfates

- Synthetic Fragrances

- Synthetic Dyes

- Petro-Chemicals

- Phthalates

The original foundation contains Bismuth Oxychloride which has been known to cause irritation for people with sensitive skin. This was something that kept coming up in some of the reviews I'd read before I got the foundation. Since I don't have sensitive skin it hasn't caused any problems for me. However I googled the ingredients on the back and this is what I came up with. 

• Titanium Dioxide It provides a physical sunscreen and provides UVA and UVB protection.

Zinc Oxide is also a physical sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection. It provides thickening and water resistance. Is known to be “calming” to the skin and will reduce irritation and promote healing. 

Bismuth Oxychloride is a pearlescent mineral that provides the “glow” and causes problems for some users 

Mica is a sheer, translucent and skin-hugging mineral. Reflects light from the face, creating an illusion of a smoother, softer and more radiant skin tone.

• Iron Oxides provides the color to the foundation.

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One of the things I don't love about the foundation is the packaging. The sifter has a lid that pops open. You can see I've already broken mine. It's also messy, a lot of product spills out with just one tap. The other thing I don't like is the price. 25$ for 8g of product is a little too much.

It's available in a large variety of shades for all skin tones. Even though this foundation is definitely a splurge, it's worth it if you're looking for flawless, natural coverage and luminous finish. (It also has SPF15 which is also a plus). 

Are you in to mineral foundation or do you prefer a liquid one? Which mineral foundation is your favourite?

PS.Bare Escentuals is not available in Pakistan.  You can check it out on Sephora. 

Sana