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The world’s chemical count may be up but that doesn’t necessarily need to be the case for what lies in your make-up bag.
Since its official arrival in Hong Kong late last year, bareMinerals has ignited a make-up movement: out with nasties and in with naturals!
Formulated with a secret blend of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (both natural skin soothers), mica (a light-reflecting mineral), iron oxide (adds pigment) and bismuth oxychloride, bareMinerals make-up works by giving your skin everything it needs and nothing it doesn’t.
Keen to see what all of the hype is about, we decided to dive into the bareMinerals range face first to see if the products stacked up against Hong Kong’s testing environmental elements. Here’s our verdict:
Skin situation
Like it does for most girls, my skin changed the day I moved to HK. Not sure whether it’s because of my diet, the humidity, pollution or a mix of the three, but finding a foundation that doesn’t ignite a breakout has proven to be an ongoing mission!
Coverage preferences
I like make-up that doesn’t look as though I’m wearing make-up. Because of the humidity, it needs to be lightweight but still have enough staying power to survive being constantly blotted with oil absorbing paper (which I carry with me at all times).
The products I used:
- Full Flawless Face Brush ($215)
- Prime Time Foundation Primer ($200)
- Original SPF15 Foundation ($250)
- Mineral Veil Finishing Power ($200)
The bareMinerals result
This was the first time I’d tried the bareMinerals range despite having heard my friends rave about it in the past. At first, I didn’t think the powders would last beyond lunchtime but I was happily proven wrong – I hardly felt the need to tend to my make-up throughout the day.
Although the Mineral Veil Finishing Power added an extra layer of coverage, I would prefer to use this for a more defined look at night rather than during the day. The brush was also a worthwhile investment; you need the right tools to get the most out of mineral make-up.
Fave bareMinerals product:
The Prime Time Foundation Primer is hands down the best primer I’ve ever come across (and trust me, I’ve tried many!). Not only is it extra lightweight, a very small amount (a dollop about the size of a 50c coin) is enough to cover your whole face evenly to ensure flawless foundation application. I’m hooked!
Skin situation
As a born and bred Brit, my skin took its time to adapt to the sweltering summer months in HK. My main challenge has been finding a multifunctional foundation to protect my skin from the sun’s rays whilst not melting as a result of the heat.
Coverage preferences
Whilst trying to avoid looking like I’ve ‘caked it on’, I am partial to a hint of colour to enhance my naturally pale complexion. Achieving an even coverage from a foundation that is easily applied, is also the key to success with me.
The products I used:
- Full Flawless Face Brush ($215)
- Prime Time Foundation Primer ($200)
- Original SPF15 Foundation ($250)
- Blush Bronze ($180)
The bareMinerals result
The appeal of bareMinerals for me was the natural factor: when you apply something to your face every day, it can take its toll on your skin and I am very conscious of this. The application process is definitely more complex than your average liquid-based foundation, however once you get into the swing of it, bareMinerals is an undeniably good option, especially in the summer.
Fave bareMinerals product
The primer for me is the most enjoyable item of make-up I have ever applied! Whilst providing a beautifully even base layer, it is as light as a feather so you really don’t feel like you’re layering it up!
The Blush Bronze was another favourite… and not just because I go to sleep at night dreaming of olive skin! The long-lasting colour gives you a healthy glow whilst you can seek comfort in knowing it’s made from all-natural ingredients. Definitely the safest way to achieve that sun kissed look, in my opinion.
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If you’ve only ever used liquid foundation, getting to grips with mineral make-up application requires mastering a few simple steps. Here are the three bareMinerals golden rules:
- SWIRL a tiny amount of bareMinerals into the container lid until the powder has been picked up by all of your brush’s bristles
- TAP off the excess power (this will ensure your application isn’t patchy)
- BUFF the brush onto your skin in a soft, circular motion. It’s best to start at your hairline and work down towards the centre of your face
A special thanks to Marcus who helped us at bareMinerals counter in Harvey Nichols, Pacific Place. Not only did he spend extra time making us look pretty, he knew the range inside out, back to front which meant he had no qualms answering our limitless stream of questions. Seek out Marcus, girls – he gets the Sassy seal of approval!
Hope you like the range as much as we do!
bareMinerals shop, B2, Times Square, 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, 2506 1515
bareMinerals counter, Harvey Nichols, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong, 2918 0592
bareMinerals counter, FACES, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, 3 – 27 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, 2376 3766