I admit it: I am a beauty and skincare junkie! beauty and skin care products are one of my favorite ways to spend money; I’d rather buy new products than clothes or… well, anything. If you’ve been a reader of my blog for a while, you know I’m also a bargain hunter.
However, in the last couple of years I’ve been trying to try fancier and more expensive items when I can, because I’ve found that sometimes it pays off. For me, this is different than buying an expensive designer bag or shoes, because it’s not about a name, it’s about the quality of the ingredients and what it does for your skin, or perhaps your confidence.
Reading: Bare minerals skin care reviews
I should go ahead and mention that this post is not sponsored. if bareminerals would like to sponsor me, you know where to contact me ð
but anyway, it took me a long time to even try bareminerals makeup – remember when they first came out with the infomercials? I’ve always loved makeup, and I love the look of makeup. I never go for a “natural” look, because I have blemishes and redness that I need to cover up. therefore, I thought that any type of “natural” or “mineral” makeup was not for me.
and part is not. however, once bareminerals began to grow their makeup line to include liquid foundations, concealers, and even bold lip colors, i began to pay more attention. so two christmases ago i ordered a bareminerals starter kit and i got it! It was a small makeup bag that held the primer, the bareminerals signature mineral veil, and the powder foundation, complete with its signature brush to apply.
I loved it. it offers full coverage and makes my skin look so smooth without feeling heavy. As an ulta platinumwards member, i can earn points (which equals money) on anything i buy at ulta. therefore I am always on the lookout for sales of bareminerals or any of their “kits”. Because of this, I’ve tried their eye shadows, liquid lipsticks, lip glosses, bronzers, and blushes and loved everything about it.
so when I saw they were offering skin care products, I jumped on it! I was actually able to purchase a sampler kit with my ulta reward dollars (plus it was on sale), and then bought a second kit at tj maxx for only $10. if you’re a regular tj maxx they often have the bareminerals starter kits (for makeup).
so, let’s get to skincare! the kit i bought from ulta is called âglow to goâ ($52), which includes travel sizes of the plush soft sheer deep cleansing foam, vital power infusion serum for skin longevity, future glow defense against age & renew serum, barehave essential smooth moisturizer, and a sample of skinlongevity vital power eye gel cream.
the kit i bought from tj maxx had the sheer and gentle deep cleansing foam, the oil obsessed total cleansing oil, and the clay chameleon transformative purifying cleanser. I think it was a vacation package they put together, and I just couldn’t let it go!
I’ve been using these products for a few weeks now and am excited to report my findings.
pure plush soft deep cleansing foam
Here’s the ulta description: Perk up your skin every time you cleanse with a burst of cushiony soft foam. This creamy facial cleanser refreshes your skin, removing makeup and impurities, while the fresh scent of grapefruit* invigorates your senses. Infused with elderflower and rosemary extracts, plus mineral-rich sea salts, this daily cleanser leaves skin feeling exceptionally pure, freshly revitalized and comfortably soft. *fragrance of natural origin
It’s what’s inside that counts:
- mineral-rich sea salts: Grown in the waters off the Brittany coast, these sea salts, rich in magnesium, potassium and calcium, help purify and refine the skin.
- Elderflower: Known as the herbalist’s cosmetic tree, this small white flower has been used for centuries to beautify the complexion and soften the skin.
- rosemary: An aromatic herb known to help cleanse and soften the skin.
- mineral-rich sea salts: Grown in the waters off the Brittany coast, these sea salts, rich in magnesium, potassium and calcium, help purify and refine the skin.
- Brazilian Red Clay: This naturally vibrant red clay helps purify and improve skin clarity.
- papaya: recognized as a good source of vitamins and minerals that care for the skin.
- bamboo: known for its strength, elegance and surprising resistance.
- mineral-rich sea salts: Grown in the waters off the Brittany coast, these sea salts, rich in magnesium, potassium and calcium, help purify and refine the skin.
- Cranberry: Grown in Europe and hand-picked from the wild undergrowth, cranberry oil is prized for its skin-soothing properties.
- Borage: Oil derived from the seeds of the bright purple flower is known to soothe and nourish the skin.
- Sunflower: Significant to Native Americans as a source of nutritional, medicinal, and ceremonial practices, the emollient oil contains skin-loving vitamins and omega 9s to help nourish it.
- Cucumber: Light oil from the cucumber fruit helps nourish and hydrate skin while promoting resilience.
- Intuitive Mineral Hydration Technology: All bareminerals moisturizers feature intuitive mineral hydration technology to help replenish skin’s moisture stores and diminish rough texture, dryness, and visible signs of aging.
- st. St. John’s Wort: A bright yellow flower named after St. john the baptist, shown to help defend against signs of damage and dry, dehydrated skin.
- dermatologist tested. non-comedogenic.
- mineral manganese
- vitamin c
- chai hu extract
- attack the first signs of aging
- renews shine
- combats the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- empower. unleash the vitality and radiant radiance of your skin.
- replenish. nourishes your skin with essential minerals and hydration to reveal smoother, more supple skin.
- renew. diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin texture to promote a youthful appearance.
- strengthen. give your skin the resilience to help defend against future signs of aging for a healthier-looking complexion.
- long lasting herb: Legendary herb that has been shown to help defend against the signs of aging. specially cultivated from the vitamin and mineral rich herb grown in okinawa, known as “the island of long life”.
- California Poppy â A bright, shiny flower native to California known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in harsh conditions.
- lempuyang ginger: a root traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine and jamu Indonesian herbal medicine.
- skinmimetic technology: Inspired by the properties of youthful skin, bareminerals combined long-lasting herb, california poppy and lempuyang ginger extracts to create bareminerals skinmimetic technology: a cutting-edge complex designed to help protect your skin against the signs visible signs of aging and damage, to promote your most radiant youthful appearance.
- smart blend smoothing light emulsion ($35, 1.7oz)
- blemish remedy acne treatment gel cleanser ($20, 4.2oz)
- sheer transformation night treatment ($60, 0.15 oz)
- mixture of skinsorials. exfoliate. smooth. skin-buffing grains to add to cleanser ($22, 0.88 oz)
- skinsorials dirty skin detox glowing & refining mud mask ($35, 2.4oz)
This was the first product I tried. I will first say that they are not lying about that grapefruit scent and it smells so good! i have used it a few different ways: in the morning right when i wake up, at night to remove all my makeup, in the shower with my clarisonic mia, and just on the skin with warm water and fingertips. it’s creamy and thicker in texture (think neutrogena deep cleansing cream cleanser).
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Don’t be fooled by the mention of sea salts – this is not an exfoliant or scrub. however, it leaves the skin feeling smooth. Plus, all you need is a bit of the cleaner (about a dime). this is my favorite of the three cleansers! it’s $22 for a 4-ounce bottle at ulta and is rated 4.5/5 stars.
I’m only using ulta for this review because you can earn free points for shopping there, and the sellers on amazon seemed suspicious.
clay chameleon transforming purifying cleanser
ulta description: transform your cleansing ritual with this beautiful and innovative clay-to-cream facial cleanser that combines the purifying benefits of brazilian red clay and mineral-rich sea salts with the gentle comfort of a cream. Enriched with papaya and bamboo extracts, the formula works to gently draw away impurities and help detoxify, leaving your skin feeling pure, soft and supple. This revitalizing skin formula is infused with the scent of bergamot and mandarin orange* to help uplift the senses every time you cleanse. *fragrance of natural origin
It’s what’s inside that counts:
This cleanser is red from red clay, and has a detoxifying mask texture (almost identical to the original activated charcoal mask). once you put the cleanser on your face, add some water and start to cleanse, it turns into a milky white foam. I’ve been using it mainly in the morning, but I’ve heard other beauty bloggers say that it’s good to use on the weekends to detoxify the skin.
this cleanser is also $22 for a 4 ounce bottle of ulta and is rated 4.5/5 stars.
Oil Obsessed Total Cleansing Oil
ulta description: Immerse your skin in this ultralight facial cleansing oil for a comforting cleansing experience. Oil Obsessed Total Cleansing Oil glides over dry face to effectively, yet gently dissolve makeup and impurities. just add a little water and this sensationally elegant oil transforms into a light milky emulsion that rinses easily. Infused with the uplifting aroma of lavender and mandarin orange,* this nourishing blend contains borage, sunflower, cranberry and cucumber oils, plus mineral-rich sea salts to leave skin feeling silky smooth. *fragrance of natural origin
It’s what’s inside that counts:
I’ve never tried an oil cleanser before so I have nothing to compare it to. however, I will say that this is light and not greasy. i have used it to remove my makeup and also as a cleanser when i am not wearing makeup. Either way, it is very gentle on the skin and leaves it feeling smooth. I’ve only used it on my fingers, but I’m tempted to put the oil on a cleaning mitt or cotton pad.
this is $30 for a 6 oz bottle at ulta and is rated 4.5/5 stars.
bare haven essential moisturizing smooth cream
ulta description: Embrace your skin in silky, deliciously nourishing moisture. Powered by intuitive mineral moisture technology, bare haven’s essential moisturizing smooth cream replenishes essential moisture for normal to dry skin, reviving overall resilience and suppleness and infusing an extraordinarily super soft feel. This comforting soft moisturizer melts effortlessly into skin to help enhance a natural, healthy glow. Plus, a blend of peptides, ceramides, and amino acids to help smooth rough texture, while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. subtle notes of bergamot and eucalyptus* add to the sensory experience to gently uplift and awaken your senses. *fragrance of natural origin.
It’s what’s inside that counts:
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I’ve been using this in place of my regular moisturizer and it makes me feel like I’m in a spa. it smells so fresh and has a light texture…i love it! I will mention that I do not have dry or oily skin, more or less in the middle. this provides the perfect start to my skincare routine (after washing my face of course). I also noticed that I didn’t mention… bareminerals does not test on animals, and many of their products are vegan.
this is $35 for a 1.7 ounce jar (a little goes a long way) at ulta, and is rated 4.5/5 stars.
brilliant defense of future age & renewing serum
ulta description: an innovative serum that fights the first signs of aging and renews the skin’s natural radiance. clinically shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
benefits:
It has a pleasant scent and is light. I have never used anti aging serums so i have nothing to compare it to but i will keep using it and see if i notice any changes. i like the texture, and it makes my skin feel soft. Also, the bottle says to use 3-4 pumps, but I get by with 2 (always saving where possible!).
this is $55 for a 1 ounce bottle at ulta.
vital power infusion serum for skin longevity
ulta description: This dynamic, first-of-its-kind infusion is designed to revive and help maintain your skin’s most vibrant appearance of health and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. With bareminerals’ proprietary long-lasting herbal extract at its core, this formula helps promote skin’s vitality, replenishing it with moisture and reawakening the look of youth. skin feels empowered, renewed and fortified, with increased resilience and a healthy, glowing appearance.
It’s what’s inside that counts:
ugh, i feel really bad for saying this, but this is probably the first real anti-aging product i’ve ever used. I am very lucky to have youthful skin, even with all my sun exposure over the years. Except for eye creams and products that simply have an antiaging element to them, I have never really searched for an antiaging product. I’ve been using it in the morning (recommended to use it at night too, just not there yet) and it’s very lightweight which I love. It also makes my skin feel soft!
You only need 1-2 pumps to cover your face and neck. this is $38 for a 1 ounce bottle at ulta and is rated 4.5/5 stars.
skinlongevity vital power gel eye cream
ulta description: bareminerals skinlongevity vital power eye gel cream is powered by the patented benefits of mineral-rich, long-lasting herb to support vitality and replenish moisture around the eye area for a flawless appearance. more youthful. With the added antioxidant benefits of california poppy plus lempuyang ginger help protect against damage from environmental stressors and help brighten the appearance of skin. Experience smoother, stronger, more radiant skin. results you can see and feel in as little as 14 days.
The sample I got was pretty small, I have two uses, so I don’t want to talk too much about this, but I will say that it is a light and smooth cream. some eye creams i have used are heavy and almost pull on my skin. no this! I definitely want to try the larger size so I can see how it performs over time.
this is $32 for a 0.5 ounce jar at ulta. a little goes a long way!
This may sound like a lot, but bareminerals has so many other skincare products I want to try. here are a few I’m looking at (far sales, gift-with-purchase, double point days, etc.):
