Mineral Make-up?

Hi G.,

I've been using Bare Essentials for a couple years and really like it. The products are easy to put on (I'm done in less than 10 minutes at the most) and if you use there club card (it's free) you get 10 off every 100 you spend - I don't use cupons or club cards but this one is worth it...The only drawback I see is b/c the makup is all powders it can be "messy" at times...I wash my makeup bag once a month or so to get the residue out of everything...my only real complaint.

Where did you see the Titanium Dioxide cancer article???

I love bare essentials! I have been using it for a couple of years and it doesn't make me feel at all like I have caked on makeup but it totally smooths my skin tone!! I buy it at ULTA.

I do not know much about the Bare Essentials line...i've personally never used it on myself (But i hear it has a good reputation!), but if you are looking for quality AND cost effectiveness, Physicians Formula makes a Hypoallergenic and Non-comenogenic mineral makeup. I try to use that brand name for most of my makeup...i am a red-head, and i have very fair and sensitive skin. To my knowledge, they do not not have titanium dioxide in their products...they are very choosy in their ingredients, and try to to do safe skin products that will not cause any adverse or allergic reactions. Plus, you can buy Physicians Formula at most large retailers, like Target, Wl-Mart, Meijer, etc. No specialty Dept. stores with the Dept. store price tag to match! ;) Good luck!

Hello G.,

I can help shed some light for you! I'm a corporate employee for an international salon/spa company. I've also been in the beauty industry for many years in which I've worked with mineral makeup extensively.

First I have to start with titanium dioxide is NOT linked to cancer!!! There are 2 types of sunscreens, physical and chemical. Physical means it's a natural ingredient that naturally blocks the sun and chemical, well it pretty much says it all, it's a chemical that's added for sun protection. Chemicals have very high reaction issues with skin sensetivity concerns, they can burn and tingle when applied, they don't last very long, some are not broad spectrum (UVB and UVA), and THESE have been known to be linked to different cancers. Putting chemicals on yourself, esp when applied daily, is never a good thing because they are absorbed into your body. However, minerals including titanium dioxide, magnesium carbonate and zinc oxide are natural broad spectrum suncreens (UVA and UVB). They "float" on the surface of the skin so they're never absorbed yet provide a very long lasting, natural and non reactive protection. Mineral makeuep is about the only thing a person with extremely sensetive skin can use because of this reason. They also allow the skin to breath so it can heal through the makeup and have about a 0% incident of ance aggrivation because again, it's not absorbed into the skin; ie: the molecular structure is too large to penetrate the skin. All in all, mineral makeup is a good match for practically everyone.

2 points: 1) any mineral makeup is better than non mineral makeup and 2) all minerals are not created equal though.

If you're comparing a non-mineral with a mineral makeup, you're much better off with a mineral product. Depending on the brand, it shouldn't contain any chemicals and as I've said, it's natural. Non-mineral makeup can have everything from chemicals to petro chemicals to pore clogging oils to something called propylene glycol (which is used in antifreeze and other de-icing products...yuck!).

BUT, all minerals are not the same. Many drug store products I've looked at that are advertised as mineral have all kinds of things in the ingredients label that certainly are not minerals so in reality, they're only partially mineral. Bare Minerals is a nice product because it's 100% mineral with no fillers. The color selection is pretty good and they're a very well known and reputible company. The only thing I know about them is that they contain something called bismuth oxycholoride (sp?). It's a mineral but it's a binding ingredient and also a potential irritant to the skin. I do know a lot of women who use it and like it though. I also know Mario Tricoci's usues mineral makeup but they blend their's to match your skin exactly which I think is a pretty interesting idea. As far as I know, it's 100% mineral also and again, I find the idea of custom made makeup very alluring.

I hope this information is helpul. I really encourage you to choose a mineral makeup over a regular makeup product but which you choose is up to you. It really is a great way to enhance your skin but by doing it naturally just beware of drug store mineral makeup. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I'm happy to help.

Sincerely,
S.

G.,

In my experience, most people who try mineral powder makeup love it. I'm a consultant with Arbonne, and we have a mineral powder foundation, so I've had lots of clients switch and offer their opinions. Most of them love it because of it's quick and easy application, and the lightness of the powder on the skin. It's also great to use with a smaller brush as a concealer and works amazingly well. Dark spots, scarring, etc. seem to disappear! I can't speak for Bare Essentials, but I know that Arbonne's is naturally water resistant, so if you get caught in a light drizzle, you stand a good chance of keeping your foundation on! The only clients who have switch backed to liquid have been those who were looking for heavier coverage. While you can acheive heavy coverage with a mineral powder, it takes several layers, or covering problem areas with a smaller brush. Most people using mineral powder are going for ease of use, so don't want to take the time to apply more.

One piece of advice I learned from a celebrity makeup artist (Krista Embry) was that you should not use the short handled brush that comes with most mineral powder foundations. You need a longer handled fluff brush in order to achieve the best application.

Good luck and let me know if you want to try Arbonne's mineral powder foundation. I love it!

I am a Mary Kay consultant and you should know it isn't just in Mineral Make-up (which Mary Kay now carries) but in most blushes, eyeshadows and bronzers Also sunscreens have a very high level. Studies have only shown an increased risk of cancer in people who work around the material (manufacturing, packing shipping) and not in occupational or recreational use. If you are are just using the makeup it shouldn't hurt you. Also I have used Bare Essentials and Mary kay's new mineral foundation and I liked MK better because the BE made my face oily and Mary Kay is much cheaper!

I know many people, including myself, who are pleased with mineral makeup. I use Arbonne International's mineral powder and love it. Arbonne is a 27 year old internet-based company. You can visit my friend's website www.tracikuhn.myarbonne.com for more information and to purchase if you like. Arbonne has a money back guarantee. My friend has told me that a makeup artist to two US presidents said that Arbonne's mineral powder provides better coverage in one application than bare essentials.

I wear Bare Essentials and swear up and down by it. This was the first time in my life since I started wearing make up that I have noticed a difference in my skin. I've always tried my best to take care of my skin since I was 16. Before using BE, I would break out at least twice a month. Now, not only do I not break out, I have slept in BE and it doesn't irritate my skin. When I started using it, people noticed a difference and commented on my skin. They would say things like "You look well rested" or "You look really happy today" or " Your face looks like you lost weight" At first I found it odd that one person said that I looked like I lost some weight, but then I realized that I started to contour my face and my nose and it made a shadow to make me look thinner.

I know that you're getting alot of advice, but please consider them closely....alot of them are "I work for _____ company and I can show you 'my' products" or "I'm a consultant from ________ company and 'my' products are the best". Now of course this is just 'my' opinion, but I will say that I have used all of those unmentioned products. I have even used those very expensive, best of the best counter products from Estee Lauder, Prescriptives and Lancome from Saks Fifth Ave, Marshall Fields and Nordstroms. I even fired my Mary Kay lady.

I will say again, yes, my opinion, but I am speaking from experience of using it all. I have never, ever used anything better then BE and will never give it up.

Side note: Just to be clear, I do not work for BE or know anyone personally that works for the company, so I do not benefit monetarily from it. I'm speaking strictly as a comsumer that believes in the product.

I am currently using the Loreal mineral makeup. I love it, and it only cost about $13.

As far as titanium dioxide being a carcinogen, it depends on what you read and whom you believe. Here's a link to information explaining why it is safe: http://www.organicmakeup.ca/CA/titaniumdioxide.asp

I have used bare minerals, but I primarily use philosophy's version of it: the supernatural airbrushed canvas (you can get it at Nordstrom's or Sephora or online at philosophy.com or QVC.com). I like the way philosophy's applicator works versus just the brush and loose powder. If you go to one of the store's that sells it, you can try it out. I have also mixed philosophy with bare minerals.

I didn't find either one of them to be too sparkly. I did not use liquid foundation prior to using this. I use nothing, or the mineral stuff. I'm very happy with it.

I know if you go to the one in OakBrook they will do your face for you and give you the lesson on how to use it. I thought I heard they were all natural.

I've had a tremendous response from my customers loving this product. And I use it and love it as well.
Mary Kay® Mineral Powder Foundation
This featherweight powder seems to make lines and wrinkles disappear. And it leaves behind flawless, fabulous coverage with just a sweep of the Mineral Foundation Brush.
The Mineral Foundation Brush is custom designed to make application mistake proof. The soft, flat natural bristles deliver the ideal amount of foundation and let you build to the level of coverage you want. It’s easy to see why minerals are a girl’s best friend.
The formula provides a buildable coverage with the comfort
of a silky powder. This weightless formula
blends for a flawless look and evens out skin
tone. It is transfer-resistant and will not fade
away midday. Other regular facial pressed
and/or loose powders generally have
sheer/luminous coverage or shine control
properties. These powders provide neither
the coverage nor the benefits of a foundation.
You can check it out on my website www.marykay.com/TLGilmore
This spring they are even coming out with eye shadows and other products with minerals in them.
Hope this helps you. (-:

I love it,and I haven't heard the cancer thing, but now I will research that.

Wow - what great advice you have received! I used BE and I LOVE it. I have super dry skin and it works for me. I won't go on and on as what I would say has already been said.

Here is my 2 cents. If you decide to use BE go to either Woodfield or Oak Brook mall and have them show you how to use it. It isn't hard but it is a different type of application than liquid makeup. I find that those who didn't go somewhere and see how to use it didn't like it as much as those who understood how to apply. It is free to do and I like it because i saw how it looked before I purchased it.

Good luck.

If you are concerned about particular ingredients, you may want to check out Environmental Working Group's (EWG) Skin Deep web page. EWG a non-profit group that researches all kinds of environmental issues. The Skin Deep part of the web page is basically a searchable database of cosmetics and personal care products and ingredients and it lists any safety concerns associated with each.

http://cosmeticdatabase.com/

By the way, titanium dioxide was listed as a low concern.

mineral make up is really nice and sheer and just different that traditional foundation. I like both. I am a MaryKay consultant and MaryKay has just come out with her mineral powder foundation. It is great. It is very sheer and natural and does not look cakey as some powders can.It provides a flawless complexion.When used with a tinted moisturizer it provides and even more coverage,but still natural and sheer as opposed to a full coverage foundation which tends to sometimes feel like a mask and un-natural.You just have to try it- it really is neat stuff!If you are interested in finding out about or trying MaryKay's mineral powder foundation you can message me for my website, and you can get information right there 24/7!
About the cancer worry--I have never been made aware of that issue, so sorry I have no comment on that.

I LOVE BE and BM. I have an acne problem and it is one of the only make-ups that I can wear and feel confident that everything is going to cover nicely. I also love how it feels on my skin. Having had acne for so many years, I had to always wear a foundation and it felt terrible on my skin. This feels like nothing at all.

As an aside. I have never experiences this "sparkle" effect.

Hope this helps.
N.

Hi G.,
I read your request and immediately wondered if the make-up I use from a company I trust implicitely, included Titanium Dioxide. And it does. I found a great article regarding the same and have included the website below so that you can read about it.
http://www.theorganicmakeupcompany.com/CA/titaniumdioxide...
I would be a goof if I didn't tell you that Arbonne carries (in my opinion) the most incredible mineral powder and cosmetics. I am happy to share more about the benefits of using it.
All the best,
S. S. ###-###-#### ____@____.com

Dear G.,

I LOVE my mineral powder foundation by Mary Kay! It's so fresh looking and FEELING. If you don't have a local consultant, here's the web site for mine. She is WONDERFUL and will help you with whatever information or products at any time! She's really great! I'm sure you can prob'ly e-mail her through her website.

Best wishes!
D. from RE/MAX 100

http://www.marykay.com/cindycamp/default.aspx

WOW! You received alot of advice. Here is my 2 cents..
I have tried BE, Sheer Cover, Arbonne, and Neutrogenia Mineral Makeup. My main complaint is that it leaves my face so shiny that I get comments about the color! I am currently looking at Affordable Mineral Makeup and Mineral Girlz. They both seem reasonably priced and when I mention the shininess that I had before I was told to try a sample prior to purchasing to make sure. I was told that a specific component that some companies put in the makeup can make some shiny. I don't remember what that component was..

I think that all the examples can be good but I do believe that everyone's face is different! Good Luck finding your match!!

J.

I tried the Bare Essentials and it was too sparkly for me and did not look good on my skin. But Revlon just came out with a mineral powder that will stay on for 16 hours that I like and it's not too sparkly. You can get it at Ulta for $13 (and you can return at Ulta if you don't like it)

Hi G.,
I'm a Sales Director with Mary Kay Cosmetics. We carry Mineral Powder Foundations and Mary Kay just came out with pressed mineral foundations and eye/cheek colors - wonderful, I love it and all my customers are buying Mary Kay's mineral Foundations. Call me to schedule complimentary makeover, try before you buy. I can also provide the ingredients in the Minerals at your appointment. (per Mary Kay website "May contain titanium Dioxide)Ask me how you can earn FREE products.
Chris
###-###-####
or visit my website www.marykay.com/ctarchala

G. - I bought this like 6 months ago and I LOVE it. It makes my face look like I have no makeup on and it looks beautiful and natural. I was NEVER a fan of the liquid foundation. I suggest going to one of the malls and get it put on yourself or someone you know who would be willing to do it for you. As a busy mom (aren't we all) it takes me about 5 minutes to put the makeup on with some mascara and I am out the door, with a nice fresh face. I dont wash it off and tend to go to bed with it on, I have had no issues with that at all. I really like it. I raved about it so much, my mom and sister got it too and they both also love it.
*As a side note Titanium Dioxide is a leading ingredient found in sun block.*

Hi G.. I too used BE in hopes to cover my 'spots' and was not impressed, especially for the price. Then my manager told me about a Mom-owner company that was much cheaper and in her opinion better. I LOVE IT! I even signed up to be a consultant I was so impressed. All of my blotches are either gone or lighter and easier to cover. The company is Au Naturel Glow. With the better prices, you can get more selection and experiment with what works best for you. There are great samples to try as well, so you don't have to commit too soon! Message me if you would like more info and the link. Good Luck!

I have been using the Mary Kay mineral foundation for about 2 weeks now and absolutely LOVE IT!!! One thing I like is it is transfer resistant which means it won't rub off on your clothes. It covers great and you can apply as many layers as you need for the coverage you want. I was a liquid foundation/loose powder user and when I used the mineral powder foundation, I felt like I had nothing on. It is great. Another thing to keep in mind is it will take a few days to get used to applying it correctly. I tried the mineral powder the first time and it took twice as long as the other for me. I also wasn't applying it correctly so I would also encourage you to have some one show you how it works. As far as the titanium dioxide causing cancer concern, I don't know about that. I did read a link that said it showed an increase in tumors in rats with direct exposure for long periods of time for several weeks straight. There was not a significant increase in cancer in those whose who work directly with the ingredient. I did check the Mary Kay ingredients and it says may contain titanium dioxide. HOpe this helps!!!

I have Bare Essentials and like it, but I think it's over-rated. I break out from using it like any other make-up. It's very sheer, doesn't look like you're wearing any make-up but it evens out skin tone. So, it's nice, but I don't think it's the wonder product they make it to be. Everything lasts quite a while except the mineral veil, that goes fast.

I'm not sure of the brands. I like mineral make-up because it doesn't have water, oil, or talcum power in it. I have sensitive skin. Other people may have problems with acne or oily skin. Those extra ingredients just make the problem worse.

The mineral power goes on clean, doesn't clog the pores, and gives a natural glow and some coverage. I suggest investing in normal cover for spots or dark circles.

I tried a brand at the mall. It was like $30 or $50 for a container. I didn't like how it went on and it didn't offer hardly any cover. I tried Covergirl and another brand (can't remember the name right now) and it works great. It was about $10 for the container. It gives a nice natural glow to the skin without taking out all of your natural pigment or rosiness of the cheeks.

I have bought Bare Essentials make up and love it! It does tend to dry your face out, so you must wear a good mosturizer underneath. But if you are a busy mom like me, then this make up is life saver! You can put on just the basics and look good, or you can go all out and look great! I feel that it is quick and easy to apply. Well worth the money that I spent on it!

Hi G.. It looks like people have already sent you some info regarding Titanium Dioxide, so I won't go into the safety of that. However, I'm a manager with Arbonne - a wellness company. We have a fantastic SPF 15 mineral powder make-up...made without talc, fragrance and is botanically based (very smooth finish and nourishing to your skin). I've tried other lines...including Bare Minerals, Quixtar and Shaklee...I just prefer ours as there is no "sparkle" and there is great coverage, but not chalky or oily.
Good luck to you - I can mail you a sample if you want to try it.
D.

I've tried Bare Minerals and I have break-outs quite a bit, so I really have to layer it on. I'm not personally that fond of it, but I know several people who are.

Not sure about that one ingredient, but since I've bought Bare Minerals, I've switched to no chemicals. I work with a company now that has all products that are non-toxic, and don't have any carcinogens, which are present in so many household products. (Baby products!!) Sorry, not trying to sell my self, but since you asked. If you are interested, contact me.

Good luck!
M. Crawford
http://LiveTotalWellness.com/MaryGoesGreen
http://www.melaleuca.com/public/PublicFlash/main.html

I had an aunt who used mineral makeup. She liked the light texture of it, but it ruined her clothes by brushing off. All her shirts have makeup stains now. If you're specifically looking for a mineral cover-up powder, I can suggest something. I don't know your ethnicity, but if you're white you can use baby powder. Just try it once. You shouldn't have any makup lines. I don't know if this works with non-white skin. It won't make you look like Casper or anything. It's nice and light and won't clog your pores. It also helps soak up any excess oil on your skin. I got that tip when I was in high school. My sister's friend said she uses baby powder because her grandma, who was a model, swore by it. So I started doing it, too, and always had great results! And a container of baby powder lasts a lot longer and is a lot cheaper than any cover-up powder! I'm an Avon consultant, and I'm going to end up hurting my sales if I tell all my customers this! :) If you or anyone who reads this isn't white and tries this, please let me know what the results are! I don't know if it will show on darker skin. But I'd like to know! Otherwise, I'll have to wait until my daughter gets a little older and is wearing makeup, since she's multiracial. I'd like to know before then, though, if possible.

I believe Walgreens sell Physician's formula who also sells a mineral line. I know my sister in law liked the bare essentials.

I had the whole line but it really annoyed me to feel like I had dirt on my face all day.

I use Bare Essentials as do my mother and 2 sisters. I have horribly dry skin. This makeup doesn't make it look quite so dry. Also, I am about 3 months pregnant and my face is doing that weird pregnancy complexion thing. I find that this makeup helps kind of even it out. It costs a little more, but if you start with the starter kit, you can use those brushes for a while. I suggest buying brush cleaner and cleaning them once a week though or you lose the fresh look...

I also tend to leave my makeup on a lot overnight (because I work oncall overnights) and I don't have breakouts like I used to with the other brands (everything from Estee, Lancome to cover girl and revlon).

Hi G.,
I use Shaklee's Minerelles. I absolutely love how it feels on my skin and I love the way it works - covering up blemishes and anything else that needs to be covered without a caked on feeling (or look). It actually feeds your skin when you wear it, so its better than wearing nothing at all.

I don't now much about Bare Essentials, but I do know that Shaklee is priced less than the department store brands and from what others have told me, they feel it is a better quality make-up.

I am not sure where you live, but I do have a kit of the make-up and I do make-overs for people who would like to try it. Also, Shaklee has a 100% money back guarantee, so even if you got it and didn't like it, they refund your money - even if you used the entire product.

And (as if that wasn't enough), Shaklee does rigorous testing on all of their products, so no ingredients will ever be known to cause any negative reactions. I have found that a lot of the more well known brands to have ingredients that could cause cancer or at the very least some "unpleasant" ingredients.

If you are interested, I would be more than happy to share with you the products or more information.

B.

I tried Bare Essentials and HATED it. The box said so gentle you could sleep in it. It made my face break out. I also did not like the way it felt on my skin, it made it feel greasy. I will stick with Revlon makeup. It doesn't make my face break out and it's much less expensive complared to Bare Essentials, $60.00 for a starter kit.

I don't know anything about Bare Essentials Mineral Makeup, but I do know a little about Shaklee's Mineral Makeup. I've been using the minerals foundation and I love it. It's really light and smooth and doesn't look like you have a lot of makeup on but you still get great coverage. They also have an awesome anti-aging skin care line if your interested in that as well. Shaklee is a wonderful company, they have never made a product that will harm a single human cell.

T.

I'm an MK consultant, and we just added mineral foundation to our line. I found information about your cancer question at http://www.ccohs.ca/headlines/text186.html This information seems like good information. It seemed that there is a faint possibility that it possibly causes cancer in laboratory rats under very specific and isolated circumstances. You would probably need to browse the info and decide how it affects you personally.

Regarding Mineral make-up, from working "in the field", so to speak, it is my understanding now that people LOVE the mineral foundation. I began using it when we added this to our line. Ours is a buildable powder, so the more you add, the more coverage you will receive. Also, when applied, the skin surface seems to have a flawless appearance. Overall, customer response to our new line has been overwhelming. Whenever I have showed or sampled the mineral powder foundations, people have purchased. Additionally, we will be adding pressed mineral powder bronzers, and a new color line will include mineral products as well. I tend to trust the MK company, b/c they've been working in this industry for over 44 years. It would be silly to put out a cancer-causing powder and lose everything. Most of their market/product line decisions are for the good of people.

Wikipedia gives a lot more information about the Titanium Dioxide, which is also used in almost all sunscreens. In cosmetic and skin care products, its used as a pigment and a thickener. It is used as a white pigment because of its brightness and refractive index. My first understanding of titanium dioxide was that light refracted (bent) instead of reflecting. The reflecting property is what causes us all to look so "washed out" when we have our picture taken and the light hits our faces (if we are wearing a foundation with something else in it besides titanium dioxide). This is just what I have come to learn about titanium dioxide.

Good luck with your selection. My clients have told me that they prefer our new products (quality and price), but I cannot say that I have ever tried Bare Minerals.

Thanks,
K. P

Check out Safecosmetics.com. There's a great link on there that takes you to a site (EWG I think it is) where you can find out what ingredients in most cosmetics are safe. Including lotions and stuff for your babies, too!

I hadn't read anything about it having a cancer causing agent in it...but I can tell you it's wonderful as a makeup. I'm in my 60's & it really improves my skin's look. But, now I plan on checking out what you said.

I switched to this product for about 2 months now and I thought it was great. Thanks for sharing about your concern regarding titannium dioxide. It's something we have to search further. For the meantime, I'll continue to use it.Please keep me posted if you hear anything more. Thanks G. G
From: A. B.

A little about me:

Working mother of two sons and 3 grandchildren