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Belles
Top 50 Contributor
My Activity:
- Active Since:08/13/2012
- Last Review04/02/2013
- Featured Reviews0
- Average Rating4.3
- Reviews Written:15
- Helpful Votes:128
- Active Since:06/23/2012
- Last Question02/08/2013
- Featured Questions0
- Questions Asked:3
- Helpful Votes:0
- Active Since:09/14/2012
- Last Answer12/11/2012
- Featured Answers0
- Best Answers0
- Questions Answered:3
- Helpful Votes:0
Reviews
Bronzed High Shine Eyecolor (bronze brown)
Reviewer: Belles
Location:The Sierra, CA
Age Range:55 and up
Skin Type:Sensitive
Skin Shade:Light
Hair Color:Brunette
Eye Color:Blue
Date:04/02/2013
Does exactly what I'd hoped
Rating
I'm in my 50's, so a high shine product is not my best look except for the inner eye corner to provide illumination and brightness. I've been using a competitor's product for that purpose with great success, and this works just as well if not better. With the color I chose, which is Ice, you don't see any color per se; it's a neutral frost (although darker skins might actually see the pink cast). I would never use the sponge applicator; it's simply too big and applies too much product, which is why I knocked off a star. I use my own brushes to control the application, and I suggest starting with the tiniest possible amount as this packs quite a wallop in shine. If you're going to use this where you want it to be obviously there (e.g., across your brow bone or lid), I'd use a clean sponge applicator to control the powder and prevent it from getting all over under your eye. I was taught long ago that the really frosty powders apply better with a sponge on the eyes and have found that to be true.
+4points
Helpful Votes Recieved: 4out of 4found this review helpful.
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Mineral Veil Finishing Powder Broad Spectrum SPF 25
Reviewer: Belles
Location:The Sierra, CA
Age Range:55 and up
Skin Type:Sensitive
Skin Shade:Light
Hair Color:Brunette
Eye Color:Blue
Date:01/18/2013
Perfect for sunny and minimal makeup days
Rating
I use this for days when I can't or don't want to put on full makeup. It's perfect for a completely natural look. I also use it when I don't put my sunscreen on - for the extra protection from harmful rays that it provides. The only reason I gave it four hearts instead of five is that it's drying to my skin (dry/sensitive), so I can't use it every day.
+4points
Helpful Votes Recieved: 4out of 4found this review helpful.
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Reviewer: Belles
Location:The Sierra, CA
Age Range:55 and up
Skin Type:Sensitive
Skin Shade:Light
Hair Color:Brunette
Eye Color:Blue
Date:01/18/2013
Over or under, it's a great product
Rating
If you ever wonder why you need to put powder on top of powder, look at the difference in texture between mineral foundation and mineral finishing powder. The super fine texture of the mineral veils gives an air-brushed appearance to the skin that you can't get with mineral foundation alone.
Original Mineral Veil has become too drying for my dry/sensitive skin. So, I don't use it anymore. When I did, I saw it as an essential final step to make my skin look its best.
Instead, I use Hydrating Mineral Veil. I've recently started using it as my primer, because my new sunscreen stays tacky no matter how long I put it on before makeup. (I can't use primers because of an intolerance to dimethicone.) It works perfectly! Sometimes, I put it on over my foundation, too, but I've been using Radiances for finishing instead with great success - but only when I have used HMV as a primer. Otherwise, HMV is my favorite finisher.
Illuminating Mineral Veil (formerly Feather Light) makes a great facial highlighter and can make a dull complexion look radiant. It does glow. Some might even say it sparkles, but when it's applied sparingly, the effect is luminous rather than sparkly.
I use Tinted Mineral Veil on clients only. I thought it might work as an all-over faux tan for summer for me, but the color just isn't right for that use. However, as a finishing powder for darker skins, it excels. You never have to worry about a whitening effect from it.
+9points
Helpful Votes Recieved: 9out of 9found this review helpful.
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Limited-Edition Flawless Application Brush in Pearl
Reviewer: Belles
Location:The Sierra, CA
Age Range:55 and up
Skin Type:Sensitive
Skin Shade:Light
Hair Color:Brunette
Eye Color:Blue
Date:12/14/2012
OK brush, but expected something more
Rating
The first thing I need to say about this brush is that you must keep it clean, or the bristles will break. That means washing it at least once a week with mild soap/shampoo in cool water. And you should wash it before using it, because the animal hair from which it is made smells funky. Honestly, this brush is simply not the same quality as the black handled version (even the travel version of the black handled one). I think its best use is for mineral veil, all-over color, or blush. You really don't want to use this for anything that requires circular motions; if it's like mine, it will break if you do no matter how clean you keep it.
+1point
Helpful Votes Recieved: 2out of 3found this review helpful.
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READY Eyeshadow 8.0 - The Cocktail Hour
bareMinerals READY Eyeshadow 8.0 - The Cocktail Hour
Reviewer: Belles
Location:The Sierra, CA
Age Range:55 and up
Skin Type:Sensitive
Skin Shade:Light
Hair Color:Brunette
Eye Color:Blue
Date:12/11/2012
A beautiful, predominately cool, collection
Rating
Phrases Chosen: gorgeous colors, long lasting, great texture
I was hesitant to buy this because I was not that happy with The Finer Things. I am so glad that I did, because this set is incredibly beautiful.
Black Tie Optional is a matte black and a color I would never have bought individually, but you can use it to add depth and dimension to a lighter color, for the outside corner of your eye, or as a smoky liner that even those of us who find black liner too harsh can wear.
Icebreaker is sparkly and a superb highlighter. They say it's pink, but there is no visible pink on me (fairly light skin).
Swanky is stunning. They're absolutely correct to call it "dazzling", but I see the color as a purple rather than a plum. And the sparkles in it are wearable even for me in my mid-fifties.
Spiked is the only color I can't use; it's simply too warm for me.
Elixir is very reminiscent of an original loose color called Sweet Pea. (Yes, I do mean one of BE's very first eye colors.) I have been using the original in as tiny of amounts as possible to be able to keep using it, and I'm almost out. That should give you an idea of just how pretty and potent of a color it is. Elixir on the lid with Swanky in the crease and corner, and Icebreaker as the highlight is simply stunning. Line with Black Iris (sold as a duo liner with Slate), and you've got a special look that's hard to beat.
Invite Only is the most natural color of the group with a sheen finish. It looks neither solely golden or silvered but both, makes an excellent base color, and foils beautifully.
Libation is deceptive in the pan in that it doesn't appear to be as sparkly or sheer as it is. It is also an excellent highlighter and looks stunning layered over Black Tie Optional at the outer corner. Like Invite Only, it contains an equal mix of cool and warm tones,
Shaken Not Stirred is a bit deceptive, too. On me, it looks like a luminous matte black with sapphire sparkles. A smoky eye looks absurd on me, but a younger woman could use this color to great advantage for a night out or formal occasion. I've never seen a color like it before, which makes it a great choice for a special look.
The best advice I can give you is to barely tap your brush in your desired color and build up to the coverage you want. Because these colors are so pigmented, you might want to practice a little on the back of your hand to learn how much product is needed, especially with the two dark colors. If you get too much on your brush, you may have some trouble blending it. Once you master working with the texture, you can create any look you want, except a matte natural look, with this palette.
+15points
Helpful Votes Recieved: 15out of 15found this review helpful.
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Reviewer: Belles
Location:The Sierra, CA
Age Range:55 and up
Skin Type:Sensitive
Skin Shade:Light
Hair Color:Brunette
Eye Color:Blue
Date:11/27/2012
The One is The One
Rating
My previous glowing review was deleted. So, I'm trying again.
If you want the most natural looking blush, you pick one that is the same color as when you flush, right? So, for many more years than I will admit to, I bought a blush that accomplished its purpose. (I bought others for "looks," but I had found my blush and was sticking with it for everyday wear.)
On a whim, I tried this new blush by Bare Escentuals. Hello! How can a blush in the same basic color look so much better?! I was very impressed by the color, texture, and finish. It went on smoothly (with my usual blush brush - I never trust brushes included with products), took very little product to get the color right, and lasted longer than I did.
I suggest that you go into a store to find the right color if you're going for your natural flush. Here's a tip for when you get there: Squeeze a finger so that the tip flushes, then find the blush that matches the color of your fingertip. Voila! You found your natural blush.
+31points
Helpful Votes Recieved: 35out of 39found this review helpful.
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Stroke of Light Eye Brightener in Luminous 2
Reviewer: Belles
Location:The Sierra, CA
Age Range:55 and up
Skin Type:Sensitive
Skin Shade:Light
Hair Color:Brunette
Eye Color:Blue
Date:11/27/2012
It should be called Stroke of Genius
Rating
Phrases Chosen: astounding effect, takes years off
I've tried similar products from several companies and thought they were pretty good, but they aren't in the same class as Stroke of Light. I've never been able to hide my dark circles successfully until I used this and the new concealer. I was not kind to my eyes over the years (e.g., wearing theatrical makeup, inconsistent skin care, rubbing because of allergies, etc.), and now it shows. They claimed that this would improve how my eyes looked. It only took one application to see an astounding difference. It's not often that I'll throw other products away in favor of a new one. In fact, this may have been the first time. I don't what else to say except, "Buy it!"
+6points
Helpful Votes Recieved: 6out of 6found this review helpful.
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Brightening Pearl Mineral Veil with Custom Cap (size: medium)
Reviewer: Belles
Location:The Sierra, CA
Age Range:55 and up
Skin Type:Sensitive
Skin Shade:Light
Hair Color:Brunette
Eye Color:Blue
Date:11/14/2012
Perfect boost for dull days
Rating
Phrases Chosen: glow getter, pore/line minimizer
While this powder looks very orange in the container, it doesn't go on that way. I have fair-light, cool-toned skin, and it works very well for me. I don't use it all the time, but I do use it when my skin gets the winter blahs or the spring time hurry-up-and-get-warm-already paleness.
What it does for me is what I've heard that the all over colors do for others. (I've never been able to wear Warmth. It makes my skin look muddy.) This makes my skin look radiant and brightened. So, I recommend it highly for fair to light skin. (I have yet to try it for darker skinned applications.)
Additionally, it is not the least bit sparkly, yet it imparts a glow, and it reduces the appearance of fine lines and medium sized pores.
+11points
Helpful Votes Recieved: 11out of 11found this review helpful.
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100% Natural Lip Trios - Perfect Mauve
Perfect Mauve Lip Kit
Reviewer: Belles
Location:The Sierra, CA
Skin Type:Sensitive
Skin Shade:Light
Eye Color:Blue
Display Name: Sandra
Date:10/15/2012
Not mauve in any way but still a good set
Rating
Phrases Chosen: hydrating/moisturizing, saturated color, products match
I gave this set four stars for the following reasons:
1. I had dry lips when I put the products on, and, within moments, my lips were completely hydrated and soft.
2. The richness of the color in all three products is superior to any brand I've tested that does not contain lanolin. (I can't judge lanolin-containing products due to a severe allergy.)
3. The concept and execution were commendable. I don't know how many times I've purchased makeup in collections where everything was meant to be color- and hue-coordinated but wasn't.
4. Offering a non-shimmering yet high gloss product is great. You can often get sparkly gloss or dull (dry and flat) lipstick but not a glossy and, dare I say, juicy look without sparkles being added.
1. I had dry lips when I put the products on, and, within moments, my lips were completely hydrated and soft.
2. The richness of the color in all three products is superior to any brand I've tested that does not contain lanolin. (I can't judge lanolin-containing products due to a severe allergy.)
3. The concept and execution were commendable. I don't know how many times I've purchased makeup in collections where everything was meant to be color- and hue-coordinated but wasn't.
4. Offering a non-shimmering yet high gloss product is great. You can often get sparkly gloss or dull (dry and flat) lipstick but not a glossy and, dare I say, juicy look without sparkles being added.
The reason I took away one star is that "mauve" is supposed to be a pinked or grayed lavender to mid-range purple. This set is a warm, soft red. It was definitely not what I expected or wanted or can use for myself with my cool coloring.
+2points
Helpful Votes Recieved: 2out of 2found this review helpful.
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Mini Masters
Mini Masters
Reviewer: Belles
Location:The Sierra, CA
Skin Type:Sensitive
Skin Shade:Light
Eye Color:Blue
Display Name: Sandra
Date:10/12/2012
Cruelty-free perfection!
Rating
Sorry to gush, but these brushes can't be beat. The foundation brush works better than the animal hair one I've been using for years, which makes me ecstatic. I was not sure about the blush brush until I used it. I won't say that it will replace my angled blush brush, but it works beautifully. The eyeshadow brush is a dream, especially for all over color, and it works equally well dry or wet. (I tried it both ways; so, foil away with it.) The liner/smudger brush may actually be my favorite of the set. Despite endless attempts, I've never been able to get the hang of an angled or flat eyeliner brush (although they work very well when I do makeup on others). So, I was thrilled to see this one in the set. I have a new favorite for dry, wet, cream, gel liner. They all go on easily with this brush. Truly an awesome set!
+20points
Helpful Votes Recieved: 20out of 20found this review helpful.
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Questions
Sensitive Skin Anti-Aging Solution Kit
How about listing the ingredients?
I have issues with certain compounds commonly used in anti-aging products (e.g., salicylates, dimethicone, lanolates, etc.) Without knowing what these products contain I have no idea if they are safe for me to use. Please include this information for all of us with sensitivities, allergies, and sensibilities (i.e., vegetarians, vegans, etc.).
Submitted by:
Belles
The Sierra, CA
3 months, 2 weeks ago
What are the ingredients? Does it contain dimethicone?
I need to know if this contains any of my allergens or sensitivities.
Submitted by:
Belles
The Sierra, CA
4 months, 3 weeks ago
Weather Everything Liner Sealer
Turn any bareMinerals Eyecolor into liquid liner.
Make without parabens?
Any chances that you will reformulate this to be paraben free?
Submitted by:
Belles
11 months ago
Answers
READY Eyeshadow 8.0 - The Cocktail Hour
bareMinerals READY Eyeshadow 8.0 - The Cocktail Hour
Are the colors in this collection refillable?
I just bought this set and love the colors, but I wonder what happens when I run out of a shade.
I've not seen any refills for the palettes. Many people who find a palette they love buy a spare.
Submitted by:
Belles
The Sierra, CA
5 months, 2 weeks ago
Limited-Edition Flawless Application Brush in Pearl
Is this brush natural or synthetic bristles?
Looking for a brush to use with ready makeup.
It's animal hair, but I don't know from what animal.
Submitted by:
Belles
The Sierra, CA
6 months ago
Stroke of Light Eye Brightener - Luminous 1
Stroke of Light Eye Brightener in Luminous 1
Will this product replace the use of concealer?
Is the use of concealer necessary in combination with this product?
If you have only minor discoloration, this may be all you need.
Submitted by:
Belles
8 months ago