Bare Escentuals question

[krhm]

Inspired by all the positive comments on the board, I went to Sephora and bought a starter kit on Saturday. This morning was only the second time I've applied the makeup. I live in a very hot and humid climate (it's called Hot-lanta for a reason!), but I do tend to have dry skin. I also have rosacea and am in the midst of a particularly bad flare-up. This morning I applied the mineral veil first, then the foundation, then the mineral veil again. But I've been shiny all day. Despite being in the air conditioning for most of the day, I was still really shiny. I put the stuff on around 7, then had to re-do around 3.

So my questions are 1) Do you have to reapply during the day usually? I'll go through gallons of the stuff if so! 2) Can you ever get rid of the shine? Maybe I'm putting too much on, or working it too much, and it's getting shiny? 3) How much is enough? I have really, really red cheeks right now, and it seems like the tiny little bit on the brush just isn't doing it.

In return for answers I can post the tips from the DVD when I get a chance to watch it again! :)

[Chefzhat]

Well. Here's my tips for you!

I have rosacea too - BE has proven to be a godsend for me. My flare ups (and associated acne) have decreased significantly since using it. No acne for 2 years now.

I think (JMHO) you're applying too much mineral veil. It's shiny anyway, and if you're having a flare up your pores are extra big and are sucking up lots of product.

Apply a small amount of foundation to the red areas of your cheeks only, and let it "sink in" a bit. Then apply to the rest of the face, finishing by going over your red areas again. Apply whatever blush you use (frankly, I never use any), then lightly apply mineral veil across the t-zone and the rest of the face. You can always add more - just wait a bit so you can see what your skin does with it.

It takes a few days to get used to the whole application thing. I nearly tossed it all out the window - glad I stuck with it.

Hope this helps!

Debie

[krhm]

Yes! That does help! On Sunday, I didn't use the MV first, but I did today, and today I was definitely too shiny. I'm also glad to hear that it took some time to get used to applying it correctly. I don't wear much make-up, so I'm extremely inept with the brushes, and it will probably take me longer to learn the tricks!

Hm, what you said about "sinking in" also makes sense...I did notice that this morning and will make sure to allow more time tomorrow.

And here are the tips from the starter kit's DVD, in case anyone is interested:

Do coverage first with the coverage brush and foundation.
Use the application brush to buff with foundation.
Then use the kabuki brush with a little foundation.
Apply mineral veil with the application brush. Use the coverage brush and mv to conceal enlarged pores, etc.
Blend Warmth with a little foundation powder. Suck in cheeks and apply to contour face.
Use Warmth for eye area and cheekbones prior to foundation for a "scultped" look.
Use coverage brush with mineral veil on lashes, then apply mascara for a fuller look.
Dip chapstick into a little Warmth to use on lips.

[mbrogier]

I put my BE on right after my face moisturizer the other morning, and I think it applied better that day. (I do not get shiny, though) Today, I got a little sun, and my face flushed. I think I'll have a tan tomorrow.

I got the well rested eye shadow/concealer to use under my eyes and as a blemish concealer. I apply that first with the concealer brush to any red areas and to the dark areas under my eyes. I then apply the foundation as usual, add blush if I'm using it that day, and then the mineral veil. The concealer really tones down the red--I have really dry skin but have occaisional breakouts on my chin and nose.

[green1]

I think it is because it is so bloody hot! When the temps are normal in Phoenix, I don't shine. But now, you need sunglasses to look at me! :cool:

[krhm]

Green1, maybe you're right...it is too dang hot for just about anything. Although we're about to have a cold snap, and it will go down to the mid-80s. I might need a sweater! :)

I'm still shiny today. Can't quite shake the feeling that I'm either buffing it too much or using too much. After years of heavy liquid foundation I just don't feel comfortable with 1/4 tsp powder. Guess that will just take practice.

BUT, I finally figured out how to find all the old BE threads...by searching user names. I only read the most recent one, and had NO idea how many threads there are (drat the messed up search function). Anyway, some of you should be earning BE commissions, I think! :D

[krhm]

Oh, and MBrogier, thanks for the tip about concealer. I'm going to pick some up this weekend. I think Molli526 is also a fan, based on old threads. Are either of you by chance redheads? :D

[cocoa'smom]

Krhm....did you know there's a Bare Escentuals store at Lenox Square upstairs? Kind of towards the Bloomingdale's end. They may be able to help you. Maybe you could go in and have them do your face so you can see how they do it. They'd also have other colors/products, there.

[mst]

krhm-

I use BE. I find that if I use too much foundation, I get shiny looking. Not oily, but shiny from the foundation. Sounds to me like you might be putting too much on. I would suggest that you put a swirl with a tiny amount, knock of the extra, and then buff on. If it is not enough coverage, do it again. It is hard to believe that a small amount of powder can take the place of thick liquid foundation, but it does. It is an adjustment, but I truly think you are putting way too much on. Swirl, TAP, buff. A little bit goes a long way. Humor me- try it with a tiny amount tomorrow, and see how you do.

[krhm]

I'd love to, but I won't get a chance for several weeks at least because it's such a long drive. I went to Spehora at North Point, and the woman there seemed to know a little about it, but not much. I'm going back this weekend to return the mosturizer and to pick up the well-rested, and maybe then someone will be there who knows more.

Thanks for the idea though! Is that store really nice? What am I saying, everything at Lenox is nice!

Kari

[krhm]

Mst, I must have been posting at the same time you were. I will definitely try to use less tomorrow and see how it goes.

It is funny that I look forward to getting up in the morning and putting on makeup! :D

[mbrogier]

Are either of you by chance redheads? :D

I'm as close as you can be to a natural redhead without being one. My skin/eyes are that of a redhead, but I have more brown to my hair.

[clairea]

I'd love to, but I won't get a chance for several weeks at least because it's such a long drive. I went to Spehora at North Point, and the woman there seemed to know a little about it, but not much. I'm going back this weekend to return the mosturizer and to pick up the well-rested, and maybe then someone will be there who knows more.

Thanks for the idea though! Is that store really nice? What am I saying, everything at Lenox is nice!

Kari

Kari, definitely go by the store at Lenox when you get a chance. They will work with you on the best way to apply the minerals, and also let you try out different colors, etc. They also have lots of other fun lotions, etc.

FWIW, it sounds to me like you are using too much foundation. I think the MV under and over the foundation is key in our climate, but you really want to use the foundation sparingly, and you can always add more if you want more coverage.

Claire