Rare Minerals
August 14, 2006 by Christina Jones
Filed under Beauty, Product Reviews, Skin Care
As I mentioned in the comments of an earlier post, I have been using RareMinerals from bareEscentuals ($60, available at Sephora) for I guess about 3 weeks now – and guess what? I really do like it. I really don’t know how it doesn’t clog my pores, but it doesn’t – in fact, my skin is looking better. And I love love love the color at night – even if it is only me that I don’t scare in the morning, it really looks nice, and although I am using the tan color, there is no mess on my pillows in the mornings. I don’t know how that works either – maybe I sleep on my back all night and don’t rub against my pillow – but it does. This is great for anyone who wants a little nighttime treatment – and even better for someone who actually has overnight company. 
I will say about the colors – I am using tan, it is the darkest color, and is probably just one hair too dark for me. I am blonde and fair skinned however, with just the glow of summer (sunscreened summer, at that), so someone with a deep tan or naturally darker complexion would probably do better with the clear shade. And of course, if you are worried about your pillows. 
I guess the true test will be told (as it always is!) if, when I run out of it, I will feel the need to repurchase. $60 is a good chunk of money to spend, but I will report back and let you know what I decided when the time comes. Let me know your thoughts on Rare Minerals if you are using it!
I use the Bare Minerals line during the day…I am a skeptic with this product just another thing they want you to purchase which is not necessary. I would never sleep with anything other than moisturizer on my face or Proactiv Repair Lotion. Personally I think it is all hype. I see Leslie on QVC all the time and they have so many products it is ridiculous. I just use the mineral foundation, the warmth and mineral veil and I am good to go. Plus, I have several of the brushes one of which is terrible (the Kabuki brush) and sheds all over my clothing when I use it. Too many products is not a good thing sometimes.
I use Urban Decay’s Surreal Skin Mineral Makeup. It is packaged similarly to Rare Minerals. My question is: how do you keep the attached sponge clean? I’m an avid brush cleaner, using a spray brush cleaner every couple of days and then using soap and water at the end of the week. I’ve been squirting the spray-on cleaner onto a tissue and then wiping the sponge down every few days, but it doesn’t seem like enough. Any recommendations? Can I soak the sponge in soap/water or will that ruin the whole thing? Thanks in advance!
Cheryl – I am the queen of too many products, that is for sure! I always use something at night, so my thought is – why not try this? I believe very strongly that it is important to take extra good care of your skin at night, because that is when your body is doing all of its repair work, so I think what you use then is the most important of the day. Like I said, I will see when it comes time to re-order.
And, BTW, my kabuki brush is just great, doesn’t shed at all – you might try sending it back, sounds like you got a defective one.
Jen – if you can take the sponge off, you should be able to clean it. Not having used the Urban Decay product, I just don’t have a good recommendation for you. When I use the Rare Minerals, my face is perfectly clean, so I really haven’t felt the need to try to take the sponge off to wash it…
Thanks for the quick response Christina. I can’t take the sponge off by itself, which is why i’m hesitant to put it under water. My face is clean, but usually has moisturizer/primer on it so I don’t feel quite as comfortable just leaving the sponge to do what it will. Maybe my spray-and-wipe technique will have to suffice. Thanks anyway!
It is certainly better than nothing Jen.
Hey I just ordered the rare minerals…and am curious to figure out how I know if its working or not–There is very little powder showing on the sponge, and the only reason that is there is bc I dipped it into the powder..I’ve tried turning the dial past open, but still nothing..any suggestions?
Alison,
Just tap it when you first receive it in the mail until you see the minerals on the sponge. Then buff it on, also one does not have to worry about bacteria because minerals do not harvest bacteria, however your face should be clean because your natural face oils can.
Also, an additional sponge comes in the packaging, just in case you may ever need to replace it…
Enjoy,
Zahra