bareMinerals Original: Could I Fall in Love with Powder Foundation?

bareMinerals Original Powder Foundation: I tested the iconic makeup formula.

If you’ve ever looked into powder foundation, you’ve probably come across bareMinerals Original. Having launched in 1995, it’s considered the OG mineral makeup. The trailblazing brand is clean and vegan, and the product is formulated with just five ingredients.

I love bareMinerals’ commitment to conscious beauty and was dying to know whether the iconic formula earns its stripes in terms of long lasting, even coverage and beautiful finish. Although it gives me a luminous, airbrushed look for the first five hours, things fall apart after that. Read on for a deeper dive into how this iconic powder plays on my skin!

Promises vs. Performance: Does this powder foundation do what it says?

The bareMinerals website claims a bevy of benefits in its original powder foundation, from SPF 15 protection to better looking skin over time. It promises easily buildable, sheer to full coverage for all skin types that lasts “all day without clogging pores, causing breakouts or settling into fine lines.” My focus was on how it would perform in a day’s wear test, and the product didn’t quite meet my hopes for ease of application, longevity, and compatibility with my normal to combination skin.

Working with shades Fair 01 and Fair Ivory 02, I use the recommended “swirl, tap, buff” method of application. I have tried using the bareMinerals Beautiful Finish Brush to work (and I mean work!) the foundation onto my face. I can’t say I’m the biggest fan of the brand’s signature makeup brush. The longer outer bristles are a tad soft and flimsy, making the tool tricky to use. But the result is even, medium coverage, so they must be onto something with the brush. The finish bareMinerals Original delivers is surprisingly dewy and shimmery. Forget lit from within, we’re talking hella glow.

However, this flawless look doesn’t stick around very long. After five hours, the makeup starts to separate and exaggerate the texture, pores, and bumps on my face. There is a time and place for powder foundation, and an all-day flawless wear isn’t what it’s for. If natural, light coverage is what you’re going for, powder foundation is a good option. bareMinerals Original is also the perfect teenage intro to makeup with its minimal 5 ingredient formula.

Quick Rating Rundown

Industry Standard

***** (4.0)

Price: $35

*** (3.5)

Application

*** (3.0)

Coverage

**** (4.0)

Texture

**** (4.0)

Longevity

*** (3.5)

Shade Range

*** (3.5)

Extra Benefits

***** (5.0)

MILABU Recommended

***** (4.7)

Price: $15 – $70

***** (5.0)

Application

***** (4.0)

Coverage

***** (5.0)

Texture

***** (5.0)

Longevity

***** (5.0)

Shade Range

***** (5.0)

Extra Benefits

***** (4.5)

How It Compares: What is the best mineral powder foundation?

The bareMinerals Original Foundation is known as the go-to mineral makeup. Among its many recognitions is 2020 Allure Readers’ Choice Clean Beauty Award. Its natural, broad-spectrum sun-protecting ingredients are great, but this foundation is almost as noteworthy for what’s not in it. It’s free of parabens, synthetic fragrance, talc, and other ingredients that may be harmful to some. For those whose skin is less oily than mine and who don’t need all-day wear, it’s worth checking out. It could provide a fresh, even appearance for day-to-day wear when you don’t need your makeup to last. Or, perhaps you have über sensitive skin (or are a teenager just starting out) and need a foundation with minimal ingredients.

Just know that the finish is extremely luminous. Look for the matte powder foundation if you don’t want a ton of glow or have oiler skin. Also, check out our top 12 foundations article if you are looking for something different, e.g. best long wearing foundation.

Milabu Beauty Method: Trying the bareMinerals “Swirl, Tap, Buff” application.

Here’s how I apply this loose powder foundation for best results: It’s similar to what bareMinerals suggests and includes lots of swirling!

1. Dispense a small amount of mineral foundation into the product’s cap.
2. Swirl the bareMinerals Beautiful Finish Foundation Brush ($34) into the makeup, picking up the product.
3. Tap the brush to remove excess mineral pigment into the cap.
4. Buff the brush onto your skin, concentrating the product in the areas where you want the most coverage and blending across your face. (This foundation is not best used to spot conceal.)
5. Repeat Steps 1 to 4 if more coverage is desired.

Tip: Feel free to substitute your favorite kabuki style brush for the brand’s signature application tool, linked above.