Hi,

The best thing you can do is go to a Sephora and get a free consultation. The consultants are trained to deal with each individual situation and can recommend the very best products from a wide range of manufacturers. When you ask a question on these boards, sometimes people who have no experience with any products give advice and sometimes teens make suggestions, having only experienced only their own young new skin. (No offense to anyone intended). I remember once a 13 to 17 year old writing a review where she complained about how a product intended to counteract aging skin wasn't helping her, and then recommending everyone stay away from it. It's all a matter of perspective, I guess, which is why the Sephora consultants can give you the very best answers about products. If you're not near a Sephora, you can also get best advice by calling the toll free line at 877-SEPHORA.

Hope this helps.

Since the foundation can be used as a concealer, I'd try that first, but without knowing what your skin tone is, it's hard to say what shade to use...

Your best bet is probably to go ahead and go to the store and get a consultation from the Sephora employees. They will be able to see your exact skin tone and guide you towards the best shades for you (something you can't get when shopping online).

Have you tried the bisque porducts, to lighten those darker areas? Bisque, under your all over color, will give an overall flawless look. Also great to cover under eye circles, to give you the well rested look! Do not wear a foundation color, darker than your overall skin color... it will look like a mask. Keep eyes lined darker than your eyecolor. e.g. Brown eyes, should be lined in dk. brown or black, and natural colors, for the lid. Yes, you can use colors, too! deep purple or deep sapphire, can bring the exotic to your evening look. Dab over your liner, for the smudged look-- Blush, should complement your natural under tones. Use lightly. No heavy lines, just a hint! Lips, should be in the same color range as your blush. Again, this is your natural undertone.. Lean towards the cool, to make teeth look their whitest! Good luck~

I would know about the bare minerals shade for you, but i would highly recommend NARS blush in "orgsm." It is a great color that works for everyone!

What you might want to do is experiment with mixing the Bare Minerals colors... it is wonderful because you can customize your own color. A little trial and error will find the perfect shade for you. As far as lipstick goes, try experimenting with some reds. find the right shade for you and you will be set with a nice smoky eye.

Unless you are African American, I suspect you should go to a lighter shade of foundation, then use that lighter shade of concealer to blend in the darkened aeas to the lighter shade, rather than trying to darken the rest of your skin to the darkened areas caused by the HRT. Make sure you are using the Mineral Veil to blend it all together. Mineral Veil will also help with the oily skin. I rarely need touch-ups but if you do, the Mineral Veil will help with the oiliness without "caking" on more color. Also, make sure you are not using too much foundation......keep it a light touch. I'm 57 and have been very happy with Bare Minerals for the 3 years I've been using it.

I have olive colored skin and sometimes I mix. I think you could try the darkest shade mixed with the shade you are currently using. I love the golden gate blush. It is a beautiful color. I have used it for years. I have a new addiction to the wearable eyes collections. I am currently using the "meet the plums". Good luck and enjoy!!

I didn't know what shade to use either--I ended up going to one of teh Sephora stores and a Bare Escentuals store to have the folks there recommend a shade for me. It's expensive stuff, so I wanted to make sure that I definitely got the color I needed.

Hello,

I use the Dark/Deep package and It works well for my complexion. My mom is a little darker than me and she uses a darker package or mines. I guess you have to play with the two darker colors to figure out your combination.

As far as eye, I would suggest to stay with colors that match your undertone. Example: I am brown with a hint of red, and orange so I can get away with makeup that matches or blends with them.

Hope it helps.

If you are looking for that flawless skin that the movie stars seem to always have.. this is your answer!

i also have dark skin and i have found that peach with gold shimmer looks amazingly gorgeous with dark skin. i most definetly recomend 'joyous jennifer' from the bare escentials blush line.

I've spent eight years of my life as a makeup artist, and an uneven skin tone is one of the most common problems women face. My advice to you is to mix shades until you find a combination that works well for you. One of my favorite things about bareMinerals is that it's a powder foundation that can easily be mixed with other shades or with the concealer to provide more coverage. Try combining the two deeper shades with a small amount of the concealer that is right for your skin tone in order to adequately cover the darker pigmentation spots on your face without looking like you're wearing a mask. Finish off your application with a light dusting of mineral veil for a flawless appearance. As far as eye makeup is concerned, choose a color that complements your eye color and skin tone. Try some muted tones of gold or copper, and apply similar colors in different hues. Use the lightest shade as an all-over base and highlight by the brow, use the mid-tone shade in the crease of your eyelid, and the deepest shade at the lash line. I also wear glasses, and would have to recommend that you do not overdo your eye makeup. Keep it simple and subtle, and your glasses will not detract from your look. Try out the Soft Focus Warmth for a nice blush highlight that won't overwhelm, and complete the look with a lipstick shade that matches either the tips of your fingers or the inside of your lip. It sounds strange, but it's a sure way to find the right color for your skin and maintain a natural look. Have fun, and don't be afraid to try new things!

It depends on the look you prefer; if you use a dark bisque as a concealer you can probably match your regular shade; the concealer brush and the bisque cover my age spots really well. sometimes it may pay to go to a Sephora store to try on the shades; I know that I also use the overall summer tan kit and the foundation is darker

There is a product that can be used to cover imperfections, blemishes, etc. I use Summer Bisque however, there may be a little darker shade for you...check a color chart. I feel that colors that complement my outfit is what I feel comfortable with. I love rich jewel colors and usually wear something that would be in the color family I am wearing. Hope this helps. P.S: I am 70 yrs young and get comments about my beautiful skin, thanks in part to BE.

Hi there! If you are not constanstly pulling and touching your face, or you don't load on the product on one part of your face, you should not experience any cakiness. This is a wonderful product and you should buy it!

Hi,

These are very light products. If applied with the correct brush, you really shouldn't have any problems with caking. I have noticed however, with some mineral products, if the product themselves have gotten wet, they can cake. Make sure they're dry and your skin is dry before applying. I won't waste your time repeating other advice already given in previous responses. I think everything else was covered.

Hope this helps.

I had this problem at first. Try to wash your face first (exfoliate if possible) and put some lotion on. Wait a few minutes and then start with the Foundation Powder...the key is to use a minimum amount of powder, using too much will give you a cakey look and feel. Remember you still have Warmth and mineral viel to put on. When you are done it will look a bit cakey (maybe), put after af ew minutes it will settle and look natural.

I was concerned for the same reason. I went and had one of the girls in the store try it on me and am happy to say, It looks beautiful. She applied the primer first, then the makeup. It looks silky smooth, very natural. I have rosacea and have to say this is the best my skin has looked in years. I'm a happy camper.

No, I had that same concern, and it doesn't get cakey at all. And I reapply the mineral veil a couple times a day and my skin always looks fresh. I really do love these products.

This product is not cakey at all. In fact, I find it very light. You can't feel it on your face like liquid foundation either. I was skeptical at first also, but now I've been using it, I will never go back. The coverage, I find, is even better than liquid. Give it a shot, you will not be disappointed.

not cakey whatsoever. i never wore foundation, this is easy to apply, skin looks very natural. then again you are using a natural product

I haven't had any problems but I have very dry skin. I do use a moisturizer and the foundation primer so I think that might help. You might want to try the Bare Escentuals Prime Time Foundation Primer. I love it and so does my daughter.

No cakiness at all. And I do add a little extra to cheeks as I have broken capillaries from sun damage. I received a tube of primer and this makes the foundation smoother, although I don't use the primer everytime. Maybe your moisturizer is not completly dry when you apply foundation. This foundation is my best beauty find in years-I love it and have been very happy. It makes my skin look better than it has in years.

I have combination skin as well. These are 'buildable' products; the key is to swirl and tap off excess before applying your products. Mineral makeup is the best product to use in the summer. I did not have cakiness.

i have fairly oily skin and its kept in check, for the most part, with the primer and veil.

I have oily skin with an acne problem. Normally make-up cakes, creases, etc. I haven't had a problem with this. I'm still kind of getting used to applying this make up, and I think once in a while I may put too much on, but it never ends up looking cakey. I'm totally surprised, I honestly thought it would, and I would be returning the product, but I haven't run into this problem.

I still need to use powder as often as I used to before. I was told that even if my skin was oily, I wouldn't shine as much - I still shine. But maybe because of the type of make up, the shine doesn't look as bad when I don't keep up w/ the powder - the shininess just looks more ... natural. I'm not quite sure how to articulate this, but hopefully I'm making sense.

So - no cakeyness.

No, you should not. I have normal to combo skin myself. You should exfoliate 1-2 times a week (I suggest Dr Brandt microdermobrasion, it's pricey, but works great) You can get a sample at any sephora store (just make sure you use it at night, since it does cause temporary redness.

My face is combination as well and the mineral makeup never looks cakey on my face I have been using it for about a month and I love it I'm sure you would love it!

It won't be cakey if you use the PrimeTime product. Make sure you get the regular one, not the Oil Control which does cause some flaking.

Hi,

The best thing you can do regarding which shade to choose, is to go to a Sephora if one is near you. The consultants there are trained to help customers pick perfect shades. Sometimes what has been suggested to me has been surprising, but they're always right. Having someone suggest a shade on a board is based on someone else's perspective never having seen you or your skin. If there is not a Sephora near you, I suggest you call the 877-SEPHORA toll free line, and they'll also be pleased to give you a phone consultation. This way you can get something perfectly suited to what you need, and not what someone reviewing here happens to personally favor for themselves. The Sephora consultants are much more objective.

Hope this helps.

My complexion tends to be lighter in winter and medium in summer. I went with the medium starter kit and am so glad I did. It's perfect for in-between skin tones.

If you have pink undertones in your skin, which you may from what you described, I would go with the medium kit. I have fair skin, but the pink undertones are what make me a medium! It blends great!

i'd suggest to get the light as it comes with a darker light foundation you can either mix them to make your perfect shade or do what i did and use one in the winter when my skin tends to get lighter and one for the summer when im darker!

The meduim kit will suit most skin tones aprt from very pale skin.

I think you should try both the fair and the medium products. I've found that a mixture of these combined works great, and I'm 61 years old.

I have an olive skin tone, and they matched me in the Sephora store for the "TAN" kit. If you go in, the associates will match your color for you and show you what the make up looks like before purchasing it. However, the real amazement is seeing the difference in your skin and the glow it creates after about three weeks of using it.

The ladies in Sephora as well as other department stores can help you with your specific needs

The fair is a pretty safe bet. It comes with two different shades of foundation so the odds of it matching your skin is very high. The medium is really for more deep olive tones, I've found. The fair seems to work with almost every caucasian person I've used it on! Everyone from porcelain to a slightly tan.

You're right that the sizes in the package are .06 oz. I don't know what the regular size is vs. introductory size. They do provide you with the three brushes which is a savings. Also,, you use so little of the powders that this can last quite a while. I still think it's a very good value for an introductory kit.

Well, you do get several brushes, and they are very high quality. I am also amazed at how little of the product you use, it has totally changed the way I view make-up.

its a good buy these minerals last a long time

You are getting 5 sample sizes but you are also getting the video and brushes.

I never checked all the sizes of the products, but you do receive actually 4 powders- light, med., a bronzer, mineral veil and a tube of primer. Also, a dvd for instuction--not to mention two full size brushes. I love this foundation so much -- I think it is the best foundation out there and will buy it from now on. I've spent a lot more for foundation --- Lancome, Estee Lauder -- and was never as happy as I am with bareMinerals.

I would say the price of $174 would be the purchase of the full size products purchased separately.

No, they are not full size, but do last quite a long time! Probably at least 3 months. You don't use that much product when applying. I like to use Dr. Brandt "pores no more" on the "t" zone before applying. Wait about 1 minute before using the foundation

Yes, the product is in a smaller quantity. I think the value they are stating is in the brushes ect. The size is perfect to use for travel though. I have saved the small containers for that purpose because they are labeled and I can refill them from the full size containers.

Hi,

The best thing you can do regarding which shade to choose, is to go to a Sephora if one is near you. The consultants there are trained to help customers pick perfect shades. Sometimes what has been suggested to me has been surprising, but they're always right. Having someone suggest a shade on a board is based on someone else's perspective never having seen you or your skin. If there is not a Sephora near you, I suggest you call the 877-SEPHORA toll free line, and they'll also be pleased to give you a phone consultation. This way you can get something perfectly suited to what you need, and not what someone reviewing here happens to personally favor for themselves. The Sephora consultants are much more objective.

Hope this helps.

the foundation also works as a concealer because they give you a specific brush for it with the starter kit. As for your complexion, I would go to a Sephora store and have one of the saleswomen give you a makeover or try a couple of different shades on your clean face to see which shade suits you.

The foundation itself is a concealer as well. You will need to use a max concealer brush, also sold in stores or online. Put a small amount of BM foundation on the brush by the swirl, tap, buff method, and "pat" onto your skin until the blemish or imperfections are covered. Then buff face with the foundation brush and blend in!

No, this does not include a concealer. In my review I recommended that anyone in need of more coverage purchase the concealer in Well Rested. the Get Started kit recommends you use the foundation as a concealer with the Max Coverage Concealer Brush, but I felt that I needed more coverage than the foundation provided.
If you are unsure of your skin tone I would recommend going to the store to try it out before buying however if you only shop online you should go ahead and just try the medium - it comes with 2 foundation shades which you can blend to get an exact match if needed. I am a medium - I have an olive skin tone with yellow undertones. The Medium tan was too pink for my coloring.

No, this packet doesn't include a consealer... you'll want to purchase either:
- Summer Bisque (which conseals while at the same time gives you a sun-glow appearance)
OR
- Bisque (the product I like to use) which hides the dark circles under my eyes, a couple sun spots and freckles). For those who break-out with acne, this is a great cover up with the Consealer brush.

With these products, a little does go a long way. I purchase the medium sized jars and generally only order twice a year on a couple products, not all of them.

Although the shades blend beautifully I would HIGHLY recommend that you go to a bare esc. or Sephora store and get color matched so that you can get the perfect shade. If you can't make it in, the kits come with 2 shades so you can mix them together, use one when you have a little more or less color.

You can use ANY of the Bareminerals for ANYTHING!! I use medium beige for my face and the Beige for a concealer first. I use the warmth for Blush and for sometimes for eye shadow. I guess you could say ,"you can pick and chose!" I think that medium is probably the most common skin tone. I have a little tan ,but in the Winter I just use the medium.Hope this helps! Enjoy! Auntgail

Hi,

If you do this on a clean piece of printer paper, you can pour the excess back into the container, or, if mixed minerals, add to a refillable blush/bronzer brush and use later. Sephora sells these brushes for purses and travel but you could use them to salvage the "mess." I prefer caked products for that very reason - no mess and no waste. If you put the product into a refillable brush, there's no waste and no mess.

Hope this helps.

I place my BE or whatever mineral makeup I'm using on top of a paper plate to protect my vanity. Because I often use mineral shadows to wet line my eyes it also does a great job doubling as a makeup palette of sorts. I dislike mixing eye makeup in the lids they are hard to clean. when I'm done straight to the trash. No clean up.

Always keep any kind of loose powder right side up on an even counter or have a seprate drawr or cabnet specifically for your makeup in which it can all sit evenly spaced.

A saleswoman gave me this pointer.

Don't take the white plastic off when you open the containers. Poke holes in them with some kind of pin. (3 or 4 holes) This creates less mess as only a little at a time is able to come out of the jar. This is all you need anyway so you don't want to waste.

Yes, lol...I used to have the same problem. I found that if you kind of shake the closed container a little, then flip it right side up and tap the lid, and it should perfectly coat you lid without spilling.

I keep an old washcloth folded in my BE black and white box. Just open and lay it on the counter to put everything on,it works great! Then when it gets soiled, just wash it!.
I find if I tap the jar a few times before I open the lid it helps not to get it all over. Of course you should put some in the lid to use it so maybe you won't want to do this!

yes! my mother is dark skinned so used the tan for her, you can blend the two foundations for custom color! the primer is awesome!

i bought this product for my mother who has dark tan skin, an oily complexion and has regular breakouts as well and she loved it, it helped hide all that and helped with her oily skin problem, the primer this kit has is her fave! she went out and bought the full bottle on her own, again she loved this product.

This kit should definitely work for you! I have dry skin as well, but with this kit, it doesn't make your skin flaky at all, and it even helps moisturize it! A definite must....and I've tried almost every type of cosmetics on the market!

yes, it blends into your uneven spots to create a smooth all over equal appearance. You don't have to worry about finding an exact color because the brush strokes with the powder match up the highs and darks in the face

The starter kit would work for anyone and it's a great value, but with your skin tone the tan would be best. Hope you are pleased with the outcome.

I think the tan kit will work for you! I got that one and it comes with two shades- one lighter and one darker, so you can mix the two colors together to get your perfect shade. If you're not sure though, you should ask a representative Sephora to test it out on your face for you. That's what I did, and I found my perfect match!

Hi,

The best thing you can do regarding which shade to choose, is to go to a Sephora if one is near you. The consultants there are trained to help customers pick perfect shades. Sometimes what has been suggested to me has been surprising, but they're always right. Having someone suggest a shade on a board is based on someone else's perspective never having seen you or your skin. If there is not a Sephora near you, I suggest you call the 877-SEPHORA toll free line, and they'll also be pleased to give you a phone consultation. This way you can get something perfectly suited to what you need, and not what someone reviewing here happens to personally favor for themselves. The Sephora consultants are much more objective.

Hope this helps.

the best way to color match is to take the concealer brush and make a painting like swatch of both colors seperateley and then blended. then compare. the color that is your match should almost be transparent.

My skin tone is olive so I new medium would work well

You must try the samples, I think if you have a pink skin tone go with a yellow undertone in your make-up.

I went to the store and I consulted one of the makeup stylist. He helped me pick out the right color an he also taught me how to put it on. I got a make over right at the store.

Sold and stores and on TV. So far I haven't noticed it to rub off on my clothes.

Yes this is the makeup shown on TV, and it works as well as it promises. I love the foundation because it does not rub off on your clothes at all (or on the phone for that matter!)

It is the makeup from tv and it really doesn't rub off or melt. It's actually great make up. You can buy it in store at Sephora or at the Bare Escentuals store if you have one nearby.

I got it originally from QVC and I believe that they still sell it. I have never seen it on my clothes, but am always careful! So I honestly can't tell you!

I've only seen this product at the Sephora Store. I believe the one on TV is Bare Essentials- less expensive but I'm nopt sure how ti compares.

No, Medium is not the only color the kit comes in. If you have a Sephora store/counter near you, they can match your exact color, but like the box says, all the colors are pretty forgiving anyway (as in one kit will match a broad spectrum of skin tones). I'm pretty sure there's a fair kit as well as a light. I typically have very fair skin, but I got tanning so I get the medium and it matches my face perfectly. AND they include two colors of foundation in each kit (like my medium kit has a medium beige which is lighter and just a medium which is a little more tan) so you can mix and match and see which combination works for you!

This kit comes in a few other shades such as fair and dark if medium is not right for you.

It comes in Fair, Light, Medium and dark. If you think you are fair buy the fair completed kit. It comes with fair and lightly fair foudation.

The medium starter kit comes with medium and medium biege. I thought I was more fair, especially during winter, but it blends so well I'm glad I got medium

Yes, the starter kit also comes in Fair (the lightest) and Light (between Fair and Medium), as well as darker shades. I thought I should get the Light but after talking to a saleswoman at Sephora I decided to get the Medium because I tan in the summer. I can't really say which shade you should get because I don't know what you look like, but I would definitely recommend going to a Sephora store (or any other high-end cosmetic store) to get a recommendation from someone who knows what they're talking about.