Bare Minerals® makeup is a line of mineral-based makeup which was developed by the cosmetic company Bare Escentuals. Bare Escentuals opened its first store in California in 1976. The company concentrated on promoting healthy cosmetics and skin care. One of Bare Escentuals’ cornerstone products was its mineral foundation, which is buffed on the skin with a brush and feels like foundation cream.
In 1994, Bare Escentuals gained a new CEO, Leslie Blodgett, who decided to launch a whole new makeup line made from minerals. The mineral foundation was launched again with other mineral-based products under the name of bare Minerals®. Bare Minerals® makeup line also includes eye shadows, blushes, lip colors, lip liners, mascaras, lip glosses and specially formulated skin preps.
Bare Minerals® mineral foundation has had success being marketed as a completely natural and preservative-free foundation. The foundation doesn’t contain talc, fragrance and oils, making it attractive to those with sensitive skin. The exact minerals and amounts used in the makeup is a proprietary blend, however, some of the main ingredients are titanium dioxide, mica, bismuth oxychloride and zinc oxide. Each of these minerals plays a special part in mineral cosmetics such as bare Minerals® makeup.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved titanium dioxide as a sunscreen chemical. When applied to skin, it scatters ultraviolet light and creates a protective barrier to prevent burning. Mica provides the color in the foundation and helps the skin to glow. Bismuth oxychloride gives bare Minerals® makeup its pearlization. Zinc oxide is another FDA-approved sunscreen chemical which sooths, heals and protects the skin. High-quality natural ingredients and minerals are also used in all of the other bare Minerals® products.
In addition to being a natural product without additives, bare Minerals® makeup claims to be free of fillers and binders. The company also claims weightless, adjustable coverage which will improve skin over time with regular use. Bare Minerals® foundation is SPF 15 to protect the skin from the damaging rays of the sun.
Bare Escentuals has grown to be a worldwide company which has had a significant impact on the cosmetics industry. The company is known as the pioneer of mineral makeup technology. Other major cosmetic companies have developed their own mineral lines in order to compete. Similar versions of bare Minerals® product can be found in fine department stores and large discount retailers.