February 6, 2011:

For several years now I have been interested in trying Bare Minerals make up, but was hesitant to fork out the money for it. I know, I know….QUALITY costs more and in the end it will be worth it…but I still couldn’t do it. My Guy gave me a gift card for Sephora at Christmas time and I knew immediately what I was going to get: A Bare Minerals starter kit! This make up is supposed to be GOOD for your skin, 100% natural ingredients you can actually pronounce and it’s cruelty-free. Finally, I was getting my wish…

I brought my purchase home, all giddy and slipped in the DVD to my laptop…(it comes with a DVD on how exactly to use and apply, as well as some tips and tricks). The DVD drilled into my head, “swirl, tap and buff, swirl, tap and buff…swirl, tap and buff…” OK got. I think I’m supposed to SWIRL, TAP AND BUFF…time to practice! It looked easy enough on the video but in reality, it took me a few days to feel 100% comfortable with how much to apply, how exactly to apply and get the results I wanted. In fact it’s still a work in progress and some days I’m not entirely happy with what I see in the mirror. I believe it’s a different mindset though, a totally different way of wearing face make up and that is what I need to get used to…it’s not the same TYPE of coverage as the average drug store foundation. It’s different.

Since I went off the Pill I’ve had alot more acne than I’ve had in years and I don’t think Bare Minerals is great at superior coverage…and maybe that’s a GOOD thing? Do we want to cake on a heavy layer of chemicals over top of our already hurting skin? No. So the sheer coverage provided by Bare Minerals is probably a good thing. I found the redness and unevenness of my skin tone was diminished greatly, and the overall effect once the final step of the Mineral Veil was applied, was quite lovely.

My only complaint? Oil control. The Kit I purchased came with the Original Foundation powder and I later found out there is a Matte Foundation too. I wish I would have been offered that. I struggle with my oily complexion and find that Bare Minerals isn’t quite good enough to control that. Maybe it’s just me and I’m not applying properly? Maybe I need to buy the Matte Foundation? I am disappointed in that and will probably spend the money on the Matte soon…

Overall I am happy with this product and understand it’s a DIFFERENT way of wearing make up that is better for my skin. I need to experiment with the rest of the line and the other forms of coverage. I recommend Bare Minerals to those who are looking for a cruelty-free alternative to heavy face make up…try it for yourself and let me know!

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February 3, 2011: As reported in the Huffington Post today, Unilever ends animal testing on Lipton Tea products. Go Unilever! It’s a small step but I have to give credit where credit is due, any positive change a company makes, is a good thing. This means Lipton joins the ranks of other cruelty-free tea companies such as Stash and Twinings (two staples in my household.) I doubt I’ll open my door to Lipton just yet because frankly, there isn’t room for another tea in my kitchen, but I’m happy to report this…

Take the Leap to Cruelty-Free Living and sign the pledge today!