Bare Escentuals

I went to find some new more natural make up –they did my make up for me — i wish i would have remembered the person who did my make up name (starts with J and normally works at MOA) — she was kind and wonderful — she taught me how to properly put on make up — when and how to use it — she didn’t try to sell me on things i didnt want — I would highly recommend them!

I’m giving 1 star based on the service I received at the Mall of America Bare Escentuals store. Based on my experience with one of the staff members today, I will never be returning to this store to purchase anything, ever again.
I came in with a pretty clear idea of what I wanted-i’d run out of a few colors and just needed some replacements. I was greeted by a staff member immediately, and asked if I needed any help. I told her what I needed, and also told her i’d be interested in seeing other colors she thought might work well with my skintone. She told me to sit down in her chair, so I plopped down and let her «work her magic».
This is where the trouble starts.
The staff member that was helping me was CLEARLY uninterested in what she was doing-​I say this because she apparently didn’t hear (or want to hear) what I wanted in an eyeshadow. She chose and applied eye shadows that were WAY too dark-​and she applied them WAY too heavy-​after I specifically had told her I did NOT want a dark eye. She would show me a color-​and I would say, no-​too dark-​and she would say «no it’s not, just try it». She also applied eyeliner while my eyes were closed – without telling me she was doing so-​and when I asked her why-​she said «you needed it». WHAT? Not ok. Throughout the application, she was also talking to one of her co-​workers about another customer who was just in and how «annoying» she was. One word: unprofessional.
I had a zit on my nose due to a stressful week at work. Reason aside-​this staff member said, while applying my eye-«i’m going to give you spot treatment as well… that zit on your nose looks really big and painful».maybe she meant it in the best of ways. but the way that she said it-​with disgust in her voice-​made me extremely angry. I calmly said «no thank you»…and she said «whatever, it’s your nose». WTF.
Rude, rude, rude. I left in a hurry. While I love the Bare Escentuals line-​I didn’t love or appreciate any of the «customer service» I received at this store, and will not be going back.

After learning what’s REALLY in bare minerals after I had a bad reaction I rescind my former glowing review. Its rumored to contain bismuth oxychloride which is a by-​product of copper. Coupled with it not being milled enough made microtears in my thin scandinavian skin because of all the buffing action. Then weird pustules/​white comedones popped up that wouldn’t heal. I’ve never had a rash like that. I started multimedia makeup school two weeks later and I probably owe bare minerals to me being such a good neutralizer because the rash didn’t heal for over a month.
I know girls who use this without problem. As an esthetician my recommendation to you is to make sure you don’t sleep with this product on your face. Your skin needs to breath. I also would suggest this more for oil rich skin. Mine is dry so the finish wasn’t right when I did it on my own.
I do still however really enjoy their eyeshadow!

LOVE LOVE IT! Even though I don’t go to Bare Escentuals a lot (I mean, that foundation lasts for a few months at least!), every visit has been stellar. The Beauty Ambassadors have always been super friendly and are more than happy to help me figure out my right shade (apparently I got lighter after moving to Minnesota; I guess that’s what 6 months of no direct sunlight does to you). They’re also very knowledgeable in their recommendations, and I’ve loved the shades of blushes and all-​over powders that the ladies have suggested. And, of course, it’s hard not to get your spirits a li’l cheered up when you’re in a boutique that is so colorful and PINK! and inviting. Lastly, I’m so impressed and stoked = improked (yet another creation from the Pormanteauster; that’s portmanteau master) with the reusable bags that come with every purchase. How nice and eco-​friendly is that?

I went to MOA yesteday with a friend for a little make up lesson at Bare Escentuals. I like the product line because it’s natural and mineral based so it feels less fake-​y. Definitely pricier than stuff you can pick up at Target but comparable if not cheaper than other department store lines. They had a lot of sales, free products if you spent over a certain threshold, and savings punch cards.
The staff was amazing – Jori and Kelsey worked with us and my recommendations for them are nothing short of glowing. They have you fill out a little questionnaire and ask about your skin, your make up routine, the look you are going for, etc. These girls absolutely adore make up and their jobs – they think of it as «playing». You can see this by the jaw dropping eyes they create for themselves, but don’t be afraid by their glam style, they will definitely give you the look you are going for. While they apply your make up, they give you tips and tricks on how to recreate what they are doing, talk about colors and products that will/won’t work with your skin tone, and in general are really fun.
They don’t work on commission, so I didn’t feel pressured to buy anything (however, if you are going to take an hour of their time from other customers to do a full make-​over my Emily Post manners bell suggests you should buy something). Plus, they did such a great job, I was excited to take all that stuff home with me to have that look everyday. They were also very upfront with me about not needing to buy everything they use on you, that you can save on some products (mascara), and to start with just a few items to see how you like it.
The company stands behind their product too. They will give samples for you to try at home for a few days before committing to a purchase, and if you are really unhappy with the product you can return it within 30 days even if it is opened and you’ve tried it a few times. It’s hard to find a company that will do that anymore!
Get your gal pals together and stop in for a break from the summer heat to pamper yourself a little.