I love Bare Escentuals, but I notice Skin Deep does not review their foundations or powders. I use the foundation, Bisque as a concealer, and Mineral Veil powder. It’s great coverage, though still somewhat sheer so that you don’t look caked, and you can’t feel it at all on your face.

glad you brought this up: you’re a wellspring of info for me today. i’ve been hoarding b’s bees since i heard the buyout news– what’s on the shelves now should be okay. i’m a bit worried the contents will change, but then, i think, bleach is natural, isn’t it? i worked next to the dermablend counter in my checkered past as cosmetic girl: their products are extremely mild for all types of skin although a bit pricey. good luck with your search; you might also try this site, if you’ve not already, http://www.safecosmetics.org/companies/signers.cfm

I remember you liking it on PeaceBang’s blog, Jess! I’m always one to remember high mark. I wish Skin Deep reviewed them….that’s one of those Skin Deep problems, but at least they are better than they were a few months ago. I might wait and see if they have a listing in a few months.

Thanks for the link, Nicole. I don’t see that most of those brands have signed, except for Larenim. Bleach is natural in the sense that chlorine gas occurs naturally, but that doesn’t mean it’s good for you. I’m not hugely concerned with Clorox putting bleach in a BB product, but Clorox has a very spotty record with women’s health (this is the company that supposedly encouraged douching with lysol).

I’m another Bare Minerals user. I only started wearing makeup in the last few years, and apparently I have a lot to learn about chemicals and other things I should avoid putting on my skin.

I found this little bit about parabens in the Bare Minerals line.

With the Safe Cosmetics database companies have to agree to “sign the compact” and register before they can list or enter their products and ingredients. I also believe there is a way for consumers to review products. Some companies don’t want to have all of their ingredients listed along with possible warnings so they don’t sign the compact. I imagine for other companies they don’t have a ‘natural’ or ‘harmless’ company mission while others just don’t want to be bothered.

I’m African American with dark and sensitive skin. I’ve tried spent quite a bit of time searching the Safe Cosmetics database and and I’ve spent a lot of money on makeup that ends up in the trash. The only company that has a color that works with my skintone and doesn’t lead to breakouts is Valana Minerals.

Thanks, ekamosis.

Did you ever find foundation that you liked?

No, not yet. I’ll probably buy one of the mineral-based ones, but at the moment, I’m being extremely cautious about all cosmetics.

Ekamosis, I just ordered some samples from Valana for olive skin. I’ll let you know how it goes.

I understand your hesitation. I’m very careful about ingredients and I am much more likely to choose products and companies that are open about their ingredients. And of course, it’s gotta look great, do what it’s supposed to do and I’m a sucker for great customer service. Good luck!

Oh, guess what? Apparently I am a woman of color. The Valana products look really great on my olivish skin. Thanks for the recommendation!

That’s great and funny…two unique discoveries in one shopping experience (you found your foundation and you are a woman of color). One of the beauty reviews I read about Valana says their colors work well for a wide range of ethnicities (Asian [Filipino, Japanese, Thai…], Latino/Hispanic, Middle Eastern, Pacific Islander [Hawaiian, Maori, Samoan], African, African-American and Eastern European and more). Have fun with your new makeup!