Bare Escentuals recently did something that I specifically remember them saying they would “never” do… they released a pressed foundation! Granted, this was many years ago when it just wasn’t possible to put their award-winning mineral foundation into a pressed compact and maintain the same integrity. This all changed however, over the years bareMinerals began to release pressed products, starting with the READY Eyeshadows, then Mineral Veil, then Blush & Bronzer… and now finally the one everyone has been waiting for… the bareMinerals READY SPF 20 Foundation ($29 USD / $29 CAD).

It’s a pretty big deal for those of you who know the philosophy of the brand… I even personally asked Leslie Blodget, the Founder and CEO of Bare Escentuals, if the READY Foundation is still “so pure you can sleep in it” (their original tagline) and she told me it absolutely was.  This is exciting stuff- I was a huge bareMinerals addict in high school, and even though since then I’ve really branched out to other brands, I’ve always had a soft spot for these mineral makeup wonders.

bareMinerals READY SPF 20 Foundation in Light

bareMinerals READY SPF 20 Foundation in Light

Note the size (Same as the pressed mineral veil and bronzers)

The READY foundation is actually a better value, even though you’re paying a little more for the compact.  It’s a very smooth powder that glides on beautifully, and unlike most powder foundations, this one doesn’t include a sponge applicator.  It’s really important to buff it into the skin, so that’s why it’s best to use a brush… however, not just any brush. The brush you use is actually essential to how it looks on the skin.

I tried it out with 3 different brushes from bareMinerals; the Flawless Face Brush which is for light coverage, the Full Flawless Face Brush which is for medium coverage and the Precision Face Brush which is for full coverage. Honestly, I was so disappointed when first I tried the Flawless Face Brush, and then the Full Flawless Face Brush… I literally saw no difference in my skin. All of my imperfections still visible, almost like I wasn’t wearing anything.

Then I tried it with the Precision Face Brush. Wow.

My skin looked perfect… flawless and airbrushed! It was really incredible. The secret is really in the dense, synthetic fibers. While you don’t need this exact brush, you will need something similar (the Sigma F80 works wonders!)  to give you the best finish.  It’s non-drying, but I would use a hydrating primer underneath if you have dry skin just to make sure your skin stays hydrated.

bareMinerals Brushes (L-R) Flawless Face, Full Flawless Face & Precision Face

bareMinerals Brushes (L-R) Flawless Face, Full Flawless Face & Precision Face

The brand highly suggests to get color-matched again, even if you already know your shade in the original foundation and I definitely agree. This shade in Light is a little too yellow for me even though the original is a perfect match.

It feels light as air on the skin, and even though you’re using a full coverage brush to apply it, remember that less is more and that it’s important to buff it in and build it slowly.  It’s really easy to apply too much of this foundation, so go lightly and build it up gradually!

I know I’ll get this question… is it better than the original? In my opinion… yes. Better coverage, more convenient and easier to use (as long as you’re using the right brush)!

bareMinerals READY SPF 20 Foundation in Light, Swatched

Before (left) & After (right); Wearing bareMinerals READY SPF 20 Foundation in Light

Summary

• Price: $29 USD / $29 CAD for 0.49 oz / 14g
• Availability: Sephora
• Selection: See all 20 shades here
• Overall: An excellent powder foundation- as long as you use the right brush! It really makes a huge difference.  It feels light and non-drying on the skin and looks beautiful and luminous.  So much more convenient than the loose powder version!
• Rating: A-