Review of the NEW Bareminerals Complexion Rescue Hydrating Foundation Stick

Bareminerals complexion rescue hydrating foundation stick spf25If there is one thing Bareminerals know how to do it’s a foundation. I have got on well with pretty much every single formula I have tried from them over the years, my favourite possibly being the Complexion Rescue so when I heard they were launching a Complexion Rescue Foundation Stick, I knew I had to review it.

Foundation sticks generally have a bit of a bad rep. I, for one, automatically think of the full coverage, theatrical makeup pan-sticks. That’s kind of what they used to be : full, FULL coverage, matte and thick. To be honest, I’ve tried a hella’ lot over the years, and still there aren’t *that* many makeup brands that do foundation stick formulas that well. Off the top of my head I can think of the MUFE Ultra HD stick, Bobbi Brown (my holy grail kit faves) and the Hourglass ones are fabulous albeit very pricey. That’s all I have.

So let’s get into this new formula from Bareminerals. This promises to be an innovative hydrating foundation stick, a clean water-based formula with an SPF25.

The vegan formula has all the benefits of a tinted moisturiser (hydrating, glow and a lightweight feel) AND it has a medium-buildable coverage of a foundation. It is oil-free and promises to stay on all day, look natural and is versatile so can be used for foundation, concealer and on-the-go touch ups.

The formula is comprised of a lot of natural and ‘clean’ ingredients including 30% mineral water, flower extracts and it also contains silicone which gives it that smoothing effect. A lot of people gasp that silicone is in a ‘clean’ product but honestly a lot of the things you have heard are whispers and myths and it’s in 80% of foundations (& skincare!) and I for one, need a silicone on these big old pores. If you automatically feel that silicones ‘are bad’ than I urge you to glance over this article on Paula’s Choice.

Bareminerals complexion rescue hydrating foundation stick spf25 swatches

MY THOUGHTS.

I like it. I really like it. I have never tried a stick foundation quite like it. It applies onto the skin like butter, and almost quite wet and the first thing you notice is how it feels really cool on the skin. It blends and infuses into the skin really well and you definitely get the tinted moisturiser-but-more kinda vibes : radiant and a bit dewy.

You can build up the coverage in areas if you need, I use it as concealer too, which I have done in these before and afters. I have nothing else on my face, in terms of base, besides this foundation stick.

Bareminerals complexion rescue hydrating foundation stick spf25 review

I will set this foundation straight away as it’s a little too glowy in my t-zone and if you have oily skin, you just know it’s going to go shiny quickly rather than staying just ‘dewy’.

I apply it straight onto my skin from the stick and then buff it out either with a foundation brush (my preference) and I have also tried it with the new Bareminerals Dual-sided Silicone Blender. I’m not a *huge* fan of sponge application for foundations and looking at this, it did scare me a bit, however it actually does apply the foundation nicely and evenly. Yes the silicone side does have that slightly odd feel to it when slapping it (!) across the face but it also has a velvet-like textured side which gives more control and buffing.

bareminerals dual sided silicone sponge

I like the super lightweight packaging, it’s nice a slimline and perfect to drop into your bag for makeup touch-ups. Which lead me onto the staying power ; this stays on pretty well on my combination skin ; better than a tinted moisturiser, pretty much the same as most of my foundations. I need to touch it up maybe twice throughout the day (very lightly) to keep it looking flawless.

This foundation stick would suit pretty much all skin types. Oily skins ; primer and powder would be needed. I think because of the high water base it would also be spot on for mature and dry skins too.

If you need a bit more coverage than a tinted moisturiser but don’t like heavy foundation then would recommend you to get down to a Bareminerals counter to have a try of this so you can feel it on the skin and see how it wears for you, I don’t think you’d be disappointed. It’s quick and easy to apply, mess-free and easy for touch ups and handbag makeup.

Bareminerals complexion rescue hydrating foundation stick spf25 review before and after

The Bareminerals Complexion Rescue Hydrating Foundation Stick SPF25 comes in 20 shades and costs £29 for 10g of product. I am currently wearing shade Cashew.

Let me know your thoughts, do you like the sound of this new formula?

*contains press samples