Bare Minerals ‘Pure Radiance’ – c/o Chemist Direct

I’m a big fan of reading reviews of products before I buy them, so when I saw one internet user casually announce that this product made her look “like an angel” I of course had to get my hands on it immediately to see what on earth the mad wench was on about.

The Bare Minerals Radiance range has five shades to choose from: Clear, Flawless, Rose, Tropical and Pure. They’re a selection of loose powders, all infused with a light shimmer to give you a ‘healthy, youthful vibrancy’. As I edge ever closer to my 23rd birthday, youthful vibrancy is something I’m starting to feel desperate for; plus, I’m really trying to step out of my matte comfort zone and embrace a lil’ bit of glow in my life.

On first impressions, the product could definitely look a little prettier. This retails in most places for £19 (though it’s only £15.11 on Chemist Direct so definitely shop wisely, women!) and I would personally expect something a little more luxurious for that price.

Once you begin using the product though, you can tell it’s definitely a higher-end product than your standard high street brand. It’s highly pigmented, and a little certainly goes a long way.

 (Without Flash / With Flash)

The Radiance powders can apparently be used under, over or blended in with your normal makeup. Some of the other shades might look fine all over the face, but Pure Radiance should definitely only be used for highlighting purposes. It’s described as being peachy in tone, which I would agree with. It’s a very warm powder with a gold sheen, and so is instantly noticeable when applied.

As far as the application goes, I’m not too impressed with the ‘tip it in the lid’ method. I don’t think that’s something that angels should have to do, do you? Though it does come with a useful twisty bit (technical terms as always) so no powder can escape once the lid’s back on, keeping messiness to a minimum.

Initially, I tried to use it over the top of blusher, as recommended – and ended up looking like I was about to enter a child beauty pageant and show everyone my talent for hula-hooping. Since then, I’ve been using it instead of my blusher, which works much better – though it still might be a bit too Disco Face for some people to wear on a day-to-day basis. I think this powder will really come into its own for night-out makeup when Disco Face is more appropriate (though be careful in case people start dancing around you thinking you’re actually the disco ball), or if you already have a pretty healthy tan and want to add some highlight.

In general, my thoughts towards this product are pretty mixed. The colour is well pigmented and has good staying power, meaning it should last quite a while. The ‘Pure’ shade might be a bit orangey for some, though if applied lightly can bring some nice colour to the face. I think my main issue with the product is its price – I would never personally pay £19 for this, though if you’re used to spending that much anyway then I’m sure it wouldn’t be a huge disappointment. Oh and it didn’t make me look like an angel, I’m still a crummy human.

Have any of you tried this product, or anything else from Bare Minerals or Chemist Direct? What did you think?

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