Bare Escentuals Get Started Kit Fairly Light/Light

I first tried Bare Escentuals when I received a small sample from Sephora with a purchase. I liked it, and it seemed to last a while, so I thought I'd get the whole kit.I purchased my Fairly Light/Light Starter Kit at Sephora about a month ago.

My kit included: 
- 0.06 oz bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation in Fair
- 0.06 oz bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation in Fairly Light
- 0.06 All Over Face Color in Warmth
- 0.06 oz Mineral Veil
- Full Flawless Face Brush
- Flawless Application Face Brush
- Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush
- a How-to instructional DVD
- BONUS - Exclusively for SEPHORA : 0.05 oz Prime Time Foundation Primer

I thought the kit was a great price at $60, since good brushes would cost that much. And the brushes that come with the kit are very nice.

The Fair is too light for me, but I was afraid to get the next darker kit, although I might buy a separate darker foundation for the summer months.

I use a moisturizer (important!) followed by the Fairly Light. You tap a little into the lid, buff the brush around and then buff it in circles on your face. I use a little foundation powder on the concealer brush on any red spots first.

It's a little time consuming for me, but I think it will get faster with practice. I was also using way too much, and with oily skin I looked very greasy by the end of the day. But I've learned that it's better to use several light layers, than to put a bunch on at once. 

If my skin is at all dry or flaky after washing, the foundation really settles and shows up. It's important to exfoliate, use a moisturizer and let it sink in, then apply the foundation.

I use a light dusting of the Warmth along my cheekbones (in addition to blush) and along the temples and jawline. A little goes a long way! I usually mix this with a little Fair foundation to lighten it up.

A dusting of Mineral Veil (very sheer, colorless) sets the makeup for the day.

One thing that impressed me is that it really does last the whole day, and I actually look a little more "glowy" after some time has gone by and it's mixed with the oils in my skin.

After about a month, I've noticed an improvement in my skin itself. This is a foundation that is safe to sleep in if you just can't drag yourself to the sink at night!

I'm glad I tried the kit, and will probably be purchasing a single foundation for summer soon.

UPDATE: I thought I'd give an update, now that I've been using this for several months. I often fall in love with a product, only to find it was a school girl infatuation after a month or two! Happily, Bare Escentuals and I are still going strong! I am really happy with this foundation.

I did end up getting a full size in a darker shade - Medium Beige is what looked best, although it looks so dark in the container! I suggest going to the store and trying this in person. I would have ordered a much lighter shade without the help of a saleswoman at Sephora who helped me find the best match.

I've learned that less truly is more with this product. Early on I was tempted into using way to much powder to try and cover everything up, and speed up the process. It really doesn't take as much as I thought, and looks much better in thin layers. I use the Full Flawless Face Brush for everyday (it's the longer brush that came with the kit), and the Flawless Application Face Brush (the shorter, more compact brush) when I want a little heavier or "made up" look. It's funny how the different brushes give a different finish, but they do, so experiment and find the best for your look.

5 months and we're still together! :)