If I told you there was a cosmetic so versatile it could single handedly reduce shine, minimise the appearance of pores and fine lines and act as a makeup base and finishing powder you'd probably not believe me. Yet Bare Minerals, Mineral Veil can do all the mentioned with relative ease.




~~~ What Is Mineral Veil ~~~

Mineral Veil is quite different from any other makeup products I've used. It's a stand alone cosmetic that doesn't truly fit in any one particular cosmetic category. The only product I can think of to compare it to would be a traditional finishing powder although strictly speaking it isn't one.

Mineral Veil, like all Bare Minerals products is made using a blend of organic extracts, finely ground to a delicate, ultra fine powder. This makes the product incredibly light weight and very easy to apply. Predominantly it's used over mineral foundation and/or concealer to finish the makeup, just like a finishing powder. What I've found different about Mineral Veil however, is unlike finishing powder it still allows that dewy, natural glow of my foundation to show without creating a powdery, matt finish. It sets my makeup, preventing the minerals from smudging, softening the overall look by providing a natural, sheer finish that minimises the appearance of my open pores.

One thing I really like about this product is it's not skin type, tone or age bias. Mineral Veil glides across the skin, setting on top of my mineral foundation and providing I don't go over the top during application it won't settle into or accentuate fine lines which is how it gives the appearance of smoother skin and why it's suitable for anyone of any age. For anyone with a clearer complexion it can be worn directly on bare skin where it provides a shine free complexion by absorbing oils without giving the appearance of wearing makeup.

Traditional Mineral Veil is translucent so will provide no coverage for blemishes but will gently blanket the skin, creating a veil that shields and protects the skin from the elements. There are tinted versions available although Personally, I prefer the translucent because I have fair skin and any colour I achieve through my mineral makeup is enough without adding more with the veil. Tinted Mineral Veil is a good alternative however, if you want to add a hint of colour to bare skin and don't want to wear foundation.




~~~ Oh So Natural?...Maybe Not ~~~

The Bare Minerals bandwagon has been very busy promoting their minerals as being a natural alternative to liquid makeup that generally contains chemicals such as alcohol, talc, synthetic fragrances, pigmentation's or fillers. All ingredients that can aggravate and dry sensitive skin and block pores which cause breakouts. For a user with sensitive skin, like myself, this type of makeup is a God send.

Like other Bare Minerals products, Mineral Veil is also derived from a blend of organic extracts with an option to purchase the translucent version with SPF 25. Now, I couldn't be certain but I have been told Mineral Veil contains Methylparaben used as a preservative thanks to it's antibacterial and antifungal properties. Many argue this is an unnecessary addition to cosmetics that has the potential to irritate skin. Personally, I've never experienced any irritation using Mineral Veil despite having sensitive skin. In fact I've found Mineral Veil to be very gentle when brushed over dry patches and spots. I've checked at BareMinerals.co.uk and Methylparaben is not a listed ingredient so for anyone looking for a paraben free cosmetic, I would advise you seek advice before committing to buy this product, just incase my source is correct.




~~~ Applying Mineral Veil ~~~

Applying Mineral Veil is simple using the recommended swirl, tap and buff technique. It's essential you use Mineral Veil sparingly as too much will leave the skin with a pale, white appearance and iridescent sheen that's not very flattering and looks unnatural.

By simply emptying a small amount of the minerals into the container lid (enough to cover a five pence piece is enough for full face cover), swirling the brush (I use my Bare Minerals Kabuki) to collect the product and tapping off any excess before applying, the preparation is much quicker than with a standard powder. Because I'm using a brush to apply the product, I have a greater control over how much of the product I'm using and how it's dispersed over my skin than if I was using a face puff.

Mineral Veil is so versatile it can be used under or over foundation and/or concealer. I've found Mineral Veil to be exceptionally good at controlling oil secretion and as such, I usually dust a small amount across my t-zone, the area I'm most prone to an oil breakout before I apply my foundation really as an extra precaution. On warmer days, this is particularly useful as it really helps to prevent my makeup from smudging when I'm hot, prolonging the life of my makeup and the need to continually re-touch throughout the day.

Used in the same way as a finishing powder, Mineral Veil glides gently onto my skin. Dusting over my mineral foundation using circular buffing motions doesn't cause the foundation to shift and it allows the softer tones of the foundation to subtlety show through without muting the colour. The minerals are velvety soft with a very creamy texture that lend beautifully to a gentle, silky application. As Mineral Veil settles on my skin it's not heavy enough to thickly coat my skin like a liquid cream cosmetic nor powdery enough to look cakey. It leaves my skin with a subtle sheen that catches the light rather than creating a dull finish. The finished look is luminous and although Mineral Veil doesn't physically reduce the size of my pores the light reflection the veil creates gives the allusion that they aren't there.

The product is so versatile because if I need to apply a little extra foundation throughout the day I can buff it directly on top of the veil without creating a cloggy, powdery finish. This is in contrast to a traditional powder where I would have to wash off my makeup, re-apply and then again finish with powder. I also use mineral veil to tone down my Bare Minerals warmth and blusher if I've applied too generously. By buffing the Mineral Veil over the area it neutralises and dulls the red colouring without the need to start my makeup again. Likewise I will apply my brow pencil or powder over my foundation but under Mineral Veil which protects it from shifting. The only area I don't find it particularly useful is on my eyelids. When I wear eyeshadow over Mineral Veil it tends to sink into the creases of my eyelids quite quickly and this is the only tiny niggle I have with the product.




~~~ Final Thoughts ~~~

I love my mineral makeup and since using a Bare Minerals starter kit almost three years ago, I've never felt the need to return to traditional liquid cosmetics. Without a doubt the most versatile product I use is Mineral Veil. It's a hard working little product that controls shine, reduces oil secretion, sets my foundation and concealer, prevents smudging and minimises the appearance of enlarged pores and doesn't settle over time into my fine lines.

It's not necessary to apply the Veil after my foundation but it's worth the extra couple of minutes to apply it as it really does soften the look of the makeup. Bare Minerals claim it will provide a flawless finish to mineral makeup and whilst my skin isn't perfect there is a notable difference in the appearance of my skin when I'm wearing the veil.

The product is very light weight to wear, allowing my skin to breathe and is perfect, if I want to wear make up during the warmer weather (which I usually opt to do to some degree).

Using Mineral Veil means I don't need to purchase cosmetic blotting sheets to control shine as I can just dust the veil over my face to achieve the same oil controlling effect without the fear of a cakey mineral build up. Mineral Veil doesn't prevent oil secretion and shine indefinitely but it does work hard to control it. I can usually get four to five hours wear, even on hotter days before I feel the need to re-apply Mineral Veil. I love this product. Five stars!




~~~ Availability And Longevity ~~~

Mineral Veil can be sourced from most department stores and online at BareMinerals.co.uk where a 9g container will cost £20.00, excluding £2.99 postage and packaging. Mine are sourced from a top seller on EBay where I pay £16.95 including postage. Please be careful if you are buying from other online stockists as there are counterfeits, most being sold around £10-£12 including postage. Personally I would avoid any product being sold for less than around £15, obviously, if you have concerns about the authenticity of a product just source from an official Bare Minerals stockist.

Like all the products in the Bare Minerals range, prices, at first seem steep. One 9g container, used on average of three times a day (once immediately after I've applied my makeup and twice to retouch during the day) provides me a good six months service. That is the rough equivalent of 8pence per day which I think is excellent value for money.