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Before we get into the review of the bareMinerals Mineralist Hydra-Smoothing Lipstick**, I want to cover some basics. I love a traditional bullet lipstick with a cream finish. That is the type of lip product that I default to and enjoy wearing the most. To give you a frame of reference, my favorite drug store formulas are the Revlon Super Lustrous Cream Finish (swatches of raisin rage and extra spicy) and the Maybelline Color Sensational original line (the Creams, swatches of brick beat and crazy for coffee). My favorite formulas on the high-end side would be the Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy (swatch of irresistible), Bobbi Brown Luxe Lip Color (swatches of pink buff, downtown plum, and bahama brown) and the Laura Mercier Rouge Essential Lipstick (swatch of brun naturel).
UPDATES: I had the price of MAC lipstick incorrect, they are $19.00 rather than $18.50. I also forgot to mention that the Maybelline lipsticks have a scent that can be off putting. If you are sensitive to scent, Revlon has no smell.
I didn’t have much to go on when I bought this lipstick at my local base exchange (I’m a military spouse). All I knew about it were the claims on the box. It promised a lip color and treatment in one, that it would be free of dryness, and have maximum impact. I do agree that it is not drying, but I wouldn’t call it moisturizing. It is lightweight and comfortable to wear and I often forget I have it on. I tend to prefer thicker lipstick formulas that you can feel, so when something is lightweight it stands out to me.
The formula on the bareMinerals Mineralist Lipstick** is somewhat gritty and reminds me of a slightly smoother version of the Covergirl lipstick formula. The scent of this lipstick reminds me of the OG Covergirl Lip Smoochies. Anyone else remember those? Although it is there, the scent is faint and doesn’t linger in my experience.
In comparison to my favorite formulas that I told you about above, this is a satin finish rather than cream. The brand does claim it to be a satin, I just didn’t know that when I made my purchase. As I mentioned, it is not drying, but I did find it to accentuate some dryness that was already on my lips. Luckily, this was only noticeable when looking at my lips up close in a mirror. At a normal distance, I couldn’t see that issue at all.
The only maximum impact that I notice is how well it smooths out my lip lines. I guess that is where the hydra-smoothing part of the name comes in. It is strange that it catches on dryness but looks smoothing from a normal distance, but that is what I’ve been experiencing.
The closest comparison I can show you for color reference is with a MAC Mamastarrr lipstick (LE), which is in the MAC satin finish. The MAC formula is much smoother, more pigmented, and has a thicker feel on the lips.
The bareMinerals Mineralist Hydra-Smoothing Lipstick retails for $20**, which is a little high for how it performs. MAC’s satin formula is $19.00 and it is of better quality. Either Revlon or Maybelline would be a better pick at the drugstore price point. Both of these will have more shine, but both brands also offer a matte finish. This lipstick is barely better than the Covergirl lipsticks that are about $6 at Target and Walmart (Ulta and traditional drugstores always charge more). On the upside, the formula is vegan and gluten-free. It is a nice, basic lipstick formula. In my opinion, it is just not worth the $20 (or the $17 I was able to get it for).
Did this line of lipsticks work out differently for you? Have you had any lipstick fails recently? Tell us about it in the comments.
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Nikki From HR 