NOTE: This giveaway is now closed.
Aside from a few very special occasions (like my wedding) I’ve never worn any makeup other than mascara and bronzer. It’s not that I’m against makeup or that I don’t have the time to put it on… I’ve just never been that into spending extensive amounts of time “getting ready” every single day, and I REALLY don’t like the feeling of thick makeup on my skin.
Yes, I like to look presentable and I don’t want to look like I just rolled out of bed, but way back in high school, I vowed that I never wanted to be one of those women who shocked anyone who saw her without makeup 🙂
In my opinion, I look basically the same with and without makeup — just a little more polished and “awake” with makeup (thanks to my ridiculously short, blond eyelashes!)
However… a couple months ago (right around Simon’s 1st birthday) I decided that since I’m almost 30 and almost have 3 kids, it was time I got some “big girl makeup” and actually started wearing it more than once or twice a year.
.
I did a little research online and decided mineral makeup was probably the best bet for me as it was light and airy on my skin — and supposedly was very good for my skin too.
Ironically, about 3 weeks after I started researching makeup options, Lisa from Simple Beauty Minerals contacted me to see if I would be interested in doing a review and giveaway of her mineral makeup on my blog.
Talk about PERFECT timing!
Not only did Lisa’s proposition help me to decide what brand of mineral makeup to test out, it also gave me the opportunity to learn more about mineral makeup than I did before…. and to do some “fun” before/after pictures of myself with and without makeup!
Plus, I’ve never done a makeup giveaway on my blog before, so I figured it might be kind of fun for something different.
The Process:
Ordering my makeup was the part I was most worried about. I’ve never really bought “big girl makeup” before, I just bought whatever mascara and concealer were on sale in the cosmetic aisle of my local grocery store (or whatever I could get free after rebate!)
However, Simple Beauty Minerals made the entire process completely painless.
I simply used the Foundation Shade Finder and then waited about 24 hours for my customized product suggestions to arrive via email.
I emailed back and forth with Lisa a couple of times and then I ordered a few samples of the foundation to assure I got the correct color for my skin.
NOTE: They also offer complimentary video consultations.
Once the samples arrived, it was fairly obvious which color to select — so I placed my final order and waited for the products to arrive.
The Products:
I kept it pretty simple as I knew I wasn’t interested in primers, finishing powders, eyeliners, eye shadows, lipstick, or even blush.
These are the products I ordered:
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Concealer in Fair (plus fine-point brush)
- Foundation in Neutral 1 (plus Kabuki brush)
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Bronzer in Natural Glow (plus Flattop Bronzer brush — not pictured)
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Ultimate Mascara in Black
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Lip Gloss in Mauvelous
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Lip Balm in Peppermint
The Experience
So far, I’m really happy with the mineral makeup.
I’d be lying if I said I was wearing it all every day — but that wasn’t really my goal. I wanted to have a simple makeup routine that was a little more “polished” than mascara + bronzer + Vaseline, so I COULD look a bit more put together when I wanted to.
It took a couple of tries before I figured out my system, but after only a week or so, I had my new makeup routine down to about 7-10 minutes (it’s less than this on the days I just do mascara + bronzer).
The Results:
Personally, I’m thrilled with how simple the mineral makeup is to apply — and how nice it feels on my skin.
I’m also happy with how natural, yet polished it makes me look.
Here’s my “before” picture with NO makeup on (and NO editing at all).
Not horrible (at least in my opinion) but I definitely have some reddish areas as well as other blotchy and discolored areas.
And yes, I look tired, but that’s because I’m 7 months pregnant, not sleeping well at night due to being uncomfortable, and chasing 2 little people around all day 🙂
Also, I should mention that these pictures were taken with a simple iPhone camera in less-than-stellar lighting, while Simon was literally pulling on my legs. I had a very short window of time to snap these photos, so this is as good as it’s going to get!
Here is my “after picture” (also with no editing and only wearing the products I got from Simple Beauty Minerals).
So while I certainly think there is a very noticeable difference between the 2 photos, I also still feel like I look pretty natural in the after picture.
I’ve always assumed that wearing any type of foundation would make me look like I had a mask on or that my skin was dry — but that was definitely not the case with the mineral makeup.
Not too bad of a transformation for less than 10 minutes.
Crazy enough, the product I’m most thrilled about is the lip gloss!
I’ve NEVER ever found any type of lipstick or lip gloss that I’ve loved — which is why I stick to Vaseline. I almost didn’t even order a lip gloss because I figured I wouldn’t like it. However, the minute I put it on my lips, I immediately noticed a difference.
It was minty and tingly, and not at all sticky or gloppy like other lip glosses I’ve tried.
All in all, I’m very happy with Simple Beauty Minerals makeup — and I’m super excited to be sharing a couple of great giveaways with you all today!
More About Simple Beauty Minerals:
Simple Beauty Minerals is a small family-owned cosmetic company inspiring confidence with Pure Minerals & Love… for beauty you feel, inside and out! Their goal is to help you to be Simply Healthy. Simply Beautiful.
Visit Simple Beauty Minerals on the web:
Website: simplebeautyminerals.com
Facebook: SimpleBeautyMinerals
Instagram: SimpleBeautyMinerals
Pinterest: Simple Beauty Minerals
This giveaway is now closed!
Gabriela Sanchez says
Love to try them out tthey look amazing on you. Crossing fingers. Easy makeup application
ann in E. oregon says
Looks like a great product! Thanks for the opportunity to give it a try. 🙂
Sally Kurjan says
Beautiful both ways! Thank you for the info and also for a chance to win!
Jenny C. says
Andrea, I love your “look” 🙂 You look so radiant! I know you referred to your eyelashes, but even in your “before” pic, your eyes show up so nicely. I always look sickly without mascara & eyeliner! My husband even comments about not having my “eyes on” when I’m without eye makeup! One question, does the makeup have any SPF protection? Thanks 🙂
Andrea says
Thanks Jenny — and good question.
You can read more about their foundation on this page (https://simplebeautyminerals.com/mineral-makeup-vegan-gluten-free/new-to-mineral-makeup/). It DOES say that it has naturally occurring sunscreen blocks UVA & UVB rays (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide). I’m not exactly sure what that means — but that’s all I could find 🙂
Lisa D Liguori says
Hi Jenny, this is Lisa with Simple Beauty Minerals. I wanted to jump in a answer your question about sunscreen in our foundation – our mineral makeup naturally has a sunscreen due to zinc oxide being a main ingredient (which is used safely in most sunscreens). If you layer twice, you will have an SPF of about 15.
Andrea says
I like the before picture best!
Nicole M. says
Love the simple makeup routine. I am like you, even when wearing makeup I want it to look natural and not too made up. I would love to see a post on how you keep your teeth so white and bright. I am hoping you have some frugal tips?!
Andrea says
haha thanks! I’ve got nothing in terms of frugal tips for keeping my teeth white though. I think I have good genes to thank for that — and I do brush my teeth fairly regularly throughout the day.
Also, I’ve never been a coffee or tea drinker so I’m sure that helps.
Dawn Kaestner says
This looks great! I heard mineral makeup wasn’t great for oily skin like mine so I will have to check out the website and see what they recommend. And speaking of lip gloss…after your last “favorite things” post I ordered some Prairieland Herbs products, including their lip gloss, and I AM IN LOVE! It feels like chapstick but has color I love.
Andrea says
yay for Prairieland Herbs. That stuff is amazing!
and yes, I have VERY dry skin and I was actually wondering about using the mineral makeup on oily skin. You could contact Lisa directly and I’m sure she would be able to answer any questions you have. She knows A LOT about mineral makeup!
Donna G says
At nearly 55, I have yet to find a makeup routine that I can get into the habit of, since I never got into it when I was younger. Bu I would like to have the option if I want to wear it, and agree that mineral makeup would be the best bet. Thanks for the opportunity.
You look FABulous, dahling, by the way!
Andrea says
Thanks Donna 🙂
Amy B says
What a fun giveaway! I’ve always wanted to try mineral makeup/foundation because I don’t like how liquid foundation makes my skin feel. I LOOVE Vaseline for a lip balm (and everything else)!
BTW, you look great even without makeup!
Lisa D Liguori says
You are a natural beauty Andrea! It seems Simple Beauty Minerals is an excellent fit for you, since we believe in keeping it simple. Thanks for the share, I am so appreciative!!! I look forward to sending goodies to the winners.
Andrea says
Thanks Lisa!!!
Jackie says
Thanks for sharing! I’ve been using younique products for awhile now, but I’m always on the lookout for something new or something to add. I have sensitive skin, so mineral makeup always works a little better for me.
I’ve never tried powdered concealer before. I alway think that a powder would ‘fall off’ where a cream-type concealer would actually work. What has been your experience with the powder?
You have beautiful skin, by the way!
Andrea says
I NEVER used powdered concealer before either — and it was a really weird adjustment. I think it makes a big difference when you’re using the right brush too — the Simple Beauty has a special concealer brush that helps to “lay” the concealer on your skin.
I haven’t noticed a huge difference, but all the research I’ve done swears that powdered concealers actually last longer on your skin than liquid — but that’s just what I read from various sources 🙂
Lindsey T says
Love the style of this and have been on the lookout for new makeup! Looks so natural on you and I love the lip gloss!
Andrea says
Thanks Lindsey — I’m loving the lip gloss too! I have to laugh because I’ll often put it on when I’m just hanging around the house because I like how it feels so much — and then I’ll forget and give Simon a kiss on the cheek. One time I did this and thought, “oh no, he hurt himself” only realizing later it was my lip marks 🙂
Lindsey T says
I love that!! Sometimes I wear tinted chap stick when I’m home working in yoga pants and a sweatshirt and someone will stop by and be like “um your lips look nice” haha. I usually completely forget I’m wearing it but it makes me feel a little put together, ya know?! 🙂
Michelle says
That makeup is perfect for you, especially the lipgloss. You’re beautiful without too!
Courtney says
I loved this! You described me and my feelings toward makeup especially lipgloss. I always felt sorry for women who felt they couldn’t be seen until they had makeup on and I never wanted to be like that. You look great both without and with the makeup.
I also guess since I’m quickly headed toward 30 that perhaps it’s time for more than mascara, blush, and Chapstick. 🙂
Looking forward to trying this mineral makeup. Thanks for the honest review.
Lynn A. says
Love the way the lip gloss enhances the natural color of your lips. It gives color without being overpowering. That’s what I’m looking for. Thank you for sharing this offer with us.
Andrea says
Yes, me too! I don’t like a bold “color” on my lips as I feel awkward… so this gloss is PERFECT for me!
Kimberley says
You look gorgeous without any makeup!!! Like you, I am not a huge makeup fan. I have never been able to put on eyeliner like so many of my girlfriends…but I am ok with it because I can’t see myself spending more than 20-30 minutes getting ready (this is my shower, hair and makeup routine time). Anyway, just wanted to say that you really don’t need makeup, in my opinion, but with it on you do look very polished and just as lovely!
Andrea says
Well, on most occasions, I usually don’t wear makeup, but it sure it nice to have an option I love for those times I want to look a little more polished — or even if I want to get a little glammed up 🙂