Hello everyone!
Powder foundation may be my first foray into makeup but truth be told, I haven’t been using one in donkey’s years since taking a liking to liquid foundation. However, thanks to a slew of mineral makeup launching in the market, my makeup routine could be changing altogether. Mineral makeup is known to be a lot kinder to the skin because of its non-comedogenic nature. Knowing that many of you are also suffering from troubled skin like me, I thought it’d be great to shine the spotlight on a mineral makeup brand I was recently introduced to.. and that’s Bellápierre Cosmetics!
Bellápierre Cosmetics is an American brand specialising in producing luxury mineral makeup, makeup accessories and skincare products that are suitable for all skin types, even sensitive ones. Not only are their products cruelty-free (as is evident from the Leaping Bunny certification on their packaging), they are also non-clogging (as with any other mineral makeup) which I find to be extremely crucial for the hot and humid weather we have in Singapore. Although not as mainstream as say, bareMinerals, their products have been lauded by online critics (here and here) for their great coverage and lightweight texture. But being the sceptic I am, these reviews don’t carry much weight. I have to see to believe!
Bellápierre Get Started Kit
One of their bestsellers is the Get Started Kit, put together with beginners in mind. Customisable to different skin tones (in fair, medium, dark or deep). it contains two shades of 5-in-1 foundation, one blush and bronzer and three key brushes for flawless application of the products. This kit basically has all the essential products needed to get you started with the Bellápierre range.
Contrary to the description written on their official website, there isn’t any step-by-step instructional DVD in my kit but I was fortunate to have Aviram, Bellápierre Singapore resident makeup artiste, to guide me on how to use the products through his video demonstrations. The videos aren’t specifically addressed to me nor do they contain any highly confidential matter, so I believe he won’t mind sharing them if requested!
Bellápierre Get Started Kit (US$170 / S$230)
Bellápierre Get Started Kit
Bellápierre Get Started Kit – powder makeup
Opening the sturdy paper box revealed the products neatly arranged and tightly secured in a plastic cast to prevent damage in transit. Product labels at the bottom of the pots are also cleverly displayed face up so that you don’t have to remove them one by one to find out what they are. However, I personally find the paper box outmoded (I can’t quite put my finger on it.. maybe it’s the black colour and tacky font) and underwhelming to the extent that I’d actually transfer the products to a more presentable-looking box if I were to gift this kit to someone else. For the price of US$170, surely the packaging could be designed to look more luxurious or contemporary?
Perhaps.. just perhaps, throwing in a cosmetic pouch for easy storage would help to make up for the lack of visual appeal (since the box does take up quite a bit of space).
Bellápierre Get Started Kit – brushes (Angled Blush Brush – S$40, Powder Brush – S$40, Concealer Brush – S$25)
Nevertheless, these shortcomings are negligible in comparison with the impressive spread of makeup tools and products this starter kit offers. In fact, I was quite amazed to find three quality face brushes (and bristles – with the exception of that of the concealer brush – well-protected with plastic brush guard, no less) for different purposes in there.
Let’s now take a closer look at every product in the kit, followed by two additional items which Bellápierre had included for my consideration. A short tutorial will also be incorporated in the review for the benefit of those without the instructional DVD.
Prices reflected in the captions are individual prices of the products.
1. Mineral Foundation in Ivory
Bellápierre Mineral Foundation in Ivory (US$65 / S$95, also available in small size at S$60)
Mineral makeup, as you might already know, tend to be much more expensive than traditional ones. Unfortunately, Bellápierre is no exception and seems to be priced on the higher end of the scale than other popular brands around. But judging from the unwavering support Bellápierre has received from customers around the world, there must be something really unique about their products. My bet is on their Mineral Foundation which, apart from being a foundation, also functions as a concealer, SPF, finishing powder and setting powder. Don’t we all love versatility?!
On top of that, this 5-in-1 crowd favourite contains just four ingredients which Bellápierre (and, to be fair, many other mineral makeup brands as well) claimed to be natural. They are Mica for creating a healthy and effervescent glow, Zinc Oxides for their anti-inflammatory qualities, Iron Oxides for their rich pigment and resistance to moisture (hence allowing the foundation to be long-lasting), and Titanium Dioxide to protect the skin from UVA and UVB radiation.
I’m no Chemistry expert, so I did some research on the properties of these so-called skin-loving minerals to learn more about what I was going to apply on my acne-prone skin. While mineral makeup is frequently touted as a ‘natural alternative‘ to conventional cosmetics by marketers, some studies have raised concerns about these nano particles having unlimited access to our tissues and organs and may harm our cells in the long run. But then again, these are just speculations and there are no reports of such incidents thus far.
Bellápierre Mineral Foundation in Ivory
Another major reason why I’ve always preferred pressed powder to loose powder is the potential mess the latter can leave behind (and it doesn’t help that I’m allergic to dust too), hence I had always tried to avoid mineral makeup. True enough, the moment I peeled the protection seal off the sifter jar, I could instantly spot tiny powder particles scattering in the air under the sun rays that were shining through my windows. That was when I realised I had to dab my brush into all the face makeup in a plastic bag or risk turning my room into a horror movie setting.
I have to reiterate that this is a common problem with all loose powder makeup and not an isolated case by any means, so I don’t blame Bellápierre at all. If you have better ways of applying mineral makeup without creating much of a mess, please share your tips and tricks in the comments below!
Bellápierre Mineral Foundation – using Powder Brush no. 23
The Mineral Foundation comes in 10 shades with Ultra being the lightest and Double Cocoa the darkest. Like what Aviram usually does for his customers who are unsure of the shade which best matches them, he personally picked out Ivory, the second lightest shade, for my typical fair Asian skin tone.
In order to get some of the mineral powder on the sifter jar, I put the lid back on the pot, turned it upside down and tapped on it a few times. The tiny amount of powder that managed to pass through the sifter should be enough to correct minor flaws on the face. Sad to say, it barely concealed hyperpigmentation as I had to apply a thin layer of concealer beneath the foundation to hide most of them. Other than that, it does a fairly decent job in providing a beautifully even and natural finish on other areas that are not plagued by dark spots. *sobs* Why am I not blessed with good skin? 😦
Bellápierre Mineral Foundation – using Concealer Brush no. 16
Switching to the concealer brush, I applied a layer of the foundation on my undereye to conceal my dark circles and it managed to lighten the inner corners and creases to some extent. Although the dark circles were still visible, I looked less like a zombie and more like a person who merely lost three hours of sleep that night.
2. Mineral Blush in Desert Rose
Bellápierre Mineral Blush in Desert Rose (S$60)
Bellápierre Mineral Blush in Desert Rose (US$45)
Bellápierre Mineral Blush in Desert Rose
Complementing the look is a peachy soft pink blush in Desert Rose retained in the pot by a twist-and-lock sifter. It is one of the four shades available in the mineral blush range. Bellápierre mineral blushes are said to be talc-free, paraben-free and suitable for all skin types and conditions.
Bellápierre Mineral Blush in Desert Rose – using Angled Blush Brush no. 36
Bellápierre Mineral Blush in Desert Rose – blending it out with Powder Blush no. 23
Bellápierre Mineral Blush in Desert Rose – blending it out with Powder Blush no. 23
Three words for the application of this blush: Less is More.
As it was my first time experimenting with blush in loose powder form, I didn’t know how much of it my brush had to pick up to achieve my ideal intensity so I guess I had dabbed more than necessary. Clearly unprepared for what came next, I was slightly taken aback by intense pigmentation it lent my cheeks at first but I then realised the striking pink patch could be blended out easily with the powder blush. The final result is amazing! I love the pop of colour on my cheeks and how it seems to blend seamlessly into my foundation.
3. Mineral Bronzer in Starshine
Bellápierre Mineral Bronzer in Starshine (US$40 / S$60)
Bellápierre Mineral Bronzer in Starshine
Protection seal
Bellápierre Mineral Bronzer in Starshine
Bellápierre Mineral Bronzer in Starshine – using Angled Blush Brush no. 36
Bellápierre Mineral Bronzer in Starshine – using Concealer Brush no. 16
Bellápierre Mineral Bronzer in Starshine – finishing it off
No doubt, the Bellápierre Get Started Kit has quite a number of promising products but if I have to name a favourite, it’s got to be this lovely bronzer. Seriously, doesn’t it remind you of Tinkerbell’s glitter?!This brown bronzer gives life and adds dimensions to my pale face with its gorgeous golden finish. Contrary to my usual practice, I didn’t have to add any highlights to my cheekbones because the bronzer alone was already enough to contour my face to near-perfection with its shimmery qualities.
Like the blush, the mineral bronzers come with four shades to cater to different skin tones or moods! 🙂
4. Mineral Lipstick in P.I.N.K
Bellápierre Lipstick in P.I.N.K (US$20 / S$40)
Bellápierre Lipstick in P.I.N.K
Bellápierre Lipstick in P.I.N.K
Bellápierre Lipstick in P.I.N.K
Bellápierre Lipstick in P.I.N.K
Bellápierre Lipstick in P.I.N.K – after applying eye and brow makeup (not from the Bellápierre brand)
Let’s be honest here – who else had thought that the concept of mineral makeup is only limited to loose powder? Formulated with natural waxes and mineral pigments, iron oxides and antioxidants such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E, Bellápierre lipsticks are the answer to natural sun protection for your kissers while imparting a ravishing wash of colour to spice them up.
P.I.N.K coats the lips with a rich, opaque layer of retro hot pink and a touch of shine. It glides on weightlessly and leaves a creamy and moistened texture to ensure that the lips stay hydrated under the blistering heat. Furthermore, it is long-lasting and goes well with all skin tones – definitely a shade that would become a staple in anyone’s makeup rotation!
Your favourite MAC lipstick shades – now with mineral ingredients!
5. Shimmer Powder in Harmony
Bellápierre Shimmer Powder in Harmony (US$15 / S$30)
Bellápierre Shimmer Powder in Harmony
The shimmer powders are the most versatile and cost-effective product in the Bellápierre collection. It can be used as an eye shadow using the tip of your finger, eyeliner using a wet thin brush, or lip gloss when accompanied with Bellápierre’s clear lipstick base. With over 50 vibrant shades to choose from, it is easy to find one that matches your preference!
Bellápierre Shimmer Powder in Harmony
Before (left lid) and after (right lid, raw)
Harmony is a rusty brown – a colour which I reckon most people would be comfortable using as an eye shadow. True to the description provided on the website, it is highly pigmented and does not budge an inch on sweaty eyelids.
A single pot can probably last at least a year since only a tiny amount of shimmer powder is needed for each application if used correctly. It is certainly a useful and value-for-money product with the only downside I can think of being slightly time-consuming (especially if time management isn’t your forte) as water has to be added to adjust the consistency and intensity to my liking. I guess to save time, you can try storing a pinch of the shimmer powder in a separate pot and add your desired amount of water so that you won’t have to repeat the same process everyday 😀
Bellápierre Cosmetics
Final look
I have never used any mineral makeup prior to Bellápierre so I can’t do a comparison with other brands. From my personal experience with Bellápierre, however, I must say that whatever I had heard about mineral makeup being able to deliver a breathable and natural feel is all true. But until there is mineral makeup in compact form, I would probably be using less of it (maybe not the bronzer.. too pretty to resist) because I shudder at the thought of having to vacuum my room more often than usual.
If the mess doesn’t bother you at all, do give Bellápierre a shot (psst.. get the Get Started Kit as it’s well worth the money)! I’m sure you won’t be disappointed with the results. What’s more, Lazada is offering Bellápierre products at a discount of up to 27%. If you happen to pass by their outlets, do check with the sales representative for special promotions for the day as well.
Are you a regular user of Bellápierre products? Do share with me your favourites in the comments below!
Thanks for reading! 🙂
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