BareMinerals 5-in-1 BB Advanced Performance Cream Eyeshadow

There are a couple of exciting new releases coming from bareMinerals, the first of which are these new 5-in-1 BB Advanced Performance Cream Eyeshadows.  Before you groan at the mention of the seemingly overused “BB” reference, it’s worth trying to keep an open mind as these do follow the original concept of BB as they’re very much multi-beneficial and address both skincare and make-up needs.

Starting with the skincare elements, there’s an SPF15 to protect the delicate skin around the lids; I think this is particularly noteworthy considering this is an area that is in desperate need of protection, yet there doesn’t seem to be a lot available to protect this area.  There’s also “built-in skincare ingredients” to diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles, but I can’t find anything specific on what these ingredients are, so I’m reserving judgement until I know more.

Make-up wise, these cream shadows deliver all sorts of goodies and really can be used for a variety of make-up needs.  First of all, they’re designed to last, so however you decide to use them, they’re there to stay for the full day (or night) and once you’ve worked them into place, they set and they really do stay put!

The two key ways to use them are either as shadows on their own, or bases for other looks.  Below you will find pictures of both to give you an idea of how they look.  As someone who usually favours gently, minimal make-up that’s natural and flattering, these are my new best friends as they do that amazing enhancement thing where your make-up looks polished and clean; this is especially good for this weather where I find anything too heavy just feels uncomfortable.

There are 10 shades in total, most of which are “my eyelids but better” type colours, although there are some deeper shades to work as definition.  My favourites of the six I have are Delicate Moss – which is a dirgy, khaki shade that’s great for daytime smokiness, Elegant Taupe which makes for a really easy daytime look if you just sweep it all around the under and upper eyelid and Soft Shell which is a perfect lid perfector that reduces all colour on the lid, making my eye look a lot brighter and healthier, plus this is a great neutraliser for strong eye shadow shades too.

Above I’ve used Soft Shell all over the lid and Divine Wine blended out from the centre as well as smudged along the lower lid – apologies for narky expression; I was in the grips of a horrible cold!  All the shades are shot through with a gentle hit of shimmer; just enough to add the right amount of light to brighten the eye, but you really can’t see the individual shimmer pigments once applied as it really is sparse.  The brush isn’t the greatest for application as it does bring out a lot from the tube, but it depends on what shade you use as if you’re going for the lighter shades then you can get away with using it directly on the lids, but the darker shades benefit from the use of a separate brush; I find a small synthetic brush – such as a lip brush – best for applying.

To promote the arrival of these shadows, bareMinerals have created a series of eye looks for you to try at counter.  I was invited in to have one applied, and as I can never do a cat flick, I went for the Cat’s Meow which uses colours and styles I like.  You can see the finished look above – oh to have access to my own make-up artist – and the products used are below.

I am a big fan of the bareMinerals 5-in-1 BB Advanced Performance Cream Eyeshadows and I can see them fitting into everyone’s make-up routine considering they provide so many uses.  I love the shade range – there’s something to please everyone – the skincare elements are an encouraging bonus and they also offer great staying power, so I definitely recommend to anyone who loves their make-up.  They’re available now both in-store and online here – link – for £17 a go.  Keep your eyes peeled for my thoughts on bareMinerals’ newest foundation which is…a liquid!!

*PR Samples