Bare Essentials makeup is probably the fastest growing brand of makeup in the country. From TV ad sales to full counters in department stores nationwide, the company has really boomed. However, is it as effective as they claim?

For a brief overview of Bare Essentials basic kits and starter products, keep reading.

Cost

Your basic Bare Minerals starter kit will usually retail for between $75 and $105. So, keep your eyes out for sales - and if you're comfortable shopping online or through QVC, you'll often find the best deals and packages during the company's television shopping specials.

Admittedly, the price is high for what is essentially a foundation and blush kit. However, the starter kit also comes with multiple brushes - and every makeup expert knows, a good brush kit can be costly. If you're on a budget or just want try the product without making a full commitment, you can purchase a smaller starter kit online for about $59.

How Easy is it to Use?

It's important to know exactly how to apply your Bare Essentials makeup. Unlike regular cream or chemical-based makeup, it's a much different approach and won't look good if not applied properly. After buying the product, I tried applying it before I watched the enclosed tutorial DVD. The results weren't good.

After my initial failure, I watched the DVD and visited a retail counter to get a full, in-person tutorial with a sales representative. She provided me a complete lesson on how to apply the makeup, and it was well worth the time and effort. It looked great and was easier than I thought.

In short, it's not easy to use if you just rip open the box and dive right in. But if you take an hour to learn how to apply the product and try it out a few times, you'll get it. In the end, applying every step of the Bare Minerals package takes between 5 and 10 minutes.

Quality of the Product

When it's applied correctly, the Bare Minerals collection looks very appealing. It doesn't cake, crease or melt. The finish is smooth and never looks like it's overdone. Also, because it's a mineral-based product, it's actually good for your skin.

However, despite the fantastic foundation and blusher range of products, Bare Minerals just doesn't bring it when it comes to their eye and lip makeup. The eye powders are hard to control, difficult to use and most wearers will likely opt for an eye makeup solution that's a little more traditional.

That said, if you want a foundation that's light, but provides full coverage, then Bare Essentials makeup is probably a great buy.