Huge Merger on the Horizon....

This is one of the biggest pieces of news to hit the beauty industry all year (see link below)...I feel like this can go in any direction. On one hand, one of my favorite things about Bare Escentuals is the fact that it hasn't gone "corporate," but on the other hand, I think that the only way to strengthen such a growing brand is to create a solid company structure, something that Shiseido has maintained successfully and proven. Without a doubt, it is a great growth opportunity for Bare Escentuals, especially since Shiseido pretty much owns the Asian market (well deserved, in my opinion.) I just hope that Bare Escentuals maintains its original business plan and doesn't fall into the trap of greed and over-growth because the fundamental reason for its amazing customer loyalty is its non-corporate image. The products themselves are great quality and original, yet this is one of those classic examples of buying into a story, and one that women relate to and trust. If Bare Escentuals loses that "personal touch," and sells its soul to generic ideas and less than stellar customer service, then all that will be left will be something as boring as supermarket brand butter. It will be a staple that most women will inevitably buy, but the experience will be bland, and the chances of her branching out to other products will be about as likely as going to Publix for butter and coming home with six packs of grade A truffle infused butter.

I am not quick to judge how this situation/merger will turn out because it could also be extremely successful for both companies and rewarding to the consumer. I also have a really good feeling about this because I personally have a lot of faith in Shiseido and its umbrella of brands. I love that Shiseido has been about to globalize and still maintain exclusivity and quality in its product lines. We are dealing with two very powerful creatures here that have the ability to take over the world...one lipstick at a time. I will be following this business deal and reporting on it regularly!

Link to WWD article-- http://www.wwd.com/beauty-industry-news/shiseido-makes-17b-bid-for-bare-escentuals-2411065?module=today#/article/beauty-industry-news/shiseido-makes-17b-bid-for-bare-escentuals-2411065?page=2

New In Stock from Bare Escentuals...

Here is what is new in stock from Bare Escentuals this week at The Beauty Loft:

Miracle Remedies $35

Face Fashion Classic Glam $34

Sweet Obsessions Shadow Kit $48

We will be receiving much more...keep your gorgeous eyes peeled!

Flawless Finally?

Ever since I was trained in Bare Escentuals mineral makeup, I have been using it without fail. I have no desire to switch to a cakey, thick foundation when my skin looks so incredibly natural and perfect with the minerals. There's no doubt about it; Bare Escentuals pioneered the mineral makeup trend and having tried brand upon brand of knockoffs, I believe that it is the best. They slowly introduced more and more into the ever-growing line such as blushes, highlighters, brow products, eyeshadows, etc. And although they are the best selling mineral makeup brand in the country, their mascaras left more to be desired. The original mascara was The Big Tease, a comb-wand style brush that was great for short, stubby lashes, but didn't leave a great impression on customers who wanted volume or drama. Last year they released The Big Tease Blackest Black, with the same wand, but an inky-black colored pigment instead of the usual black/brown. It was a solid selling item for me at The Beauty Loft, but I knew that my Bare Escentuals die-hards were secretly using Dior Show and Bad Gal when nobody was looking. Something needed to be done! And quickly!
So imagine my delight when my newest shipment from BE came in last week with the new masara (Flawless Definition Mascara $18) sitting right on top! The wand isn't anything gadget-y or crazy, the bristles are rubberized and uniformed size. There is no clumping because the tapered rubber stubs sort of seperate your lashes apart from each other, but you will get a nice thick coat of color at the same time. It comes in both black and brown and it is (thankfully!) paraben free. I feel like Bare Escentuals really stepped up to the plate with this new product, and I see a lot of converts in the near future.

New in Stock Today from Bare Escentuals

Cheerful Blush

Vintage Peach Blush

Feeling Beachy?

Today the weather is well into the 90's here in Florida...great if you are planning on spending the entire day in a cool pool. But otherwise, it's pretty miserable. There are a couple of options when the weather outside isn't on your side (you know, frizzy hair, sweaty makeup, smudged mascara just to name a few.) You can A- continue with your normal routine and completely ignore Mother Nature by straightening your hair, applying your heavy foundation, and going about your day trying not to fuss over how you look (nearly impossible). Or you can B- go with it! Sometimes it's just a lot easier to agree with the weather before your makeup and hair start to rebel against it. So today instead of my usual routine of blow dry, straighten, flawless skin via foundation, and even perfume, I decided to laugh the weather in the face and play its game.


The best advice i have make-up wise for a beach day that you aren't spending at the beach is to looks like you just came back from it. A little bit of concealer here and there is no biggie (just make sure that it's not a cream or else it will be smudge city). I choose Bare Escentuals Mineral Foundation (a tinted moisturizer would work just as well, as long as it has a very light texture, and remember, a little SPF is always nice) under the eyes and on some spots. What is a beach day without any sun? Bronzer should be everybody's best friend, that is, if they know how to use it properly and apply with a light hand. I am really liking The Balm Bahama Mama right now because it is a sparkle-free matte bronzer that is the perfect shade of tan (no Oompa Loompas here!) I also definitely recommend some blush because how natural does a sun tan look without a hint of pink? Go for a blush that is more on the coral side and stay away from hot pinks or berries which work better by themselves and not on top of bronzer. I use Bare Escentuals blush in Laughter (see picture above,) a pretty coral rose. As far as eyes go, a little hint of white shadow is nice to bring out white in your eyes and make you look even tanner (not to mention more awake which I think we all need!) If you just cannot leave the house without mascara, go for one that is waterproof and won't smudge easily. Things to avoid on humid, hot days are definitely eyeliner, (who wants to look like a sweaty raccoon mid day?) heavy perfume, thick body moisturizer, cream concealer, and anything with the capability to make you look even sweatier or shinier than you already are. As far as lips go, I would stick with either Cherry Chapstick or one of the yummy balms from Rosebud (the mint one is tingly and cooling!) If your hair needs taming, use a little bit of serum (like Moroccan Oil or Frizz Ease) and rub through to ends avoiding roots and let dry naturally. Today I was feeling a little more beach-y inspiration so I gave myself a manicure with this gorgeous sand colored polish that is now my new favorite. It is Deborah Lippmann Polish in You Can Leave Your Hat On and it reminds me of the perfect color of smooth beach sand....all I need now is my bathing suit!