Bare Escentuals

Profile

Founded by Leslie Blodgett in 1976, the Bare Escentuals bath, body, and skincare brand is best known for its unique line of preservative-free mineral makeup called Bare Minerals. Often recommended by dermatologists, Bare Minerals’ foundations and cheek and eye colors come in a light powder form that eliminates the cakey look and streaks of creamier products; ingredients like zinc and iron oxide are said to improve the complexion over time. The brand’s Upper East Side boutique—the first New York store out of dozens nationwide—is a warmly lit, one-room space where the products take center stage. Adorned with crystal chandeliers and marble countertops, the space’s shelves are stacked with products. At a central makeover table (though the process itself is termed “makeunder” by the staff), enthusiastic makeup artists attend up to four clients at once who are interested in testing or learning about products, or who want to prepare for a special event. (There is no fee.) Although mostly women frequent the boutique, a few bold metrosexuals have been known to purchase items like the Multi-Tasking Bisque (a weightless, sheer concealer), and skincare products from the store’s partner line, MD Formulations. Customer-appreciation events, like champagne breakfasts, are also a hallmark of the company, whose rabid fans have been known to fly across the country for a chance to meet its beauty-savvy owner. — Carolyn Murnick