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Is Bare Minerals Pretty Amazing Lipcolor, Well, Pretty Amazing?

April 19th, 2011 by Karen 96 Comments

Bare Minerals Pretty Amazing Lipcolor strength 1

When makeup marketers name a product “Pretty Amazing,” they’re setting the bar high. I mean, what do they do if the product only ends up being mediocre? How do they answer their boss when she asks, “How did those new Pretty Amazing Lipcolors turn out?” Well, miss, I think they turned out…fine.

Ouch.

I have to admit, I had high expectations when I heard about the new Bare Minerals Pretty Amazing Lipcolors line of hybrid liquid lipgloss/lipsticks ($16 each). I wondered if they’d make my eyes roll back in my head in ecstasy (I hope!). Would I find myself speaking in tongues?

Judging by their names, the eight new Lipcolors do have a certain swagger. There’s Bravado (a brick rose), Charisma (a coral pink), Ambition (a fuchsia), Courage (a warm strawberry), Fearless (a rosy mauve), Free Will (a pink nude; oddly, I keep wanting to call this one “Free Willy”), Moxie (a bright petal pink) and Strength (a vibrant red). Hot. I’ll call your positive messages, Bare Minerals, and raise you some power. 🙂

No, these aren’t lipglosses for wallflowers. They’re much stronger than that. These are like lipglosses on P90X — super thick and sticky with full-color coverage and subtle shine. Imagine the thick, sticky texture of a MAC Lipglass coupled with the uber-pigmented power of the NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams and BAM! — you’re Pretty Amazing.

They’re also unscented and unflavored, but neither of those is their most amazing trait. That distinction goes to their color. It’s saturated and opaque, like the stuff of technicolor dreams.

Even though I find some of the brighter, bolder shades like Strength a little tricky to apply, the flocked applicator helps. As long as I use it with a slow, steady hand, I’m able to precisely draw crisp lines along the edges of my lips.

Bare Minerals Pretty Amazing Lipcolor iphone
Beside an iPhone for scale…

Bare Minerals Pretty Amazing Lipcolor wands

Bare Minerals Pretty Amazing Lipcolor swatches flash
Swatches from left with the flash: Bravado, Charisma, Ambition, Courage, Fearless, Free Will, Moxie and Strength

Bare Minerals Pretty Amazing Lipcolor swatches without
Swatches without the flash

Bare Minerals Pretty Amazing Lipcolor courage swatch
Courage

Bare Minerals Pretty Amazing Lipcolor free will swatch
Free Will

Bare Minerals Pretty Amazing Lipcolor fearless swatch
Fearless

Bare Minerals Pretty Amazing Lipcolor charisma swatch
Charisma

Bare Minerals Pretty Amazing Lipcolor moxie swatch
Moxie

Bare Minerals Pretty Amazing Lipcolor bravado swatch
Bravado

Bare Minerals Pretty Amazing Lipcolor ambition swatch
Ambition

Speaking of Ambition, Bare Minerals showed some with these, but would I call them amazing? Maybe. I was hoping they’d feel more moisturizing and would last a little longer on my lips. I get about four hours with them, which is good for a long-wearing lip product, but is it amazing? 🙂

I think their texture and finish also leave some room for improvement. Bare Minerals calls it a high-shine finish, but I have to respectfully disagree. As far as shine, I find myself wanting more. I also feel like my lips look older and drier wearing Pretty Amazing, as the product eventually settles into my larger vertical lines.

I love, LOVE these rich colors, and I really dig their names (Fearless? That’s great!), but calling them Pretty Amazing just might have been a stretch.

PRICE: $16 each
AVAILABILITY: Available in May at Bare Escentuals Boutiques and also online
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B+

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Goodness, what happened to Tuesday? It’s like I opened my eyes this morning, answered some emails and now it’s 8:30 at night. I can’t believe it. Well, I guess it means we’re one step closer to Friday.

Is Bare Minerals Pretty Amazing Lipcolor, Well, Pretty Amazing? / Originally published April 19th, 2011

There are 96 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Makeup, Product Reviews Keywords: bare escentuals, bareminerals

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Comments

  1. dani@callitbeauty says

    April 19th, 2011 at 8:35 pm

    LOVE courage, fearless, & ambition! those are the shades i tend to gravitate towards.

    i’m a little concerned about the thickness, though. it looks like it would be pretty gloopy and i’m kind of fussy about textures.

    also, strength looks super, SUPER gorgeous on you!
    dani@callitbeauty recently posted … Collection Spotlight- Giambattista Valli – Spring 2011

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:38 am

      Me too! I don’t mind a little bit of stickiness, but these are REALLY sticky.

      Reply
    • Rachel says

      February 7th, 2013 at 10:02 am

      Courage and Bravado look great on you! I love ambition though…

      Reply
  2. Vijaya says

    April 19th, 2011 at 8:42 pm

    Well, they said “Pretty Amazing” not “ZOMFG, This Is Seriously Amazing”. I do like the looks of a couple of these. I love your lip swatches!
    Vijaya recently posted … Linnaeus Cosmetics Review- The Overview Details and Things

    Reply
    • Saffron says

      April 19th, 2011 at 9:41 pm

      You could totally start a line of cosmetics called “ZOMFG!” – I for one would be a customer. ><

      Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:37 am

      Haha!

      Reply
  3. Tracy says

    April 19th, 2011 at 8:44 pm

    I’m loving Ambition! And Moxie! And Courage! You look great in ALL of them!
    Tracy recently posted … LashControl Mascara Is Genius In a Tube!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:37 am

      Thanks, Tracy! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Siena says

    April 19th, 2011 at 8:51 pm

    beautiful colors, although I’m a little worried about the cons that come with these :/

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:37 am

      You might want to try it out first when it hits counters. The texture’s VERY sticky and thick.

      Reply
  5. Molly SC says

    April 19th, 2011 at 8:55 pm

    I might just have to snatch up Bravado- that is SUCH a great color!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:37 am

      And isn’t the name cool too? Love!

      Reply
  6. Sarah says

    April 19th, 2011 at 8:57 pm

    Karen,
    Those lipcolors look so fab! I’m around the same color as you so I’m hoping I look even half as good in them as you do! By the way, what blush are you wearing? It also looks gorg!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:41 am

      Hi Sarah,

      That’s NARS Orgasm mixed with a little bit of NARS Laguna bronzer. 🙂

      Reply
  7. AnieJ says

    April 19th, 2011 at 8:58 pm

    From the swatches, I was going to say that Charisma was my favorite, but seeing that picture of you with Courage on….whoo dang girl! You just blew my mind! I think I’ll be picking Courage up for a night on the town…just me and the lipcolor, mind you, you gotta romance it a bit.
    AnieJ recently posted … Bobbi Brown Award Winning Face Touch-Up Stick in Warm Ivory 1

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:41 am

      LOL… thanks for making me laugh, Anie! I needed that this morning. 🙂

      Reply
  8. Valbona Prokshi says

    April 19th, 2011 at 8:59 pm

    Very pigmented and cute!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:42 am

      Super pigmented! Love!

      Reply
  9. Appu says

    April 19th, 2011 at 9:09 pm

    They seem mighty pigmented! My fav. is Courage 🙂
    Appu recently posted … Stila Convertible Color in Lillium

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:43 am

      They are! Courage is a very pretty color.

      Reply
  10. Jessi says

    April 19th, 2011 at 9:13 pm

    I think calling them Pretty Amazing is just setting themselves up for disappointment. They should have been named “Pretty Mediocre” so that when people tried them they would be astonished at how much better than mediocre they really are. i have to say they do look all kinds of gorgeous on you, though.
    Jessi recently posted … Random NOTD- Hidden Treasure over OPIs Im His Coral Friend Matte

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:43 am

      Or maybe Pretty Darn Good?

      Reply
  11. shontay says

    April 19th, 2011 at 9:17 pm

    You look gorgeous, Karen. Seriously, all of these work on you. Now I am interested. I just hope these don’t cause a reaction with me b/c I definitely cannot wear their foundations. I’m willing to find out, though. 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:44 am

      Hi Shontay,

      You and I are in the same boat. I tried the foundation years ago and broke out like CRAZY. The lip and eye products seem to not irritate my skin though…

      Reply
  12. Ashley says

    April 19th, 2011 at 9:19 pm

    Karen are you wearing “Strength” in the main photo?

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:44 am

      Hi Ashley,

      Yup, that’s Strength. Thanks for reminding me — I need to caption that photo.

      Reply
  13. Jan says

    April 19th, 2011 at 9:26 pm

    These look similar to Chanel Rouge Allure Laque.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:45 am

      Yeah, it’s a little bit like the Rouge Laques. These are much thicker though, and very sticky.

      Reply
  14. Jen says

    April 19th, 2011 at 10:01 pm

    Ah, I love this! I have yet to try the NYX cream ones but I imagine these are wonderful! ^_^
    Jen recently posted … Two week cleansing cycle DONE!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:45 am

      The NYX ones are really nice! The scent can be overpowering though.

      Reply
  15. Charisse says

    April 19th, 2011 at 10:29 pm

    Courage looks amazing…but WOW these are super pigmented! IM IN LOVE!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:36 am

      Awesome, Charisse! Glad you like them. 🙂

      Reply
  16. claudia says

    April 19th, 2011 at 10:34 pm

    courage looks super pretty on you!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:36 am

      Thanks, Claudia! Hope you’re having a good day.

      Reply
  17. elisabeth says

    April 19th, 2011 at 10:46 pm

    Do you remember MAC Lip Varnish in Autobody Red? That’s what the red one reminds me of…

    Reply
  18. gio says

    April 19th, 2011 at 11:14 pm

    They look so pretty and pigmented! Love courage!
    gio recently posted … Is Mineral Makeup Drying

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:36 am

      I knew you’d like these!

      Reply
  19. Jen W says

    April 19th, 2011 at 11:27 pm

    Love the look of Bravado and Courage.

    It’s a shame that they’re not ‘pretty amazing’ though in terms of the texture. I loathe lippies that settle into lip lines
    Jen W recently posted … Bobbi Brown Lip Balm SPF 15- a review

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:36 am

      I wouldn’t mind it if it wasn’t so obvious… these really emphasize the vertical lines!

      Reply
  20. Bellyrockin says

    April 20th, 2011 at 12:55 am

    They remind me very much of MAC’s Kissable Lip Colours

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:35 am

      They do share a resemblance in terms of pigment. I feel like these are much thicker and sticker though.

      Reply
  21. a!kO says

    April 20th, 2011 at 12:57 am

    Wow, I am loving the colors of these 😀 Especially Bravado.

    x0x0
    a!kO recently posted … Wishlist- I want that!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:34 am

      Glad to hear you like these!

      Reply
  22. Wendy says

    April 20th, 2011 at 1:11 am

    Courage was the only swatch that looked like something I might try. Then I saw it on you. The color looks amazing on you. I’m going to have to pass on it due to the thick, goopey, heavy textured look. Too much of a good thing just like P90X. It was more like P110X for me. Towards the end, I just couldn’t stomach the same workout.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:34 am

      I have a friend who does P90X; he told me it’s pretty hard core. I dunno… I don’t think I’m ready for that jelly, LOL! I’ll stick to running.

      Reply
  23. Karen says

    April 20th, 2011 at 2:36 am

    I looovvveee how courage looks on you!!!!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:34 am

      Thanks, Karen!

      Reply
  24. kalcedon says

    April 20th, 2011 at 3:58 am

    I pretty much like Courage :).

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:33 am

      Love the name of that one!

      Reply
  25. shiny says

    April 20th, 2011 at 5:13 am

    Rhetorical question: Why is ‘Ambition’ fuschia? 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:33 am

      Hmm? Good question!

      Reply
  26. Kim says

    April 20th, 2011 at 5:14 am

    Bravado and Courage look great on you! The swatches remind me of brightly colored latex, though, especially in the flash photos. 🙂 I wasn’t impressed with Bare Minerals foundation (and one of their brushes came unglued the 2nd time I used it), so I am definitely biased against the brand. I should probably let that go!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:33 am

      I know what you mean. I tried their powder foundation years ago and broke out, too. They were painful pimples — you know, the ones that feel like they’ve got roots? I’m slowly getting to know the line and I like some of their color stuff. They definitely seem to have a cult following!

      Reply
      • Kim says

        April 21st, 2011 at 10:02 am

        I’ll try to check out some of their color stuff; after all, even makeup lines need a second chance sometimes! 🙂

        Reply
        • Karen says

          April 21st, 2011 at 10:28 am

          I’m still very nervous about the face products, but I think venturing into color’s pretty safe. A lot of people seem to really love the line. You never know…

          Reply
  27. Nicky Bromow says

    April 20th, 2011 at 5:46 am

    Bravado is, to me, the one that suits you best, It makes your skin pop and look gorgeous!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:31 am

      Thanks, Nicky! I take it you like really pigmented, rich lip colors. 🙂

      Reply
  28. jillian m. says

    April 20th, 2011 at 5:59 am

    in spite of the cons, these look amazing on you (especially courage)! rich, vibrant colors–i love it!
    jillian m. recently posted … things i learned from michael pollan

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:31 am

      Thanks, Jillian. 🙂 Do you think you might pick one of these up?

      Reply
  29. Jade says

    April 20th, 2011 at 6:20 am

    I love ’em! All of ’em! But I think courage and charisma might be my favorites.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:29 am

      Both of those shades are very pretty.

      Reply
  30. Nina says

    April 20th, 2011 at 7:05 am

    unscented and unflavored? count me in! im loving ambition, strength courage and m moxie! 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:29 am

      Aren’t those great names? Love ’em. 🙂

      Reply
      • Nina says

        April 20th, 2011 at 9:52 am

        the names are so awesome! 🙂

        im going to the mall on friday for a little alone time ( i have the day off, the hubs doesnt lol!) … ill stop by the BE store to check these babies out!

        Reply
        • Karen says

          April 20th, 2011 at 2:10 pm

          Alone time is always GOOD! I seriously need a mall day…

          Reply
  31. Tracy Hathaway says

    April 20th, 2011 at 7:42 am

    Are these comparable to the Chanel Rouge Allure Laques?

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:04 am

      The pigment is, but the texture isn’t.

      Reply
  32. Tukta says

    April 20th, 2011 at 7:57 am

    Is it similar to Chanel??? I don’t remember the name of Chanel products but they have this kind of lip that not gloss, not lipstick

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:03 am

      Not really. The Chanel products are thinner and non-sticky. These are very thick and sticky.

      Reply
  33. Amista says

    April 20th, 2011 at 8:30 am

    I LOVE Courage! Very beautiful!
    Amista recently posted … LUSH NEW! Solid Shampoo

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:39 am

      That color’s a lot of fun!

      Reply
  34. JoElla says

    April 20th, 2011 at 8:31 am

    I have one of these from a TSV from QVC, and I like the color, but found them to be quite sticky and gloppy. It felt sticky on my lips and almost hard to control the application.

    What worked for me was blotting the heck out of it, and throwing a bit of gloss over it. They are long wearing, but I am just not a fan of gummy lip sticks.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:39 am

      Thanks for the application tips, JoElla.

      Reply
  35. Christy says

    April 20th, 2011 at 8:37 am

    Courage looks amazing on you!
    Christy recently posted … Chanel Mimosa- Morning Rose &amp Beige Petale from Sumer 2011 Collection- Swatches

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:39 am

      Thanks, Christy!

      Reply
  36. Trisha says

    April 20th, 2011 at 11:59 am

    Bravado looks great on you! It totally goes with your shirt.
    Trisha recently posted … Giveaway- Lumixyl Topical Brightening System

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 2:06 pm

      Oh, I didn’t even notice that it matched, LOL!

      Reply
  37. Basak says

    April 20th, 2011 at 12:38 pm

    Well, my favorite is Bravado on you Karen!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 2:04 pm

      Hey, Basak! It’s been a while. How are you?

      Reply
  38. Barb says

    April 20th, 2011 at 12:38 pm

    They all look great on you but I think I like Fearless the best for me. I saw these on QVC but resisted ordering them then ( I hate having to pay shipping unless I’m getting an awesome deal). I’ll definitely have to check them out.

    I used BE foundation for years but recently converted to Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation. I got a TSV kit of Tarte makeup from QVC and love it!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 2:04 pm

      That foundation from Tarte is great! Have you tried their new blushes? AMAZING!

      Reply
  39. Solangel says

    April 20th, 2011 at 2:26 pm

    I’m sure these are so not good for kissing 😛
    Solangel recently posted … Grandpas things- Rose bundt pan

    Reply
  40. Rachel says

    April 20th, 2011 at 2:34 pm

    OMG Karen! I think these look super on your lips! I want to try them out but still have trouble finding a pretty lipgloss because I’m so pale. What would your suggestions be?

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 21st, 2011 at 8:37 am

      Hi Rachel,

      It depends on what look you’re going for. I personally love the contrast of bold lips against pale skin, so I think you could do any of these colors…

      Reply
  41. nia says

    April 20th, 2011 at 7:45 pm

    bravado & courage looks awesome on you~

    i wonder how does these fare to illamasqua’s intense lipglosses?

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 21st, 2011 at 8:35 am

      Hi Nia,

      These are waaay thicker and stickier!

      Reply
  42. Moni says

    April 20th, 2011 at 8:52 pm

    I *need* Courage!

    Do you have a picture of your bare lips? I’m trying to figure out if our colouring is similar!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 21st, 2011 at 8:35 am

      Hi Moni,

      Unfortch I don’t think I do. Mine are pretty pigmented though… Do you ever wear MAC Subculture Lip Pencil? That’s like the same color are my lips.

      Reply
  43. Instant Karma (formerly L) says

    April 20th, 2011 at 8:59 pm

    Aw, that’s a shame. Strength looks GORGEOUS. Then again, I really don’t need another vibrant red lip gloss, considering I already own approximately eight million of them…

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 21st, 2011 at 8:33 am

      Ha! I know how that goes. I can’t even begin to think of how many pink lipglosses live with me.

      Reply
  44. Anh says

    April 21st, 2011 at 10:38 am

    I have a Bare Escentuals gift card with nothing that interested me at BE until these glosses. Thanks for the post and swatches Karen!
    Anh recently posted … masquerade masks

    Reply
  45. Rhapsode says

    April 21st, 2011 at 11:18 am

    I suppose saying “pretty amazing” is akin to saying “virtually guaranteed”–weasel words, them.
    Rhapsode recently posted … Help Mother Earth Live Long And Prosper- Zoyas Earth Day Promo!

    Reply
  46. Lisa B. says

    April 21st, 2011 at 11:44 am

    Nuts, I was hoping they’d be nonsticky as well…as a few people already said, it looks a lot like those Rouge Allure Laques…

    Reply
  47. Amanda says

    April 21st, 2011 at 5:16 pm

    The glosses look great on you. I was actually wondering what blush and eye shadows you had on in these pictures. They look natural and fresh, I love them.

    Reply
  48. karen says

    May 8th, 2011 at 8:13 pm

    do you find strength to be more warm-toned or cool-toned?

    Reply
  49. Megan says

    September 28th, 2012 at 4:39 pm

    Hi Karen
    Long time follower/lurker/non poster!
    I have to politely disagree with the comment of these being sticky. in Australia these are fairly new and maybe, just maybebthey have a different formula here? these definitely feel thick but creamy like a cream liquid lipstick. they feel smooth to me, in no way sticky!

    Reply

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Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog
Hi there! I’m Karen, your friendly neighborhood beauty addict, and I’m a Bay Area girl who hoards brown eyeshadow and covets coral lipstick. Every morning, I wake up and say, “I’m going to do something other than a smoky eye today.” Then…I end up doing a smoky eye anyway (most days). When I’m not putting on makeup, taking pictures of makeup or writing about makeup, which I’ve been doing daily since 2007 (!), you’ll find me hanging out with my hubby (“El Hub”), my four-year-old daughter (Connor Claire) and my torbie girl cat (Pretty Girl Rosie, a.k.a. PGR).

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