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- Verified Buyer
I really REALLY wanted to like this product (after my tried-and-true, natural CC cream recently changed their formula to include dimethicone -boo!). This foundation seemed all-natural...had SPF...was supposed moisturizing...ticking all of the boxes. Opening the package, I was really impressed that it came in a dark glass pot rather than plastic. The odor was also really subtle -herbal and pleasant, and minimal fragrance is a huge plus for me in facial products. The texture seemed nice and 'whipped' in the jar, and the color was even better than expected (slightly lighter than the color swatch in the Amazon photos which was perfect for me -pale redhead w/freckles...).Since the product is described as 'moisturizing,' I tried it the first time after spritzing in the morning with rose water. I did not want to do my usual next steps of serum and moisturizer at the risk of 'overdoing' it (I would apply my former CC cream just after serum, as applying moisturizer, too, was definitely too much). This was a huge mistake, as the product went on VERY dry and was difficult to spread on my face (per the manufacturer recommendations, I used clean fingers to apply rather than an applicator/brush). Once on, the product felt very drying and itchy. Appearance was a bit pasty. Coverage was definitely full and lacked the healthy 'glow' I was used to getting from my CC cream. As the day went on and my skin replenished its oils a bit, there was a bit more dewiness to my skin, but I still found the coverage too pasty -drawing attention to the fine lines popping up around my early-thirties mouth and eyes.Not wanting to give up, I tried again. Opening the jar, however, I found that much of the oil had separated out! I whipped it back together which a cotton swab as best I could, and this time, I applied the makeup after rose water and serum. The experience was much the same as before: too dry, irritating, and pasty. I spent the day feeling the film on my face, but looking in the mirror throughout the day, the coverage was less 'obvious' to the eye than it was the first day. Sadly, it still 'felt' obvious -which is rather annoying.I gave it one last try later on just for kicks...this time I went through a complete routine of oil cleanse, rose water, serum, and moisturizer. Product was easier to apply, but the itchiness was extreme (seemingly from the combination with my moisturizer), and my skin still felt dry! At this point, I had to give up. Product was returned.I will say one other positive to the product is that I did not experience any rubbing off on clothes, hats, or eyeglasses like I would sometimes experience with my CC cream. Again, I really like what this company is trying to do, but this product just did not work for me. I am actually going to give their tinted SPF moisturizer in their other line (Herbal Choice Mari) a try, as many of those reviews stated that product was on the 'oilier' side. In my case, that might be a good thing!!I have been searching for the perfect all natural foundation and I have found one that is pretty close. This stuff is super super oily I wish it was a little less oil added to it. I don't mind the smell but if you don't set it with the right powder it's not going to look good. I set it with some regular pressed powder and it still stayed oily. So finally got some good setting powder (mineral veil) and it made a world of a difference. It looks great with mineral veil on top and if you apply the foundation with a flat foundation brush. (i use eco tools one) That makes the foundation a little less oily and spreads it nicely. You don't need much so it does last a long time. It comes in an awesome little glass container which wastes practically nothing and you get so much! It's pretty impressive. The color matches my skin perfectly. I have medium beige skin tone on the olive side. My skin is on the oily side so if I had dry skin this stuff would be amazing. I feel like it has improved my skin just from all the oils in it though. I don't need a moisturizer any more. I also think it lasts most of the day but I do need to re apply in some areas, I just run my foundation brush over no need to dip back into the container. I also don't need any concealer under. This is my new foundation, only complaint is the oil and the lasting power.First I was going to say that this product was just ok. However, this was the first liquid/cream natural foundation that I tried. After trying the RMS uncover up, Kjear Weis, Vapour, Well people Narcissist, Ilia vivid foundation, I think I like this foundation better than all of them.It is winter and my skin is so dry. This is smoother, creamer (provides moisture), the coverage is great cancels redness out, easy to apply to the skin (you can use fingers to apply) and doesn't cause me to breakout. The only think I don't like about this product is that is sticks to dry patches and doesn't look as good when you first apply it. It will wipe off a little bit if you touch your face, normally had more transfer when just applied versus end of the night it stays on the face better. (Most of it stay on my skin all day.) After a about an hour it looks great, lasts through the day looking great. I don't use a primer and wear for 13 hours, and it usually looks better at the end of the night than it did when I applied it in the morning.I was very pleased that the Light Honey shade I chose was perfect for my skin tone. I was worried it might be too yellow or too dark, but it is light and neutral. Bella Mari Moisturizing Foundation is really rich and luxurious on my skin. I use Earthereal Daily Moisturizer under it and the products are well-suited to each other. This foundation has excellent coverage for my mature, freckled skin. It glides on smoothly and evenly. It comes in a jar, so it would be nice if the company would provide a little washable dipper or spatula to prevent contamination when using it. This is the first time I have tried an all-natural foundation, having previously used Clinique, Este Lauder and Neutrogena. I always had to stay away from the ones with harsh sunscreens in those big name cosmetic lines because they irritated my skin and eyes. Most other foundations really burned my eyes as they crept up my cheeks and into my eyes a few hours after I applied them. Bella Mari foundation doesn't burn at all, even when I apply it near my eyes, and it contains a natural sunscreen so I will now be protected from UV rays. I am extremely pleased with Bella Mari Foundation.
