I suspect I’m not the only one suffering from being stuck in a major case of ‘the makeup rut’. Last week, I walked into Selfridges beauty hall a MAC girl through and through – not neccessarily due to brand loyalty, more laziness and lack of experimentation – but after a bit of pampering at the bareMinerals counter, I walked out a converted woman…

The American makeup brand set up shop in the London department store 18 months ago and has since moved to a larger location with a brand new counter design – one that will be filtered through to all of the launches in 2010. I was more than happy to take a seat at the smart new stand and, as a bareMinerals virgin, listen to what this 33-year-old brand had to offer.

bareMinerals is the original mineral makeup using crushed minerals from the earth. With no binding elements or chemicals, their products also have a natural SPF 15, anti inflammatory properties and are suitable for all types of skin. Looking at the products in their pots, it was difficult to imagine how this could all work. While waiting for my ‘make under’ (see what they did there) I wondered if the cosmetics would feel too dry or if they would even stay on my skin. After hearing that bareMinerals is the No.1 foundation in the USA however, I stopped doubting the magic of the mineral. This stuff had to be good.

My bareMinerals introduction began with the Enhanced Get Started Kit which launches next January and contains all the face products you need (as well as a How-To DVD) to create that flawless coverage. bareMinerals makeup artist Rachel started me off with a primer before matching my skin tone to one of their 15 shades of foundation. I was admittedly a little dubious that this tiny pinch of powder would really cover that tricky under-eye part but of course, I needn’t have worried. After no time at all, we had created the perfect base and I was even taught the all-important bareMinerals application technique: swirl, tap, buff, enabling me to try everything out myself.

Next, we added contouring using Warmth, an orange looking pigment that looked more suited to someone of a much darker skin tone. It worked wonders however and a tiny pinprick really goes a long way in defining those cheekbones. Everything was then sealed with Mineral Veil and a final sweep of blush.

Applying the products yourself takes a bit of getting used to, but the results were just what I was after. With typically Irish skin, I am quite pale with freckles and find foundations tricky to match – particulary in the daytime when nobody wants that ‘makeup heavy’ look. bareMinerals offers the perfect solution, giving you the breathable coverup and protection you need without the thickness of a cream or pressed-powder. And the best part is that it’s all natural.

The Get Started Kit contains everything for that flawless base and is more than you could possibly need to convert you into a bareMinerals customer. I’ll still be sticking to some of my trustee MAC products but my daily routine has definitely changed and I have fallen for the bareMinerals foundation. It’s no wonder everyone calls it their ‘hero product’.

The new Get Started Kit includes three application brushes and can be bought in Selfridges from 2010 or online. £45.00.