The Bare Escentuals makeup line began as a response to the encumbering, cakey makeup products that glutted the market during the 1960s and 1970s. The San Francisco founders were entranced by the idea of creating high quality makeup free of preservatives and fragrances. The company opened its doors in 1976 out of a boutique in Los Gatos, California. As word of Bare Escentuals' high quality products and superior service spread from the Bay Area outward, the company grew in size and stature. Marketing spa-luxury treatments, hypoallergenic cosmetics, and incredibly light skin protectants, the company carved out its own niche market. Today, CEO Leslie Blodgett continues the company's tradition of innovation and concern about nature and includes with real women across the U.S. as her spokesmodels. In 2001, Bare Escentuals formed a partnership with a company called MD Formulations to utilize advances in anti-aging skin research and safe non-synthetic formulations to create new products for healthy complexions. Bare Escentuals' products do not contain oils, preservatives, and talc powder. They are crafted from 100 percent natural ingredients, such as crushed minerals. Indeed, the bareMinerals cosmetics line has been one of the best selling products in its market over the past five years. Customers also respond to the products' easy application. The success of the bareMinerals line has inspired countless imitators both in California and throughout the world. However, Bare Escentuals remains the brand leader in this powerful niche cosmetic market.
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