US-based cosmetics retailer Bare Escentuals is on the expansion trail in the UK after a “successful” debut last year.

The retailer, which specialises in mineral-based cosmetics that are free of preservatives and other harmful chemicals, opened its second standalone store in Windsor last week, and next month will open in St Albans.

These two stores will add to its first, in London’s Covent Garden, which opened in September 2009.

Bare Escentuals boutique operations manager Naomi Holbrook said: “We’re not sure yet how many locations we could operate from but we are looking for further stores across the UK and will seize opportunities as they come up.”

Bare Escentuals’ property agency Lewis Craig is considering stores in London locations including Canary Wharf, the City, Islington and Spitalfields, as well as cities including Nottingham, Liverpool, Leeds and Sheffield.

The retailer has 80 department store concessions in the UK and will seek to expand its network. It also wholesales to spas and salons.

Bare Escentuals is owned by Japanese cosmetics giant Shiseido.

Property agents Knight Frank represented the landlord in the Windsor deal, and Jones Lang LaSalle represented the landlord in St Albans.

“We feel we are unique in the market as we offer products that are 100% pure bare minerals, plus our stores offer an experience in showing customers how to use the products,” said Holbrook.