Perfect foundation?

[IBelieveInPink]

Is there such a thing?!
I'm blonde, light skin tone. I saw someone today who had flawless foundation. Her skin was good too... But the makeup was perfect.

I am now wishing I'd chased her down the street to ask where it was from, but just wondering if anyone can recommend a foundation that gives a near perfect finish?!

[Dudess]

Look out for a BB cream - like airbrushing. Head to Boots/Selfridges Beauty Hall for advice and perhaps samples...perhaps pick a midweek afternoon if you can, so you get more advice from a beauty consultant. I use No 7, and have very pale skin, so use their fairest. You'll need to warm up your skin with blusher/lip colour eye shadow, so you don't lookwithdrawn.

Check out YouTube on how to apply foundations/ make-up for suggestions.

Good luck x

[Dontlaugh]

Mine's not perfect, but, am now layering, which I never used to do.
So, this is what I do:

1. Match shade at counter (Lancome works for me now, after using Clinique, Mac, Estee Lauder and all the high street ones).
   
2. Use serum which suits you (i.e. doesn't bring you out in a rash). Be aware of it's limitations, it's a cream, not Botox, despite what they tell you.
   
3. Use primer. I thought this was a fudge. I was wrong. Dermalogica works for me.
   
4. Use foundation brush. It is as good as everyone says.
   
5. Use blusher appropriately. Amazing.
   
   Taa daa!

[Walnut8]

if you want the airbrushed look, it's all about application as I can get it when done professionally (with a range of different foundations) but not when I do it myself.

dontlaugh is right though - serum/moisturiser, primer, foundation with brush (I also like lancome), concealer with brush, light brush of powder, bronzer, blush ...

[plentyofshoes]

I find primer helps. I use clinique for both as that is what I find works.

[Twinklestein]

Dior wins hands down imo. I use a Clarins Primer underneath & a foundation brush to apply. It definitely produces an apparently flawless finish.

[Carpaccio]

Was she wearing a full coverage foundation or was it sheer or medium coverage? If full coverage, then maybe she was wearing Estee Lauder Double Wear - a lot of people really like it.

I think the important thing is to find a foundation that works with your skin type as some are better for dry skin, others great for oily skin and so on.

Applying foundation with a brush, such as a Real Techniques Expert Face Brush or a buffing brush makes it look absolutely amazing.

Depending on skin, foundation and preferences, setting with powder. A good setting powder can make a massive difference - I really like Guerlain Meteorites (all of the powder pearl ones and the pressed Wulong) and Nars Loose Light Reflecting Setting Powder (it's a loose translucent powder). They are not completely matte which I think is more flattering.

There are many foundations that are good enough on their own. I have several primers, and I don't think they make a massive difference - with some foundations they do, but with others, they really don't.

[IBelieveInPink]

Wow, thanks for all the input! I will take myself off to a department store sometime and go crazy.

Might take the credit card along.

Thank you :)

[LynetteScavo]

I need primer? I never knew that! And a brush?!

This is why I love MN, you learn something new everyday!

Boots No7 foundation, where they determine your skin tone using a little machine thingy, very good for the price.

[FoxyHarlow123]

Es, you need Real Techniques brushes. Makes a huge difference.

[mintysmum]

What does a primer do and how do you apply it?

I use Lancôme foundation with a brush and love it, I don't bother with powder as I think it dulls and ages me. Makes my face look very flat and I like the slight sheen from foundation alone as my face looks brighter.

But I'm intrigued by the primer idea - is it like concealer?

[Dontlaugh]

Carpaccio I am buying Meteorites based on your post alone!
I used powder but it is matt, and not helpful.
MN is so educational . I have to disagree on your assessment of primer - for me, it's like a base which the foundation has to hang onto, which as I get older (bastard ageing) becomes more important. It's a bse for my base!
It is like concealer, a bit, and I could wear mine on it's own (and have done). It's foundation lite, really.

And yet another way to get money out of us (sigh).

[Walnut8]

Hourglass ambient lighting powder is gorgeous too - might be cheaper than guerlain

[shoeprincess2]

Another vots for Geurlain Meteorites. It is amazing stuff. I only have the balls, so if i am going out for the day and night, I swirl a retractable brush in them and take it out with me. Then I am able to add some more later on. It really blurs everything and impacts a fantastic glow to the skin. I have also read good stuff about the Hourglass Ambient lighting powder...

[Scarletohello]

Oh nooo more things to try..! :)

[mummaduke]

Nars, great range of colours. I use the sheer illuminating one (or something like that). Even applied with fingers, the finish is fab. But yes to primer first!