Expensive MakeUp

[CoolToned]

Are they worth it?

I need a powder foundation (I started working in a front-facing job, and my CC cream set with Johnsons baby powder slides in the Australian summer heat) and I have been looking around and so far, the only one that does not oxidise and still look kinda nice after eight hours is the Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk compact. But it's $$$.

MAC Studio Fix powder kind of made me itchy when I tried.

The other ones I tried either oxidised, or made me feel too made up.

I've been hemming and hawing for the past two weeks, and I still end up liking the GA among everything else.

Do I bite the bullet?

[FrustratedFrugal]

Usually not, but a good base is the exception. If you have to buy a few budget ones before you find a half decent one, you'll end up spending more.

[AlwaysHopeful1]

I would spend the money on the foundation. I think that makes all the difference. Eyeshadows/ blush etc you can use cheaper brands.

[YellowTulips]

Have you tried bare minerals?

Easy to use and not a stupid price point.

[Tate15]

I work a ten hour plus shift at a time. I don't want my make up going anywhere!

I've tried every range of make up including all the high end brands.

I am now using Collecting Lasting Perfection foundation. It's as cheap as they come but knocks the spots off Armani, Dior, Chanel etc.

I use their concealer and their powder. I've never been so impressed with a foundation. It stays on and lasts until I take it off. Great coverage and the only drawback I can see is limited shades.

[Tate15]

www.whatlauralovesuk.com/2015/02/collection-lasting-perfection.html

[Hamiltoes]

I always spend the money on the face stuff and find it carries everything else.

Armani Luminous Silk foundation is my absolute favourite and I've tried everything.

MAC for bronzer/ blush/ highlighter. I love MAC for lipsticks too but also rimmel and other high street brands do just as well I find.

Eyeshadows, I've never spent money on at all since investing in a UD Naked pallete. I do think when it comes to makeup "buy cheap buy twice" rings pretty true.

[Rpj16]

www.chanel.com/en_GB/fragrance-beauty/makeup/complexion/foundations/perfection-lumiere-velvet-smooth-effect-makeup-spf-15-p147710.html#page-1

Ok, this is a liquid, but once its on, it feels like a powder and its so natural looking :)

Can you go to a beauty counter one morning/weekend and ask them for a trial for a day?

[CoolToned]

Rpj16 - Is this good during summer? I remember really liking Vitalumiere Aqua several years ago, but I wasn't in Australia then, so different climate.

I always get scared of high-end beauty counters! :D But I should probably muster up the courage.

[Rpj16]

I use it all year round :) but use a good moisturiser underneath. If you go to the counter and say exactly what you need for your skin, it'll be fine :) I think I might have said 'this is my budget and this is what I need it to do' when I first went :) its £33 which seems like a lot, but a little goes a long way, it lasts for ages and it really makes a difference to self esteem, so I think it's worth it. But I don't buy much clutter makeup/clothes so I try to justify it that way too!

Also since finding it a couple of years ago (I think I've had 3 or 4 bottles in 2 years and wear about 3 times a week) I really don't think anything else is as good z but you know everyone's got different skin so what works for one person could be awful for another. So maybe try before buy.

Ohh and also ask for free samples when you go to a counter!!

[AllThreeWays]

I'm in Australia. what works for me is to prime with nivea post shave balm. Then powder with Australis fresh and flawless (goss method ) then foundation. Fix with Nyx setting spray. You can then powder lightly later as it starts to slip. There is little you can do in this heat. Australis is available in priceline, Nyx in target. I find this method also works with rimmel stay matte.

[AllThreeWays]

Otherwise I find Mecca less intimidating than department store counters and the sales assistants are always lovely. They sell bare minerals among other things.

[Nabootique]

The two best ones I have tried are Chanel Les Beiges and the one Tate mentioned, which is 1/6 of the price. Actually Tate I bought it on the recommendation of a MNer and I couldn't remember who is was. It was probably you, so thanks!

[CoolToned]

Tate15 - I am in Australia and I will keep an eye for that brand, thanks! :)

AllThreeWays - I'll look out for the items you mentioned. What foundation do you use?

Rpj16 - I have read reviews saying the fragrance is a concern? I vaguely remember VA to be perfumed too. I'll check later, wish me luck and courage when I approach the dreaded high-end Chanel counter! :)

Nabootique - thanks!

Hamiltoes - I haven't tried Luminous, but I have tried Lasting Silk many years ago (when it was first introduced) and that was really good, too. But I remember just using it for events - partly because it was so expensive, and partly maybe because I have always been partial to light coverage. I will definitely try Luminous when I get near a GA counter (well Sephora's GA counter) :)

Yellow Tulips - I have never used Bare Minerals. Is this in a loose form? I actually have never used any mineral makeup!

[CoolToned]

Tried MAC Studio Fix again yesterday (I know) and today I have patchy redness on my face.

[AllThreeWays]

I use bourjois healthy mix, cheaper from asos than in priceline, however it has a yellow undertone so may not suit. Nars sheer glow is lovely and had a good range of colours ( available in mecca) however is around $58

[CoolToned]

AllThreeWays - I have the Bourjois Healthy Mix serum. It slides off and oxidises like crazy on me this summer. :( I am Asian, so yellow undertone all the way!

[SteveBrucesNose]

I use the same Chanel one as Rpj16 - I have awkward allergies and some Mac products make me itch, the primer is fine though for me. Chanel is the only brand I can use and know I won't swell up or turn red.

I'm in the Middle East and it copes well in the summer heat/humidity here.

[CoolToned]

Thanks Steve! Another vote for PL Velvet :) Oh, and like you, I never react to Chanel products!

Has anyone used Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua? How does that compare to PL Velvet?

I have used VA and I remember really liking it but if the PL is better, then I'm going the PL Velvet way.

[FLAMBOLA]

Get the Lasting Silk - you know it works for you.

[YellowTulips]

The bare minerals loose yes OP (the compact one is not as good).

It's really easy to use though and starter kits come with their own brush).

[ZacharyQuack]

Cool I'm in NZ and have seen the Collection brand for sale in our Countdown supermarkets, which I think is owned by the same company as Woolworths in Oz, so might be worth checking there.

Good luck, I've just spent a couple of weeks in Northland with sweat dripping from every pore so didn't wear makeup at all (and looked like a sweaty frizzy mess!)

[CoolToned]

YellowTulips - thanks, will check it out.

FLAMBOLA - I am leaning towards getting the GA Lasting. And maybe one liquid foundation. We'll see. I have some redness on my face right now, I think still due to trying MAC, and waiting for them to subside before I try again.

ZacharyQuack - checked the Woolies website, none. :(

[RonaldMcDonald]

try all day weightless luminous powder foundation by NARS
it is very very good

colorstay by revlon, although not a powder foundation, lasts and lasts and might be worth a try

[GingerLDN]

Estée Lauder double wear lasts really well

[m0therofdragons]

No7 stay perfect is my favourite. I keep trying others but always go back. It's great for sensitive skin.