Please help! Foundation/ primer!

[Valkyrie74]

My skin is horrible. I have really obvious pores, and when I apply foundation it sits in the pores and I look like a golf ball :(

I started a new skincare regime a couple of months ago, including a toning facial wash and pore minimising serum. It doesn't seem to be making a difference.

I tried Rimmel primer, and it worked a couple of times, but seems to have stopped.

I have tried everything I can think of - primer, no primer, cleansing, toning and moisturising an hour or so before I apply makeup, the same in the morning with makeup applied in the evening, not washing my face at all before I apply makeup.

Different ways of applying - fingers, sponge, foundation brush.

Even if I don't get the obvious pores, the foundation seems to clog around the fine hairs on my face, which then look awful when I apply powder.

Do I need to wax my face?? Do I need a layer of cement first to fill in the pores??

I rarely wear makeup - less than once a month. But I am going out later this month and am desperate to look half decent. I usually end up crying in frustration and scrubbing off the rubbish attempt before chucking on powder and going out looking awful. It's really spoiling my rare nights out :(

Please help me. What else can I try?

[NotTodaySatan]

Benefit The Porefessional is great at minimising pores.

As is Revlon PhotoReady Pore Minimising Primer.

What foundation have you been using?

And what powder?

[Valkyrie74]

I did look at the Benefit one. Will check out the Revlon too, thanks :)

I have been using Rimmel foundations - so many different types. Cream ones, whipped mousse texture ones, foundation/powder combined... and mainly Rimmel powder too - non coloured, and have tried pressed and loose.

I have really stuck with Rimmel as I loved it so much when I was younger, and it doesn't break the bank. I think now I need to try something different, but I have no idea what! And can't afford to keep trying different and expensive things that don't work.

I do appreciate that this is a difficult problem to solve from behind a computer screen. If I could find someone to help in real life I would - but live out in the sticks and can't travel too far :/

Thankyou for the suggestions!

[NotTodaySatan]

I think you should try other brands. Rimmel is an ok brand but their foundations aren't the best at that price point imo.

I would recommend the L'Oreal Infallible 24 Matte foundation (it's in the skinny black tube). It's silicone based, like the Benefit primer, and has an incredible blurring, smoothing effect.

There's also a product I've read about that is meant to be amazing for filling in pores. It's this stuff Have a Google for reviews. It's cheap as well.

[Valkyrie74]

Thankyou so much :) Off to do some shopping. Please keep your fingers crossed for me!

[ididntsignupforthis1]

Nottodaysatan
Is that the L'Oréal liquid foundation or the brush foundation you are recommending?
Both are called infallible?

[NotTodaySatan]

The liquid one.

This one. There's another one in a similar but squatter tube which I don't think is as good.

[Getuhda348]

I don't really like any primers tbh. I use my moisturiser then with a flat headed brushed work the foundation into my skin in circular motions then backwards. I only do this over my pores. Found it on a Wayne goss tutorial but I don't no how to link

[Carpaccio]

We all have pores and they generally always seem to be more visible to ourselves than to other people.

You say you don't wear makeup that often - so when you don't wear makeup, do you feel like your pores are as visible as when you do wear makeup?

If you don't feel like there's a problem without the makeup, it's likely that the foundation is wrong for you.
I'd suggest going round to different counters and getting samples of their products so you can test out some different foundations before you buy anything.
If you want something more affordable, maybe it's worth describing your skin type so you can get recommendations for a foundation that will suit your skin type.

I generally don't like primers much as I've found them to break down the makeup on my skin after a few hours.
I have however been using the L'Oreal Studio Secrets Smoothing Resurfacing Primer quite a bit - just a little bit where I needed Polyfilla for the face.

Another thing is the application - there are loads of sponges and brushes available. I find that a buffing brush (such as the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush or Buffing Brush) really makes a difference and to really work the product in. Also not using too much.

[pdxs]

Benefit primer is good
Try also mac mineralise powder ... It gives a softime focus finish
Applying foundation with a brush in downward strokes will smooth appeararange

And I think what looks bad to you is probably invisible to anyone else!

[maxxytoe]

You honestly can't beat a smash box primer it fills in all your pores and lines x