Best foundation for low-makeup look but good coverage?

[lougle]

I'm really shy on the makeup front - hate being obviously 'made up'. My skin can be oily but tends to be flaky too, and I think I've reached that lovely hormonal age where I get spots on the chin/jaw line. I probably need to get a good skincare routine. But anyway...

I used to use Bare Minerals, but find my skin looks a bit dry and flaky with it. I need something that will look subtle and 'barely there', but it will need to be high enough coverage to cover up my spots which can be quite red and raised.

I have very pale skin and tend to be matched to the lightest shades of any foundation ranges.

Any ideas?

[lougle]

Oh! I forgot to say that I do 12 hour shifts in a hospital so it can get very hot and busy, so any foundation would need to last the course!

[GinIsIn]

Estée Lauder Doublewear light is great - good coverage but more of a BB cream in texture.

[IpDipCatnip]

I would avoid EL Doublewear if you have any dry/flaky skin. It will not blend and will sit in the cracks.

I'd recommend No.7 stay perfect- lots of shades available. Chanel Aqua vitalumiere is equally as good but limited shades and£££

[GinIsIn]

Just to reiterate - it's the Doublewear LIGHT I meant, not Doublewear - Doublewear is really heavy, the light one is great, as I have dry flaky skin if I wear too heavy a foundation as well.

[SteppingOnToes]

I absolutely adore this - it's incredibly light, but does cover too and isn't really oily. It's the only foundation that doesn't give me spots.

www.google.co.uk/search?q=maybelline+dream+flawless+nude&biw=1280&bih=918&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi_jqCX4KHRAhXIJcAKHWOYCzYQ_AUIBSgA&dpr=1#q=maybelline+dream+flawless+nude&tbm=shop

The also sell it for £3.99 in B&M. I use the fawn colour which is quite natural for winter time.

[IpDipCatnip]

Oops sorry Fenella- I had a terrible experience with Doublewear so the name itself puts me off!

[TheLegendOfBeans]

lougle

sounds like you have the same tone as me! I just got Bourjois City Radiance Liquid Foundation (£10) and it's actually ace!

Use it with primer for the best finish you can get; I use Baby Skin by Maybelline x

[Whitegrenache]

Benefits hello flawless powder is lovely and light

[GinIsIn]

IpDip me too - hated it! Was really surprised by the Light one!

[lougle]

Several to investigate thank you. It's good to know that I need to be careful when I look at the Doublewear/Doublewear light.

I'm a bit wary of a powder, Whitegrenache, would it not just clump around my many any imperfections?

[PossumInAPearTree]

Mac studio tech

[Branleuse]

I think for a reasonable coverage, but not a heavy look or feel, I would go for fusion foundation by YSL
www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_123066049799?CMP=SSH&tmcampid=28&tmad=c&sku=7735928&placmp=SSH_2361363232_297773061_18239093421&mkwid=ssJEv8n4Q%7cpcrid%7c79169351661%7cpkw%7c%7cpmt%7c%7cpdv%7cc%7cprd%7c7735928&gclid=Cj0KEQiA7qLDBRD9xJ7PscDCu5IBEiQAqo3BxKph80d9kIKE5skj9JjwRhL-p1VS-ExRrHQD7G8isvMaAgL58P8HAQ

[SooDeNimm]

Another vote for ELDW light. If it suits your skin type I think it sounds like the exact right coverage for you and it really does last through a long day at work.

[bakewelltarte]

Another vote for DoubleWear light here - covers just enough and lasts really well. I wear Lancôme LA Glow primer underneath to give it more glow x

[OnTheUp13]

Max factor facefinity is my latest go to as my skin has gone from dry to oil in the last month.

[civilfawlty]

I use Estée Lauder daywear plus, which is a tinted moisturiser. Then I apply the Chanel one mentioned above, using a foundation brush to really buff on an incredibly thin layer only in the places which require further coverage (probably less than you think). THEN I use the Lisa Eldridge pin point technique on any spots which are visible (using a very fine watercolour brush). Takes less time than it sounds, and much less than putting it on and taking it off because it just feels too 'heavy' when I use just foundation. There is a really good video on the Eldridge site showing the technique which is worth checking out.

[ApplesOranges]

Lush colour supplements are really nice and subtle in my opinion

[ApplesOranges]

Should have said - I tend to blend in with moisturiser

[PaulDacresConscience]

Chanel Les Beiges - it's brilliant. Medium coverage but incredibly lightweight. I hate the caked on feeling of heavy foundation but really love this; it has become my favourite foundation in a very short space of time.

On good skin days I use Clinique City Block, which is a tinted SPF moisturiser. It gives a very dewy finish though, so needs a dusting of powder on top.

[SilverClaire]

Mac has a really nice tinted cream, it's a very light weight foundation and with SPF 30

[lougle]

Are the Chanel and Mac foundations long lasting?

[PaulDacresConscience]

My Chanel one is. I set it with my own blend of finishing powder* and then use a makeup fixing spray. Stayed put all the way through the office Christmas party...

• A plain translucent powder wasn't quite right, so after much experimenting I now make up my own blend. 30% translucent loose powder, 30% bare minerals foundation powder, 30% Boots cornsilk powder (great stuff, cheap as chips and is very forgiving over fine lines), 10% highlighter shimmer powder. I use a light dusting applied with a very large powder brush and sweep it all over my face.