Foundation that doesn't sit in my pores!

[AudacityOfHope]

Almost every foundation I've tried in the last few years has begun to sit in my pores, and it looks like my face is covered in tiny skin-coloured dots.

Clarins was the least bad, but I really don't want to spend £30 on foundation that still does it.

Does anyone know why this happens, and have recommendations for foundations that don't do it? I don't really have visible pores until I put my foundation on, it's so frustrating!

[wishing3]

Maybe try Bare Minerals, that you apply with a brush.

[SpuriouserAndSpuriouser]

Do you use a primer? Benefit porefessional (not sure on the spelling but something along those lines!) is good for this.

[binkyblinky]

It sounds like you need to use a primer first - body do a great one x

[JacobReesMogadishu]

I had this and the lady in Bobby Brown said I needed to sort my skin care routine out more. I think she may have said something about dry skin. I use chemical type toners now and moistorise more and it's better.

[HappytheElf]

I bought this as a cheapie for the office and I actually love it so it now lives at home!

www.amodelrecommends.com/foundation-review-maybelline-dream-urban-cover/

[TooExtraImmatureCheddar]

I have to put moisturiser on and then almost immediately apply foundation to prevent mine from doing this. If the moisturiser has sunk in too much then it doesn’t work. Or use a primer - which I am reluctant to do because I think primers are the next big con perpetrated by make up companies. According to them my face needs sun cream, primer, foundation and powder as a base - 4 products before I even start enhancing my eyes/lips/cheeks! During lockdown I’ve been using something called sheer foundation with SPF from Tropic, which was marketed as the first layer to use underneath their mineral foundation. I don’t think I actually need the mineral layer at all, so I’ve ditched it.

[NekoShiro]

Try a primer specifically for pore or a stick foundation, basically you need to fill your pores to get rid of the noticeable holes, either fill them with a primer first or use a thick enough foundation that fills them in.

Watery foundation is to thin and that's why it's sinking into your pores cus nothing is stopping it from doing so.

[LucyLatimer]

Had some success with elf poreless primer and L’Oréal infallible applied in buffing motion with a foundation brush. Found Trinny just a touch really awful for this although I love the rest of her sruff

[AudacityOfHope]

Every primer I've tried has either not helped or made it worse. The Benefit one was the worst, I think they're too mattifying or something. Gah!

[AudacityOfHope]

Maybe something heavier like DoubleWear?

[WooBat]

Try the pore reducing primer by Elf. I have massive pores that foundation doesn't cover and I find this works realy well without feeling claggy or heavy.

[PrincessHoneysuckle]

Primer and Armani luminous silk foundation

[achillesratty]

I have awful skin, open pores, acne scarring, sebaceous hyperplasia and most foundation just makes my skin look worse.

I have tried heavy duty cover (EL Double Wear, Colourstay, L'Oréal Infallible etc) but found that wearing less foundation makes my skin look better. I use Vita Liberata Beauty Blur as a primer and then mix a liquid bronzer with a small amount of foundation, it makes my skin look so much healthier and clearer. I finish it with a spray of Urban Decay All Nighter (which is amazing and stops my foundation separating and keeps the grease away).

[LucyLatimer]

You sort of pat the primer on and let it dry for a bit and then go lightly over the top with the foundation brysh

[Nat6999]

Try using retonil every night, I have been using the No7 one & my open pores have virtually gone after 3 weeks.

[AudacityOfHope]

So many good ideas here, thank you! I'll look at them all.

[SpuriouserAndSpuriouser]

If primers don’t help maybe you need to look at your skincare. Do you exfoliate regularly? Could your skin be a bit dehydrated?

Also although you can minimise the appearance of your pores with the right skincare, ultimately they seem to get bigger as we age because of the loss of collagen in the skin and there not a hell of a lot anyone can do about it. I’m sure they aren’t really noticeable to anyone else.

[StrangerSwings]

@AudacityOfHope, avoid doublewear at all costs! Your skin sounds similar to mine and DW was the most expensive and worst mistake! It made me look stressed antique. Apparently the DW light is a better choice for this but I was put off.

Chanel Vitalumiere aqua was good but I'm yet to find my holy grail. Think I'll stick with bb creams.

[AudacityOfHope]

I think you're right @SpuriouserAndSpuriouser

I use Clarins exfoliator a few times a week, and skin balm overnight three times a week: my skin is dry but I get lots of PMT spots, and I've lost the plot with what would actually work! When the spots appear I instinctively pull back on the exfoliating and overnight moisturising but maybe that's not right.

I so wish there were independent skincare consultants you could go to.

[Yankathebear]

Someone on here suggested patting rosehip seed oil on your face, leaving a couple of minutes (I brush my teeth) and then applying foundation. It really works! You only use a tiny amount.

[AudacityOfHope]

Oh interesting!

[WooBat]

I've also started using a facial brush in the mornings which really makes a difference. My pores definitely seem less oily and clogged which improves their appearance even without makeup on top. It can feel a bit rough but it's good for exfoliating and getting rid of dead skin and dirt that will clog your pores.

[AudacityOfHope]

Ok, just did my make up with No7 hyaluronic serum, Elf primer and No7 foundation, applied with my new brushes, and it looks SO much better!

Thanks everyone

[lurkingattheback]

Hi,

I have the same problem and some Boots points to spend! Which exact serum and foundation?