AIBU to think there isn't any foundation out there for me?

[MsConsuela]

I'm frustrated.com

I have problem skin to say the least...

1. Prone to acne breakouts
   
2. Extremely sensitive, can't tolerate perfumed products
   
3. Dehydrated.
   
4. Oily t zone and flaky dry everywhere else
   
5. Vitiligo- so I have pigmentation patches
   

So my skin is everything - dry, dehydrated, oily, sensitive and acne prone.

I think I'll finally found the right balance with skin care products. I steer clear of stripping ingridients and I keep it Fragrance free and simple.

But makeup does my head in.

There isn't a foundation out there that I am happy with and I've tried them all.

1. Clinique- love the products, but I'm olive toned and yet fair: they don't have my colour. In anything
   
2. MAC- strangely, I can use most of their foundations without a reaction but they're far too heavy and not ideal for the dry parts of my skin.
   
3. Bobbi brown- too scared to try! Love their concealer and corrector but Everything else smells so strongly of lavender oil and I'm scared that'll break me out
   
4. Double wear- hated it
   
5. Lancôme- meh. Not the right colours and they made my face itch (likely because they aren't fragrance free)
   
6. Nars: sheer glow is good. Didn't break me out, didn't cling to dry patches and lasted well. BUT I get this strange itchy sensation all day while wearing it!!!!
   

What should I do.

I NEED some makeup on, but I can't find anything that works

Can anyone suggest products that worked for them?

[Ahickiefromkinickie]

I have t-zone skin and dry cheeks that are prone to redness. BareMinerals worked well for a year but then made my skin dry.

I like Smashbox foundation, and use their primer underneath (for red skin). Skin is fine with it.

[BumDNC]

I would chop my arm off for private cover! 15 years and still no solution to mine.

[MsConsuela]

BumDNC- I feel for you I suffered for ten years before getting a referral.

And it's not just acne- I've suffered from undiagnosed anaemia, vitiligo, tonsillitis, endometriosis

All because the NHS wouldn't take anything seriously

It was only when I got private cover that they started to uncover the mess my body is.

Have you looked into private insurance? Some of the premiums aren't that bad!

[GrumpyInsomniac]

Studio sculpt sounds about right. It lasts well, but I only ever use it - or any foundation - with primer. It certainly doesn't get cakey. I have an oily t-zone and psoriasis, along with the thread veins on my cheeks, and it somehow manages to make me look human. Like me but better, iyswim.

[BumDNC]

No they don't give a crap unless you are dying i agree. I was considering either going back in antibiotics or asking for a dermatology referral but is both likely pointless. I just have cysts on my face and that's my luck!

I think laser is the way forward?
I do like this kroylan for vertillgo as well - it's very good and it's a palette you blend yourself

[FrogFairy]

Jane Iredale is very good for sensitive skin, in fact often recommended for covering up after cosmetic procedures. It comes in liquid or pressed powder form.
I have only used the powder and find it very good. You buy sample sizes for about two pounds so not too much money wasted if you don't like it.

[Colby43443]

I have combination skin too and usually a bit of mac (any foundation) squirted into my moisturiser helps. Followed by a really lightweight primer. I then add more coverage as needed with bobbi brown stick.

[BumDNC]

I've done roaccutane now the last thing is retinol cream which is just peeling all my skin off. And I still have acne. So it seems pointless

[BumDNC]

I just found no7 thick, it sticks in all my dry patches really badly even with a lot of moisturiser. I can't seem to get a primer to work for me as it feels like it's sliding off. I can't get anything much to work with being so dry yet having so many spots

[PossumInAPearTree]

Have you tried mac studio tech, I don't think it's heavy.

I used to get the flakey foundation look and an assistant in Bobbi brown said it was because I wasn't exfoliating enough. I've stared using nip and fab pads and that's made a massive difference.

[BumDNC]

My skin is just kind of always peeling. I'm wary of trying MAC because it seems so expensive

[onedsrightnow]

I have oily t zone and dry flaky cheeks, sensitive skin due to psoriasis; would you believe the foundation I am using ah the moment is primark ps foundation!!! It's fab, light but good coverage and doesn't stick to my flaky bit. I use the primark primer underneath and it lasts all day!

[April1983]

I have always had problem skin, size I was 13... I'm now 33...!!! I use doublewear for evenings but daytime I use max factor 3-in-1 for the base and then vichy dermablend on top, apply with a beauty blender and set with powder. To be honest, your acne could be from what you're actually eating.

I cut out milk for a few months now and I have no acne at all, I would drink about 3 litres of water a day during my pregnancy and I had nice skin for once in a blue moon.

[MsConsuela]

Possum- hmm I haven't tried studio tech yet actually! I might give that a go. I'm usually weary of these creamy textures though- did you find it caused spots?

[DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen]

Lily Lolo is amazing and huge range of colours.

[MsConsuela]

April- so the no dairy thing works then huh? I've heard a lot about it! I don't drink milk and usually have soya, but sometimes I get lazy and can't avoid it

[PossumInAPearTree]

No spots with studio tech here and other stuff such as Clinique makes me break out.

[MsConsuela]

Lily Lolo is on the list! Thank you for the suggestions!

[sterlingcooper]

I have a lot of those problems except 5, plus plus extremely pale (whiter than white) skin tone. I always come back to Max Factor Lasting Performance (in 100 Fair). And oldie but a goody, and not expensive either. It just does the job with no hassle.

[MsJudgemental]

Bare Minerals

[Dizzybintess]

Dior forever is excellent

[BumDNC]

Dairy is the worst thing. Hard to avoid entirely but I am trying

[MsJudgemental]

Gritty, have you tried Skin Doctors Gamma Hydroxy cream? Got rid of my hyperpigmentation.

[justilou]

It's probably the obvious choice, but have you tried MAC Face & Body? I found that it didn't work at all for me until I was taught how to apply it properly. You have to shake it (heaps) then squeeze a little foundation into your hand and rub it between your fingers until it thickens up. (You will feel it). Then you pat it on and blend with your fingers. This a) increases the coverage of the product and b) somehow (perhaps magically) makes it more emollient.
My skin is a total pain, too. I am basically an icky, pale, fluorescent green with blotchy patches of rosacea (with cysts) to cover up. My skin is dehydrated and prone to dry patches in stupid, highly visible spots.
I figured if you still have F&B it might be worth a try - otherwise, MAC counters usually give a good size sample to play with for a few days.

[nerdymum]

I have seborreic skin with dry patches and it's intolerant to most stuff. Finding the balance of products for cleansing and make up is though. Sometimes I don't even tolerate water on my face.

I've relied on La Roche Posay for years. They have makeup that you can buy online I think. Their creams are fantastic for problematic skin.

Make up wise I've found that what works best for me is:

Bare Minerals
Estee Lauder BB Cream (Tried the EE one but didn't seem to cover enough)
Lancome Twint Miracle foundation - great coverage with a light feel. Good for those special occasions or days when you need a bit of extra coverage.

A few years ago I used MaxFactor as a cheaper option and worked better than other super expensive options.

I've tried Mac - Studio Fix - but after a while my skin resented it a little.

By the way, I cleanse my skin with La Roche Posay products - their Micellar Water is brill! and also Cetaphil. I discovered that gentle cleansing worked better as I wasn't stripping off my skin, making it vulnerable and more prone to breakouts. Sometimes less is more