Could I have some advice about how to not look 'flushed' or pink all the time?

[notevenaghostie]

I've not posted in this area before as it's not usually my thing - but I am getting really self-conscious and I wondered if anyone would be able to help me?

I have a very pink, flushed, complexion. Always. Regardless of temeperature or situation.
I hate looking at my face in the mirror.

I wondered if it needed decent moisturiser so I have tried that, and it made no difference though my skin is definitely in better condition. I am a bit rubbish at looking after myself beyond the very basics for various reasons - single parenting and mental health issues.

What should I consider? I work in a professional field so if I suddenly put foundation on I think people would notice. But would foundation work?? I am in a big dither though because probably for the first time there is something that bothers me about how I look.

I know what you mean about not wearing foundation, but I think you should give it a try. People might notice, but in a good way, and you will feel so much better about yourself too

I'm sure someone else who knows far more about make-up will be able to give you better advice, but I have red patches, particularly on my cheeks, so I use moisturiser and then a light foundation on top - it evens out my complexion and looks so much better.

Thank you for replying. Budget a bit limited, so I need suggestions of things that would help rather than random experimenting! I often work 7-8 hours with no break, would it wear off?? I am very naive to this despite being 30!

Well I just bought some Revlon(?) Perfect Match in Boots on a whim - £6.99 I think on offer. Apparently it matches to your natural skin tone?

No-one has said that it looks strange / bad, yet!

Why don't you go to one of the make up counters in a dept store or a big boots, and the woman will do your foundation and powder for you and you can see if you like it/if it helps. You can always buy a cheaper brand once you've got the idea of the effect. Bobbi Brown counters are good - they will always make time to make you up and give you hints with no pressure to buy immediately. Say you want to go outside and see it in day light, see how it is after a few hours etc to put off the purchase!

I used to wear a green/yellow tinted primer. I think it was Boots No 7. I found it really good in taking the redness out of my face without making my skin look too dull.
Remember to work it in well, otherwise you will end up looking very ill!

Good idea, annebronte.

Could I go to somewhere like that with my 3yo?
I need to find the confidence I guess!!

Thank you for the time you have spent - you'd probably be horrified if you saw me in the street!!!

notevenaghostie - do you have a bath/shower every morning?

I ask this question because I also tend to be flushed, and I have found that the absolute solution is to have a full bath and hairwash every morning - it somehow regulates my body temperature.

It's Rimmel Match Perfection

Be careful about getting a counter make-up jobbie - I've had a couple that left me looking like Coco the Clown. Space NK, on the other hand.... But their lush products are ££££!

That's interesting, Bonsoir, as with the rush to get up and out with my 3yo and I looking at least reasonably presentable, baths/ showers are easier the night before for us both, at least every other night. My hair needs washing every morning - I was wondering if that made it worse? Maybe we should get up even earlier (6:10 at present)?

I just bought Benefit Get Even yesterday as I have the same issue. So far so good. I am not a makeup wearer, but was getting sick of catching sight of my self and realising the red faced old lady in the mirror was me.

I can be a bit red in the face as well.
Like you, I can only be bothered occasionally to wear makeup but when I do, it looks much more even.
My tip is brush on a little powder after your foundation, I find it lasts much longer through the day.

do you have rosacea?
apparently some foods can make it worse

I have a bunch of stuff from Clinique to get my red cheeks to fade. It's admittedly not cheap but it does the job! I went to a Boots counter for advice.

It's not just cheeks, it's everywhere.

I will go to a Boots counter, thank you all! I was probably hoping for a totoally natural fix but really, it doesn't exist.

I was going to mention rosacea (I've just been diagnosed with it, v common in your 30s). Am on ABs and have quit alcohol/caffeine and does seem to be slowly improving.

Can't you just go to bed 15 minutes earlier and have your bath in the morning instead?

This really makes all the difference to me!