Foundation for someone who has never worn it (me)

[BR44]

I'm not very skilled with makeup though I do wear a bit of eye liner and mascara most days, along with some concealer and some cream blush. It sort of does the job but recently I've noticed that I could probably do with some more adequate cover ony face.

I really really don't want anything cakey or too thick or difficult to apply. what are your recommendations for a good, wearable base? I have fair skin and blonde hair and don't want to spend more than £20...

I'd recommend this my love.
Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturiser by Clinique.

It's lovely and light and gives enough coverage - without looking like war paint.This Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer - 13.99 - think you can buy online. This gives a lovely sheen as well as great coverage too.

Also recommending tinted moisturiser. Garnier blemish balm is pretty good. If your skin is basically good and just needs evening out. I hate foundation.

Bourjois 10 hour sleep effect foundation is a lovely budget option.

Agree that Clinique has a good range-and I am a recent Clarins convert- they do a tinted moisturiser or Skin Illusion which gets good reviews- very kightweight.

Go to a make up counter and get them to teach you how to apply properly. Will make a huge difference.

Another fan of tinted moisturiser here. I have used Vie, Boots no7 and Bodyshop vitamin E and been ahppy with all of them.

Or happy even.

Tinted moisturiser, agreed... Have friends who love the Garnier BB beauty balm (aged in 40s!)

I know you're on a £20 budget but if you could only TRY Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser, it really is all it's cracked up to be and lasts forever because you just smooth a pea-sized blob over your face straight after your regular moisturiser in the morning. So great for a foundation newbie who wants to look natural (but perfect )

On your budget I'd go for bourjois healthy mix... But if you can stretch to £35 (it lasts ages) I'd go for chanel vitalumiere aqua.

See I am at this stage too (36yr) and I wear a tinted moisturiser. The garnier one. But what should I use over the top I feel my face looks shiny, some sort of pressed powder or is that a no no. I tried a benefit face stick thing but it just feels really thick IYKWIM.

SOrry for mini hijak op.

I love the clinique moisture surge tinted moisturiser as well. Light and feels good.

JamInMyWellies if your face is shiny then yes a pressed powder could definitely help, or you can also use oil blotting sheets if necessary. Check that your moisturiser is oil free and if not, go for one that is.

My problem with foundation is the small lines around my eyes. It sticks in them and makes them look worse, and my face just looks all dry with foundation on the top. IYkWIM?

Any of the above be good for me?

Wow, thanks all - very informative. Tinted moisturiser it is then - I'll report back after I've been shopping.