Assume I know nothing. How the heck do I sort out my skin?

[TheLastHairyBunnyHop]

I've looked at previous threads asking similar questions, but in each case the OP seems to have a different skin type or age, or is starting off knowing things like skin type and what does/doesn't work for her.

I'm 42 and probably don't look it as far as lines/sagging goes. But I've always had problems (i.e. not age-related) with huge pores on my cheeks, chin and the bridge of my nose. I also have blotchy skin tone, with particular reference to my red, shiny nose, red veins at the side of my nose, a tendency for oil breakthrough, and bags/dark circles under my eyes.

I am no expert but you sound fairly similar to me in age and everything.

Ive been using Aveda gel cleanser and Boots Perfect Protect serum and mosturiser and I find that my pores are smaller and lines less noticable.

I converted to Bare Minerals make up last summer and I find it excellent. Ive had loads of comments about how smooth my skin looks and I find its really good for the red veins, shadows etc.

Thanks, Snowsister . What exactly is Bare Minerals makeup? Is it a cream foundation/powder/?? and do you need to match the shade to your skin?

I do have some Boots P&P and have started using that a couple of days ago, so perhaps that will take effect soon. And I'm now cleansing thoroughly when I used to just go to bed with makeup on .

Me too, I used to smoke, get pissed and fall asleep with my make up on regularly in my younger years. Thats why I need all this stuff now!

Bare Minerals is a powder that looks like a cream when its on your face. You do need to faff around with brushes and layer it on but once you get used to it its fairly quick and easy. Big dept stores usually have it, you can get them to demo it and see if you like it first.

That's great, Snow - will take a look. I found a Get Started kit on the Debenhams website that comes with a DVD to show you how. (We live in back of beyond so no big dept stores nearby - this is part of my problem as I get few opportunites to try different makeup.) Trying to decide whether to shell out on it - will have a look locally first just in case anywhere stocks it.

I got the kit to start with.

Good value as it has all the brushes in it. For refills go online, I use a site recommended on here but I cant remember what it is Hopefully others will be along later who can advise.

Pretty sure I'm going to try it, once I've got the funds - really appreciate your advice.

BTW, for others reading this thread - I asked for advice, NOT direct messages with advertising. I'm not some kind of plant for your marketing efforts.

MINERAL Make up is fab.

if the red is really red then you MAY MAY MAY need a green base tint for the really really bad areas, to neutralise the red pigment in your skin.

Green?! Blimey, there's a thing...

The redness seems to vary - ranging from practically normal to so red it's almost painful. Could be sensitive skin. Are there any green base tints that you could recommend, in case I turned out to need them?

Here you go I think this one is pretty good.

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Clinique+Anti-Blemish+Solutions+Clearing+Concealer+Green/122460463,default,pd.html

video of how to do it

so you know I am not mad

Thank you, MIS and Snowsister

Hm, bit annoyed now. The BM starter kit arrived, I watched instruction videos and tried it myself, and it seems to make me look WORSE. My porse are standing out a hundred times worse, it emphasises my fine lines, makes me look caked, dull and overdone, puts about 5 yrs on me . (And cost 44 quid.)

Is there anything obvious that I'm doing wrong? I'm doing all the swirl and tap stuff... used the primer... put Mineral Veil on top... tried it with and without moisturising first (with moisturiser was marginally better but still looked crap). There were two different shades in the kit and one of them (Light) is right for my skin.

I have read that Matte type might be better for large pores, but I really don't want to shell out again for it to still look bad. I would love it to be some novice mistake I'm making, but atm am really disappointed. And if it's because the product isn't right and there's a better one... I can't afford to buy it now because I've already gone over budget on this stuff . Aaggh!

You need to blend, blend, blend BM - are you sure you have the right colour and is it matt version? The shiny version shows up pores imo.

BM Bisque concealor will knock out any redness and thread veins.Green based products are too chalky ime you need the yellowness of Bisque.

It also sounds like you have applied to much - you need a miniscule dusting and then add more if needed.

Thanks, valium - the tester didn't come in Matte variety, but it looks like that's what I should have got. The colour is definitely right. Basically, I'm going to have to work with what I've got as I can't afford to buy any more (although the kit came with brushes so I can at least keep those). Will try layering it more gradually the next time.

Are you meant to moisturise first, and then apply primer as well? And how long are you supposed to leave each of those to dry/sink in before applying the makeup?

Yes to moisturiser then primer and leave it a good 5 mins before applying make up. I don't like BM primer, I prefer Barbra Daly Flawless Primer from Tesco.

Where did you order it from - can you not send it back?

I ordered it from Debenhams online. Was assuming that they won't exchange as I got what I asked for and have now realised that I needed something else... also, it came with 3 brushes which I'm happy with. Reckon I'll use this one for practice or see if I know anyone else who'd like to try it, and then order some Matte when I can afford it.

I also meant to say thank you for the advice on moisturiser and primer - I have a couple of different primers already and will see if any of those work with it.

The first time I used primer but no moisturiser and it looked dreadful - the next times I used both but didn't let them dry for long enough, and also seem to be using too much. So although Matte definitely sounds like it's the best sort, there's some chance that I can at least work with this one for a while

I have returned things to Debenhams - I took a Clinique powder back, they were more than happy to refund.

I dont get all the rave reviews for BM. OP, I found exactly the same thing. Pores looked much bigger and more open, took all the natural colour out of my face and it made me look at least 5 years older. Ive just managed to sell mine on ebay. I think you can return in store if you bought it from Debenhams.

OP, have you tried clay face masks for open pores?
It was recommended to me by a dermatologist and it does make a big difference. It doesnt cost a fortune either. Body Shop do a seaweed based clay mask here thats really good or you can make your own really cheaply with Fullers Earth
Have also found the OCM with virgin coconut oil has really helped with pores and fine lines.

Interesting that they might take it back instore, although sadly that isn't an option for me as I ordered online (we live in the sticks and have no Debenhams anywhere near). Might try eBay - hadn't thought of that!

Simone, was it the Matte or the normal version that you tried? They advertise that Matte helps with pores and by all accounts here the normal version makes them worse.

It was the mineral veil that I used. It gets rave reviews but I thought it made my skin look awful - accentuated everything you wouldnt want accentuating - fine lines, pores etc. Ive been put off trying everything else and am sticking to my Chanel Vitalumiere from now on.

I would give debenhams a call and see if you can return by post - worth a try.

Sorry to hear your not impressed with BM. I never use primer, just a tiny bit of moisturiser and leave to dry while I brush my teeth.

It does sound like you may be using too much you only need literally a couple of granules of the stuff. I know I did this to begin with and it looked really cakey, powdery and rubbish.

You must go really easy on the mineral veil op.
Do 2 very light dustings of base colour then use your little brush with a bit of the concealer on the red bits.
I dont use warmth at all it just makes me look grubby.
A very very light dusting of mineral veil just on t zone then a bit of blusher.

Thanks, Spring. Whilst I still think that the standard BM isn't the best type for me, it does sound like I haven't been applying it properly, so there may still be hope! I'm going to give it another go with all application tips above, see if I can get it working OK and, if so, order some Matte when funds allow . (I won't be using the Warmth either, as it looks wrong on my very pale skin.)