Recommend me a foundation/face powder/lipstick etc

[alexrider]

I'm returning to the UK tomorrow and want to go shopping. I've been using a Clinique foundation for a while now but it just doesn't seem to look right anymore and give me the coverage I need.

43 years old, have insomnia so even my skin is looking tired, quite big open pores in my T zone, but dry cheeks and jaw line.

Will I also need a translucent powder? I used to wear makeup all the time, but stuck in a dreadful marriage I let myself go. I'm now trying to get myself back on track to the way I was before I became all depressed and sad for myself and I've forgotten what will make me look good and how to use it.

I have £100 to spend, but would like to get a few bits with that. I have quite long eyelashes but they don't to be as thick as they used to be, so a recommendation for a mascara too. I've noticed when using mascara lately that they appear spikey rather than volumous.

I do like the eye shadows I use, but am thinking of maybe a different colour eye liner, I've been hearing things about gel liners are they any good?

Please lovely style and beauty ladies, come up with a shopping list for me that will fit in my price range.

I would go to the nice ladies at the Bobbi Brown counter, and take it from there. Their gel eyeliners are fantastic btw.

I use a BB gel eyeliner (in navy, I have brown eyes and it sets them off nicely and isn't harsh for the daytime), BB do a nice range of colours and they go on nicely - I am normally quite cack-handed

I spent a bit more on foundation (post break-up too) and went for Chanel Vitalumiere, my cheeks can get quite dry and it gives my complexion a nice dewy finish without looking greasy

For mascara I just go for what's on offer in Boots etc

Strangely enough I am also 43 and made it my mission this pre-Christmas to go to all the make-up counters in Selfridges and get made over to see which one was the best (non-orange, non-caked etc)

I did BB and Clinique which I too had been using for eons and it was no longer doing the bizz, also a couple of others but the best by far was Clarins so I bought the foundation, pressed powder, lipstick and mascara as my Chrissie pressie from hubby. As a bonus when you spent over £100 you got a free makeup case with 3 full size things in it - I got body lotion and 2 other things I forget now but all lovely.

When I looked at the photos from Christmas Day I am looking the best I have looked for ages so really pleased.

Mascara - Lancome Definicils is the most expensive one I've tried and Max Factor the best cheapo.

Foundation - worth going to a Bare Minerals counter to see if it suits. People either love or hate it. I loved it but can't afford to replace it now. :(

Eyeliner - Lancome or Urban Decay or Clinique are the best. Urban Decay 'younger' and Lancome 'older' and Clinique in between!

Blusher?

A huge yes to colour eyeliners from me! I use black liquid liner then put coloured pencil liner on top. I have tried many brands, but my favourites are the No 7 ones.

I don't use foundation, but instead use Origins VitaZing moisturiser, which is slightly tinted. Worth a look.

Mascara-wise, I find Max Factor Masterpiece Max is the best for me but I am restricted by contact lenses.

If go for a bb cream now were I u. Bobbi brown does a v good one. Then u can forgo pwder which can be drying and heavy on skin.

Mascara - benefit; are they real

Lipstick - chubby stick Clinique

I really rate Lancome Teint Miracle foundation and Lancome Hypnose mascara.

I'm 44 and us Chanel Vitalumiere foundation although I got a sample of the Liz Earle on recently and really liked it so may switch brands when the Chanel runs out.

Lancome mascaras are brilliant as is one of the Chanel ones.

I have a Chanel lipstick in Boy and it's a very versatile shade - it's quite neutral, which is how I prefer my lippy.

Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner is fab and I also like Mac eyeshadows.

I love Lancome teint idole foundation and the pressed powder, makes my skin look immaculate.

I think Max Factor mascara is brilliant, not at all flaky. I use a Rimmel eye liner which I love but I have tried a Bobbi Brown gel eye liner which was also great. Clinique are great for eye shadows and lipsticks. I particularly like their 'butter shine' range but Bobbi Brown also do a range of moisturising/glossy lipsticks.

Benefit do a really good anti-pore primer. I got a sample size of it that I use when going out.

There's a niche/cult brand from the U.S called Hourglass that I have to say is stupendous and I swear by. They do a fabulous primer (that sometimes I wear on its own) and great foundation that does that thing you want of giving coverage, but is sheer. It makes my skin look like skin, but really nice skin. As opposed to looking like foundation. It's not cheap, but IMO worth it. They also have gorgeous lipstick. Available at Liberty or online.

Laura Mercier is great. Chanel good for foundation, Mac good for lipstick.

I also like Chanel foundation, but when I'm broke,Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum is a good substitute.

I am not a fan of Bare Minerals foundation, it makes my pores look like craters.

Max Factor Facfmeginity foundation is great, concealer, primer and foundation in one. It covers really well and fills in large pores around my nose. I've just started using a face powder, it's the new Maybelline one. I've also just discovered Barry M eyeshadow pencils, you can use them as an eyeliner or eyeshadow. They're bloody great.

Facefinity, sorry don't know what happened there

I love Lancome Teint Miracle foundation, Lancome Hypnose and Hypnose Star mascara and Mac lipglass lipgloss

So many suggestions thank you, I think I might just find a department store with a beauty counter and take it from there. I've heard Chanel are good so I'll check that out. I can't get away with Bare Minerals, too many wrinkles, creases and craterous pores.

I would definitely recommend Chanel for lipstick, especially the Rouge Coco range. They also do a good loose powder that doesn't settle into pores or imperfections too much. I would also suggest the Laura Mercier caviar cake eyeliners as an alternative.

You say 'returning to the UK' - could you shop at the airport and make your £ go further?

I also like bobbi brown, MAC an my ultimate favourite ( though £££ ) is Tom Ford - the best foundation and mascara ever!

I forgot - Estée Lauder double wear foundation is brill too!

Diorskin Nude is a beautiful foundation.