Recommendations for foundation and powder?

[stella1w]

Help. Looking for easy to apply, not too expensive, subtle foundation and powder that is quick to apply as the morning is so rushed. Or a nice place in london that will advise without being too pushy. I am not a make up person, but want to look professional for work.

I think Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation is supposed to be on a par with Chanel, in fact when I can get myself motivated, I'm going to buy a bottle to try out. I use Laura Mercier translucent powder so I'm not much help with recommending a powder.

What's your skin type? Oily, dry, or normal? That makes a lot of difference to how a foundation will work for you, and different foundations are suited to different skin types.

I hadnt worn make up in years and went into boots for a look. The No7 counter has this thingy that they can tell exactly what you skin tone is. I now have makeup that is the perfect shade and wasnt expensive either.

MrsArseBiscuit- I have the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum foundation (bit more sheer than the regular Healthy Mix) and agree that it is on a par with Chanel. Definitely one of the best budget ranges of foundation. I haven't tried any Bourjois powders, but the No 7 loose powders are pretty good, as are the L'Oreal True match pressed ones. As Quinn says, your skin type will effect the finish of a foundation. If you have very oily skin, a radiance one may not be the type for you (I would say that the Serum one is more for a dewy finish. The regular healthy mix gives a more matte finish i believe).

Max Factor FaceFinity compact is a good compromise, as it is foundation and powder in one, plus reasonable priced. I believe that The Body Shop's all in one face base is good too.

If you are able to stretch a bit more with funds, Bobbi Brown counters are fantastic for advising on makeup, without the hard push. I tend to avoid Clinique and Clarins, as i always end up with completely the wrong colour. Dior foundations are pretty good too. The Dior Nude makeup gives a very polished finish.

Keep us posted on what you end up buying.

Bare Minerals, so easy to use and you always get a natural finish no matter what condition your skin is in, it's all I use and I would never use any thing else. You can get it online or Debenhams, £50 for a starter kit, that includes primer, 2 shades of foundation, a pot of warmth for sunkissed look, a pot of mineral veil to finish the look and 3 brushes. Complete with DVD and instruction book.

Bourjois Healthy Mix (ordinary foundation with the black cap, not the serum one with the red cap) is lovely, and I never stray from No7's pressed Creme Touch powder in Translucent. Both give good, natural-looking coverage and last all day.

I always use Body Shop All-In-One Face Base - it's foundation but in powder form and takes literally seconds to do with a sponge. They have great deals online as well, once you know what shade you are.

Another vote for Bare Minerals here.

Best foundations IME

Estée laude double wear

For cheaper foundation that's really really good boots number 7 £14 per bottle usually do a 2 for 3 and the range is really really good. You can also get matched to the right colour and combo for your skin. I wear it every day and it lasts all day to without feeling like its sitting on your face or faded off.

I use Maybelline Me powder, it's very light(I use a brush not the puff), but sets my foundation well. I use Facefinity foundation, it's superb but might be too heavy for you.

I can vouch for Bourgois Healthy balance 10hr pressed powder too. £8.50 and on par with Clinique one I have used - really good long lasting coverage.

Thanks for all the ideas. Have slightly aging, not oily skin and also could do with under eye concealer

I use Garnier under eye stuff. And Bare Minerals foundation. Bare Minerals is real marmite stuff. You have to try it and see - they'll put it on for you at a countrer and then just say thanks and you want to see how it wears. If it is good on you, it is brilliant for the very busy as you don't have to wash your hands afterwards and, once you have the knack, you can do it pretty much without a mirror. This is a bit perk for me with two pre-schoolers!

If your skin's not oily, the Bourjois Healthy Mix will probably suit you very well. Maybelline Fit Me, or Rimmel wake me up are also pretty good budget foundations for people with normal/dry skin.

Collection 2000 lasting perfection concealer is really good.

I look like Morticia if I use Bare Minerals.
I love Liz Earle foundation and wouldn't change for the world, now.

I have oily skin and use the Bourjois healthy mix, I don't rate it. Could this be because of my oily skin?

Charlieboo, yes - I'm the same. For high street foundations, if you have oily skin, Revlon Colorstay or Rimmel 25hr is better. Also, wearing a primer helps.

Bare minerals is amazing but I do have oily skin, perhaps why it suits me.. I always use look fantastic.com to buy make up, shampoo etc.. Its really good :)

I get really dry skin in winter but using a primer stops it drying out more with the Bare minerals.

I just picked up the maybelline fit me foundation powder & concealer.. V nice, lovely consistency & nice coverage. I would have similar skin to you