Help me with foundation?

[thebestpossibletaste]

I never wear foundation but think I need to these days!

The reason I don't wear it is because I can see it, it doesn't look natural. My skin is horrible; very sensitive due to psoriasis, ageing (I'm 48), dull ...

At the moment all I do is remove my mascara and blusher with Simple wipes at night and wash with clear water in the morning.

I have some BB cream and also No. 7 tinted moisturiser but they don't cover properly.

On my nose I have what I thought were blackheads but on closer inspection look like pores, maybe with hairs? Wtf ...? I am dark haired and struggle as I get older with upper lip and chin hairs, also wild eyebrows!

Not sure how I can improve the look of my skin and not sure what foundation to use. Does anyone have one they'd really recommend that looks fairly natural but will cover these pores?

Personally, I'd find a cleanser to use in the morning. If the things on your nose are sebaceous filaments, then they can be kept to a minimum with cleansing - it doesn't even have to be harsh chemicals, but just something that cleans well. If it is sebaceous filaments, then they are completely normal.

Do you use a moisturiser?
Do you have dry, normal, oily skin?

I'd personally go to Boots or any department store with a good selection and get samples for foundations there. It's almost impossible getting the colour right and to check if the foundation is right for your skin without a sample you can try at home.

I like Max Factor miracle skin. It's a compact with a sponge but is very light and silky and you can build it up where you need it.
If you want something with more coverage Max factor facefinity is good.

Thanks. I use Eucerin moisturiser as it doesn't irritate my skin and keeps it well moisturised.

Can you recommend a good cleanser? Something easy preferably so that I actually use it!

Having read an article linked to on mn I think they may be sebaceous filaments as they are all over my nose.

Not sure about what type of skin I have, not excessively oily, but sensitive.

I love Bobby Brown for invisibility, I have very sallow skin & the assistants can colour match perfectly.
It might be worth a trawl through a big department store, most places with give you samples, don't be afraid to ask.

Maybe try a primer?

I love mineral make up for a natural look.

Personally would go for Bobbi Brown. I wear very little make-up, and even on nights out prefer the natural look, but their foundation is really natural, not heavy at all. Not cheap, but lasts a long long time.

Bought mine for my wedding around 9months ago and have loads left :-)

Thanks. I think I'm going to have to get into York and go to Fenwicks or somewhere like that and ask for advice. The women in the makeup departments of those stores intimidate me! Especially if I have to approach them and admit that at the age of 48 I don't know how to apply foundation. Which company should I start with? Benefit? (I don't want to spend a fortune, maybe up I £15-£20). I have Bare Minerals mascara because any other aggravates the skin around my eyes.

I've never used a primer, what does it do?

It's a bit hard for me to recommend any cleanser, as I'm using a Clinique anti-blemish one from the 3-step systems, and I'm not sure that's good for psoriasis. I think the general rule for cleansers for psoriasis skin is that it has to be something that doesn't dry out the skin, as well as not being too harsh and not being a scrub. So maybe something from Eucerin as you're already happy with their products or something like Avene/La Roche-Posay.

Bobbi Brown does make really good foundations. MAC and Dior are also good. Bourjois make a really good affordable foundation as well called healthy mix foundation.

You can also have a look at Lisa Eldridge's website where she has videos about the foundations she likes for different skin types as well as other tips about using foundation: www.lisaeldridge.com/tag/25668/foundation-course/

So many different sorts of Bobbi Brown foundation! I like the thought of powder but think the skin on my nose is too flaky, probably need something rich and creamy for there.

Do I need a powder to "fix" the foundation or something? Or stop shine?

I really don't have a clue!

I've just discovered Boujour healthy mix serum and its lovely. Nice to put on and gives really good coverage. Bargain at £12 too

If you get shiny during the day and don't like it, then you need a powder. If you don't get shiny, then you're fine without.

I get shiny in my T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) and I have a pressed powder from MAC.

Thanks Vibbe. I can't get into town til after payday now so will have to wait a bit. It will be good to have some ideas which counters to go to though. Are they fairly good at getting the matching tone?

A cleansing oil might work, you basically massage them in, and then wet hands and keep rubbing and it turns milky so washes off easily

Oh if you want reviews of things as well then try makeup alley
I just type in google the name of the product and makeup alley to get the review

Maybe try stopping with the Simple wipes (apparently they aren't really that gentle) and give oil cleansing method a go, it's supposed to be good for psoriasis. Here's just one link from googling 'OCM psoriasis' but there are lots more:

oil cleansing method

It's hard for any foundation to do a good job on flaky skin. My skin has definitely much been less flaky since doing ocm and pores are better (I used cleansing wipes before, various brands).

btw you don't need castor oil to do ocm, you can use other oils on their own - eg olive oil, almond oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil - maybe with bit of tea tree to kill germs.

Thanks Liza. I have almond oil so might try that. I still need the wipes to remove my mascara though.

Bobbi Brown and MAC are usually really good with matching colours and finding good products for me. I've never had samples from there - but I've never asked.

Dior usually have small samples of their foundations and BB creams that they will give out if asked.

I've found Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation samples (those little sachets) just standing next to the foundations in the Bourjois stand. They don't always have them here - and unfortunately, I'm not sure if they have them everywhere.

I wouldn't buy anything without getting a sample, especially if you have sensitive skin - there's just no fun in spending money on something that doesn't work.

Yes, I'd like samples because often my skin doesn't develop breakouts until a few days after starting using a product at which point I've already spent a fortune on it. I would like an expert to tell me which tone is right though and what type will cover my skin best.

Are Bobbi Brown and MAC ok for sensitive skin, do you know?

My skin has improved lots since I stopped using wipes and switched to using using hot flannels with liquid cleaners and Ponds cold cream.

I like L'Oreal's Infallible foundation, partly as it's one of the few that doesn't make me look orange (I am extremely pale) but also because it doesn't make me break out in spots. Even the posh brands have that effect! L'Oreal's cheaper foundation also is zit-tastic.

I have sensitive skin and use Bobbi Brown-remember asking the woman that question. I got her to put it on me, then went round the shops before I came back to purchase so any reactions would be felt.

Not had any probs

Thanks Fozzie, I will try Bobbi Brown then, as lots are recommending them.