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?

[Choccywoccydiddlyboo]

I've been into town and got some foundation samples today. I only went to Clinique but in two different stores. The shades they've given me seem very different! They were quite stingy with their samples, just a tiny pot from each, but I guess if I don't need much they'll last a few days.

I got the cc and the super balance. Tbh I think the cc shade is closer to my skin tone but I will try them both and see which I prefer.

[BaconAndAvocado]

My Clinique sample is called Even Better, think I'm erring towards this one rather than Estée Lauder.

[Eliza22]

Clinique Superbalanced Makeup. Really light to wear and blurs those fine lines, nicely! A while ago, I had a sample from the SA which lasted about ten days. I then bought the product and am very happy with it. Now on my second purchase! I'm coming up on 51 and have to say, it's very flattering on my skin.

I tried clinique's Repairwear and hated it. The Stay Matte was difficult to blend. My usual Lancôme Teint Miracle was finishing and I couldn't repurchase, as it irritates my skin after a couple of weeks wear so, I'd need to have a "rest" from it every few weeks..... Estée Lauder Double Wear for me, was like slutch.

[BaconAndAvocado]

I was given a week's worth of,foundation from Clinique and Estée Lauder.

[chocolatespiders]

I am sure they would let you take it back.. I have taken a chanel one back before.

Clinique superbalanced is nice. As is lancome and bobbi brown..
All more expensive but little goes a long way. When my dad asks me what would like for presents I request JL or debenhams vouchers to keep me in foundation supply!!

[thebestpossibletaste]

Thanks for the tip re Bare Minerals Valium.

[valiumredhead]

Yes, definitely. I never buy straight away and always test at home first. If you try bare minerals go for the matte version as the original has bismuth in it and lots of people react to it.

[thebestpossibletaste]

So am I best going to as many as possible, asking what tone they think I need and then asking for a sample?

[valiumredhead]

OP any makeup counter person will give you a sample to try at home first so you can test if it irritates or not.

[valiumredhead]

Just realised all my tips are about budget products-I spend far to long on S and B and makeup alley

[valiumredhead]

Lanacane anti chaff gel is FAB used as a primer and ok for sensitive skin. Same ingredients as the smash box one for megga bucks.

[thebestpossibletaste]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Now I don't know where to start. It makes sense that the more expensive ones are better, but I don't want to spend £30+ and then find a week down the line that I can't use it because it irritates my skin.

[BaconAndAvocado]

I have always used No 7 foundation too but always found it lacking in some way.

Decided to test some high end foundations (high end for me anyway!) and I can't believe the difference. The texture, coverage and long-lasting effects are soooooo much better.

I'm trying Clinique Even Better and Estée Lauder Doublewear.

I think they are double the price of No7 but so far seem more than worth it.

Give it a whirl

[Naebother]

I use bare minerals foaming cleanser. Boots primer. Bare minerals foundation. I find it the best on my skin. Not heavy or obvious. Feels like you are not wearing any make up and quick to apply.

[valiumredhead]

And of you want a budget alternative try the chamomile eye make up remover from TBS-best I've ever used.

[auldspinster]

Roc eye make remover is nice and gentle, wipes pull the eye area, try pressing a cotton pad with remover on your eye for a few seconds and it'll come off without rubbing.

[valiumredhead]

Try the aloe range from The Body Shop, the cleanser is lovely, give the face wash a miss though. Have you tried the mate version of bare minerals? Once you know your colour you can order from e bay.

[EMUZ]

nouveaucheap.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/review-dhc-deep-cleansing-oil.html?m=1

Dhc review. It's about £20 on amazon

[EMUZ]

Amazinggg - dermalogica pre cleanse usually but I buy salon sizes online. DHC is meant to be a good one but I've never used it

[thebestpossibletaste]

I did this last night, using almond oil. Must admit it felt lovely. My face felt a bit tight afterwards so I applied a little moisturiser.

[LizzyDay]

Yes no reason why not - just use with clean flannel or cut up muslin.

[thebestpossibletaste]

Thanks lizzy, I will give it a try. So I could use neat almond oil?

[LizzyDay]

OP - I find that all the oils I've tried shift mascara as efficiently as cleansing wipes, so worth a go if you're doing ocm anyway.

[Amazinggg]

EMUZ - which cleansing oil do you use? I used to use Shu Uemura and loved it, am seeking similar but not costing £60 a bottle

[PowderMum]

I have sensitive skin and can't wear a liquid foundation. It always sits on top of my skin and feels unnatural plus my skin flares up. I use Bare Minerals and have done for around 10 years, underneath I use a Decleor moisturiser and the Bare Minerals Primer. It covers as much as you need.