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?

I actually don't know - if you go to MAC and Bobbi Brown, they should most certainly know.

Clinique is usually good for sensitive skin. I have always been given loads of samples, but never found a foundation from there that is perfect for me.

Another option could be Vichy Dermablend - it's made to be tolerated by sensitive skin. But it's a full coverage foundation and doesn't look as natural as a light to medium coverage foundation IMO. I've used it as a concealer in areas where my skin has needed more coverage, and it's great - but as a full face foundation it has too much coverage for me. It's this one: www.vichy.co.uk/foundation-make-up/corrective-foundation-dermablend/p2210.aspx

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

Dhc review. It's about £20 on amazon

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

Thanks for the tip re Bare Minerals Valium.

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!!

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

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.

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