Foundation at 50 (and a MAC moan)

[escargot]

I had a dreadful experience at MAC last week. I have never used their products before and asked them to help me find a foundation that would cover the bit of redness I had. I mentioned I had a bit of breakthrough shine by the afternoon and that I hated Bare Minerals as it was too waxy-looking.

She used Studio Fix powder foundation all over (including up my nose so it settled attractively in my nasal hairs) I looked like a talcum-powdered ghost. She then decided I needed concealer so put a very waxy and opaque liquid OVER the powder which looked wrong on every level. I nearly burst into tears. Ghastly.

The second attempt was a BB cream which I kept on to wear home and couldn't wait to cleanse my face as it felt so clammy. Enough came off on the flannel to reapply next day

I'm thinking that instead of looking for a holy grail foundation I should try something sheerer. Would this be a better idea?

I use Clarins Skin Illusion in SAND generally.

Any tips please? I have combination normal skin, no dry patches.

HA

I had a Mac makeover at the airport last year (I'm 48)

when she showed me the mirrror I PISSED MYSELF laughing

it looked DREADFUL and I made her take it off

I have been using Number 7 CC cream in medium for everyday which is lovely actually

and last week I went to the clinique counter and she sold me the foudnation that covers blotches (sorry cant remember exact name) and it is really nice, good coverage esp with just some pressed translucent powder over the top

The Clinique one mentioned by craggy is probably Even Better, it is lovely. The best thing to do though is ask them for a sample pot (lasted me about 2 weeks) so that you can wear at home and check colour in all lights and see the wear for yourself. This will not make you look like you are wearing a mask either.
Another favourite of mine is the YSL eclat foundation which gives excellent coverage with only a little bit needed, again ask for sample.

Estee Lauder DayWear BB Cream. It's fab. I keep telling people but they ignore me.

I tried BB creams before and hated them. One made look like an embalmed orange. But this one is sheer and still has good coverage and I like the colour, not at all orange. I sometimes add a dust of mineral powder on top, but not always.

I'm 49 btw.

Thank you Buzzard, yes that's it, Even Better

It is lovely and I am quite fussy

Also the container is a nice neat squeezy bottle which means you don't spill it (the last foundation I had was in a glass bottle adn you poured it out - rubbish and messy)

Have also had success in the past with Clinique Stay Matte Oil Free Makeup which I also like

I'm using the YSL Touche Eclat foundation (recommended by Sali Hughes in the first place). It's quite light and slightly on the shiny side so sometimes needs a bit of powder over it, but I've found it very natural, flattering and light reflective. Best actual foundation I've ever tried. I'm 45.

OP, have you watched this?

I'm wearing the Chanel Aqua Vitalumiere at the moment - recommended by Mumsnet! and it's lovely. The lady at the counter actually made me up fully (I was only after a sample) and I copied her technique, so am using a foundation brush for the first time, it works really well.
my thread about foundation

However the foundation brush she recommended was €36 - I had one at home that I think came in a set that cost a fiver, and once the loose hairs fell off it (after the first use) it has been working perfectly - so saved me €€€.

I have a sample of the YSL one which I like too, I might buy it and use it for nightime as it has a little more colour/cover.

Oh, meant to say DD (17) uses Mac foundation and loves it - but of course has completely different skin to me. I think Mac is a young girl's game...

I always use tinted moisturiser - find this light coverage much better on my skin, particularly as I get older.

Favourites are Laura Mercier and Becca. Bobbi Brown and By Terry also good.

Btw, have never had any luck with Mac either - neither their products nor their 'advice'. I agree it's aimed at the young end of the market.

Yesterday I went to Laura Mercier to buy a lipstick. I asked for a pinky browny natural-ish shade; I got sat down and had liner and lipstick applied, then a mirror put in front of my face, at which point I saw a middle aged woman trying to look young again and like she had luscious lips by contouring the outside of the lips and then applying a glossy ghastly shade of lipstick on the inside. Idiot.

Sorry OP, I recommend you try Estee Lauder Doublewear, both the standard and the light versions. Go to a counter and ask for samples before you buy. Then apply it with a brush with downward strokes.

Love chanel vitalumiere

I would reccomend the Lisa Eldridge foundation series here loads of really useful information about finding the right one.

Dior BB cream, it looks great on for me I also like Origins VitaZing (a tinted moisturiser). I guess it really depends on what coverage you want / used to. I sometimes use a Bobbi Brown foundation stick, for the esp red / need extra coverage areas - if your skin isn't dry, would you try a non-liquid foundation?

Agree that you should get a sample to try at home.

Thanks for all the tips - even the one for the 64yr old in the makeup video I don't have any lines (thankfully) just a bit of redness.

Will look at each and everyone of those foundations/tints suggested and leave MAC to the younger gals!