Foundation for a novice

[Ijustworemytrenchcoat]

Well, it's for my mum. She rarely wears make up and she just tends to get a Rimmel matte foundation in an approximate shade.

She wants to use some Debenhams vouchers (brands available at our local store are Clinique, clarins, Dior, Lancôme, Estée Lauder and Elizabeth Arden oh and Bare minerals but I'm not sure she would want a mineral foundation if she has to spend ages applying.

Which is the best counter to head for? Her skin is oily in places, slightly problematic but with wrinkles as well. Don't want her to get the hard sell on EL Double Wear or something really heavy as I think she wants a bit of coverage, but also something she can just 'slap on' quickly and easily, maybe with a wash of colour like a tinted moisturiser/BB/CC cream.

I'm currently using Lancôme Miracle Air de Teint and love it but don't know if it would be right for her.

Thank you

Try Clarins: think they have a new tinted moisturiser is out? Or Clinique: Even Better is good.

But if you have other stores locally, why not check out Bobbi Brown (great consultations and good on natural coverage) or YSL: their Touche Eclat foundation may suit her? Get a colour match elsewhere and then order from these ranges using vouchers from Debenhams on-line?

Even Better is good, good idea about matching elsewhere and using vouchers online!

I use bare minerals matte and it takes less time than a liquid foundation and feels as if you have no foundation on at all. I switch it with EL DW light for a proper made-up day and Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser.

IME most BB creams are thick and ghastly on 'older' skin although I have no idea how old your Mum is, I'm 50 and hate them!

Treat her to an 'expert face' brush from Real Techniques (about £9) as that really speeds up application and gives a fab finish.

Clarins Skin Illusion is nice but I don't like the glowy (sweaty) look and prefer a matte finish. Check what finish your Mum is looking for.

Be careful with Bobbi brown and thief stick foundation as I hate the finish and even though they've got a new formulation of it I don't trust it!

Chanel used to do a Creme Compact foundation.

I would recommend Bare Minerals too. It doesn't take long, on,y a few moments longer than liquid foundation, feels like it's not there but skin looks fab. I'm utterly converted, I've become someone who wears foundation every day now! Think my skin tone has improved too.

Ps I'm not a rep or anything, just someone who spent years trying to find something that works for me!

Lancome have a pretty good range of foundations with a good choice of colours

I know what you mean about BB creams. I was expecting a lot but I don't think they stand up to the hype, they just seem to lay on top of my skin and look greasy and waxy.

She has fairly oily skin and always seems to go for a matte finish so I assume she would want to stick to that. Clinique seem to so quite 'medicated' products so their counter may be worth a look if she can get a lightweight formulation.

We live in a small town so can't colour match Mac, Nars, Bobbi Brown etc. would have to head to the nearest city for even a YSL counter but I want to try that foundation so would be pushing my mum to the side!

RE Bare Minerals, I personally didn't get on with it, but they have released the matte version since then so if she could get away from liquid it might be worth it. Maybe she'll let the assistant try it out on her. I still use the concealers actually as I find they work well on my skin.

I would say try Chanel Vitalumière Aqua - it is amazing, and definitely a bit of a treat for your Mum. You can slap it on - in fact i think it's best applied with the hands, rather than faffing around with brushes and so on. I've just done a review on my blog, so have a read and see what you think: daisydabbles.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/chanel-vitalumiere-aqua-best-high-end.html. Anyway, I hope you find something that she loves! Xxxx

There is no Chanel counter near us I'm afraid, I will tell her next time she is near one though. I would love to try Chanel, but was told by the assistant they don't do a shade pale enough for me. Ended up with By Terry instead which was fab.

I am 54 and would suggest the Lancome counter. Suggest she waits until they have a good offer*.

I went to get a foundation and as I bought a foundation and a lipstick I got the gift with purchase which had a lovely cream with it as well as soe other skin products and a mascara. My skin is combo dry cheeks/oily t zone. I got the Teint Idole but there is one that is a duo (concealer in lid) that says it is good for wrinkly skin.

Ooh look what I found! (link below).I love the Hydra Zen cream (it is in the GWP) but may be a bit rich for your mum? She can always just put it on her neck or give it away.

*www.debenhams.com/beauty/lancome

Hope she enjoys herself. Do get her to have a make over whilst she is there.