Foundation advice please

[WaitMonkey]

I recently bought some Bobbi Brown foundation, but I hate it. It looks cakey, yellow and doesn't give the coverage I wanted. £30 wasted then.

So I'm looking for another foundation. I have pale skin, that varies between dry and oily. I do tend to have red cheeks. Please will someone advise me ? I did used to use Clarins, a few year's ago, and was thinking of going back. I liked that, but I stopped using it, though can't remember why, but there must have been a reason.

I adore YSL Teint Éclat. It goes on perfectly and can be built up, and comes in loads of shades - pink and yellow toned.

I use Boots No7 stay perfect with loose powder on top. I really like it. sounds like you may want something a bit more premium though?

I really didn't like Bobbi Brown foundations either - went cakey and oxidized on me (so it became more yellow/orange after a while). During the day it would move and I'd have to rub it back into place - and I really don't use a lot of foundation generally, so it's not like the layer was too thick.
Bobbi Browns foundations are all warm toned (yellow undertone) as BB believes that 99% of people have yellow undertones in their skin.

I have oily, dehydrated skin and I use Diorskin Nude if I want medium coverage. It lasts all day and it just looks so good on the skin. The colour/numbering system they have is a bit confusing as they have warm, cold, neutral and peachy undertones, but it's explained here: www.temptalia.com/diorskin-is-my-new-favorite-foundation
I use 010 in the winter and 020 in the summer.

For a bit less coverage, I really like Laura Mercier oil free tinted moisturiser and Estee Lauder Double Wear Light.

Clarins are supposed to have great foundations. I have Everlasting foundation, and I'm not massively in love with it. But my experience is that they are good at giving out samples so you could probably find one you like.

I really recommend getting samples before buying so you can make sure that the product is the right one for you.

Revlon colour stay applied with a damp beauty blender.

Oh and take the bb stuff back, say it looks shit and they'll give you a refund or swap it for something else. Beauty counters are very good at doing this ime.

Ysl teint resist is great for combo skin

I use a beauty balm underneath and currently use a clarins one (quite a newish type) and also Estee Lauded Double Light that stays on all day. I find the shades from these 2 don't highlight my rosy cheeks.

I like lancome teint ultra 24 and I'm very pale. Clarins do a lovely one too.

My favourite is chanel vitalumiere but it's just that bit too expensive for me and I need two coats.

I want to like BB foundation but it doesn't work on me. Looks great when applied professionally but looks cakey and shite when I do it (which is useless really). And it doesn't last.

I have red cheeks (which I like covered) and fair neutral coloured combo skin. I use revlon colorstay for everyday. Lancome teinte idle ultra for special occasions (looks amazing in photos but doesnt last as well as the Revlon). Both medium coverage - but can be built up to full coverage.

Although I generally like BB foundation (I am a pale yellow toned type), I did get one once that was crap and I took it back for a full refund. Maybe try taking it back to the counter you bought it from and ask? Beauty counters are often pretty good like that.

I have heard wonderful things about Armani and Givenchy foundations. And I wear Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser in the summer which is far more pink toned.

Sorry for cross post re: refunds Dame!

Bare minerals

Lots of replies, thank you. Reluctant, not particularly after a premium brand, just want something that works. Walnut, that is exactly what I found. When the BB make up lady applied the foundation in debebhams it looked lovely. She said she was wearing it, and it looked really good and she had probably been wearing it for several hours. But when I apply it, it just looks awful and I'm using my new lovely Real Techniques brushes as recommended on here.

Can't take it back. Am too shy. They might say no and I doubt I've got the recite anyway. I guess I just want someone to tell me my perfect foundation, without making another £30 mistake. Going round all the counters asking for samples is probably the best idea, but I couldn't do that.

Think I will hit the shops tomorrow with some of your suggestions and ask the most friendly looking mua.

Maybelline dream matte mousse foundation is the best. It disguises enlarged pores,covers imperfections even a couple of thread veins without turning cakey. Also doesn't oxidise and separate. No need for separate powder either as it mattes all the oil down.

It's doesn't feel claggy/heavy unlike more expensive purchases I have made. I keep coming back to it. Only time it isn't flawless is when I have any flakey skin zit crust

I have NW20 skintone according to MAC and I used 30 sand in Maybelline.

Armani. I have dry skin and use the Face Fabric, but my friends who use others in the range also swear by them.

I have tried so many expensive foundations but have come to the conclusion that you can't beat l'oreal true match. It's only a tenner but I'd pay more tbh as it gives great natural coverage and never looks orange or pink and blends really well.

PLEASE take it back, they won't say no especially if you just ask to swap and not a refund. Just say 'I'm really sorry but although I liked this in the shop it just doesn't suit my skin, can I swap it for a lipstick instead?'

I took a diary back to wh smiths last week, I'd accidentally bought 2 the same in a fit of trying to get organised I had no receipt and they said they couldn't refund but I could swap for something to the same value. They didn't bat an eyelid and couldn't have been nicer.

Taking a diary back is different though, isn't it ? They can re sell that. They can't re sell my foundation. I've been using it. Trying to see if I can like it. Ooh, I don't know. Really don't like wasting money, but I've always assumed you can't get a refund on make up.

I like Maybelline but Dermablend is good as a concealer on red bits!

They honestly don't care. I emailed clinique once after I wasn't happy with a face powder, they just sent me something I liked instead and told me to discard the powder !I gave it to my mate.

They will swap it honestly

Even in Boots the other week when I bought a foundation the guy said if I didn't like it at home I could bring it back. I didn't as I loved it.

I am using Max Factor 2 in 1 foundation and serum and love it.

I started by using all the testers I could find in every brand till I found a colour that suited my skin, and found their 'Golden' shade was the best.

Then I worked my way through their foundation range till I found the one that suited my skin type most.

Then I looked for the cheapest place to buy it - last time it was £7 from Amazon.

Good luck!

What do they do with an open bottle though, Dame ? They obviously hopefully can't resell it. I've also thrown the box away. Do they just right off £30 ?

Thanks for all the advice everyone . I'm going to hit John Lewis, Debebhams and Boots tomorrow and go around every counter.