New make-up

[houseofstark]

So I'm at a stage in my life where I need to upgrade my make up. I've been using Boots No 7 for as long as I can remember.

But now I'm 40 and have 2 young children I feel like a need something a bit more 'hardcore'. My plan is to try out a few cosmetic counters and see which ones suit. But as there are so many of them, I could do with some guidance on the best ones to try and those to avoid.

I'd like a foundation with decent coverage which doesn't make me feel 'caked' in make-up. Also something that can be applied easily and quickly - I'm rubbish at make-up generally and don't have time to spend ages getting it right. Finally, cost will have some bearing.

Any ideas to start me off?

I would say avoid the Benefit counter. My experience (and the experiences of other MNers that I have read on here), you will undoubtedly end up orange, plus they aren't trained make up artists, which ones at Mac, Nars, et al, are.

Some of the products are nice, by the way, but it's just in terms of advice it isn't the best place.

I'm off to get me some Mac studio fix this evening after my niece made me look like a supermodel (slight exaggeration!) last weekend. I reckon Mac is where it's at for foundation at the moment, I've used double wear and am currently using the revlon dupe for double wear. This was really lovely!

I love Mac and Estée Lauder. My go to foundation in Estée Lauder double wear or double wear light, it gives good coverage and isn't like a mask and it last well throughout the day. Mac foundation seems a bit heavy for my and caused breakouts.
I love Mac eyeshaddows and lipstick though as they are very pigmented and last ages without creasing or fading.

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll start by trying those two.

I love Dior star foundation it's lovely and urban decay are my favourite for eyeshadow.

I got the W7 dupe for the urban decay palette and it is very very good! You should be able to get it in pharmacies, I got it for €7. beaut.ie/2014/beaut-ienomics-budget-brand-w7-in-the-nude-now-what-eye-palette-could-that-be-a-dupe-for/#.VVY5wFKkqnN

Lancôme teint dore at least I think that's what it's called is lovely, light but good coverage, and they do a long lasting version. I've got dry skin so double wear can cling to it, though it does last for ages. Bourjois healthy mix is cheaper and gets great reviews, and collection 2000 is dirt cheap for their concealer which is great.

I use bareminerals. All natural and doesnt feel like you're wearing makeup. You can build up coverage to suit you

Oh, and Mac do a highlighter thingy called strobe cream, which gives you a nice flow under foundation, but their foundation is notorious for oxidising if you powder over it- changing colour- and I found it hard to wear with dry skin.

Thanks everyone, this is all very useful.

Avoid Estee Lauder- their reps go for the more is more approach and if it's orange, even better!
I like the Clarins ethos very much, the reps always seem very lowkey, not saying their foundation is the best (though am using one atm)
Best high end foundation imo is Dior or Lancome.
It's so subjective really, I always want the my-skin-but-better thing so avoid full cover like DW or Studio Fix or Colorstay.
I am also an absolute mug for the word 'radiance'

Oh forgot, if you are tempted by the Bare Minerals powdery stuff, have some lessons and practise a lot! I got some after reading so much about it and it was awful. (Or my application of it was) I still see orange powdery people walking round and think yeah, been there, done that....

Bourjois health mix is great for unde

Oops. Under a tenner.
Max Factor Whipped Creme is lovely too.

I'd recommend having a look at Bobby Brown - they have many light foundations and will usually give you a free make over.

For concealer Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage takes some beating.

Re No 7 - I've not yet found anything that beats no 7 mascara (the one in the purplish tube).

One note of caution re Bare Minerals - I tried it spent a load of money on various products and then found I was allergic (it made me sneeze!).

Another one for Estée Lauder double wear, if you get colour matched and ask for samples they should give you a good sized sample to try before you buy.

I like mac for powder and lip sticks and nars for blushers. Mascara for some reason I always get cheap ones.

Counters are great just don't feel pressurised into buying something if you don't love it.

Laura Mercier is lovely. Natural looks, tinted moisturiser gives just enough coverage with secret camouflage for spots that need a bit more.

Lancôme foundation oxidises terribly on me. I'm currently using max factor foundation with primer built in which lasts all day, no shininess.

I have the benefit cream blusher (majorette). Hate the twee names and packaging but it's a nice peach that gives a healthy flush but not shiny cheeks!

Thanks everyone, there are some really good posts here for me. One question though, a couple of you mentioned foundation oxidising. What does this mean?

Ysl touché éclat foundation is fantastic. Apply with fingers in seconds, lasts all day, looks totally natural my skin but better. Not cheap (£28ish) but lasts ages. Will definitely repurchase when mine runs out.

About 30 minutes after I've applied it, it looks darker. I have the palest shade and paranoid I look orange so I won't wear it anymore. I think it reacts with the oils on your face?

I love Clarins BB cream. Easy to apply and not at all heavy, looks very natural. I agree, they also seem to have a lovely low key, naturally beautiful approach, although I do love Bobbi Brown for eye shadow and lipsticks.

I bought the new Bobbi Brown BB cream last week only a couple of weeks after buying some new double wear and it's amazing! Heavy enough to give decent coverage but looks really natural especially when applied with a brush. Bobbi Brown is very pricey but is definitely my go-to make up when I've got the cash because it's really high quality.