desperate - need help re foundation

[skinnysoyvanillalatte]

I am nearing 50 and am realising that I have NEVER found a foundation that works for me. I am so desperate to have my last few years, (decade?), before I reach the "older lady" stakes looking more groomed and polished. I just don't know where to start and need some advice.

I have fair skin and it has never been oily. I don't even think it has been combo - just pretty normal, no acne ever, burn easily and just this year starting to line. Probably need to acknowledge it is "mature" skin.

What happens is, when I pop on foundation, it does the following:

1. actually looks like it has "separated" on application - never looks like a nice freshly placed foundation like I see on others. Blotchy looking and sort of sits on the skin and even looks like I have none on in areas. Blotchy, patchy areas variable - on chin and hairline, nose..
2. within an hour, looks like no foundation, separates more
3. no coverage

I have tried - the usual cleanse, moisturise, primers, different foundations, powder (too old for this now).

What I am doing wrong?

Try a tinted moisturiser mixed with moisturiser so super dilute
Then put concealer if you have spots or redness
This may lookore natural
I would go easy on the primer too and perhaps use a tiny amount of highlighter instead
Do you need it? Your skin sounds good alteady
I am the same and foundation just separates on my skin

Thanks! I will try one for every day :) Do you think they will separate like the foundation?
I am wondering for a good coverage, what I am doing wrong- what do you wear for evenings out Kennington?

I do the same during the day as night
Dior glow maximiser on brow bone cheek bones etc it is expensive but a tiny bit is enough
The boots no7 tinted mosituriser mixed with a little olay
I use bourjois happy light primer on nose but no where else
I just use more tinted moisturiser Nd highlighter at night so I glow more
Chanel les beiges no 20 for touch ups during the day or night
Clarins instant concealer

What do you want your foundation to do? Cover up problem areas (although it doesn't sound like you have any!) or just make you look more polished? I really like Estée Lauder Doublewear and Doublewear Light, applied with a damp foundation sponge. The ladies on the EL counters will normally colour match it for you, and then give you a week's supply for free to try at home. That might save you more expensive mistakes!

I am no expert btw
I learned most things from sali Hughes in the guardian and Lisa Eldridge for application

I guess I do want to look more polished but with some cover as well. I don't have flawless skin...I wish :)

It sounds like your moisturiser isnt giving a smooth base for the foundation as maybe its not intense enough so you have dry patches. Now I'm older I find a richer moisturiser left to soak in for 5mins gives better base for foundation. Then i use Maybelline dream satin, covers multitude of sins and looks lovely and glowy when translucent powder over top. My moisturiser of choice is Waitrose Baby Butter as i have dry sensitive skin. Max factor foundations are good for mature, problems skin as well re coverage - and moisture rich.