ok, time to accept it, I need to wear make up but have a few issues......

[Nonwittyusername]

I saw my 40yr old face, close up, in the car mirror today. It wasn't good. Redness, open pores, thread veins and uneven skin.

I actually had a thin layer of tinted moisturiser on but is obviously not enough.

I have a problem with an area of redness that is exacerbated by Benefit (even though I love their products), heavily perfumed products and anything with an spf over 15.

I also try to be natural and buy all my beauty products at Holland and Barratt, but appreciate I may have to go elsewhere for the makeup.

All recommendations most welcome.

Get a clinique lady to colour match you with their new(ish?) concealing foundation. It's unperfumed and fantastic at covering redness. You can use it neat for full coverage on blemished areas, and mixed with a bit of your tinted or plain moisturiser on unblemished areas. It's a great product IMHO.

Try smashbox primer. I think the green one helps to colour correct and it will help with your pores. You may fine your tinted moisturiser is enough then with a little concealer.

I think you should concentrate on your skin care first and worry about the make up afterwards when you feel you've got your skin sorted.

H and B stuff is no more 'natural' than anywhere else with the same chemicals - just more expensive.

finding sunscreen that doesn't give you problems can be a challenge, but 'natural' is meaningless. Sunscreen is on offer now so could be a good time to experiment.

Am I being a bit naive with the dr organic stuff, then? I've spent many £££££ on fixing my skin, the redness is congestion that improves with scrubbing, plus a sensitivity, aloe Vera tones it down but I've had it for years and lots of products exacerbate it.

Where can I go for truly natural and organic products?

Two Words: Lily Lolo!!
It saved my skin! I've been a chronic acne sufferer since I was 13. I probably made it worse by wearing way too much make up in my efforts to cover it up - it turned into a vicious circle
But then my friend gave me a sample of Lily Lolo mineral powder foundation, and completely converted me!
It's completely organic, mineral based, with amazing coverage from using a tiny amount of product. And my skin has improved dramatically! Now I only get the odd breakout around my period, whereas before, I don't remember a day where I didn't have at least 3 angry spots somewhere on my face!
The only downside to it is that it's only available online. But if you order before 12noon, it comes the next day through 1st Class Royal Mail

my skin is very sensitive and doesn't tolerate many products with synthetic ingredients
The following works for me and are made from gentle natural products and are cruelty free
Dr Hauskcha day rose cream - very good for red skin and thread veins too
Green people sun screen but you do have to rub it in as it is a bit white
Fushi organic rose hip oil - do a search on the threads here.
Pure Argan oil
Beauty without Cruelty make up
Dr Hauskcha make up
I use a organic fair trade coconut oil on both skin and hair but that can block some peoples pores

What's your cleansing routine OP? That could be the root cause of your redness.

Barry M have just bought out a green colour correcting primer for about £6. I bought it the other day and it's actually really good. Then you can just put a tinted moisturiser over the top.

I also love the L'oreal CC cream that is green but it only comes in a universal shade a d some people say it isn't very universal!

I have roseaca so I know all about covering dry red skin.