Foundation - where am I going wrong?

[ilovetosleep]

I just can't get it right! I have used MAC Mineralize Moisture liquid foundation for ages as it's the best I can do and the colour is good - NC15 or 20 - but it just doesn't stay put. I use Mineralize skin finish natural powder on top. It looks fab on application, just the right amount of dewy and coverage, I have pretty good skin tbh but it's v uneven in tone and I'm so pale I look ill barefaced. Anyway by the time I'm back from the school run its already starting to wear off and by lunch time I look like I'm wearing nothing. I have tried Mac, maybeline and nars primers - Nars is the best but it still doesn't last. I have tried a brush, fingers, beauty blender and stippling brush. Stippling or sponge prob the best.

More recently I have tried bare minerals original - it is so cakey and Matt no matter how much buffing I do, and the fine lines are so bad with it. And my skin just looks dry and patchy when I use it. Have also tried the new bourjois city radiance which my skin also seems too dry for. I have tried mixing with a little oil - doesn't work. I thought I had normal- dry skin but 99% of foundations make it seem very dry so I guess I do have dry skin despite using loads of moisture in my routine.

Is there any thing else I could try? I particularly want a high street option as I can't afford to spend £29 on my Mac for every day use.
Thanks!

Ok so I have tried a sample of ELDW light, it's far too Matt and drying for my skin. But I can see it will last all day! Need something g dewy and natural and long lasting - maybe there isn't such a thing. Next sample to try is Les Beiges but the woman on Chanel counter does not inspire much confidence - her make up looks awful!

Hi OP,

I use studio sculpt by Mac in NC20 and love it. It's good coverage, nice and dewy but not too much and lasts all day on my skin (not many foundations do!). I also find that one tube lasts me absolutely ages because a tiny amount goes a long way on my face, no worries about layering for coverage with that one.

Good luck!

Ah sorry I've just seen that you're after a high street option!

I'll be watching this thread with interest as I've never found anything from the high street that comes anywhere near close to the Mac one, even all the high street ones that the bloggers rave about.

I would suggest trying a setting spray and see if that helps. Some good cheap option such as Make Up Revolution from Superdrug.

You should definitely try Missha Perfect Cover BB cream. It is pretty inexpensive and I wouldn't be without it. I get it from Amazon for around £8 a tube.