tinted moisturiser? foundation? something else? help!!

[icclemunchy]

So I've come to the realisation at nearly 30 I don't look great. I've never been one to bother with make up much but some long term health conditions and taking loads of painkillers have left me looking really washed out and grey

What should I be looking at in terms of a bit of colour. I've not desire at all to be orange and I don't have the energy for hours of making myself up. Are those BB creams any good? How do I pick a colour? Or should I try something else?

You could do worse than going into a Space NK and asking them to see which Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser you are. They are about £35 but I think they are enough coverage to give you a polished look but not as heavy and made-up as foundations. I've tried loads and keep going back to this one.

There are tonnes of bb creams on the market but also cc(colour correction) ones too, plus foundation, tinted moisturiser etc.. It's a bit of trial and error to get the perfect product for you so I would start off having a look and testing them on your jawline in the shops, you want it to disappear and not really change your skin tone, but brighten it.
You could also try the boots botanics radiance balm, which sort of evens skintone and adds a bit of a glow, just goes on like moisturiser and isn't as heavy as makeup. I buy foundation and on days I just want a bit of coverage mix it with my moisturiser.

I too have never worn foundation but used to use the Oil of Olay tinted moisturiser for years before the BB trend started. I've now switched to Garnier BB cream which needs more attention to blending in well but if you are pale like me, they've now brought out an extra light version which is great. And it's on offer in Boots at the moment so only £6-something (usually £10) so much kinder on budget than the premium brands mentioned. Especially if you need to try a few.

Another vote for Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser. It is expensive but does last me a while, I'm just about to replace the previous one I bought in August last year. It's very natural looking but also buildable.

There's also super cheap Boots Botanics Tinted Moisturiser that gives good coverage but I couldn't get the right match as they only have three shades available.

Bourjois do some nice reasonably priced foundations. It just depends on your skin really, I find foundation very drying.

You could also try mixing a moisturiser with a foundation

I wouldn't even know where to start with the right colour foundation I think I'll go have a play in boots later.

So it shouldn't change my colouring just make me look a bit healthier?

And another vote for Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser. The sales assistant sorted me out with the right shade - I wouldn't have had a clue.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser or Bobbi Brown BB cream for a little more coverage. I get the assistant to match me and then either take a sample or go out and have a look in daylight to make sure the colour is right.

I actually always feel better with a little blush- completely changes how alive I look. Something cream based could be easy to apply although powder has more staying power. Nars is my fav blush brand-something like "Amour" suits many skin colours.

Bourgeois cc cream is my holy grail. It provides good coverage by feels really light and moisturising on the skin, it's brilliant!

I swear by Sensei's Instant Glow. It's so fine you can apply it in the dark, and it makes everyone look healthier. Bad news....... you can only get it in Harrods in the UK.