Please help me pick new make up and primer!

[KateLivesInEngland]

I had my make up done professionally for an event recently and she had loads of new stuff I'd never considered.

I believe she was using some MAC products but not all I don't think, so I'm not sure on individual items.

I am now in the market for primer and a new base (foundation/powder) she used mineral powder on me and I liked it. Never used primer so .... No idea!!

I don't have particularly lovely skin. Large pores and dry areas which makes liquid go a bit cakey and not natural looking, also have a bit of redness too.

I am trying to be a grown up and have just had my first facial and am following a new regime set by my salon so hopefully my skin might improve.

I know if I go into a department store or Boots, whichever counter I choose will push their own stuff on me and won't be impartial so I'm asking you lovely lot.

I went and had make up done by a girl on L'oreal at a Boots recently and the shade of base she put on was way off, even to my untrained eye, which I was very surprised by and isn't giving me any confidence to go and ask "Professionals"

I love Bobbi brown for their bases, I have a powder, serum foundation and foundation stick from them.

Bare minerals is also lovely.

Are there bobbi brown counters? Which stores sell it? Thanks

I would recommend Bare Minerals, too.
I am in my fifties, and had tried a lot of different foundations before finding this.
It's sold in the beauty salon which I go to, and the beautician there showed me how to apply it, and advised which shades I needed.
But I'm sure Bare Minerals counter staff would be equally helpful.
It's sold on QVC and their website has videos of women having Bare Minerals makeovers; it really makes a difference to your skin without looking heavy.

Lanacane anti chafing cream. About £7, best primer I've ever used (supposed to be identical to Smashbox which is about 3 times the price.

Hello, I don't have brilliant skin either but have recently settled on some products that suit my skin and make it look better.

Depends on your budget, but I recommend clarins primer, and Thebalm primer (I get this from amazon)

Personally, after years of searching for the perfect foundation I have given up. I use Thebalm tinted moisturiser. My skin looks so much better and more natural since ditching foundation. I use the light colour and I have pale skin. I put it on after the primer has settled in (which helps hide large pores), and then use Nars light reflecting powder to set.

I'm a recent convert to YSL fusion ink foundation. I also have open pores, redness on cheekbones and dodgy skin. This makes it look so much better.
Underneath, I either use Mac primer (v old, no idea of name), nothing, or both No 7 Advanced P&P serum AND day cream. Vital to do both for me, deals with redness, and gives a good base.

Thanks so much, I will look up the suggestions.

Budget is not too bad, I could afford to splurge if needs be but I am wary of buying products without being able to test them first as have wasted a ton of money in the past.