Foundation Help! Anything but ELDW!

[MixedUpConfusion]

So I've been using ELDW for a while now. First I was matched with Rattan at the counter. It looks ok from a distance but close up looks really cakey and shows up every pore and just kind of sits on my face like a mask.

I went back and said I think colour is a bit dark for my liking, she then gave me Dawn and although it is slightly lighter, I still don't like the way my skin looks in it! So I've concluded ELDW isn't for me.

I'm looking for something lightweight but with full coverage! Not cakey. Doesn't show all your fine lines and open pores. Something to make me look radiant! (not sparkly radiant... just healthy and glowy).

P.s I always cleanse and moisturise, I scrub once a week, foundation looked equally bad with or without a primer and I use a moistened sponge to apply... 46 with good skin (combination)

I really like Armani Luminous Silk for a bit more coverage, easily builds and leaves a really silky, glowy look.

I can't get on with DW, it makes me feel like I'm wearing a mask.

Tom Ford, the stick one. It's expensive but worth every penny. Full coverage, no caking and makes your skin look soft and glowy. I love it.

Thank you, I'll see if I can try both of these!

No7 airbrushed foundation, or for more long lasting, no7 stay perfect foundation.
Both give a natural glow.
Also, look at the dewy foundation thread.

dewy foundation thread

I keep recommending this:
www.beautybay.com/skincare/perfekt/skinperfectiongel/

It's amazing and you can add more where you need more coverage without it looking cakey or plastered on. It is expensive but worth the money.
House of Fraser have it as well with 1/3 off but it's old stock.

I think all regular foundation looks rubbish on me in comparison.

Has anyone else tried it?

Bobbi Brown has a dewy finish, doesn't sit on your face like a mask.
However it does make you feel very moisturised, some people like that sensation, some don't.
I quite like it though and I have very dry skin so struggle to find foundation that won't cake up around my dry patches.

Do not buy from beautybay! I bought from there, what a pain in the arse to return! Don't do it!

Do you mind if I ask what your skin type is? I can think of several nice, reasonably lightweight full coverage foundations but they wouldn't be the best for dry skin.

Revlon Colourstay is the best I've found, despite my previous foundations costing at least twice as much! The dry skin version is slightly sheerer and more glowy than the oily skin version, but the oily one has more staying power. I like both for different times/contexts!

I absolutely love Mac Pro Longwear. It is so natural looking but with great full coverage and lasts for 24 hours. Brilliant!

And I have dry skin by the way...it's the only foundation that doesn't dry into clumps on my skin

I am also a fan of revlon colorstay. It's often mentioned as a dupe for ELDW, but I tried DW and went back to colorstay as I much preferred it.
Colorstay comes in two formulations, one for oily skin and one for normal/dry skin. Try the one for normal/dry skin, it's not cakey. I also sometimes mix a little liquid highlighter in as I apply it for dewiness

Touche Eclat is lovely.
Bobbi Brown Balm too.

Ditto YSL touch éclat, if you go to the counter they'll normally give you a trial pot if you buy something else

Thanks everyone, some great suggestions here. So glad I asked! I have combination skin, mainly oily, so whatever I use it need a dusting of powder usually (I use Smashbox Halo). Look forward to experimenting!

Ah, you've got skin like me!

I recently tried the new Clinique one, Superbalanced Silk (important distinction cos they have another one called superbalanced which imo isn't as good) and was very impressed (and I've tried A LOT of foundations); It has a lovely finish and lasts really well.

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation (the liquid not the stick) is also very nice and has a good coverage. It's nearly ten quid more than the Clinique one though.

Before buying a high end foundation, ask for a sample and see what it looks like in daylight before making a decision - the lighting in most department stores/large boots is awful.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation is amazing! £29.50 for a bottle, I bought it in February and wear it 6/7 days a week and it's still going strong! Excellent coverage but not at all cakey!!

m.johnlewis.com/clarins-extra-firming-foundation-spf15/105-nude/p/1549283

Clarins extra firming, I can't recommend enough