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Good cheap foundation

35 replies

SatsumasAndFrazzles · 02/04/2017 11:40

I'm knocking on 40 and since moving to a house with really good lighting, I've noticed my pores are quite big and my foundation just sits in them. I'm on a tight budget so can't afford a separate pore minimiser too. I find the mousse ones don't really sit well so I'd prefer a liquid. Any tips?

OP posts:
Sparkletastic · 02/04/2017 11:58

I swear by Bourjois Healthy Mix - it's about a tenner. I've got oily skin and massive pores and it works a treat as blends beautifully and perks skin tone up.

Hairq · 02/04/2017 12:11

I always think the Maybelline matte mousse one in the jar is a good cheap foundation.

MrsDoylesTeabags · 02/04/2017 12:14

I like Maybelline fit me, loads of shades and great for oily skin

RedMetamorphosis · 02/04/2017 12:15

Came on to say the Bourjois one. I flick between that and an expensive Armani one and love them equally.

RedBugMug · 02/04/2017 12:15

no7 intelligent colour.

StylishDuck · 02/04/2017 12:51

The No7 matte finish one is good. It's about £10 but they nearly always have 3 for 2 offers on. Get colour matched too.

TisMeTheLadFromTheBar · 02/04/2017 12:57

You need a good primer rather than a different foundation. Primark/Pennies do one fairly cheap. It's basically a thick cream layer to fill in any wrinkles/pores and makes makeup last longer. Apply it evenly before using your foundation. Use oil free based foundation so it lasts longer and doesn't cause spots/blocked pores. Translucent /matt powder to remove shine.

Itsnothingoriginal · 02/04/2017 13:12

I really like Maybelline 'Fit Me' as well. Was recommended to me on Mrs Goss and I've never looked back! I have the matte one which is brilliant - the only foundation that's ever lasted all day on my oily skin.

Logoplanter · 02/04/2017 17:01

I like both the Gosh foundation drops and Bourjois 123 perfect CC cream. I prefer the Gosh one but not because it's better just because the brand is cruelty free which I'm trying to change over to.

I've discovered both go on much better if I use a damp beauty blender so it may be worth trying this with your current foundation first.

Ellapaella · 02/04/2017 17:34

I have the bourgeois healthy mix and it is good but I don't think it lasts very long. I really like L'Oréal Infallible (the one in the glass jar not the tube) - I am a big Estée Lauder double wear fan but can't wear it everyday as it gives me spots (it's too thick) and I find the loreal one is comparable to double wear in terms of coverage and longevity.

DoraChance · 02/04/2017 17:38

After years with Clinique and Laura Mercier I recently bought Maybelline Dream Satin and I'm really impressed - I think it works just as well for me...

highinthesky · 02/04/2017 17:45

No 7 Beautifully Matte works well for me, but provides thicker coverage than I need. I could go for the light version, but I get a decent result by mixing the standard one with my moisturiser 1:1 before applying.

Before that I used Revlon Colorstay for nearly 20 years. I only stopped because the shade that suited me altered. I still use any leftover very occasionally, again mixed in with plenty of moisturiser to give a better colour match.

MrsMackenzo · 02/04/2017 17:48

L'Oreal Infallible Matte foundation (admittedly it is a mousse, but it's so worth it!). It's only a tenner, if that, and has the ability to cover up tattoos it's that good. It sits quite heavy on your skin though, so you only need the tiniest amount.

Also see Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid. Pretty lightweight, has a lovely flawless finish and is only around £8!

LadyOfTheCanyon · 02/04/2017 18:17

L'Oreal foundations are really good- so are Bourjois. A good primer will make even the cheapest foundation last and look a bit better though so might be worth considering if you can stretch to both.

StephenKatz · 02/04/2017 18:18

Another vote for Maybeline Fit me

Flyinggeese · 02/04/2017 18:22

Hey OP best advice I have is to use a buffing brush over the foundation in circular movements, if you don't already. I've found that a good technique, whatever foundation, to avoid pores showing.

Leanin15yearsmaybe · 02/04/2017 18:24

Rimmel, the liquid one with the red top, is the only one that doesn't sit in my pores. It's £6-7

MrsMackenzo · 02/04/2017 18:24

BTW I would definitely advise using a primer, it really does make a world of difference. Either splash out a bit and buy a pricier one that will last you a while or get a cheaper one - Collection do some fantastic primers for under a fiver, and there are specific pore minimising ones too.

dementedma · 02/04/2017 18:25

I switched from a BB cream to Boots No7 which was matched for me by a sale assistant with a wee machine thingy. Cool beige. It's made a huge difference to how I look.

HarrietSchulenberg · 02/04/2017 18:33

I use Rimmel with the blue top. It's not heavy yet covers my rosacea. I dust some pressed powder over it a few mins after I've put it on and it gives me a natural-looking coverage.
Costs about £7.

SatsumasAndFrazzles · 02/04/2017 19:05

Thanks everyone! Some good tips here. I've tried one or two already but I'll give some of the others a go. I've wondered about Primark make up TisMe so I'll try it, if my local one has it.

Flying that's a good tip! A friend told me to sort of pat it gently on with my fingertips, rather than just splodging it on like I used to. But I'll get a brush and see how I go.

OP posts:
StealingYourWiFi · 02/04/2017 19:11

I usually wear the MAC studio fix fluid but I bought the Primark £3 one on Friday. It is SPOT ON! A complete dupe. It has exactly the same staying power and coverage. I'm going to stock up Grin

StealingYourWiFi · 02/04/2017 19:12

agreed with using a primer (I use STILA 3 step or Maybelline baby skin) and a good brush, I like a stippling brush and pat it in.

Anasnake · 02/04/2017 19:13

Aldi's Lacura range is fab

MrsDoylesTeabags · 02/04/2017 19:49

I went to the No7 Counter and tried the match me thingy, I really liked the foundation but it oxidised horribly , how can I sort that out cause I ove the feel but don't want to look like an umpa lumpa! Should I just ask for a lighter shade, or is there something I can apply to stop it happening?