Foundation settling into pores.

[BlueSlice]

A few hours after I’ve applied it, my foundation starts settling into my pores and looks like it’s come off of some small patches. (It’s not a good look!)

I’m using a primer first and then powder to set. I tried it without powder and the same thing happens.

I love this foundation so much in every single other way way; it’s hydrating, it doesn’t give me cakey creased eyes, but still has strong coverage. Is there any way to avoid this or do I need to switch foundation altogether?

Sorry, I forgot to mention it’s Max Factor Radiant Lift.

Primer is Clinique Pep Start Hydroblur Moisturiser

Or I sometimes use Max Factor Miracle Prep Primer (Illuminating+Hydrating)

This started happening to me this year, much to my distress. Various primers haven't helped - the only thing that has, is moisurising then applying a BB or CC cream fairly soon after.

Which is annoying as I have several different foundations gathering dust in the cupboard because they now all make me look like I have reverse freckles

What are you applying your foundation with?
I highly recommend Laura Mercier Primer or MAC Prep n Prime

Thanks both!

I’m applying it with a beauty blender @Blondie1984 I tried applying it with my fingers and it was worse. I have foundation brushes but haven’t used them with this foundation to know if it helps, but could give it a go.

What is it specifically about those products you like? I’m a bit worried I’ll pay loads for more (expensive) product and have the same thing happen!

So annoying isn’t it @noodlezoodle ! I’ve been reading about it possibly being an age thing? It seems to just suddenly start happening to some people I their 30s and 40s. (I’m 33 if that means anything.)Thanks for the BB/CC comment - I have a BB cream I like so I’ll switch to that for a while. But I don’t want to lose foundation altogether 😭

I have the same problem OP. Depending on the foundation, sometimes applying with fingers and applying inwards (eg. from sides of nose inwards towards centre of nose) helps. Have you tried applying a bit of translucent powder before foundation? Sounds nuts, I know, but it can work well depending on the foundation.

I also agree that this happens less with lighter formulations like BB creams than with actual foundations.

@BlueSlice I like them (especially the Laura Mercier one) as they go on and blend really easily, don't feel heavy on my skin and seem to make my makeup look better and last longer than the days where I forget to wear it. Also I have quite a lot of open pores and I think it makes them look less obvious.
If I have the choice I prefer the LM one but the Mac one is good too - as is the Benefit one come to think of it and you can get that on QVC, try it and send it back if you don't like it so maybe an option?

Also I would try giving brushes a go - I've used a beauty blender, sponge and my fingers in the past but I think I get the best results with a brush - you do need to really take the time to blend it though

Have you tried a powder foundation like bare minerals?

I never hot on with liquid ones for the same reason. But if you do need to use it up, then make sure you don't put a lot of face creams and apply lightly. Too much and it will settle. Then bake or set with powder.

But seriously give mineral foundation a try. It has solved this issue for me.

Try Estee Lauder double wear or double wear light. If your spending on primer and other stuff just buy a decent foundation.

@BlueSlice, yes, it's really annoying, and I do think it's an age thing - I'm 46. I like the Erborian anti-redness CC cream because I also have rosacea (thanks, skin) and it's quite buildable and not at all sheer.

While I know it's mostly my skin, I did try one of those weird facebook ad foundations recently, and that doesn't seem to settle in the same way, or at least it takes a very long time to do so. So it's not all foundations.

Brushes or sponge applicators don't seem to make much of a difference for me.

I find powder is better at not settling in pores as much as liquid foundation but dont like the powdery look. I use Bare Minerals, are there any others that may be less powdery?

I have massive pores and Maybelline matte mousse foundation blurs the feckers out and doesn't settle into them.

Maybelline Fit Me matte and poreless.

I tried all kinds of primer, double wear and Chanel foundations before finding this that doesn’t sink into pores.

OOH I haven't tried that one Stripes .... I think Maybelline are brilliant at foundation. I have tried very expensive brands and they are not a patch on this brand.

@noodlezoodle did your pores become more prominent later in age noodle? Just asking because I've always had them

I've tried many a foundation but for the last 3 years or so L'Oréal infallible 24 hours has been my go to. It doesn't completely mask the pores but you'd have to be really close to my face to see them and it definitely doesn't make them look worse!

@classicBritishMum I've always had them and they don't LOOK any bigger to me, but they definitely get make-up in them in a way they never have before. My skin has got a lot drier as I've got older so it's maybe related to that?

I might give the Loreal Infallible a try!

Thanks for the Maybelline tip stripes. I bought some yesterday with the matching powder and I like it. It's a bit of a challenge to choose the right shade (there are so many and you can't test make up in shops now) so the one I got is a bit on the light side but I really like the look and feel of it. It definitely doesn't sit in pores.