Finding a good foundation? Is it possible? Please recommend some to me!

[toastfiend]

Just that, really.

I have a long-running battle with foundation (whole of my adult life, really, around the time that I started caring about my face being the same colour as my neck). Every foundation I have ever tried has oxidised on my face to some degree and turned me orange. I don't know what it is, I've tried all different moisturisers etc. but within 20 minutes I range in shade from peach to oompa loompa. It's a disaster and I'm really sick of it now.

I've tried Estee Lauder Double Wear, Dior (every kind I could buy, all dreadful), Mac Pro Longwear (I have this at the moment, it's OK ish, but a bit orangey and so thick it makes my face look like a wax dummy. Might have been OK when I was 20, but I don't like the heavy make up look these days and it enhances the fine lines on my forehead), L'Oréal (best of the bunch, weirdly), Rimmel (OK), Benefit (dreadful), Chanel (same results as L'Oréal). What am I missing? I've had them professionally matched at the counter (usually the lightest shade there is), been happy, left the store, and realised I've gone orange again, or that they're cakey, or that my combination skin looks terribly dry under them etc. I think part of it is that my face is a bit weatherbeaten (always outdoors) so looks darker than the very pale skin on my neck anyway, which doesn't help.

I have the Glossier Skin Tint atm, which doesn't go orange and looks lovely initially, but it's not great coverage and my skin has some old blemishes, and it does go a bit patchy throughout the day, so it's only really good for casual wear.

Anyway, this is an exceptionally long-winded way to say that I basically want something that won't go orange, won't make me feel like I've plastered my face but does cover blemishes. I'm after that glowy, dewy, healthy, natural look really. Can anyone help? What would you recommend? I've spent so much money on my quest by this point that I'm happy to pay out a bit more if it's good.

Have you tried using a primer? Kiehls hydro plumping one is good used as primer but very pricey.
For foundation, Nars sheer glow is very good.

IT Cosmetics CC Cream, I get the purple tube (glowy one) but sure there's an oil free and normal version too. It's great coverage but doesn't look like a mask unlike some foundations, specifically EL double wear; etc.

EL Double Wear Nude Water Fresh

I second this.
Totally different to the double wear original

Lancôme teint idole is hands down the best foundation I've ever used - and I've tried A LOT

But no foundation will sit well if you're skin isn't taken care off - drink plenty of water so you are well hydrated, cleanse, moisturiser, acids, serum - work out what your skin needs and go from there

I'm dying to see if anyone had gone for Il Makiage foundation using the online cour matching service? Its a 30 day free returns and I'm tempted going by the colour matching adverts on social media. Would love a 'real life' opinion on it though

Giorgio Armani luminous silk

Too faced born this way is without a doubt the best foundation I've tried.

The Ordinary full coverage foundation is really nice, Clinique super balanced is another good one and Bourjois healthy mix gel foundation is my current go to. Recently been branching out into higher end brands like UD, CT and nars but not dipped into foundations yet! I'm trying to take better care of my skin so I don't need to use as much to justify buying more expensive products.

Too faced born this way, or fenty. Fenty might be a better shout as you can get your undertone matched as well?

Are you setting your foundation with anything? I’ve got a make up revolution one (conceal and define I think) that can go slightly orange but if I’ve got a powder on top it doesn’t.

Agree to make sure your skincare is up to scratch!

I’ve just used the Bobbi Brown live chat for a recommendation- uploaded photo of my face taken in natural light and had foundation and tinted moisturiser shades recommended. Can’t report on success with that yet as hasn’t arrived, but I’ve been told I can return products if colour doesn’t suit.

I had problems with every foundation going until I realised it was my skincare that was the problem and not getting the right shade.

The best foundation I’ve found (and the only one I’ve ever repeat purchased) is Korean- Holika Holika Aqua Petit Jelly BB Cream. It gives more coverage than your standard BB cream but is light, moisturising and makes my skin really glow. The jelly like texture works well for me, it’s not sticky or gloopy and blends really well.

I have combination skin which is annoyingly very oily on my t zone and very dry around my temples. I discovered Urban Decay Stay Naked foundation and I love it. It is pigmented enough to cover blemishes but light enough to not feel cakey and has a very natural looking finish. It also comes in Warm, Cool or Neutral shades - like you I find a lot of foundations go orange on me and cool toned ones make me look ill, so I got for neutral in UD. their website has a great shade matching page.
Another product I love is Erborian BB cream. Its similar to It Cosmetics CC cream but the shade is more neutral and not as warm (I use shade Clair). Its very natural and looks like good skin when you apply it.