Help me find the right foundation

[snowdropsandcrocuses]

I'm early 40's with some fine lines and dryish skin. I've always just used max factor foundation but it doesn't really do what I need anymore.

I would like a foundation that is moisturising, doesn't dry out the skin, medium coverage and not cakey.

I don't want to spend a fortune on high end brands as I can't afford it.

Also do I need a primer? I've never used one because I have no idea if it's right for more mature skin or not.

Gone are the days when I could slap on some heather shimmer lipstick and think I look a million dollars!!

I think once you hit your 40s that foundation just doesn't work any more.

I use BB cream and then concealer...no powder as it highlights everything...you could try a primer. They are good but I'm just too busy and find BB cream does the job. It blurs imperfections. I use a high quality concealer as I have a few red marks....I use Kryolan concealer wheel....but you might not need such good coverage.

Then some blusher.

I'm a big fan of Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser. I've recently been using a La Roche Posay BB Cream that I am impressed by.

I have the opposite problem to you - oily skin - but having done some research recently, people say great things about L'Oréal true match so that's worth looking into. If your skin is dry, be careful with powder; use it sparingly.

You could use a primer but l would invest in a good quality moisturiser instead. Spf is a must.

I’m younger but with very dry sensitive skin and have found IT cosmetics CC cream to be the best for going on smoothly and not drying out skin further plus it has SPF 50

@FortunesFave

I think once you hit your 40s that foundation just doesn't work any more.

I use BB cream and then concealer...no powder as it highlights everything...you could try a primer. They are good but I'm just too busy and find BB cream does the job. It blurs imperfections. I use a high quality concealer as I have a few red marks....I use Kryolan concealer wheel....but you might not need such good coverage.

Then some blusher.

So you use foundation first then concealer afterwards? I've never really got on with concealer but again I think I've only really had cheap ones that are too light or bad shades. I really need to drag myself out of the 90's!

@FortunesFave

I think once you hit your 40s that foundation just doesn't work any more.

I use BB cream and then concealer...no powder as it highlights everything...you could try a primer. They are good but I'm just too busy and find BB cream does the job. It blurs imperfections. I use a high quality concealer as I have a few red marks....I use Kryolan concealer wheel....but you might not need such good coverage.

Then some blusher.

I think you might be right for the most part. A BB Cream might be the answer for more regular use but I was thinking there must've a foundation for more occasional use when you want a bit more coverage without looking crinkly and cakey

@snowdropsandcrocuses what you need is No 7 protect and perfect 🙌 and it's spf 50!!

No7 hydraluminous might be a good match for you. I have combination skin and it sits nicely in both my dry and greasier areas.

I'm 47, I only wear bb cream now . I'm always told I look young so I think this helps . Foundation just makes you look older IME!

Mac Face and Body.

Light enough for minimal coverage. Buildable for medium.

Overlooked and underrated. But there’s a reason it’s been around for nearly 30 years….

IT cosmetics cc cream is fab. Really good coverage, dewy finish and lasts well. I only powder down my "t-zone" I use it with cream/liquid blush to keep the dewy/fresh finish
Primer is a must for me and I really rate the rimmel one with a red lid, it's illuminating of done description

Trinny London BB cream is amazing

Another vote for No 7 Hydroluminous. I prefer it to Estée Lauder Double Wear - aside from the price, it's too cake-y.

This one is really great. Good coverage, moisturising not cakey. Lasts all day.

I love The Ordinary Serum foundation ; it gives a lovely glowy finish. With the Silicone Primer underneath it lasts all day and looks perfect.

Really affordable and a huge range of shades.

Some really good suggestions here thank you all.

Now to work out what shade I am without visiting a hundred beauty counters (which I loathe)

Definitely give the It Cosmetics CC cream a try . They give samples in larger Boots stores. I haven't used anything else for about five years . I'm 57 and often complimented on my skin . I wouldn't be without it .

Bourjois healthy mix serum with the red lid if they still make it. So easy to slap on and doesn’t dry out like some do but still covers redness/blemishes well

Hydra luminous no7 does
What it says on the tin
£15 ish boots

Not cakey , suitable for most skins , decent coverage , buildable if you need more coverage in certain areas

Bit blusher . Done