Foundation advice?

[ReeseWitherfork]

I haven’t worn foundation in years but wouldn’t mind getting some for special events (couple weddings coming up).

I don’t live particularly close to somewhere that I could test out colours. Are there any brands that mail samples?

Also, would love advice on which foundations to potentially aim for. I don’t need a particularly thick coverage, just something to even out my skin tone and cover my pores slightly (they’re not terrible). My skin isn’t particularly oily or dry.

TIA for any tips!

Clinique will refund on foundations bought online (check first on their website) and Bobbi Brown used to do the same (again, check the T&Cs.)

I use Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation which is water based and very light but can be built up for medium coverage.I am very pale and use Ivory or Cool Ivory in summer. They have a quiz on their website to try to help you work out your shade.

Their Foundation Stick is quite good too.

You might like Clinique Even Better foundation which is creamier, but medium coverage.

I find google quite helpful for shade matching. Looking at the swatches on peoples skin or compared to other similar foundations( as they often are when you google) is really helpful. I generally don't need to go into a store anymore to shade match. I just google the foundation - eg " lancome teint idole swatches" or if I'm between two shades " lancome shade 'x' vs 'y'" and there are often comparison images. There are also tools online for working out your match if you already know one that works - findation.com, matchmymakeup etc.

I've recently been using NYX Born to Glow foundation and think its really good (usually use lancome etc) - light medium coverage, not heavy but covers redness, gives a bit of illumination without any greasy feeling, not drying. I think its about £10 so not a huge loss if it doesn't work.

There's people who sell samples on ebay.

I would check out nars sheer glow and no.7 hydraluminous.

So much depends on your skin tone.
I've used Mars SG and also Boots No 7 Hydraluminous.

I'd not go back to Nars. It was ok but didn't glow and their shades are too pink or too yellow for me. I got Gobi which was too yellow but the paler shades are pink toned.

Boots Hydra- lovely texture but only 8 shades (compare with Bobbi Brown and Clinique who have around 30.)

I found Porcelain too pale and Calico too pink/ grey on my skin.
It's a nice light texture and lovely medium coverage but they just don't have enough shades IMO.

Personally I wouldn’t buy foundation “blind” as too easy to get the wrong shade and waste money. The findation type sites are good if you already know what works for you but given you say you haven’t worn any for a while, assume you don’t have anything to base it on. I think make up retailers are missing a trick with this as there must be ways to get a reliable shade matching service using photos or at least sell people samples.

My suggestion would be dcypher. They do personalised foundation based on photos that you submit. You can choose level of coverage etc and they match the shade using your photos. You pay postage and packaging for the sample and if it’s not right they’ll send you another until it is. Then you can use the code to order a full size. Mine was right first time and the quality of the foundation was good. I usually buy Armani luminous silk foundation and I found the dcypher just as good.

Thanks all this is really great advice. I’ll check out some of the foundations matched, do some googling and the dcypher website. The last foundation I used was a beautiful Chanel one about a decade ago but they changed the formula so I just stopped wearing anything. So that’s probably no use. But before then it was a mac one which was a great colour match but way too cakey. So at least I have something to go on.

Clinique even better and even better glow are both lovely. If you know your previous shades have a look on Findation for a new match.

I have worn Clinique for decades. Superbalanced has always been my foundation but I also use their cc cream for lighter coverage. I have good skin so tend to wear this day to day, superbalanced more if I'm going into the office for the day.

I do think you need up go to a counter though.

I use the Charlotte tilbury foundation and love it!

However, I recently went to a spa and they used the mii brand, I am now obsessed!!! It's more natural, just ordered this the other day,

Lisa Eldridge sells sample cards for around £2. You get at least four shades. Foundation is fab.

Mac waterweight is nice and light

chanel les beiges water fresh tint if you're feeling spendy

L'Oréal true match is always a good drugstore one or revlon colourstay