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Why can't I ever get my foundation to look nice?

33 replies

cheeseisthebest · 27/08/2022 17:56

I've tried everything I cleanse, tone and moizturise, I exfoliate. I use a foundation brush which I clean regularly. It goes claggy on and around my nose and on my chin, both chin and nose feel rough and have blackheads and blocked pores. How can I sort this and sort my foundation?

OP posts:
Knowitall2112 · 28/08/2022 02:02

Oh, I forgot to say, I think up until now (mid 40's), at least, I've been able to rely solely on coconut oil to moisturise and massage my face is because I aim to drink around 3 litres of water each day.

AlvieMam · 28/08/2022 09:17

Urban decay all nighter using the urban decay foundation brush, I also use the orange sponge which is around £8 in Superdrug just to get into the sides of my nose and eyes.
I've always struggled to get my foundation perfect and this is what I swear by now! It's amazing

LesserKnownKardashian · 28/08/2022 09:23

Apologies for gate-crashing OP.

@Lydia777 hope you don't mind me piggy-backing on this thread to ask for skincare advice. I have massive open pores - worst on my nose but cheeks, forehead, chin too - all over really. I'm currently using niacinamide at night but I'm not sure it's doing anything. Could you please recommend a product?

YourLipsMyLipsApocalypse · 28/08/2022 10:17

I had this - my foundation sitting in dots on my nose, chin, and forehead, and it was fixed by using a heavier moisturiser; I guess my skin was massively dehydrated.

blockpavingismynightmare · 28/08/2022 10:23

I always use my fingertips to apply foundation. I find they are the best tool for the job. I can feel where it is going and know how much pressure to use around the nose/eyes and it works for me.

Lydia777 · 28/08/2022 13:05

The big thing I would suggest if your budget allows, is to get a prescription with Dermatica. They are an online company of dermatologists who assess your skin through photos and then set up a monthly prescription tailored to your needs. It is supposed to be about £20 a month but a bottle lasts me 2 months easily so I just get it when I need it. My concerns were anti aging and hormonal acne so I am on tretinoin with niacinamide and azelaic acid. I use it about four nights a week.

Apart from this, for the uneven skin, blackheads, open pores etc, I recommend a BHA. Its a chemical exfoliant that you put on at night, maybe once or twice a week - you just put it on a cotton pad and wipe it over a cleansed face and that's it - no other products. I swear by Corsx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid. My skin feels so good the next day.

Not sure what your cleansing routine is but I would avoid any kind of physical exfoliant as they strip your skin and are way too harsh (stick to the BHA to exfoliate). I would use a cream cleanser, followed by some hydrating serum and then a moisturizer. Superdrug do an excellent range - their vitamin e cream cleanser is excellent and their simply pure hydrating serums are also great and all really cheap. I use cerave moisturizer (the big pot) which also is really budget friendly - I wouldn't spend too much on a moisturizer - it's what you put underneath it that matters. I also recommend hyaluronic acid as a serum (I like the Ordinary one) and I would also suggest a nice Vitamin C serum - I am using the Medic 8 one. I use a hydrating spray in between serums - I use the Sukin hydrating mist - it is amazing for adding moisture to your skin and making the serums work well.

Some nights that I am not using tret/BHA, I sometimes use a hydrating mask and an oil with vaseline at the end to seal it in - I like the NO7 hydrating mask and the Ordinary Rosehip oil.

Be careful of products that can clog your pores (vaseline does not, despite what people might think). I would advise against coconut oil for this reason and shea butter in moisturizers.

The cheatsheets on carolinehirons.com are great - I find her product recommendations can be good but always uber expensive - there are great, more budget options out there.

gingertoast · 28/08/2022 13:16

If you're using oil based foundation you need oil based primer. If water based then water based primer

AnchorWHAT · 28/08/2022 15:36

cheeseisthebest · 27/08/2022 19:28

Yes I agree it's a skin issue. Am open to any recommendations

After reading loads on here about it i bought at vast expense paulas choice 2% bha its been a gamechanger for shrinking the pores on my nose.

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