Make up counter/foundation questions

[Nicolabodeux]

Hello looking for some advice. I'm 50 and still struggling to find a decent foundation. Tried so many, budget to high-end without any joy. I'm going to a fancy event soon and wondered if anyone can recommend a brand/make up counter that can properly advise me. Before Christmas I encountered a reasonably furious lady on the Clinique counter who wasn't much help so I'm a bit wary. Came away with Even Better but I find it doesn't lasts very long. My issues are some broken veins on my cheeks and that kind of orange peel effect going on with my pores. If all that could be disguised without looking like a death mask that would be ideal. I'm currently using No 7 Hydraluminous over Benefit Porefessional but again not very long lasting.
Also any ideas what I can do with my huge stash of barely used failures? Ideally I would like to donate them somewhere helpful. Thanks

Instead of going to a counter can you afford a makeup artist (read reviews first and get someone that works with mature skin) to come to you and teach you how to apply base? It’s an outlay that will pay for itself over and over once you’ve found the magic combination that works for you.

I'm not aware of anywhere that would want opened and used cosmetics, just because of the hygiene issue. Shame though isn't it and feels a waste. I think all you could do is offer them to friends or family if they would want them.

What is your skin type and what kind of coverage and finish are you looking for foundation wise? Perhaps someone here can advise something. I've never had any luck at makeup counters personally and always find it incredibly awkward at best.

I'm still searching for the perfect foundation OP. I think my favourite ever was Estee Lauder Double Wear Light but they discontinued it for some unfathomable reason.
The issues you're describing (open pores, broken capillaries) I would deal with concealer and primer.

Hello,
Your skin sounds similar to mine and I love dior forever glow. Its buildable so you can apply extra where you want / need it.

Re beauty counters, these are my tricks. I go when it's quiet and dress reasonably smartly. I go to the highest end store possible that stocks the brand (typically costs same, but staff are better trained). I approach one who has make up I like, then explain I'm looking for a new foundation, explain what I want, and then ask in advance if she can put some on me, let me see what it looks like under different light and after a couple of hours. No one has ever said no (and typically I get offered a full face of slap!). If I like it I go back to same counter (personal rule of mine), ideally find the same person but if not ask to pass on my thanks.

Re part used cosmetics, if its a pump action, or something where you can get a completely new surface, ie eyeliner that can be sharpened, I've used free cycle or posted here. There are always takers.

Good luck and have fun finding something perfect xx

Just reread my post, if I love it I return to same counter to buy.
I feel under no obligation to buy at the time because I've asked in advance if I can try something then go away and see how it works for me xx

I think that you need to get samples and don’t buy until you get samples and have tried them out at home throughout a typical day.

Get some primer and some finishing powder. See if that helps

Is your face oily? Or do you keep rubbing it?

Only apply with brushes and Dan on blend blend blend and ensure a smooth surface underneath with primer always

I do love Dior glow but out of interest how do you make yours stay on? I find it transfers on to things and doesn't last as long as other foundations. Do you use a powder?

The description of broken capillaries and “orange peel” on your cheeks intrigues me because I had a “duh” moment recently and realised it was rosacea which I’m now attempting to deal with.

I’m a total foundation whore and have about 15 - I’ve never been let down at a Chanel counter (or product), Dior foundation is amazing (counter staff hit and miss) - and for cheap and cheerful, Revlon is the best - but ranges limited in the UK.

For primers I like urban decay best and I also use their setting spray.

I worked as a Clinique consultant for 15 years some many years ago 😁 (and then for Chanel).

It sounds like it might be more a case of not enough exfoliating if you’ve got a bumpy texture going on and make up isn’t lasting. Look for something with a salicylic acid or glycolic acid in it - Clinique will try to sell you their clarifying lotion for this purpose but you can buy lots of things from Boots or Superdrug that will do the same thing.

These are things I use and rate -

Nip + Fab Glycolic Acid Night Pads for Face with Salicylic, Hyaluronic Acid, Exfoliating Resurfacing AHA Facial Pad for Skin Toning Blemish Control Pigmentation, 100 Supersize Pads, Extreme amzn.eu/d/aK3xXsY

: CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream for Rough and Bumpy Skin 340g with Salicylic Acid and 3 Essential Ceramides amzn.eu/d/0p9r5CN

Cerave do a smoothing cleanser to go along with this that is amazing too.

Cetaphil PRO Night Cream, 50ml, Moisturiser For Sensitive & Redness Prone Skin, With Vitamin E (Packaging May Vary) amzn.eu/d/ilt7sJI

(if the redness is a main issue this may be good instead).

With the redness on your cheeks you would be better to use a concealer (any basic one in a good skin match) on that area and then use a lightweight foundation over the rest of your skin, that way it will avoid being cakey. NYX glow foundation is particularly good. Use a loose yellow based powder (not pink) over the top to keep redness at bay.

No advice on product recs but you can sell your stuff on Depop or vinted.

Loads of people buy barely used foundation (I have) and other makeup. You could charge minimal to nothing and the buyer simply has to pay postage.