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Foundation recommendations

26 replies

Starpop · 04/04/2023 16:32

Hi I've been using the same budget foundation for years! Rimmel London Lasting Radiance Foundation in shade soft beige. I'm getting older, almost 40 and I think I need something better. Trouble is I have no idea where to start. I don't want to end up spending a lot buying a different one and not liking how it looks.
I have no large department stores near by that I can go and try some either.

can I have your recommendations please, and what you like about them

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Brunilde · 04/04/2023 17:23

Mac face and body. My MUA used it for my wedding and I've never gone back. Buildable so I can apply it quite shear if I want which I mainly do. Not cake. Gives a good finish, not matt but not greasy looking either.

Starpop · 04/04/2023 19:46

Brunilde · 04/04/2023 17:23

Mac face and body. My MUA used it for my wedding and I've never gone back. Buildable so I can apply it quite shear if I want which I mainly do. Not cake. Gives a good finish, not matt but not greasy looking either.

Thank you, any ideas how I can find my shade? Get a sample to try? I've looked on the website but seems risky to spend that much on potentially a shade that doesn't suit me

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YouveGotToGrooveIt · 04/04/2023 20:23

No idea (sorry!) but the lack of sample options for online buyinh foundations is shocking!

Revolution did little packs of 6 shades, all within a close range, that you could try first. Not sure if they still do but I really wish more brands did this.

difficultdifficultlemondifficult · 04/04/2023 20:35

Estée Lauder double wear , I've used it for years and wouldn't switch to anything else

I went to a counter in boots to get a colour match now I just buy it online wherever it seems to be on offer at the time.

So1invictus · 05/04/2023 06:53

What kind of skin do you have, and what coverage do you like?
Full? Light? Matte? Glowy?

whodafucisalice · 05/04/2023 07:18

I found Estée Lauder double wear too thick and heavy. Recently went to boots and got a number 17 one matched to my skin type and colour and I love it. Cheap too. Less than £20!

embarrassed23 · 05/04/2023 07:34

If you want a good coverage Matt foundation- Estée Lauder double wear or revlon colourstay (which is much cheaper). For a dewy glow I love to add elf halo glow liquid filter over the top of any foundation it is beautiful!

Rainmakerof69 · 05/04/2023 07:47

What is wrong with your current foundation?
I find findation.com is good for colur matching.
If you have a Boots nearby they have a gadget to match your foundation. Their Hydraluminous foundation is excellent.

missmoon · 05/04/2023 07:59

I was also coming to recommend Findation, it will tell your equivalent shade in many other brands: https://findation.com/

In case it helps, I’m in my mid-40s, and after years of using a full coverage foundation (Lancome Teint Idole mainly) I’ve now switched to a much lighter CC cream, which gives me some blurring / light coverage, but doesn’t show up fine lines. I’m using Erborian CC cream (red correct version), but almost every brand has something similar. Nars light reflecting foundation is also meant to be good.

Most makeup websites will allow you to try and return lightly used foundation products, it will be be in their returns policy (or if not, it’s worth asking via their customer service e-mail, in my experience they usually agree).

Findation.com | Foundation color matching for MAC, Revlon, Makeup Forever and more

Findation.com finds your perfect foundation color match in all liquid, mineral, loose and pressed foundations.

https://findation.com/

LeatherSkirt82 · 05/04/2023 08:29

6m ago I switched to Il Makiage - their online matching algorithm really worked for me and the foundation is excellent - buildable. I’m 41.

thegrain · 05/04/2023 08:32

I would try findation. Then either take a punt on an affordable option or try and get a sample off ebay. I've had NARS samples from there before.

Starpop · 05/04/2023 09:58

So1invictus · 05/04/2023 06:53

What kind of skin do you have, and what coverage do you like?
Full? Light? Matte? Glowy?

I have combination skin, I like medium coverage and dewy

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SilverGlitterBaubles · 05/04/2023 16:13

Clinique Even Better make up is my go to right now

Menopants · 05/04/2023 16:15

I also recommend elf halo glow. It’s all I use.

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 06/04/2023 08:09

difficultdifficultlemondifficult · 04/04/2023 20:35

Estée Lauder double wear , I've used it for years and wouldn't switch to anything else

I went to a counter in boots to get a colour match now I just buy it online wherever it seems to be on offer at the time.

Me too,it's amazing.

thegrain · 06/04/2023 08:10

Starpop · 05/04/2023 09:58

I have combination skin, I like medium coverage and dewy

Do not go for double wear then

Try nars sheer glow

Nix32 · 06/04/2023 08:14

I've just started using L'Oréal true match nude plumping tinted serum. Buildable and really light, and really easy to apply.

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 06/04/2023 08:16

thegrain · 06/04/2023 08:10

Do not go for double wear then

Try nars sheer glow

Estee lauder Futurist is dewy.

PrinceHaz · 06/04/2023 08:24

Every higher end make up counter in Boots, John Lewis etc will have what you’re looking for. I usually have Nars and have just swapped to Laura Mercier as I was impressed by how the product glided on.
My tip is to go into a large make up hall and look at the staff on the counters. Go up to someone who’s make up you like and ask them to colour match you for foundation.

Starpop · 06/04/2023 08:29

Thanks everyone great advice, findation seems to need me to put more than one foundation in to get the best results. Also nars sheer glow or Mac don't appear on my list. I wish they did sample swatches you could try before your buy online!

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Starpop · 06/04/2023 08:31

PrinceHaz · 06/04/2023 08:24

Every higher end make up counter in Boots, John Lewis etc will have what you’re looking for. I usually have Nars and have just swapped to Laura Mercier as I was impressed by how the product glided on.
My tip is to go into a large make up hall and look at the staff on the counters. Go up to someone who’s make up you like and ask them to colour match you for foundation.

I would but there are non close by to me, nearest is about a two hour car journey and with a new baby I just can't prioritise that. If I happen to be somewhere with one I'll definitely go try but was hoping to treat myself to a new foundation now as my latest rimmel is running out and I have some birthday money :)

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sixfoot · 06/04/2023 08:32

Try erborian CC - beautiful coverage and dewy finish

Starpop · 06/04/2023 08:43

Rainmakerof69 · 05/04/2023 07:47

What is wrong with your current foundation?
I find findation.com is good for colur matching.
If you have a Boots nearby they have a gadget to match your foundation. Their Hydraluminous foundation is excellent.

Can't quite put my finger on what's wrong with it, other than been using it for years and my skin/ face has changed with aging and recently had a baby so lots of sleepless nights etc so I feel I need to upgrade

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cherrypied · 06/04/2023 08:50

No 7 hydraluminous is really good

Really affordable especially if you get it on a deal. Often two for £20 and a free gift

If you can get to a no 7 counter they will colour match you. Most medium sized boots have this not the ones with a beauty counter

Eastcoaster · 06/04/2023 16:03

L’Oreal Pro Glow foundation is one of the best I’ve tried even compared to more expensive ones. I also have combination skin. It stays on really well throughout the day without going too oily, is medium coverage and gives skin a lovely glow without looking heavy. Can only buy it on Amazon though so not great for trying to get a colour match. I just googled shade swatches for it managed to find the best one.