Foundation help

[Greebosmum]

I am 62, never been interested in make up or clothes. I have realised I look better with a little blusher and lippy but my skin is not that good. I would like to wear some concealer and foundation for special occasions but, I have never found one that doesn't make my eyes water which defeats the object really. Any tips on a brand that might not do this? I don't know what else you might need to know so will answer any questions as and when they arise. Thank you.

I love no.7 as an intro to makeup. It’s very good for sensitive skin. They have a great range of shades to suit your skin tone and will happily advise you on the best one for you. If you can pick a quiet time and hit a boots, ask the sales women to advise you.
Light or Medium coverage will be your friend. Heavy is for people with no wrinkles.

Most make up counters with a sales person will give you a sample to try at home - this is crucial! You need to see what the colour is doing for you under normal, not shop, lighting.

You will need a primer, it will smooth out the skin and make the foundation stick.

My 79 yr old mum uses no.7, but it makes me (40 with clear skin) break out in spots. I love benefit (£), or Bobbi brown (very ££). Or Aldi when it’s in stock.

this is the budget guide! If you want to spend more do say!

Tinted moisturiser or CC cream might be better than foundation

I love No 7 too.

It'll be the SPF making your eyes water. It's largely useless in such small quantities, so not sure why the beauty world think it's so important to add it!
What is your skin type and what look do you like? Matt, dewy? A slight dew can make older skin look fresher imo.

I'm not a fan of CC BB creams I find they slip and the coverage is too low - prefer a foundation like Armani radiant silk, which is medium coverage and buildable (and no SPF). If you don't like a slight dew then any medium coverage.
I think (but don't know for sure) that most cheaper foundations have SPF - how much are you looking to spend?

I hadn't thought about slippage. I sometimes use it for everyday and probably don't think about it too much.
The SPF is in the product so that you buy it. The only time I found that a basic product really did need a SPF was if you go somewhere hot and sunny - you need a lipsalve with a good SPF or your lips burn

Thank you all so much. I think a dewey look is what I'm after. It will have to be a budget version as I am retiring soon. I think going to Boots for a bit of a looking at is a good shout. That's my next bit of time off work sorted.

Agree with pp - go for spf free. Also don't apply it right up to your waterline

Whoops, missed a question. I think I have normal to dry skin. Can you tell I have never paid any attention to this stuff.

Grey hair, grey eyes. Always have a good cut and have my eyebrows and lashes sorted out every few weeks. Try to dress in a youthful but age appropriate way. Its just now begining to dawn on me that my poor neglected face needs some love and attention.

Yes, a dewy finish is great for dryer skin.
I think you have two options, go to a beauty counter; have a professional colour/shade match and get some advice - and if budget allows treat yourself, with a view to picking up cheaper copies later down the line.
Or do the same but ask for samples and do a little research on dupes.
Either way you'll need some advice on getting the right colours and application.
Everyone has different techniques, I don't take foundation past the under eye area as I like a brightening concealer and if you layer concealer on foundation it can crease - this technique might help you with the watery eye sitch!
Good luck OP - would love to hear what you end up with.

I use Nivea tinted moisturiser, I find all foundation too heavy

I find a BB cream good. It doesn't slip about if I use a brush to apply it (which I never did for foundation). I used to wear full coverage foundation, but I find it less flattering as I get older (I'm in my early 50s). I use pretty cheap stuff like Max Factor, Rimmel, No7, as I don't find that expensive brands are any better.