Foundation shopping today and dreading it! Which brands should I visit?

[sunshinechaser]

I'm meeting pals today in town and I was going to use the opportunity to nip into some shops to try and get a new foundation beforehand. Dreading it! The last time I went to Dior the assistants weren't that friendly. Same with Bobbi Brown. There's just so much choice I'm overwhelmed and don't want to waste my money on the wrong colour or texture of foundation.
I currently use the L'Oréal nude serum foundation which I like but I have an oily t zone and by midday I'm like an oil slick. I also use It cosmetics CC cream but I feel it clings to my dry areas as I use tretinoin and sometimes get the odd flaky patch which isn't evident until I apply foundation.
Any recommendations for brands I could try today to narrow down my search?

Watching with interest I find the amount of choice completely overwhelming so haven't bought any for some time.

Try putting your current foundation into Findation. It's a foundation matching site that will give you similar shades to your current foundation.

As to texture and oil breakout during the day, that's a little trickier. Bring your own small sample pots (Primark sell them) and don't be bullied into buying on the day. I have to test foundations before buying, many oxidise or are not the correct shade.

Do you use a primer or setting spray? They can help extend the wear of your foundation.

Eborian is really good (the CC and BB cream), especially for the skin you’ve described, I have the same. I wasn’t impressed with Dior or Hourglass, both made my skin look dry and flaky. Lisa Eldridge is good if you want light coverage, but can bit a bit on the dry side. One of the best for me, and also on the cheaper side is Fenty Eaze Drops. Lots of shades, light but substantial coverage, no drying. It looks like my skin but my skin 20yrs ago!! They have a wide selection in Boots.

Also, you could get some translucent powder just for your oily zones, I have one from Vieve and it lasts all day, you only need a dab.

I love the boots number 7 range, affordable and choices for different skin types. The assistants are helpful on the no7 counters if they have them in store too.

Also be confident, you're spending your own money and it's their loss if they're snotty cows to you. Most Sales Assistants are reasonable people but occasionally you get a few that will put you off.

Try SpaceNK. I've always found them to helpful there and they're not pushing a single brand.

I never go to counters which are only selling their own brand, I always go to shops where the assistants can recommend the best brand for my skin and I can try various ones. Space NK is particularly good for that and will give you sample pots of the brands you like so you can try them for a couple of days each and see which ones work best for you over the course of the day. Then you can pop back in or buy from them online. Definitely don’t buy a new foundation based on the 2 minutes you see it on you in the shop!

I like Clinique, I have a 2 or 3 different ones. They will give you a little sample to take away to try if you ask (Boots is where I usually go, or John Lewis).

Thanks everyone. I'll try Space NK but the last time I went there they didn't have any tester pots so good shout to bring my own. I've got lots at home.
I really fancy trying the Lisa Eldridge skin tint or foundation but annoyingly the testers for light to mediation skin are always out of stock online.
I use primer- have tried almost every brand possible and nothing wows me. I use powder on my t zone (Laura Mercier) and sometimes use setting spray (Charlotte Tilbury or Urban Decay).

Agree with Space NK. Or maybe Bare Minerals.

I agree - I’ve tried different brands but always come back to Clinique

If you don’t find anything today, perhaps consider ordering a sample of Lily Lolo foundation. My skin is a bit like yours and while it doesn’t keep shine at bay all day, it performs better than most. Doesn’t oxidise either.

Go to Mac and get your foundation number. Then when you want to try a new one Google the equivalent eg 'what shade Maybelline for NW20 skin.' Saved myself a fortune doing this.

Good idea @LoafofSellotape.

Elf foundations are very good

I'm not usually a foundation fan but I recently got the lisa eldridge skin tint which is very good and lots of positive reviews!

There's also a site called Findation- great name- that matches you from one brand to another

I’ve just found my dream foundation. It’s the YSL all hours foundation. It is so smooth and easy to apply, is matt but not thick and cakey and lasts well on my oily t-zone all day. It doesn’t transfer onto clothes either. It just makes me look like I have nice skin. I’m in my 40s and beginning to get more saggy wrinkles and this doesn’t sink in and crease either.

I went to Sephora and was shown a few brands there and the assistants were lovely.

Just trying out the new Soft Glam one, so far so good. I'm a die hard Double Wear fan but this went on an absolute dream and the shade is better for me. Really hope it last through the day 🤞 @

I’ve had good experiences with Bare minerals and MAC staff helping me with a foundation

That only works if you already know your skin shade.

Yes you put the shade you are in one brand and it matches you to another.

Obviously if you've never worn foundation it wouldn't work.

I didn't have a huge amount of time so I just went to Mac and Space NK and staff were great. I have a sample pot from MAC, a Nars light reflecting one (looks a bit too warm for me though) and a Vieve Skin Nova one.
I fancy trying the Elf one too as it's supposed to be great so I'll try Findation for that. Thanks all!

Hi @sunshinechaser , I know you've been shopping but please watch Erica Taylor on Instagram, I swear by her recommendations for skin and make up
I have the Nars foundation and I quite like it. Charlotte Tilbury also do a good one xx