Foundation settling into pores and fine lines - any advice please?

[Sunnysummers]

I was reasonably happy with my foundation until I looked in the mirror with my reading glasses on 😱. Pores like craters with foundation absorbed in and where I have fine lines (say nose to mouth) foundation caked. It was like looking in an extra strong magnifying mirror! I’m mid fifties and yes, I have some lines but thought they were fine, probably have a loss of volume in my face.

This is probably a ridiculous question but is what I see with my glasses on what everyone else sees or are others seeing what I see when I stand back from the mirror which is makeup lightly applied and looking okay. If it’s the former, then what do I do to fix it? I can’t go out looking like this!!!! Help!

I’ve recently been asking myself the same questions and I’m 40. It might be worth making sure you have really hydrated skin, mild cleanser, a hydrating toner, serum, moisturiser. Do you use some sort of acid at all like BHA or AHA? But to be honest most of it is just down to natural texture of the skin and the makeup on top will often enhance that. I have to step back from the mirror to see what it looks like from talking distance because I don’t think most people are examining our faces like we do our own.

All foundation does this to me except Estee Lauder DW and Elf Soft Glam ( which I like but it doesn't last)

You need primer

I often feel bamboozled with all of the info out there as to what best to do, what’s the best procedure and the best products…. I’m still none the wise tbh. What I can say for sure though is less is more as we age. I use the minimal amount of foundation for coverage. I also use primer and that seems to soften the pores.

This suddenly happened to me a few years ago. I changed to mousse foundation and use a sponge to dab it in. But what really helped was a skin prescription for just a couple of months. (Price went up / I’m crap at new habits). My pores finally closed for the first time and stayed closed!

If you can afford a tailored prescription, it’s worth it. (Deramtica or Skin & Me sort of thing). All sorts of magic ingredients that you don’t have to think about. It might work out cheaper than going through a load of foundations trying to find one that works.

What do you mean by skin prescription? Did you go to the doctor and ask for a prescription to close your pores?

No, there are companies online like I mentioned that assess your skin with photos and send you a cream with everything you need in it. I used Dermatica when it was cheaper but there’s also Skin & Me and probably others.

The older I get the less foundation I wear, preferring tinted moisturiser or that Trinny woman’s BFF stuff. IMO it’s so obvious on people’s skin

Me too. Recently made the switch to a tinted serum foundation instead and I'm loving it. No more settling in the lines. I apply it with my fingers and then set it with a bit of powder. It's not full coverage though so may not be what you're looking for. I use this one https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09FF2L6WL?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

ELDW makes my skin look 15 years older. It’s so flat

This is why I gave up on foundation when I was about 45 - now only use tinted moisturiser (and since ditching the foundation have had many compliments on how my skin looks so good/young!).

Are you based in the UK?

I’ll send them my photos and they can send me a new face 😆

Primer helps a lot! I'm using ELF Poreless Putty. It makes my skin look better all by itself - if you could see how crap my face is, you'd understand how amazed I was that people told me I looked well when I'd just slapped a bit of putty on!

You have to leave it for a minute or two before adding a makeup base. I agree with the others, less is definitely more at this stage. You need a sheer or 'buildable' foundation, or a lightweight CC cream.

And, no, that isn't what other people see unless they're two inches away from your face 😂

I use Maybelline primer.

😂

Yes, they’re Uk based.

I've just started using one of those prescription creams. Got it from Monderma. Can't see any difference one month in, but what I really need is extensive surgery or a face transplant! I'm going to ask for more tretinoin in the third bottle. Will give it six months.

I stopped wearing any foundation and focused on skin care in my mid 40’s. I think it looks better with fine lines.

I use it sparingly with a buffer brush, almost like a concealer. I think it's vital to get the right colour or it looks mask like. The new Futurist one is lovely too.

Primer, it doesn’t have to be an expensive one. I get one for around £5-£10 from Superdrug.
I have noticed that cheaper foundations like Rimmel don’t sit as well anymore (I’m 43) I Use Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless filter and Elf Halo glow.

Only apply foundation where you need it. Erica Taylor on social media is very good for older skin.

Goodness, so many replies, thank you! To answer a few …

Skincare wise am using Medik 8 Press & Glow at night, followed by their Liquid Peptides and Crystal Retinal at night, and a moisturiser. Morning, wash, Liquid Peptides, moisturiser and then primer or sunscreen. I need the sunscreen and feel that the primer is too many layers. Had pilling the other day with primer and no sunscreen.

Am nearly out of Crystal Retinal and have been wondering whether to re-purchase (going up in strength) or to try Dermatica/Skin & Me so the comments around prescription creams have been really interesting. My understand ing is they will perhaps be stronger but definitely tailored to me vs Medik 8.

Am using Estee Lauder Futurist since last summer and really like it but might try a tinted moisturiser- any recommendations?

And, no, that isn't what other people see unless they're two inches away from your face 😂

… you’re right!

Am going to check her out - thank you!

Primer is imperative

Moisturise well and primer. I use a serum, moisturiser and spf, I like rare beauty pore primer.

The settling into the pores has been happening to me since my 20s. The only foundation I can use is Clinique even better foundation. I’ve tried a few times over the years to find a new foundation but have failed.