Face creams that don't pill under makeup

[GameOfJones]

I'm late 30s with oily/combination skin and have recently been trying to overhaul my skincare routine. But the products I've tried have all so far been pilling under my makeup and driving me mad!

My current routine in the morning is:

Cleanse with micellar water on a cotton round (I use a proper cleanser at night.)

Serum (currently using one of the Simple ones)

Moisturiser with SPF (currently using Superfacialist rose cream SPF15).

I did try a separate facial SPF but that made my oily skin even greasier so I tend to apply my creams, brush my teeth, then do my make-up and use the Garnier over makeup SPF 50 spray.

Could you please recommend your products or morning routine that allow you to put makeup on smoothly over the top and don't turn your face into an oil slick?

Hi also got oily skin and I've had good results with Cerave gel moisturiser (for oily/combination skin). In terms of SPF I went through a lot of trail and error with these as I started Tret and need to use every day and found the Boots No7 Future renew spf 50 has been really good, its expensive but they often have discounts of 3for2 offers.

If your serum/moisturiser is water-based and your foundation is oil-based, it will pill (or vice versa). Try and get both oil-based or both water-based.

If you apply everything in too quick succession, you’ll also risk pulling. Let each layer properly sink in, like 10 mins each.

And if you’re doing all that and still getting pulling, how are you applying your makeup? Too much rubbing will start to cause pilling. I use a kabuki brush and never get it.

@SoScarletItWas I definitely apply my products in quick succession and am probably applying my first layer of makeup (Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter with a beauty blender sponge) only 5 minutes after face cream or however long it's taken me to brush my teeth and get dressed. I hadn't thought about water based/oil based though so that's definitely something to consider.

TBH I think all serums and moisturisers / primers and foundations react differently on each person and each combo

What works for me might not work for you

I use Avon Anew serum and Laura Geller Primer and foundation, but finding a moisturiser which didn't pill was trial and error - in the supermarket ranges - Im very rural , so its Tesco or the chemist. Im buying now from Lidl - not a clue what its marketing name is, its part of their Irish range, blue pump , my skin loves it

I see you use a Simple serum - have you tried any of their moisturisers? None of those pill for me under make-up. Nor do any of the Liz Earle ones. If they don't already have an SPF in them (which I prefer), I add a few drops of the Simple protect & glow serum.

Pretty much every foundation and tinted moisturiser pill on me. I think I just have make up resistant skin! They also emphasise every pore and blemish - the consultant on the Bobbi Brown counter admitted defeat in the end! I need that miracle product too.. Erborian BB seems to work the best - have you tried that?

I use La Roche Posay anthelios SPF under make up and have the same skin as you

Ah I was hoping there is some miracle product out there but perhaps it is a case of trial and error. @EleanorMc67 I think maybe using a serum and a moisturiser or spf from the same range is a good place to start and the Simple ones aren't too pricey so perhaps I'll try that, thank you.

@Wineinthegarden I have used Erborian BB and CC creams in the past and I do love them! I think the issue is my skincare rather than my makeup. Or at least my makeup is more expensive than the cheap face creams I tend to buy so I'd rather try and fix those first layers so my nice makeup sits well on top.

I use expensive make-up too - Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, which I love - & have actually tried a fair few expensive moisturisers too! A few brought me out in a rash - too highly perfumed, Chanel!! - so I tried Simple for the purity & really like it. Ditto the Liz Earle, so I'm happy to stick with them! Just as well really as I've changed career to something I love but I can no longer splash money around ... & I get my pricey foundation, blusher & concealer on eBay!!

Oh - another thing I forgot. In hot weather I can get a bit flushed - & not in a pretty rosy-cheeked way! More of a sweaty red-nosed way ...!! So I use Clinique's Redness Solutions on my T-zone. It helps with the redness - but even more it works as a great primer & my make-up lasts so much better. I also use a setting spray but this is better.

I find 2 things help 1. as said, wait and let everything sink in properly, 2. after the cream/s and before any make up base or foundation, 'blot' your face lightly with a clean cotton or linen cloth. It's very basic - just removes anything which hasn't or won't sink in and lets your make up do it's work bonding to your skin.

I think it's something in the cream that makes it pill... silicone maybe? I have older skin than you and have had success with a routine from Caudalíe. I use Resveratrol lift but there are ranges that would probably be more suitable for you. I do find leaving the cream to soak in really helps too.

Dr Sam Bunting for everything! It’s mail order or you can buy it at Sephora apparently. Best thing for my skin.

Elemis Marine Cream SPF30 is really nice and you only need a small amount. Could it be you are putting too much product on as my make up will pill or look greasy if I put too much on irrespective of the products.

Just to update I stopped the Superfacialist day cream as I think that was the main pilling culprit and I made sure everything was water based (swapping it for Loreal Revitalift SPF 50 fluid as a moisturiser which seems amazing so far!) That seems to have done the trick so I think it definitely was a mixing of water and silicone based products and putting a bit too much on as PP suggested.

Yay, glad you’ve cracked it @GameOfJones