Make up advice needed please!

[Cutie101]

I've previously asked about trying Laura Geller and was put off. I need new makeup. I don't know what I need. I've put on weight recently, aged, have bags under my eyes and my skin is pale and uneven. My skin is "normal" maybe sometimes slightly on the dry side. The foundation I've been using seems to disappear as the day goes on. I have a (daytime) function coming up and I just need a new face...failing that a new makeup regime. I tried going to the counters in John Lewis but each counter recommends it's own brand obviously. I tried out bare minerals loose powder, but honestly I'm already imagining the mess I'll make with loose powder everywhere. Please give me your recommendations from start to finish including the order you put it on your face. The only thing I won't change is my mascara as I have sensitive eyes and the Max Factor one I wear doesn't irritate them. Thank you

I like using a moisturiser and a self-tan cream mixed together and put on the face. I find it lighter than foundation and it gives a lovely glow and can build up a nice colour. And with spring and summer coming, it looks more natural. I have never been acfan if geavy make up.

Heavy

I am 60 and can't use foundation and powder anymore the best thing is cc cream it has a very light coverage and looks natural and evens out skin tone and stays put.

If your make up melts over the day don't use moisturiser, just serum. And then a setting spray at the end

Primer..Refy have two types to chose from depending on the effect you want.
MN loves Erborian cc cream for a reason.
Concealer if needed. Nars is good.
Blusher. The Rare beauty one is good. Or I like Benefit tint. Or Refy.
By Terry hyaluronic powder
Maybe Hourglass bronzer

So what have you actually tried apart from Bare Minerals loose powder?

First of all, you have to take care of your skin. There is lots of info out there about the ingredients that actually work, especially retinol/tretinoin. But the basics are a cleanser, a moisturiser and an spf that suit you.

I use a Superdrug cleansing balm or Cerave cleanser, with a clean flannel daily. For moisturiser, a very plain lotion from Face Facts (v cheap) or Cerave in a tub. For spf, Hello Sunday or La Roche Posay Anthelios. I avoid fragranced products where possible.

I do have other products but these are the basics.

You need some kind of gentle exfoliation, from something like glycolic acid. I also
dermaplane (shave) my face as it’s getting fluffier and this provides exfoliation and a nice canvas for makeup. Be careful not to overdo it and damage your skin barrier.

I find it beneficial to do an old-fashioned clay mask now and again, which seems to give my pores a clear out. This may help with skin texture too.

Makeup wise, the basics are concealer, foundation or tinted moisturiser or BB/CC cream. I like Loreal True Match for foundation and concealer. I apply very lightly only where needed with a kabuki type brush. The main areas that need a little coverage tend to be nose and chin area.

It’s helpful to have an understanding of colour correction. I use a Pixi undereye colour corrector not to cover dark circles but to just neutralise the colour a little. Incidentally the best thing I’ve found for my dark circles is regular aerobic exercise.

I use a blusher or lipstick high on my cheekbones, temples and bridge of nose for very natural colour. Again I like Pixi for this. It helps to know your colour ‘season’ to ensure you choose a natural looking shade.

I have my eyebrows threaded now and again, and use gel on them to keep them in place. Mascara is the other essential. I do use powder sometimes (NARS, one of my few ££ choices) but setting spray is arguably more useful.

Everything else is extra imo, and you’ll discover what works for you and what you like using. I hate taking time on makeup and like looking natural so my routine is very simple.

I think the key things are to understand and take care of your skin (including diet and exercise), ensure your brows are brushed/groomed, and understand your colours. Individual products and brands are very subjective, so what one woman swears by can be useless for another.

I hope this helps! I’m 50 and menopausal by the way, so not posting from the perspective of dewy youth 😁

Im 50. When i wear makeup i apply in order: face cream, spf, consealer, powder mineral foundation, blusher, tinted vaseline on lips and mascara.
If i really want to go for it ill add eye liner and eyeshadow, lip pencil and lipstick.
I just use products from superdrug or boots because i can pick it up locally can ensure the colour matches my skin. Also i dont have the income to buy designer brands.
I really reccomend wayne goss makeup tutorials on youtube which show you how to apply make up. The application is the most important thing. Imo.

Bare Minerals is nice , you do need a big soft brush to apply .
I have a regular sized and a travel pot ,

I only need a tint bit , into the lid ( there's holes in the plastic cover so you don;t get too much . Swirl your brush in to pick up then tap the end of it on the table to push the powder into the brush . Buff into your skin ( sing two rounds of Happy Birthday)

I have some Perricone No Make-Up eyeshadow which I bought when I couldn;t find Bare Minerals 5-in-1 and everything else I tried was too opaque .

Dye my brows .

But good skin is the key base . You need a good basic skin care and that's what is tricky to work out , lots of overwhelming choice .

If you want your make up to last all day, you will need longwear and the only one I’ve found that works is Estée Lauder Double Wear (apparently there’s a new formula out in the next week or two). I mix it with Eborian to sheer it out. Have to say I tried Victoria Beckham Concealer and Foundation today in Harrods, it was lovely, sold out in most colours though - not bad at £64 and £104 respectively! Apparently your skin gets better and better the more you use it. No idea if it’s long wear though, again if it isn’t I’ll use it mixed with Double Wear.

I am not a make up person but agree Estée Lauder Double Wear works.

I dip in and out of Pampered Wolf on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/PamperedWolf.

She also makes up her Mum and does good comparisons of products e.g. SPFs.

go to Sephora or Space NK. They can advise and not associated with a brand like the are in department stores. I’m currently using this which is good. https://www.lisaeldridge.com/products/seamless-skin-enhancing-tint-t1

I agree with PP in that your first step should be skincare. Invest in very good skincare (such as Medik8, skinceuticals, the ordinary, or Korean skincare such as Beauty of Joseon).

Maybe even invest in some skincare treatments from time to time like a hydrafacial or microneedling (but not absolutely necessary). Speak to a skincare specialist about what skincare regime will suit your skin type.

You will need a good base for make up - serum, SPF, and a decent primer. I would shop around and consider buying samples/testers to find one that works best for your skin. Vinted is a good idea for this. I’ve heard the Bobbi Brown & Refy one is good.

For foundation, it does depend on your skin type. Mine is oily to combination. I personally love Estee Lauder double wear (for full coverage) or Armani Luminous Silk is my absolute favourite. I’m considering trying Dior & Chanel as well.

I bought some Laura Geller stuff and I actually really like it. Can I ask what you didn’t like?

Concentrate on skin care, you wouldn't paint a wall without sugar soaping and sanding down

Im a Laura Geller wearer and believe me, it lasts the day

I keep on top of my skin care and moisturise as and when. I have combination skin so mostly I get away with Hyraluronic acid and a peptide serum. This weather , even though I have an oily t - zone, the skin is dry around the nose and eyebrows, and my skin is soaking up the moisturiser which Im having to add . I will drop the moisturiser when my skin balances again

I exfoliate at least once a week, sometime more. I watch what's happening with my skin

I use LG double take on my T-zone - that's not shifting, that stays. I then blend over and outwards with Balance and Brighten - that just lifts and gives radiance - won't cover . I might use a tiny touch of highlighter if Im looking really tired , but usually just add a wee bit of blush to raise the cheek bones

Previously I used to wear bare minerals or Estée Lauder double wear. EL I gave up on in my 40's as it started to make me look grey/ghosted = and settled around the nose . Bare minerals, I couldn't find anything that covered my rosey cheeks, unless I went liquid and I dont like the feel of liquids

I use Bee Venom moisturiser/wrinkle cream even evening before sleep which has eradicated my bags hugely.
I also switched from Charlotte Tilbury foundation to Benefit Porefessional primer and foundation. In the last 2 years my skin has changed quite a bit and CB started melting off. I love the Matte finish the Porefessional primer gives and although I do go a bit shiny around the 12 hour mark, it looks great til then. I do need to wash my make up brushes though.

I have to say I have purchased over 40 different foundations or moisturing tints in the last 2-3 years, both cheap end market and high branded market. I don't care for any brand in particular, I like Skyhigh mascara but I always buy it off Amazon as it's cheaper there than shops. I buy blush from Poundland and I use eyeshadow for my eyebrows.
Benefit is my brand of preference for my changed skin type.

Thank you all. I have read all comments and realised it's my skin care that hasn't changed as I've got older, so I went to Space NK yesterday, got some advice, and am trying a new skin care regime. I'm going to focus on that and in about a month then think about the makeup when hopefully the new routine has made a little difference. Thank you all.