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Another foundation one…

44 replies

itsmeagainagain · 04/06/2026 07:58

I feel like this is my life’s quest… and I thought I had nailed it but feel like I’m back to square one again. Does anyone else find that their foundation just kind of sits on top of their skin? Whatever I’m using lately it almost looks flakey but very tiny flakes…. I’ve been using IT cosmetics CC cream and the formula was fab seemed to blend in well, covered my (thankfully not too severe) rosacea redness but now it’s not cutting it. I’m also finding it just feels ‘heavy’ on my skin. My skin is perhaps on the dry side too. Any tips, tricks, product suggestions? Not sure if I need a primer or something and know I need to increase my water uptake so will get on that. I’m 47 ….. looking for solidarity!! Thanks

OP posts:
Mumteedum · 04/06/2026 08:03

I'm 52. I found that every time I got one that was good iny forties, after a short while, it wasn't good anymore. I liked Trinny serum in the silver tube for ages but it looks awful after a couple of hours now. I tried Laura Geller in the end and that's probably working the best for me combined with some glowy primers.

Liquid just isn't good for me anymore.

Magpiegrave · 04/06/2026 08:27

Since I turned about 42 foundations look like shit on my skin, like you say it just sits on top.

Tried a million different moisturisers/primers/acids, yet to find the answer.

Weirdly my skin hasn’t aged a huge amounts, not many wrinkles or saggyness. It just hates foundation now apparently.

SoScarletItWas · 04/06/2026 08:33

The trick is for your moisturiser and foundation to match - either both oil based or both water based. Otherwise they will fight (split, pill, flake etc).

I should be on commission but I always recommend LOreal True Match. Either the foundation in the square pump bottle or the Nude Serum version (a light foundation despite the name) with the pipette. I prefer the serum version but occasionally reach for the foundation.

I can’t find anything better. I’m mid 50s and this gives such a lovely finish while still looking like skin.

https://www.boots.com/loreal-paris-true-match-nude-plumping-tinted-serum-1percent--hyaluronic-acid-10297635?srsltid=AfmBOopyFof1GNg8Q2krribQ6mBYXA8PTu0tSoBvdbZNu4y5UB3fcAFQ

averythinline · 04/06/2026 08:38

Have found using this works camera flash balm seems to have really helped... As foundation is less flaky and stays. L'Oréal true natch ok but im trying no7 stay perfect as had voucher... Very good so far and really stays all day.
Definitely worth getting colour matched though found i was using wrong colour which was part of problem

tangobravo · 04/06/2026 08:53

I had a similar issue and tried loads of things but ultimately it was my skin that needed attention! I started using a hyaluronic acid and thick moisturizer at night and it made my skin so much more hydrated and soft which was a better base. I used to use nars tinted moisturizer but they've not had my shade in ages so now I use merit tinted sunscreen (over their great skin serum) for a low coverage day and sculpted by Aimee foundation (over their beauty protect base) for more coverage, going out etc. These two options work great for me, glowy, SPF 50. For redness I've heard good things about Rosalique products.

itsmeagainagain · 04/06/2026 09:44

hi thanks so much for all your replies - good to know I'm not alone! @Mumteedum yes I thought I should stop with liquid so ended up buying a covergirl one in a round blusher type pot which is a cream and got rave reviews - oh my goodness just awful!!! (on me anyway) is your Laura Geller one the powder type in the round compact? I think I've had it before and maybe wrong shade but it was a bit orange for me. @Magpiegrave its horrible isn't it? Hopefully we both get some good tips on here. @SoScarletItWas that's really interesting about oil and water I'll look more into that - probably doesn't help that I'm also changing moisturiser quite frequently trying to find one that feels hydrating enough. Funnily the only other foundation I like is the exact one you suggested... it sits the best of all of them but I stopped wearing it as it was a bit pale for summer and I didn't think it hid the redness enough in my skin tone but totally agree the texture is lovely doesn't sit heavy at all. Might did that out again actually. thanks for the recommendation @averythinline will check that balm out. Thanks @tangobravo some good suggestions too will check them out. I've been debating trying Rosalie or Eboriun ( I think) but its such an expensive mistake isn't it if it isn't right ?- I'll have to see if I can get some testers.

OP posts:
coffeandtoastinthemorning · 04/06/2026 13:41

Try using the first aid facial radiance pads, I watch Erica Taylor on Instagram and she says if your foundation isn't sitting, it's your skin underneath. needs lightly exfoliated and a moisturiser.

I like the IT CC cream, it was actually Erica Taylor I found it on. I also like the Loreal mentioned above and have recently discovered victoria beckham foundation which is £££££ and i wanted to hate it but unfortunatley I love it xx

lindyloo57 · 04/06/2026 16:05

I'm 65 and with combination skin, foundation now looks heavy for me, so the only things I use now are either eborian cc cream i have to mix two shades , I do have the bbcream too but I find it doesn't last so well. And I love the laura geller balance and brighten i sometimes wear it on its own, it lasts all day for me, or I sometimes use it over a tinted spf for a little more coverage.

Mumteedum · 04/06/2026 17:32

Yes @itsmeagainagain I got some sort of pack with an eye palette, bronzer, blush and highlighter plus the pot of baked foundation and brush. I will say if I wear the foundation as well, it's a light coverage and it definitely needs a good serum or primer or moisturizer or all the above, underneath. It doesn't feel like my skin breathes that well but it looks pretty good.

Now it's summer, I've been using a nice glowy primer from iconic then just the LG bronze and blush. Looks nice.

My skin is ok generally though I've always had large pores.

The tinted moisturizers and serum foundations just aren't doing it for me anymore. Definitely wouldn't use a full creme foundation now. I used to love EE double wear in my late thirties/early forties. Not now.

Lelivre · 04/06/2026 17:34

I went over to Laura mercier from IT

differentstrokesfordifferentfolks · 04/06/2026 17:36

I am your age and I tried the Luxe colour changing one with zero expectations, in fact I quite thought it would be crap. It’s brilliant! Light coverage, perfect colour match, doesn’t settle into lines, moisturising and leaves a lovely dewy finish. Better than much, much more expensive ones I’ve tried, including VB etc.

Plumbed · 04/06/2026 17:39

Am sure the info about water and oil bases is right but I also think this is a skin care issue. A mild retinol or a chemical exfoliant plus good moisturising plus sun cream and you would be peachy.

Whyohwhy321 · 04/06/2026 17:39

Eborian cc. Pretty much the best thing I've ever used. Melts into your skin, feels like high end skin care and leaves skin looking like its lit from within.
Recently bought a garnier tinted spf cream, hoping it'd be a cheaper but similar kind of thing. Hopes dashed. It's truly awful. Awful colour and makes skin look worse not better. Lesson learnt.

FairyBatman · 04/06/2026 17:54

It sounds like your skincare might be the issue, either that your moisturiser and the foundation don’t sit together well, or just that your skin is very dry.

What do you currently use on your skin?

ChimpanzeeThatMonkeyNews · 04/06/2026 22:12

Whyohwhy321 · 04/06/2026 17:39

Eborian cc. Pretty much the best thing I've ever used. Melts into your skin, feels like high end skin care and leaves skin looking like its lit from within.
Recently bought a garnier tinted spf cream, hoping it'd be a cheaper but similar kind of thing. Hopes dashed. It's truly awful. Awful colour and makes skin look worse not better. Lesson learnt.

I tried that the other day and it was just meh.

I had such high hopes.

1emma19 · 05/06/2026 07:38

Hi OP. Try to look for these ingredients so you have more options. Hydrating primer with "glycerin & polyglutamic acid" gives foundation smooth& moisturized surface. For rosacea look for a formula with a "dimethicone" base & buildable medium coverage in a satin finish, these blend into dry skin more naturally. Apply with damp sponge. Hope this helps.

itsmeagainagain · 05/06/2026 13:43

Thanks for all the comments everyone …. Will read properly later and come back!

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Luluelle · 05/06/2026 19:17

I have late 40’s dry perimenopausal skin. Having tried and used most of the top brand foundations, I’m finding Tatcha (the purple one or the blue night cream) is the only face cream that helps as a good hydrating base but it’s pricey and you do need to leave it for 10-15 mins to sink in.

Foundation wise having tried Estee Lauder and Giorgio Armani’s foundations for dry skin …Boots No7 Hydraluminous foundation is the most hydrating. However, more recently for summer I’m really liking the coverage of the No7 Protect & Perfect foundation with SPF 50. It’s medium coverage with the added bonus of the SPF, even my husband noticed it gave me a glow and said your make-up looks really nice (he doesn’t normally notice make-up changes).

itsmeagainagain · 05/06/2026 19:39

coffeandtoastinthemorning · 04/06/2026 13:41

Try using the first aid facial radiance pads, I watch Erica Taylor on Instagram and she says if your foundation isn't sitting, it's your skin underneath. needs lightly exfoliated and a moisturiser.

I like the IT CC cream, it was actually Erica Taylor I found it on. I also like the Loreal mentioned above and have recently discovered victoria beckham foundation which is £££££ and i wanted to hate it but unfortunatley I love it xx

@coffeandtoastinthemorning thank you I don’t know who Erica Taylor is but will check her out!

OP posts:
itsmeagainagain · 05/06/2026 19:40

lindyloo57 · 04/06/2026 16:05

I'm 65 and with combination skin, foundation now looks heavy for me, so the only things I use now are either eborian cc cream i have to mix two shades , I do have the bbcream too but I find it doesn't last so well. And I love the laura geller balance and brighten i sometimes wear it on its own, it lasts all day for me, or I sometimes use it over a tinted spf for a little more coverage.

@lindyloo57 thank you for the recommendations ….. will check out the balance and brighten

OP posts:
itsmeagainagain · 05/06/2026 19:45

Mumteedum · 04/06/2026 17:32

Yes @itsmeagainagain I got some sort of pack with an eye palette, bronzer, blush and highlighter plus the pot of baked foundation and brush. I will say if I wear the foundation as well, it's a light coverage and it definitely needs a good serum or primer or moisturizer or all the above, underneath. It doesn't feel like my skin breathes that well but it looks pretty good.

Now it's summer, I've been using a nice glowy primer from iconic then just the LG bronze and blush. Looks nice.

My skin is ok generally though I've always had large pores.

The tinted moisturizers and serum foundations just aren't doing it for me anymore. Definitely wouldn't use a full creme foundation now. I used to love EE double wear in my late thirties/early forties. Not now.

@Mumteedum thank you I think I’ve seen some pallettes like that. An American lady on you tube does her whole face and looks fab but always seems to put just a bit too much on! 😹 if she just stopped a few steps before it would look lovely … not sure which brand and expect she has filtered massively

OP posts:
Homebirdy · 05/06/2026 19:46

I find when my foundation is sitting more ‘on top’ of my skin, it really help to use much less and use a wet sponge to tap it in really well. It does make it more sheer. But that’s kind of the point. You might find using a green concealer for the redness, then the above gives you a nicer finish.

itsmeagainagain · 05/06/2026 19:46

Lelivre · 04/06/2026 17:34

I went over to Laura mercier from IT

@Lelivre interesting I think I need to google Laura mercier stuff a bit more

OP posts:
itsmeagainagain · 05/06/2026 19:47

differentstrokesfordifferentfolks · 04/06/2026 17:36

I am your age and I tried the Luxe colour changing one with zero expectations, in fact I quite thought it would be crap. It’s brilliant! Light coverage, perfect colour match, doesn’t settle into lines, moisturising and leaves a lovely dewy finish. Better than much, much more expensive ones I’ve tried, including VB etc.

@differentstrokesfordifferentfolks is Luxe the Aldi brand? I’d be up for giving that a go

OP posts:
itsmeagainagain · 05/06/2026 19:48

Plumbed · 04/06/2026 17:39

Am sure the info about water and oil bases is right but I also think this is a skin care issue. A mild retinol or a chemical exfoliant plus good moisturising plus sun cream and you would be peachy.

@Plumbed thank you yes I’d be happy to sort my skin out its definately changed and become problematic… any recommendations?

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