Makeup advice needed in late 40s

[Jintx]

I'm 47 and need a makeup overhaul I used to be quite good at all this but having a 10 year old adhd kid and another 8 year old severely autistic has meant I've lost my way. I used to buy channel dior smash box in my 20s early 30s. Can you please advise me on good brands for older ladies?
I have good clear skin with no fine fines or wrinkles (a miracle considering my stress levels).
I used to wear an amazing primer from smashbox photo finish usually just as a base with no foundation but I can't find now. I prefer liquid and creams.
I'm also now considering blush to make me look more alive although I never used to wear it.
Budget I just want to buy stuff that stays put so don't mind spending more.
My skin is normal to oily.

I went to sephora last week and booked a 45 min consultation on their website before I arrived. I wanted to go somewhere with more than one brand. If you don't buy anything it's meant to be £45 charge but if you buy £45 worth of stuff then the session is free.

I came back with a selection of stuff.

Sephora concealer, and contour stick
Milk bronzer
Sephora eyeliner
Kosas blusher
Some sephora brushes
One Size powder to cream setting spray (amazing) - if you want stuff to stay put then this is essential!

She did ask if there was anything in particular I wanted to try

No foundation needed?

If you wanted a nice lightweight foundation the No 7 hydralouminous (sp) is great

A very light one or maybe just a bb cream (if people wear that anymore!)

Smashbox photo finish primer is on Amazon

Oh good idea. Thank you for ideas on products too.

Yes I saw that. Is amazon OK for makeup? My friend told me it might be fake.

I love the Elf Halo Glow (i think its called that) it's a Charlotte Tilbury dupe of the Flawless Filter, but I prefer it. Very light coverage, but wakens up the skin and makes me look less dead! It can also be worn underneath regular foundation.

I’ve just used Chat Gbt to help me and it’s been amazing!

Thats a good price too. It seems Charlotte Tilbury is very popular on mn from searching threads and was looking at a nude lip colour like pillow talk.

I have the CT flawless finishing powder (pressed powder) and it's excellent.

IME the things which are worth spending money on the main items like foundation, powder, blusher, concealer, bronzer. Obviously if you find cheaper stuff you're happy with that's great.

I watch a lot of dupe make up videos on tiktok and while some may intially look the same the reviewers talk about them not blending as well, or being a bit more cakey or patchy on a close look. Or not lasting as long. That's not for everything. Some dupes are probably as good as the high end product.

Then go for dupes if you want on stuff like eyeshadow, eyeliner, lipstick. I have a lipstick which is a great dupe for Pillow Talk, think it's a l'oreal one.

I’m in the same age bracket and one thing that really changed for me over the years is the type of foundation. I can’t wear anything heavy coverage, makes me look tired and plasticky.

I go for sheer, dewy finish and minimum, buildable coverage. My favourites are Korean brands, rarely mentioned on MN: Amuse Seoul, Jung Saem Mool or Naming. Look for products that mention “glass skin” if you are after healthy glow.

I also recommend watching Korean youtubers for recommendations on k-beauty makeup. My absolute favourite foundation Amuse Dew Jelly Master Cushion was mentioned and tested in a Korean video (by someone my age), otherwise I would never heard of it because the brand doesn’t specifically target the European/US market. Some of the videos are in English, alternatively I watched them with subtitles.

What’s your budget? I swear by Victoria Beckham the drops, nothing comes close and I’ve tried them all, my skin looks like my skin but flawless and glowy, howver it is very expensive.

Thank you. I wouldn't want to spend that much until I can see that I'll use it often enough. How long does it last before you're forced to throw it away?

I just spent £54 on Chanel Les Beiges healthy glow foundation. I’m 58 and was looking for medium coverage for age spots. She put the tint on first and that was gorgeous; very light and glow.

I'm thinking of going to the johnlewis makeup counter and looking at chanel. I used to use the tinted moisturiser as foundation for a very light coverage when wearing makeup in the office.

I am early 40s, I think less is more at this age, particularly if you have good skin! Currently I love:

Merit The Minimalist
Merit Brow 1980
Saie Slip Tint Setting Powder
Ilia Soft Focus Blush
Rhode Pocket Blush
Ilia Lip Sketch Pencils
I also like Chanel, Merit, Violette FR and Westman Atelier lipsticks.

Chanel is a good option if you want to visit a counter, it’s widely available and I rate most of their products.

Same for most, 12 months from opening,

Thank you. There's so many more brands around from when I was last regularly wearing makeup!

A bit spendy, but for a blush that gives you a nice glow, try Westman Atelier Blush Sticks. Nice shade range, they blend easily and last on your skin.

I like tinted sunscreen or skin tints for foundation. Either Glossier or Beauty of Joseon.

Tubing mascara. Does not budge yet removes easily with warm water.