what foundation do you use if you have spots/spot prone skin?

[mad4myboys]

Ive been using almay clear complexion which actually helps the skin to heal but it doesnt last very long. I want something that has high coverage but wont clog pores. Also that lasts all day!! I know that is asking alot!!

I dont want to keep shedding out on foundations...any recommendations?

i find using bare id mineral foundation helps heal my skin and keep my skin free from spots ish. And if i'm going out or know i will be having my photo taken i wear estee lauder double wear for the excellent coverage, it really stays put all day and covers any dark marks left from spots that take ages to fade, i don't wear it every day because i have a feeling its not good for my skin and blocks the pores.

I have been using Chanel teint innocence for quite a while. It builds up coverage nicely without caking and is oil-free. Many oil-free foundations I found to be hard to blend, but this particular Chanel one is a much thicker consistency than others I've tried (and I've tried a LOT) and blends well. I used to use Clinique total turnaround underneath to give it a good base with a bit of 'slip' to help blend without having to use a moisturiser, but now am using moisturiser as I've found pregnancy makes my skin much drier (hooray!) I've tried the Estee Lauder Double Wear and found it really hard to blend and also that the colours weren't right for me - one was too pale and the next darker one was too dark, d'oh! But it's true that it lasts for ever and it covers well.

Failing that, the Dior spray-on foundation is very good but works out expensive if you use it every day as the can doesn't go very far.

If you have a MAC shop nearby you could go there for a lesson and they will show you how to apply foundation (they do a large range of formulations) with a brush which I believe gives you a better finish, but I"m a 'blend with fingers' gal myself and have only ever had it applied with a brush on my wedding day. It looked great and lasted all day and night though so there's probably something in it!

I second Bare Minerals - it gives good coverage (looks almost airbrushed) and doesn't irritate my acne-prone skin. I also recommend Benefit's Boing "industrial-strength concealer" - does what it says on the packet!

thanks ladies, so bare minerals, does it give good coverage though? I really dont have the time using a brush for foundation....especially during the week. Ive never really liked using a 'powder' foundation, felt naked, like i didnt have any foundation on. Ive tried the l'oreal powder minerals foundation and find its good but only when ive used it over a liquid foundation!!

I also really like Bare Minerals - it is supposed to be good for sensitive spot prone skin, and certainly works for me. I think it does good coverage but probably does need the odd touch up during the day. I also top up my foundation with Benefit Get Even powder.

I have oily, open pore skin and use Bare Minerals. Its not ideal, not noticed its pore reducing qualities, but it doesn't shine up as quickly as some of the liquid foundations I've used. I'll second that EL double wear is long lasting and Boing does a great cover up job, especially under eyes.

I think a lot of staying power, coverage etc is to do with base/ primer/routine before application. I use Smashbox photo finish, which is good. I wouldn't recommend Bare Mineral Prime Time though. I did read in a mag I was flicking through in the hairdressers on Friday that L'Oreal pro range has a good base/primer for less than £10, can't remember the name though?

I second mineral make up (either bare minerals or Lily Lolo which is cheaper and just as good IMO). I used to have terrible skin but I literally never get spots these days and I used mineral make up every day. You have to get the knack of it for it to look natural. You have to just use a little bit but really buff it in. Worth getting a decent brush.

Mineral makeup made me itch and gave me terrible cystic acne around my chin - apparently this is due to a reaction to Bismuth Oxychloride which is in most mineral powders. Just a warning, anyway, your skin might be fine with it.

Also I found mineral makeup made me look ten years older than I do as it was so drying (I have combo skin).

Personally I like Revlon colorstay. Doesn't block my pores, is cheap, stays on and the colours are good. You have to use a good moisturiser underneath and make sure you apply it properly but of all the foundations I've tried (and I've pretty much tried everything i think!) this is the one that looks best and fortunately DH agrees.

yes tbh i dont like the feel of powdery mineral ones that i have tried but havent tried bare essentials though. Havent used revlon colour stay....do you use a base under it?

By base do you mean primer? For everyday I use REN Hydra-Calm Global Protection Day Cream - Sensitive Skin underneath it or Avalon Vit C vitality serum. I use Clarins Beauty Flash Balm as well if want to look extra nice. Have tried various primers underneath but have yet to find a good primer which doesn't make me break out. Want to try the Illamasqua satin primer though as apparently it is quite good.

ive never heard of any of those you just mentioned and i thought id seen them all!! Yes i did mean primer sorry