Yes, another foundation thread!

Novella

I didn't wanna go hi-jacking someone else's thread or digging up old one's so I said I'd start my own.

At the moment, I'm using MAC Select SPF foundation. This one :


I do really like it, and have been using it for about 2 years. The thing is, in photographs, mainly on nights out, I always tend to look a bit, I dunno, less made up than others!

So, I'm thinking of investing in a heavier foundation, just for going out really. Any recommendations? Thanks, guys!

LivingDeadGirl

What's your skin type? Do you like a matte or dewy finish? Would you consider powder foundation?

Twee.

I'm surrently using MAC Studio Sculpt

which is heavy enough. I very rarely need concealer these days as the foundation does the job.
I use MAC Mineralize powder on top of that

Finding them great together, never really need to top up on a night out, not even the powder.

Have you considered doing more contouring for that "made up" look? My friends are always shocked that I use bronzer because I'm so pale. But I use a light enough shade and use it above my cheekbones, my nose and forehead. Also a bright pink blush used VERY sparingly, and highlighter on cheekbones and under brows.

This is my latest blush, from the Topshop range. It's called Neon Rose and is a creamy texture so I just rub my fingers in it, then dab it on the back of my hand to remove excess, finally dab on cheeks.

fussyonion

I use Maybelline Superstay Silky 24hour. I know it's not MAC league but honestly, it's really good and lasts all day and has good coverage.
Only €14.99 too

FleurBelle

I've been using Nars Sheer Glow foundation for months now, it's pretty amazing and not too far off the price of a MAC foundation. A bottle lasts quite a while too as it gives quite good coverage, plus they have a ton of shades so you're bound to find the perfect colour match

Novella

LivingDeadGirl wrote: »

What's your skin type? Do you like a matte or dewy finish? Would you consider powder foundation?

My skin is combination. Forehead can get oily, but (and especially during winter) I find that around my nose is a little dry. I like dewy, I'd try matte though. As for powder, I've never used a powder foundation before because I thought it'd dry my skin out more.

Twee. wrote: »

I'm surrently using MAC Studio Sculpt

which is heavy enough. I very rarely need concealer these days as the foundation does the job.
I use MAC Mineralize powder on top of that

Finding them great together, never really need to top up on a night out, not even the powder.

Have you considered doing more contouring for that "made up" look? My friends are always shocked that I use bronzer because I'm so pale. But I use a light enough shade and use it above my cheekbones, my nose and forehead. Also a bright pink blush used VERY sparingly, and highlighter on cheekbones and under brows.

This is my latest blush, from the Topshop range. It's called Neon Rose and is a creamy texture so I just rub my fingers in it, then dab it on the back of my hand to remove excess, finally dab on cheeks.

Yup, I use bronzer, blusher and highlighter. I've been using NARS Orgasm for a while.

I always thought it was quite bright, but it has nothing on that Topshop one! I really like it btw, I must pick it up.

Novella

FleurBelle wrote: »

I've been using Nars Sheer Glow foundation for months now, it's pretty amazing and not too far off the price of a MAC foundation. A bottle lasts quite a while too as it gives quite good coverage, plus they have a ton of shades so you're bound to find the perfect colour match

I actually have a NARS foundation just like that! I bought it in summer though, when I was in NY, so I had a tan and now the shade is just a bit too dark for me! I'll go back to it when I'm not so pale.

skitzyspider

+1 for Nars Sheer Glow

For years I used Mac foundations..Select SPF15, Studio Tech, Studio Sculpt and Mineralize SatinFinish, Studio Fix...I'v tried them all but then I tried Nars Sheer Glow and I don't know how I ever lived without it! I wouldn't dream of using a Mac Foundation now:pac:

Twee.

Novella wrote: »

Yup, I use bronzer, blusher and highlighter. I've been using NARS Orgasm for a while.

I always thought it was quite bright, but it has nothing on that Topshop one! I really like it btw, I must pick it up.

Ooh that Nars looks lovely! I've only bought lip gloss from them (Orgasm), but all their products seem to be gorgeous. Their bronzer is next on my list.

pikachucheeks

I use the same foundation and powder as Twee. I also have the exact same shade of blush from the Topshop range!

The coverage with Studio Sculpt is the best I've found. Really like it and as Twee said, you don't really need any or certainly much concealer with it. It covers everything, without making you look too caked or "plastic" to quote Mean Girls.

The powder is brilliant as well, makes you skin look perfect, keeps away shine and lasts ages.

G86

I've the same kind of skin type as you Novella, and I found Studio Fix much better for coverage and staying power than Studio Sculpt.

I used to use NARS too a while back and it's brill, but I find MAC does the same job for €13 less.

ams

Hi OP. It could be the SPF in the photos giving your face a "white cast" in the photos. For bridal shoots etc they dont recommend using this type of foundation - its hard enough to get decent foundation without it though!

I like Revlon Colorstay for a night out - I usually use mac Studio Sculpt or something like that. I find the studio fix way to cakey on me and I don't like the heavy look it gives. I usually use the Colorstay in ivory for daytime but for nights out when i want to look a little more "done up" I use the buff colour which is a slightly more yellowey shade.

I love the Elf studio bronzer (golden is the colour I think) to give my face a nice subtle glow - its the best cheaper bronzer Ive used.

I have the same creme blush Twee recommended but I havent had much luck with it. I prefer the control you get with powder blush.

dreamgirl18

Hi OP,

You may be looking "less made up" or very pale in photos due to the SPF of your foundation (SPF products reflect camera flash).
For nights out where you don't need sun protection use a foundation without spf and you should photograph better.

Hope this helps
d

Novella

Thanks a million! I was wondering what it was, 'cause in the mirror, I don't look really pale or washed out but in photographs, while my eye make up would look fine, my face always looked foundation-less. So glad I know what that's about now!

LivingDeadGirl

I wouldn't recommend Studio Sculpt, I found it wore off very quickly on my face, and I wouldn't say I had oily skin! If you wanna stick solely with MAC maybe try the Studio Fix as others have recommended. Revlon Colourstay is it's cheaper sister, and also has a paler shade than NC/NW 15. Face 2 make lovely foundations also with good coverage that don't feel too heavy on the skin. They'd have more of the dewy finish that you're after. These look amazing in person and in photographs. I just wish mine wasn't too dark for me! :mad::(

shezza

Good thread. Im currently using Studio fix but just not loving it especially for the price I like the coverage but its just slightly too heavy. I can't seem to get the right shade I've went from NW25 and now I think im using NC20. Any other suggestions?
Like the sound of the NARS and revelon. Sorry really didn't rate maybelline I bought it cos I heard good things but now its my "use for two days before I get to BT's for Mac "
I hear good things about one of the chanel foundations any recommendations?

vicecreamsundae

wish i'd seen this thread earlier. I was in BT looking for a foundation today and wanted to get something new.
I use MAC studio fix NC20 at the moment. I used to think it was awesome, and I always photographed well in it, but lately I'm just not impressed with it at all. Not sure what's changed!
My skin is normal/combination... not oily, and just a little dry around my nose in winter.
The only two 'nice' foundations I've used have been MAC and Shisheido, and I wanted to try something else. I'm not the most makeup savvy to be honest, ESPECIALLY when it comes to foundation -find it all rather confusing, and was hoping staff behind the counters would tell me about them/try them on me etc. Was really disappointed! Asked at a couple counters about their foundations and got one word answers before they walked away. Felt so lost. Ended up going for the same Shisheido one I had before. But I wanted to try something new/better! And reading this I wish I'd gone for Nars. oh well, next time! (probably about a year away though!)

How Strange

Bare Escentuals Bare Minerals mineral makeup. I've tried lots of foundation over the years; lancome, giorgio armani, clinque, estee lauder etc etc and I found the coverage either poor or too heavy. I hate heavy foundation but I want coverage. I'm also very very pale and most foundations are just too dark and this one has the ideal shade for me.

Bare Minerals is just perfect for coverage without the build up. Can't recommend it highly enough. Even a friend who's on the eternal search for the perfect foundation and has spent a fortune over the years in her quest was converted recently and she's a trained makeup artist.

I have combination skin with near perma-congestion around my chin and it covers it. At the beginning I needed to use translucent powder for the tzone area but my skin got used to it after a couple of months and now I don't really need any powder.

BT2 sell the range and will give you some samples to try out before you buy and will also show you how to apply it.

http://www.bareescentuals.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-BareEscentuals-Site/default/Experience-Show?cgid=BM_FOUNDATION

gaoife

+1 for Bare Escentuals i have really sensitive skin and am very pale and this always looks good, gives you a really clear finish but feels really light on your skin cus i often found cream foundation very heavy feeling. I get mine on ebay cus its wayyy cheaper, you can get a starter kit it may seem expensive but you use so little to get good cover that it lasts forever!!

ams

ams wrote: »

Hi OP. It could be the SPF in the photos giving your face a "white cast" in the photos. For bridal shoots etc they dont recommend using this type of foundation - its hard enough to get decent foundation without it though!

I heard this too! And it made perfect sense, apparently the light reflects of the SPF and gives you the paler look. However based on this advice, I was going to that Grown Ups Ball thingy, so I was so careful not to wear any SPF, I used no moisturiser and didn't put on my that gal primer (with light reflecting particles!!!). I only used my Bobbi Brown stick foundation with some benefit pressed powder on top. My make up never budged all night, but my face still looked a bit paler in the photos! grrrr!

So apparently I've found out since that it's actually the fact that the photos are taken at face level so the flash is aimed directly at your face!

God the effort!

So anyway Novella, I would recommend the bobbi brown stick for very full and very made up looking coverage. It's quite thick but it will leave you with flawless skin. It lasts forever too, but I don't wear it an awful lot!

degausserxo

I've tried every foundation under the sun, but none of them compare to Chanel Vitalumiere.



Bit pricey, but it gives such a nice dewy finish, and I think it makes your skin look really, really healthy. There's a matte version of it too, but I haven't tried that one.

Novella

Wow, now I'm totally flooded with advice! Thank you all so much. I'm gonna take a look at all of the foundations mentioned, try get some samples and stuff before I buy them. So I'll hopefully do that on Monday. Thanks again!

Larianne

degausserxo wrote: »

I've tried every foundation under the sun, but none of them compare to Chanel Vitalumiere.



Bit pricey, but it gives such a nice dewy finish, and I think it makes your skin look really, really healthy. There's a matte version of it too, but I haven't tried that one.

I haven't used this myself but I've seen it on others and it looks fab on! Must remember this when I'm going to get new foundation myself.

How Strange

I tried Chanel vitalumiere a couple of years ago and hated it. It just sat on top of my skin and made my pores look even worse. Granted I think it just didn't suit my skin type but I was very disappointed.

Tried laura mercier and was very disappointed with that too especially considering the price of it.