Foundation help

slowmoe

I'm looking for a medium to full GOOD foundation that lasts most of the day. By good i mean doesn't turn to crap on my face. Also something that won't wreck my skin or make me feel like i'm wearing cement. So far i've tried

Mac moistureblend- good but discontinued

Mac studio sculpt - pure rubbish, very thick for blending lasts about 30 mins before it shows up lines and pores that weren't there before application

Estee Lauder double wear -coverage was ok but not as much as i would like, def did not last the day for me, maybe 4-5 hours. Main problem with this is it felt awful on my face, like the max factor pan stick, it just felt really uncomfortable. Also with continued use (2 bottles in a row) my skin developed an ashy kind of grey appearance which wore off after i'd stopped using this. The worst that i've tried, can't understand how this has a good name at all.

Armani luminous silk-bought this because of the great reviews, really wish i hadn't!!!Goes on lovely but lasts less than two hours. After about 1 hour it goes very very patchy on my face....as though i had never exfoliated ever!! Especially upper lip, cheekbones near eyes, around eyebrows and a bit on forehead...actually thats quite a lot....

Dior forever - def the best so far but would like something with a bit more coverage. Its medium coverage which is pretty good and maybe i'm just getting greedy looking for something better. Perfect colour match, easy to blend, does last well. No real complaints about it but if they made a version with more coverage i'd e the happiest camper ever.

Clinique dewy smooth- loved this but didn't last as long as i hoped. They have also discontinued my colour.

Chanel pro lumiere - more rubbish, did nothing for me at all. Not good coverage, very yellow on my skin, didn't last. Think this must only sell to people wanting to buy into the chanel name.

Urban Decay cream to powder- very thick but slides off my skin very quickly. Seems to turn my skin either oily or sweaty which isn't a look i go for. Felt heavy on my skin and looked very obvious as though it was a seperate mask.

Revlon colourstay - went patchy, felt a bit heavy during the day. Would like a bit more coverage but good colour match

Rimmel lasting finish- didn't last, not great coverage.


Ok so i have tried a fair few and still want more. As i said there is nothing wrong with my dior forever, its fantastic really but on the days when i'd like something a bit stronger its a bit light. I could apply another layer but i'm not really into the layers of make up as i tend to be a bit low maintenance, as in i'd never spend more than 15 mins doing my make up.

If anyone has advice i'd love to hear it, i'm considering make up forever hd now. For the record i'm around 30 with normal to dry skin, a few forehead lines and light crows feet are the only signs of ageing i have...

Evil_little_me

You should give MaxFactor's Xperience foundation a go. It's probably the best foundation I've used yet. It goes on with little or no effort, it gives you a flawless, weightless finish and lasts the day. It won't clog your pores and also has SPF 10.

http://www.chicprofile.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Max-Factor-fall-2010-Xperience-Weightless-Foundation-SPF10-swatch.jpg

Resi12

Do you use powder to set your foundation? How is your makeup going off so easily if you have normal to dry skin or is it just drying out quickly? If it is drying out that is the problem then I don't see how it's the foundation that could always be in the wrong. What is your skincare regime? Do you use good moisturiser for your skin type?

Perhaps look into sprays like MAC's Fix+, I haven't used it first hand so I can't say if it's good but it might be worthwhile. I know Urban Decay do make up setting sprays too so you could always give them a look too.

Asphyxia

It mightn't be the foundation it might be your skin type, if you have oily skin you should use an oil free foundation etc. The best thing you can do is go to a makeup counter and have a chat with them and get some advice. They will put some makeup on you and show you what best suits your skin.

slowmoe

as i have a drier skin type powder tends not to do me any favours so i just use a light amount.

I'm looking for something that will give about 10 hours plus lasting power...when i say doesn't last i mean its prob lasting half that which isn't what i need. Only a few types have lasted less such as estee double wear, mac studio sculpt and armani luminous finish.

The make up isn't drying out, its disappearing in sections, differently depending on the foundation. Like with studio sculpt about 2 hours after application it will only be visible in forehead lines and crows feet or a few open pores, hardly anywhere else. With armani's its just gone into patches so it looks like a ton of dry skin under the make up but i exfoliate twice to three times a week, and even if i have just exfoliated it will still do this

My skin type is normal to dry, i have a very good skincare regime that works well for me. I don't wear make up every day. On days when i'm not wearing make up i have no probs with patchy or flakey skin, visile open pores or oiliness/sweat. Only sweat if i'm doin something energetic lol.

I've been to dior, estee lauder and bobbi brown. Dior was a good experience, the girl was helpful and knowledgable but not pushy and she was honest about what i needed. Estee lauder tried to make me buy everything in the shop and were very very very pushy. Bobbi brown basically rubbished my skin and made me feel like a leper!

Resi12

It really sounds like you have combination skin (dry/oily) causing the foundation to come up different on the dry and oily parts. It's odd that your make-up comes off in certain parts if your skin is not oily..

Really, if it is setting into wrinkles and crows feet I would shy away from a heavy foundation as to me this only sounds like it will set into them and make them more prominent.

Have you ever tried mineral foundation? Perhaps the liquid just does not suit your skin type? I mean all those brands are reputable and if not one does it's job that well then it's clearly the product is not for you. I would also invest in oil free moisturisers and exfoliate the face weekly to remove the dry patches.

However if you are dead set you are just experiencing this from dry skin, I must ask do you use a primer?

slowmoe

The dior one is very good, brilliant actually but i'm looking to get another one for more night time stuff, you know just that bit extra? Mac moistureblend was also good but discontinued now, as was cliniques but its also gone.

Its really the lasting power thats the main problem but i have been told by mua's that generally foundations are only supposed to last about 3-4 hours anyhow so i'm looking for something extra really.

Have tried bare minerals but it didn't suit me at all, it didn't come up well on my skin, made it look quite dry and when i cleansed my skin lookied a it worse than usual. Sometimes have used a primer, not all the time as i just don't like the feel of it on my skin, tried the smashbox one which felt like silicone on my skin, the clarins illinator one which was quite good for appearance but only added maybe an hour or so onto my make up. Also tried guerlains midnight star which was amazing but its too expensive to repurchase.

I don't have an oil free moisturizer as i though oil free would be only for oily skin types. As i said without make up my skin would never get oily, greasy or a 'slick' whereas after washing my face it would be uncomfortably tight and i would need to moisturize straight away. I do exfoliate two to three times a week.

Its not that i feel my skin is the problem more its hard to get everything i want from one foundation. I realise that flawless application that lasts as a flawless application, long lasting power and good coverage are a lot to ask from one foundation hence the thread. I was hoping some people here might know of something that they can suggest.

Has anyone tried the makeupforever hd?

I guess my dior forever is probably the best i'm going to get!

Resi12

Right..

As for washing your face making it extremely tight, what product are you using? That might not be the best for you, check if has alcohol in it. That ia a big no-no for dry skin.

I have heard great things for Dermalogica, maybe give them a look? I know you said your skincare routine is fine but honestly something is clearly not adding up here and I find it hard to see how all those foundation can be so blotchy on you if your routine is that fullproof. No offence intended, please take this with a grain of salt.

I wouldn't bother asking any person working on a counter (especially working for commission) what is best for you. They may suggest you their foundation for dry skin but considering you tried so many it almost seems like a stab in the dark. In my opinion I would save money spending it on so many cosmetics and go to a dermatologist and see their opinion.

The MUF HD is oil free so maybe it would be best to avoid that? Saying that though, no I have not tried it but it's quite pricey just to give it a go.

glitterbug86

You seem to have tried a lot of foundations so I'm kind of dumbfounded as to what's going wrong. I would have suggested ELDW if you hadn't already tried it but it must not suit you anyways since you get that weird ashy greyness. What do you use to apply the foundation? Can you walk us through exactly what you do and how much you use? Be as specific as possible. I have not used MUFE HD but it is light to medium coverage. It is supposed to look natural aswell so I don't think it would give you the full coverage flawless look you're after. Another popular one that I'd rule out (that I do have) is Nar sheer glow which is medium coverage and does not last very well. It also seems to sit better on oilier skin and has a kind of weird texture on my slightly dry to normal skin.

tan11ie

OP You say that you have normal / dry skin? tbh from reading your post and how your foundation seems to be lasting, you could have oily or oily combination skin. Could you be using too much oily products before applying foundation?

I'm Normal / dry and Mac Studio Sculpt is perfect for my skin type.

Have you ever tried Laura Mercier?

tan11ie

slowmoe wrote: »

after washing my face it would be uncomfortably tight and i would need to moisturize straight away. I do exfoliate two to three times a week.

Ok i just had to post again (hope you don't mind) I honestly think you could have your skin type wrong which is resulting in the foundations not lasting. Seems you could be combination Dry/oily which means you will have to set your foundation with a translucent powder ONLY in the areas where the foundation is sliding off.

Just on another note re quote ^ your face could feel tight after washing due to the product you are using or dehydration.
Also if you feel that you have dry/normal skin type the you are exfoliating too much. I'm just pointing this out (in the nicest possible way:)) because skin type is the key to choosing the correct foundation.

lil-ms-vodka

Used to have the same problem, foundation would dissapear on my chin and around my nose
Solution was a primer base, love L'oreal studio fix and Avon face perfector. I use Max Factor second skin foundation with a light pressed poweder and bronzer lasts all day

slowmoe

Wow thanks so much for all the help, i can't believe the problem is just me! I though everyone had problems with patchy make up or make up nt lasting the day!!!

I should say i think my skin is dehydrated a bit as it does the crepe paper look when i push my cheek up if that makes sense to anyone.

My skin care regime is cleanse, tone (alcohol free), serum, moisturize, eye cream. With two times a week exfoliating and once a week rehydration mask.

The reasons i think i'm normal to dry are that after a shower my face feels uncomfortable, i need to moisturize straight away to feel better. If i don't exfoliate my skin would have flakey patches after about 1-2 weeks. Like dandruff on my skin. Without make up i would never suffer from any oil on my skin nor would i ever develope the glossy look that oily skin has. Without make up i have no visible open pores, blackheads or spots. I would never have more than 1 spot at a time.

Both dior and estee lauder assessed me as normal to dry. Bobi brown said i had hugely problematic skin and i needed about a hundred things to fix it :rolleyes:

I'll have a peek on the net for pictures of the type of patchiness i'm talking about, but as though i've put make up on over dandruff, that kind of a line or pattern? Not sure that makes sense. So its getting rid of that-only happens with a few foundations....and the long lasting. Most of the foundations just evaporate from my face!!!!

I usually use a foundation brush to apply, with thicker foundations i use a brush and a sponge

LivingDeadGirl

You must be looking for serious coverage because I use Revlon Colourstay and Estee Lauder Doublwear and find the coverage really good. Did you try Estee Lauder Maximum Cover? (I think that's what it's called).

Resi12

slowmoe wrote: »

Wow thanks so much for all the help, i can't believe the problem is just me! I though everyone had problems with patchy make up or make up nt lasting the day!!!

I should say i think my skin is dehydrated a bit as it does the crepe paper look when i push my cheek up if that makes sense to anyone.

My skin care regime is cleanse, tone (alcohol free), serum, moisturize, eye cream. With two times a week exfoliating and once a week rehydration mask.

The reasons i think i'm normal to dry are that after a shower my face feels uncomfortable, i need to moisturize straight away to feel better. If i don't exfoliate my skin would have flakey patches after about 1-2 weeks. Like dandruff on my skin. Without make up i would never suffer from any oil on my skin nor would i ever develope the glossy look that oily skin has. Without make up i have no visible open pores, blackheads or spots. I would never have more than 1 spot at a time.

Both dior and estee lauder assessed me as normal to dry. Bobi brown said i had hugely problematic skin and i needed about a hundred things to fix it :rolleyes:

I'll have a peek on the net for pictures of the type of patchiness i'm talking about, but as though i've put make up on over dandruff, that kind of a line or pattern? Not sure that makes sense. So its getting rid of that-only happens with a few foundations....and the long lasting. Most of the foundations just evaporate from my face!!!!

I usually use a foundation brush to apply, with thicker foundations i use a brush and a sponge

Honestly, I would go to a dermatologist. If you do all that regime regularly yet still get painful stiffness it is most likely you have very dry skin and need some prescription moisturiser. The flaky (almost dandruff) like skin on your face may even be very slight eczema.

Another alarm to me would be the amount of foundation you have tried with not great results, even the best one is average at best. This has to mean that it isn't their fault but more so your skin not having enough moisture to hold the product.

Please make an appointment. I think it will save you a lot of hassle and maybe even money on more expensive creams/lotions/foundations/primers.

slowmoe

I would only experience the discomfort of tightness after a long shower before my skincare. Once i apply my skincare everything is fine until i get to make up, i have different problems with make up depending on each one.

The dior forever foundation is great, perfect really, easy to apply and blend, looks flawless, lasts all day, stays normal on my face. I'm literally looking for it in a higher coverage form. Dewy smooth and mac moistureblend were great until i couldn't get them anymore.

I'm looking for a higher coverage one for big nights out when i want to look as glam and wow as possible.

I do have a friend who is actually a dermatologist!!! Might see if she can fit me in!

Thanks again for help xxx

glitterbug86

I don't know what to recommend at this point but I would not recommend Mac Fix+ as someone mentioned earlier as it has the look and feel of water and just takes down the powdery look and can be used to wet eyeshadows. It doesn't set makeup and won't make it last longer. Also wouldn't recommend Estee Lauder Maximum Cover partly because of the problem you had with the other Estee Lauder foundation but also because while it is fuller coverage than double wear, it doesn't last as long and starts to cake weirdly after a couple of hours (and I have NO oil on my skin either that wouldn be causing it).

How much foundation do you apply approx? Any brush should work fine though I wouldn't recommend using a sponge as too much soaks into it. Fingers would even be better than a sponge. Whats you skin like directly before you apply makeup (ie. if you moisturise then how long before and can you still feel the moisturiser or.?) Also do you touch your face a lot? That might sound obvious but mine tends to only wear off on my chin since I tend to lean my chin on my hand a bit.

Resi12

slowmoe wrote: »

I would only experience the discomfort of tightness after a long shower before my skincare. Once i apply my skincare everything is fine until i get to make up, i have different problems with make up depending on each one.

The dior forever foundation is great, perfect really, easy to apply and blend, looks flawless, lasts all day, stays normal on my face. I'm literally looking for it in a higher coverage form. Dewy smooth and mac moistureblend were great until i couldn't get them anymore.

I'm looking for a higher coverage one for big nights out when i want to look as glam and wow as possible.

I do have a friend who is actually a dermatologist!!! Might see if she can fit me in!

Thanks again for help xxx

Awh that's brilliant, make sure you tell them all. Let us know how it goes!

slowmoe

Had a quick coffee with my friend last night after work, was wearing the armani luminous silk which is my newest foundation. She isn't really into make up but she said to her it didn't look great. Like it was tired. I had applied with a brush and used smashbox primer underneath. She said she could see where the make up had gone into pores...like full stops was how she put it and settled in a few lines making them look much worse, and that it looked very faded. So we went to her place after and i took off my make up and she said my skin was fine underneath. That i have slight lines but the make up amplifies, not covers them up. And the pores you can see make up settling in on, are not visible when i've no make up on. She thought my skin type was right as there was no surface oil or other evidence of oily skin..no blemishes, blackheads open pores etc.

I asked if i should make a proper appointment and she felt there was no need to, as obviously she would assess my skin make up free and i had no evidence of any condition. She did say she gets a few people in that complain about their skin with make up but she says generally thats down to using the wrong products on your skin as obviously not everything out there in skin, hair care or make up is 5 star product. Even with their specialist treatment products there is trial and error with products. She did say my skin was dehydrated and suggested i do the mask twice a week instead of once for a while. I work in air conditioning.

So back to square one... Finding a long lasting foundation that looks well on me!!!

That is not double wear! Btw i have heard similar complaints of dw from a few people, in that it wrecked their skin so its def not just me.

I've been told maybe mac studio fix fluid or makeup forver liquid lift???

Also i'm looking for another foundation brush, any recommendations? Thanks!

Resi12

Well that's good news but also a tad frustrating as it's back to the drawing board! I really think you should go for lighter foundation in that case, if your make-up is that prominent and your still want more coverage it's doubtful you need it.

I would go to a Chanel counter in BT, they give samples. Ask for Vitalumiére, it's a moisture rich foundation but isn't all that heavy. As it says on the website:

The formula has been updated with new ingredients to specifically target dry, dull and uneven skin, and moisturizing agents to provide hydration and comfort.

Might be worth a sample? As for brushes, I bought they MAC 188 Stippling and it is fantastic but I think Sephora/Sigma does one that's basically the same and much cheaper. If your looking for a more traditional looking one though I have heard many things recently about Louise Young brushes.

MacieC

I think you should trying the Bourjois foundation, the " Healthy Mix " one. It lasts all day. Also try to put on some transparent powder from Mac or the Make Up Store, the foundation lasts longer.

Make Up Store foundations are also good but they're a bit too oily. Well, at least they last all day and all night if you go out.

Maybe try Loreal they have some great foundations (the fushia one).

Larianne

It sounds to me that it's your skin that's the problem and not the foundation.

What skincare do you use?? You might need to change your moisturiser. And maybe ease up on the exfoliating. Putting so much stuff on your skin might be making the matter worse not better.

Also, avoid washing your face. I know it sounds mad but it isn't helping your skin. Use your cleanser to clean your face.