Ready to wear foundation. Help me figure it out?

[Deleted]

Are you close to a sephora? If so, I would go there and request to be matched with a foundation. They can help you pick out a type that works with your skin. You can request a sample to take home and wear for a few days before you commit, or you can return the product if you don't like it. I like that Sephora has a bunch of different brands so you can find something that really works for your skin type and color.

I used to wear MAC foundation but have since switched to makeup forever. I have been pretty happy with it.

[dexteroni]

A retinol may be able to help with some of the issues you listed in your update, particularly the old acne scars, visible pores, and what I'm guessing are lines on your forehead. And I've heard people say retinol can help lighten pigmented spots, but I don't know the scope of what type of spots they can lighten. These would be good things to ask your dermatologist.

I can't advise on shades or type of makeup, but I agree with cuadrado's suggestion to go to Sephora and browse and ask questions. As for the dryness and oiliness, maybe it's time to look for a new cleanser? You may need something more gentle. That's something you can ask about at Sephora too.

[shopmore]

I suggest making an appointment with a beauty stylist at Nordstrom. You will get one on one time to help address your concerns and since the stylists aren't associated with any one specific counter, you will get to try a variety if items to get your best match. In fact, I did not necessarily purchase on my first appointment, but I did take home a load of sample foundations to try out and later came back to make my purchase.

[pinkpinot]

I wear MAC studio fix, I just prefer a powder over liquid. I worked for Chanel for about 5 years but I used to play around with all the makeup lines everyday - it was heaven - I miss that job!

I'd recommend going to an Estee Lauder counter, Laura Mercier counter and Chanel counter. They all had really great coverage foundations that were excellent on dry skin/combo skin. Talk to the consultant about your skin and get a sample of what they recommended and try it for a few days before you commit because it's pricey.

[bugandbibs]

I'm brown too and finding foundation can be frustrating.

I have found my bliss in the bare minerals ready to wear compact foundation line. They have expanded their color range, especially on the darker end. Do you have an Ulta near you? They have associates who can color match you.

[IIOY]

Apr 2, 2014 5:18:00 GMT -5 shopmore said:

I suggest making an appointment with a beauty stylist at Nordstrom. You will get one on one time to help address your concerns and since the stylists aren't associated with any one specific counter, you will get to try a variety if items to get your best match. In fact, I did not necessarily purchase on my first appointment, but I did take home a load of sample foundations to try out and later came back to make my purchase.

So much this.  I would go to Nordstrom over Sephora any day because Nordstrom has a massive reputation for customer service and hires professionals, and the consultant will work to make you happy.  I did this last month and now have a foundation that is infinitely better than what I was using; it matches my skin tone perfectly and goes on like a dream.  The consultant also helped me find a much better concealer, as well as some awesome brushes.  I can't recommend this service enough.

Frankly, I wish I had done this years ago rather than trying to sort out foundation by myself and living with something that I had to correct with powder and blush.  The right one makes such a difference.

[liveintheville]

www.sephora.com/teint-couture-long-wearing-fluid-foundation-broad-spectrum-spf-20-P381810?skuId=1533009

I use this and love it. Doesn't feel like I'm wearing anything and looks natural enough to me. I thought they had pretty good range of colors but I don't recall them all. I just started wearing foundation this year.

[shopmore]

Apr 4, 2014 7:20:34 GMT -5 IIOY said:

Apr 2, 2014 5:18:00 GMT -5 shopmore said:

I suggest making an appointment with a beauty stylist at Nordstrom. You will get one on one time to help address your concerns and since the stylists aren't associated with any one specific counter, you will get to try a variety if items to get your best match. In fact, I did not necessarily purchase on my first appointment, but I did take home a load of sample foundations to try out and later came back to make my purchase.

So much this.  I would go to Nordstrom over Sephora any day because Nordstrom has a massive reputation for customer service and hires professionals, and the consultant will work to make you happy.  I did this last month and now have a foundation that is infinitely better than what I was using; it matches my skin tone perfectly and goes on like a dream.  The consultant also helped me find a much better concealer, as well as some awesome brushes.  I can't recommend this service enough.

Frankly, I wish I had done this years ago rather than trying to sort out foundation by myself and living with something that I had to correct with powder and blush.  The right one makes such a difference.

I also wanted to add that recently after I made some purchase after the latest beauty trend show I emailed my beauty stylist and she was able to price match several of my items with some promotions that were going on at other retailers.  She's super awesome!  Hopefully you've kept in touch with yours too!

[IIOY]

Apr 4, 2014 19:44:45 GMT -5 shopmore said:

Apr 4, 2014 7:20:34 GMT -5 IIOY said:

So much this.  I would go to Nordstrom over Sephora any day because Nordstrom has a massive reputation for customer service and hires professionals, and the consultant will work to make you happy.  I did this last month and now have a foundation that is infinitely better than what I was using; it matches my skin tone perfectly and goes on like a dream.  The consultant also helped me find a much better concealer, as well as some awesome brushes.  I can't recommend this service enough.

Frankly, I wish I had done this years ago rather than trying to sort out foundation by myself and living with something that I had to correct with powder and blush.  The right one makes such a difference.

I also wanted to add that recently after I made some purchase after the latest beauty trend show I emailed my beauty stylist and she was able to price match several of my items with some promotions that were going on at other retailers.  She's super awesome!  Hopefully you've kept in touch with yours too!

I have been considering emailing mine because I will want to return at some point anyway. I really did love my entire experience and although I walked out of Nordstrom nearly $300 poorer, it was sooooo worth it.

[Deleted]

Have you tried mineral make up? I have found it to be by far the best for my rosacea. My derm recommended it.

Perhaps a combo of cream concealer and mineral make up will work well for you? An option to try anyway;)

[IIOY]

Apr 9, 2014 22:52:59 GMT -5 @foodielicious said:

Wow, sorry guys I forgot to check back after a couple of days.

So I used to use studio fixe too, but the problem is my winter skin color is several shades lighter than my end of summer color. I don't know how to make it work without buying a whole bunch of colors and blending. i don't mind having a couple fo $9 bottles of foundation but at $30 a pop I had to pause.

I will be making at appointment at nordstroms soon. Do they charge for the consultation?

Oh and yes, I shop at ULTA, but I've never been very impressed with their staff (at least at the one near me). The turnover rate seems to be high and their hygiene of brushes and things like that seems a little lacking. When I go to MAC, I sometimes ahve to wait because the associate is cleaning brushes before they talk to the next person. I can live with that. I never see anyone cleaning anything at the ULTA I shop at. If they didn't have such good deals on the GIANT bottles of shampoo, I might not go there at all soon.

No charge for a consultation, and theoretically they don't expect you to buy anything, although you will probably want to buy at least the foundation they match you to so as to make the effort worth it, not only because that's the whole point, but because the consultant earns a commission on the sale.  


Don't be frightened by the cost - I use Chanel and it's $57/bottle, although that's at the high end of the price spectrum - because this is the best money I've ever spent on makeup.  For the first time ever, my foundation looks like it belongs on my face.  I've never had such a good color match.