Foundation help, please?

[alysia56]

I originally posted this elsewhere, but only got one reply. So either my post was way too long or it was in the wrong place. I'll try to clean it a bit, either way.

I have pretty oily skin, shine like crazy by about 11:30 every day and end up redoing my make-up about 1/2 way through the day.

I currently use Studio Fix powder. I kind of require powder foundation due not only to the oiliness, but the fact that I'm very busy (work full time, have child, etc.) and don't have the time or patience to deal with a liquid followed with powder. I can't use MAC's Oil Control Lotion as it breaks me out like crazy.

Also, I've tried blotting with MAC Blot Powder throughout the day, but it just...I don't know....doesn't work right.

Long story short, my Studio Fix is almost gone, so instead of repurchasing, I'd like to just move on. I'm thinking LORAC Wet/Dry, Smashbox Function 5, NARS, Napoleon Perdis Camera Finish or MUFE's powder foundation. The thing is, I need GOOD coverage that will last for at least a majority of the day even through the Phoenix heat and my shininess (which I'm sure has plenty to do with the weather) but is also safe for acne-prone skin.

ALSO (one more thing), Bare Minerals is NOT an option. I'm one of the few girls out there who hates it the most of all things because of what it did to her skin.

Any help or recs would be very much appreciated. I'm lost right now. Thanks so much!

 

[anshu7]

hav u tried using a primer underneath?

 

[wifey806]

(my reply is sooo long, I'm sorry!)

Hi. Sorry to hear about all your troubles thus far. I can sympathize. I get so greasy that I want to take a tissue and wipe my face off and start again somedays.

I too hate Bare Minerals so I'm guessing we may like the same things. I DO have the Napolean powder, but it has really minimal coverage, and u mentioned u wanted some coverage. I actually use it as a setting powder with a powder brush (that's how light it is). Plus his foundation colors are kinda wierd...

You might like the Studio Fix fluid/liquid foundation. I bought it this week and I really like it because it's also one step (no setting powder required!!)

The only other things I've been liking are the Boots no. 9 primer (dude, it works soooooo insanely well). Or Milani cream to powder foundation. For some odd reason, it stays on well with my Boots primer and dries to a powdery finish. OH! I admit that Mineral Veil is the best setting powder (all though I hate the rest of the line, so I always forget about it).

I think the MUFE new HD loose powder may work for us too. I heard their Velvet Matte is crazy awesome (I'm trying to get into film/tv makeup, and this is what I hear people are leaning towards as their "new staple" under the hot lights and stuff. I've never used Nars anything, so I dunno about that .

Well whatever you choose, please write it here?! I looooove to learn new tricks, and would love to hear what ends up working for u (so I can buy it too lol!). take care!!!!

 

[Kuuipo]

I have oily skin and NARs is my HG foundation. I still blot, but it lasts better than anything else and doesn't break me out.
Mineral Veil is just tinted cornstarch. Although cornstarch is awesome for absorbing oil the starch can be a great source of food for bacteria if your skin is oily and acne prone. There are better powders for oily skin. (I use NARS loose powder,MAC blot powder for purse touch ups, and my first preference overall is blotting papers).

 

[gingerbelle]

Loooooooong (but hopefully helpful) answer ahead...

I have uber-oily skin and living in an incredibly hot, humid climate just makes it worse. Although you would like a quick foundation fix, I have found that a good skincare regimen also helps. If you use good chemical exfoliators, plus a physical one, you may see a huge difference in your skin's behaviour. Since I've been using a good AHA and BHA my skin has been much less oily, and what I thought was acne turned out to be clogged pores. That said, my summer foundation routine is as follows:

1) Shiseido SPF55 sunscreen lotion (a must if you use chemical exfoliants)
2) A thin layer of Milk of Magnesia, applied like a toner with cotton ball (I kid you not, magnesium is a great mattifyer present in many cosmetic mattifying products in lower concentrations and for a whole lot more $$$ than MoM), let dry, repeat once. You will have white streaks and a tight feeling, but don't worry, they will go away after you apply foundation.
3) For med-full coverage: Estee Lauder Doublewear Liquid foundation, finished with a light dusting of MAC Blot powder.
For light-medium coverage: Prescriptives Anywear Powder applied with a damp sponge.

I find I have to blot with blotting papers followed up with Blot Powder around early afternoon, but otherwise I am dewy, not shiny. Also NO MSFs or shimmery powders at all in summer, even if you aren't oily, it makes you look that way.

You MUST remove with an oil cleanser (I like MAC Cleanse off oil) to remove the sunscreen and foundation, or you will get clogged pores. Then wash with a good foaming cleanser to remove any residue. I like Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 3% Cleanser. Twice weekly I use Clinique Exfoliating Scrub as a physical exfoliant, and alternate nightly with Paula's Choice 2% Salicylic Acid (BHA) Liquid and Peter Thomas Roth 10% Glycolic Acid (AHA) Hydrating Gel.

This keeps me oil and breakout free, but I have to be really disciplined about maintaining it, especially in the hot, sweaty summer or my skin will let me know. It is a pain to always have to do it, but with sensitive skin like ours, it's really worth it.
HTH!

 

[wifey806]

Kuuipo, u and the OP (Alysia56) mentioned Nars. Do they have only one, or what would I be looking for? Thanks!

Also Ginerbelle... I fricken LOVE cleanse off oil! Have you ever tried the Lemon Oil Cleanser from Fresh? It's also to die for.

 

[alysia56]

Okay, (dun dun dunnnnnnnn) time for the verdict. Kind of.

I went to Sephora on Saturday and tested and retested and ended up with going with . . . NARS foundation powder (in Barcelona, for those who are interested).

Today is my first day with it, as I felt the need to give my skin a break over the weekend. Thus far I've had it on for 4 hours and don't yet feel required to reapply AT ALL.

I did notice, though, that the coverage is not quite as full as I would have liked, but I like to apply with a foundation brush in lieu of the sponge provided; that could definitely have something to do with it.

To Wifey806: Nars has several foundations, but only one powder foundation as far as I know. That's what I went with.

To anshu7: I use a primer on occasion (like when I'm going out and really wanna look good), but MAC Prep + Prime (though it works well) breaks me out and Smashbox KIND OF breaks me out, though not as bad, and it doesn't work as well. I don't use a primer every day, as my skin simply can't handle it.

I'll let you know more after a day of wearing; we'll see how it goes. I'm also wondering how my skin will react (breakout, etc.), so I guess we'll wait on that as well.

Thank you all again for your help.