Makeup Trouble

Updated on March 07, 2009
S.B. asks from South Hadley, MA
35 answers

Hello Ladies
I know that most of you on here who do wear makeup have some of the problems that Im having right now finding that one foundation for your skin type, so let me just get right down to my story of bad foundation....
I have had such a problem latley finding a cover up foundation that is mineral or that matches my skin tone perfectly so that it doesnt look like im wearing much make up or any at all and one that doesnt affect the way my skin is already
I have very dry skin and acne on my face that isnt to bad but is hard to find some thing that wont cake or make me orange or pale or sometimes i feel like my face is burning when I put foundation on so I have to wipe it off right away.
I have olive skin witch is somewhat on the light side and everytime I find a make up it makes me orange or to pale
I have tried cover girl and
loreal I love there products but they are expensive and I cant afford them any more plus I find them not a good product for my skin type
and right now im using physicans formula witch I find to heavy and it makes my skin look
worse it supposed to be for sensitive skin like mine but I dont find it to be that way I find myself orange and cakey like my face is about to peel right off and it burns my skin.
I would love to find one foundation for my sensitive skin type that doesnt make me look orange or to pale and some what hide the little acne that I have and some of my red spots and also one that wont cloge my pores and make my skin worse .
I go on most of the websites to get my true color but sometimes its wrong and im sick of doing that and wasting money on bad products. I just want to find one product that I can stick with permantley and not change ever again that works for my sensitve sking type
does anyone have any ideas on proudcts for me that arent expensive ones
I would greatly appreciate your tips and advice on this please....
Thank you

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Featured Answers

M.P.

answers from Boston on

Nicole Miller is great. It is not sold in the retail stores, so you have to have a membership to the wellness company to get it. I love it, because you have a 60-day empty bottle satifaction money back guarantee. If you need more information email me.

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J.A.

answers from Boston on

Hi S.:

I have a similar problem but with light to medium skin. I also tried Physicians Formula and it agrivated my skin. I finally found mineral makeup from Nicole Miller. It is a powder and I am finding I don't have to use much. I even found the color blends into my skin much better.

J.

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R.B.

answers from Boston on

I use Bare Escentuals mineral makeup and absolutely love it. I've had 3 friends and my mom switch to it after seeing how it looked on my skin and they all love it too. It's a little pricey but a little goes a long, long way. It's got great coverage and although they have an automatic delivery set up, you can just tell them you do not want automatic delivery and they won't do it. Some of my initial shipment, cause they send you foundation, blush, and top powder lasted me over a year because it is used so sparingly although regularly. Give it a try. It's a really great product and they have all different shades and you can even mix them at home to get a lighter or darker shade depending on the seasons. I've tried other OTC but nothing stood up to them in quality.

More Answers

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S.B.

answers from Providence on

I am 38 years old, and although I do not have any acne, I have olive skin but a very fair complextion. The makeup I found that best matches my skin tones are "MAC" you can get at Macy's or "Laura Mercier" which I got at Sephora. I hope these help

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L.S.

answers from New London on

I have light olive skin as well and I use Loreal True Match in Natural beige. I probably could go even lighter but I like a little tint of color. This is really the only makeup that I can wear that looks natural. It is around 10 dollars per bottle, but worth it if you compare it to what in in the department stores. If you buy at CVS you can take it back if it doesn't match your skin color. Or you can buy two colors and use more of one in the summer when you get a little darker.

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J.B.

answers from Boston on

Hi,
I've had my share of skin problems as well; I don't wear much makeup but when I do I use Perscriptives; I really suggest that line because they can blend colors to match your skin. Try it an see how it works; explain it to the the makeup artist and see what she can do. Also try Aveeno foaming facial wash and daily moisturizing to even out skin tone it really works and I'm much oder than 21. (LOL)

JB:)

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E.M.

answers from Boston on

Do u know anyone that is a mary kay or avon rep? Try going to ther websites. I'm suqe they have products for sensitive skin. U could also call a dermatologist to get a recommendation on what to use. Good luck!

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J.H.

answers from Boston on

Hi S.
It sounds like ur skin is the problem not the makeup. Reliv food supplements have given many people relief from acne rosacea eczema and other skin sensitivities,. When the skin gets better the makeup (if needed at all!) Will go on better.
J. H

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J.J.

answers from Boston on

I have always had trouble with acne and have worn makeup for years trying to conceal it & trying to avoid the "mask" appearance along my jawline. I began using bare essentuals a few years ago and love it. It is light-weight and blends well with my skin tone...no more "mask". It doesn't clog my pores either. The company has been opening stores lately in the MA/NH area (latest one I believe is @ the Rockingham Mall in Salem NH)it can't hurt to go in & give it a try before purchasing it. The makeup may be a bit more expensive than the drugstore brands, but a little goes a long way & it actually lasts longer for me than the other brands.

Good luck!

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R.K.

answers from Springfield on

I haven't tried it and Iknow its expensive but it might be worth it have you tried bare minerals or maybe you could find someone that has tried it and get their opinion they have some stores at some of the big malls like solomon pond mall maybe you could go and try it there first before purchasing and they offer a 60 day full refund even if the product is completely used.

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R.K.

answers from Boston on

Hi,

I'm thinking that with your sensitive skin and your comments about the foundation caking and looking orange, that you may have to do what I do.
I moisturize twice. Then I apply foundation very lightly before the second moisturizer is dry. It seems to spread better and last longer. Also, try not to eliminate your "beauty marks" (any red marks, etc.), but rather let the foundation just smooth your skin's appearance. If you're still worried about a particular spot, you could use a makeup sponge and dab the smallest amount of extra foundation on that spot.
Best of luck!

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C.W.

answers from Boston on

I use Bare Minerals and I love it. Like others said with Bare Essentials it is a little pricier but lasts a LONG time. It smooths out your complection but doesn't feel like you are using any makeup. Even when my daughter puts her hands all over my face just after application it still looks fine. :) You can also fall asleep with it on and it doesn't get on your pillow.

I also agree with what some of the other women said below about basic skin care. In the winter I try to put on Oil of Olay in the morning and at night.

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S.K.

answers from New London on

I use Clinique exclusively (except for my Mac mascara). I find it helpful to have a clinician to help me find the right shades. I always see the same saleswoman at my local Macy's. They keep a file card with my preferences and colors and it's always easy to get the same products each time without having to remember my shades.
I have very sensitive skin and had the same problems with the burning sensation you described. Since I now use only higher quality products I have not had that happen again.
I also use the skin care regime recommended for my skin type and in combination with the nicer makeup I have noticed a great improvement in my complexion.
I would recommend using one product- designed for your skin type. Getting help from a professional is very helpful. If you can't afford a higher quality product- I have heard good things about Neutrogena products.
If you have decent health insurance- you could see a dermatologist. They can give you makeup recommendations as well as help with the skin care issues you described.
Good luck,
S.

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G.M.

answers from Boston on

I never used to wear foundation, but as I get older, I know it gives my face a smoother look. I recommend going to Sephora (Prudential Mall). They have great people that will put different ones on you to find the right match for your skin tone - nothing like on line where you're dealing with a computer! They explain everything in detail and aren't pushy as they don't get commission on what they sell. I got Makeup Forever (I think it's called), but remember you'll have to pay for a good product. If you want to go with brands that cost less, that's just what you'll get - less.

Good luck!

D.B.

answers from Boston on

It sounds like you keep trying products and have a lot of reaction. You say you are spending a lot of money but you aren't seeing results - so there's a problem with pretty much every product you are trying. Have you considered working on the skin from the inside (nutritional) and the outside (higher quality moisturizers that balance the skin ph)? I have gotten away from all kinds of skin problems (dryness, blemishes, redness, irritation, makeup problems) by using Reliv nutrition. Once you get your system and your skin in good shape, you should be able to use pretty much any makeup product. Don't throw out the makeup yet - work on the inside and see what happens in a month. It's a whole different way of looking at things and you'll be shocked at what a difference it makes. I have a friend with a lot of skin problems and the professional who does her facial care has seen a huge difference in just 3 weeks!

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J.R.

answers from Boston on

Skin Effects by Dr. Jeffrey Dover - this is available in CVS for low cost and is a great product. I saw him interviewed on Chronicle and he said he made it for that purpose - a good product at a lower cost. I don't have a problem with acne, but I felt like my skin was dull looking and this has worked wonders for me.

When I'm cash strapped I use a little of my regular moisturizer mixed with the NYC brand of foundation (I also have issue with color choices b/c my skin is a lighter tan/yellowish color and this helps to get to the right color without the mask effect.) It's $2.99 in CVS, but if you have acne and sensitive skin, you probably should use a higher quality product. When I can splurge, I use MAC make up which is great. Also I use the i.d. bareMinerals make up which is also really nice. I went to Sephora and they made up my face and I went home with it on to see if I liked it. The next time I went I purchased it so that may be a good choice for you also.

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G.E.

answers from Boston on

HI S., If you're near Hampton, NH I'd be happy to help you find a product to help your skin, no charge. It sounds like you have many sensitivity issues as well as trouble finding products that match your skin color/type. Call me, I can help. ###-###-####
G.~~~
Master Esthetician
Professional Make-up Artisit

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B.R.

answers from Springfield on

I have light olive skin also. What I found recently that works and feels great is a tinted moisturizer called Organic Wear that I got at Whole Foods. It's smooth and light and smells great. Since getting into my 40's I've had reddish cheeks. This tinted moisturizer covers that well without making me feel like I've had to cake on foundation. It was around $10 for the tube but I only use a dime size each morning. If I want more coverage in any area I dab some on and leave it to partially dry. Plus you've got the added benefit of it being a moisturizer.

Good luck.

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L.E.

answers from Hartford on

you could try the 'mary kay' line. look to see if there's a consultant in your area.

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G.I.

answers from Hartford on

I also have a hard time finding a foundation that works well for me because my skin tone is darker in the summer than in the winter. Thankfully, I am not one to wear make up a whole lot (only when I am actually going out to see my band family play or other very special occasions). So, what I do for cover up/foundation usually depends on the time of year. If it is during the winter when my skin is a more pale, I tend to use my lighter compact. During the summer, when my skin is a little darker, I use both my slightly darker liquid foundation on spots I am most worried about covering (I do have a couple of scars and some vericose veins on my face) and my lighter compact. During both times of the year, I combine my lighter and darker blushes for the apples of my cheeks then use the lighter blush to warm up the tones on the rest of my face. When I pair this with natural eye shadow tones, a nice dark red lipstick, a little bit of mascara and a little bit of eye liner, most people have to look really close to tell if I am wearing more than just lipstick and eye liner; an effect that I love. Good luck!

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T.G.

answers from Boston on

Avon has a wonderful mineral line you may be interested in. There are several shades for you to try with a money back guarantee. So you are sure to find the one thats right for you. If you are interested, please visit my website www.youravon.com/tgross or email me directly at ____@____.com

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L.P.

answers from Lewiston on

Try Avon products - they are hypoallergenic, and they have several different types of foundation such as:
mineral, stick, cream-to-powder, liquid, mousse, sheer. They have some wonderful moisturizers also. www.avon.com. Good luck!

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I.M.

answers from Boston on

Have you looked into Paula Begoun's products? www.cosmeticscop.com
she has lots of ggreat stuff for special skin types.
Good luck!

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S.A.

answers from Hartford on

Hi there,

Just wanted to make a quick response b/c I have a sick little boy who is starting to wake up... I use Bare Essentials or Bare Minerals it is also called. It is the BEST I have found for mineral type makeup - actually ANY kind of make up. I LOVE it. Initially it seems expensive, but it is worth the investment for two reasons. It's great for your skin and also it lasts FOREVER!! I recommend making the initial investment in their introductory package b/c you get the brushes with it. I have tried using other brushes instead of theirs to save money, but they don't do as good a job as their brushes do. I have a foundation that I JUST yesterday ran out of probably after almost a year? So, when you figure it's $25 for that, but lasting for a whole year, it's actually CHEAPER than buying the "over the counter" make-up like Loreal or Revelon, etc.

Best wishes. But I can't say enough great stuff about that product. It's all I will use, and I have sensitive skin and breakouts here and there as well. It's the BEST for coverage and how it makes my skin look, and it doesn't cake on, or even feel like you're wearing anything. Very natural looking and feeling, yet it covers better than any I've used before. They have a website you could check out to see if there are any stores in your location. Our mall in Central CT has a store. Don't know where you are though...

Well, gotta tend to my son - he's officially awake now. Hope this helps!

Best wishes!
S.

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D.W.

answers from Boston on

I have had the same problem in the past. It is so frustrating. I am not a big makeup person and when I do wear it I dont't like looking "made up". I just recently started using Mary Kay. I LOVE IT! A consultant will come to your house and match you with a foundation and thay have 5 different types to choose from. http://www.marykay.com/tdirienzo1/color/foundations/defau...

The girl I buy form is not Pushy with selling you things. Here is her information

Tia DiRienzo
Independent Beauty Consultant
###-###-####
____@____.com

http://www.marykay.com/tdirienzo1/whatsnew/newproducts/de...

Good Luck,
D.

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P.C.

answers from Boston on

I have a hard time finding the right foundation color and formula too. But I am loving Eveyday Minerals. I was using my favorite MAC foundation for years but had to switch when I got pregnant because it had a vitamin A derivative in the ingredients.

Anyway, Everyday Minerals has 3 different formulas for the different skintypes and a very large range of colors which you can actually mix and match yourself to get a custom foundation. They have a range of colors in the "olive" family too. It is also gentler than Bare Essentials which actually has an ingredient known to irritate sensitive skin.

Best of all Everyday minerals offers FREE samples. They are generous too. It's been about a month and I'm still using my samples (no where near finished yet too). Sample kit includes 3 foundations of your choice, a blush and a concealor. I love the blushes that I got but the concealor was kind of "meh". Maybe I haven't found the right one for me yet.

You just have to pay for shipping which for me was about $3. I only had to order 2 sample kits to find my match so I only paid $6. Their full sized foundation is also way cheaper than Bare Mineral.

The application is a bit different from regular foundation though but it's fast and easy once you get the hang of it. Some people use a brush (I recommend a Kabuki type brush or flat top). Right now I'm loving the flocked sponge (you can get a pack in drugstore for a couple of bucks).

Anyway if you are interested just google Everyday Minerals. If you are interested in makeup/beauty reviews from real people, check out Makeup Alley (just google them). That's where I go first before buying anything with my hard earned money. Some of the reviews can help you figure out which colors/formula to get. And they have a message board so you can ask all your beauty questions.

Okay...enough rambling! :) Hope this helps. I know how frustrating it can be! I spent years finding my perfect foundation (the MAC one). Luckily it only took me a couple of tries with the Everyday Minerals (thanks to internet resources like Makeup Alley!).

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S.P.

answers from Boston on

Hi S.,
As a massage therapist and makeup artist, I always recommend that my clients try any and all the testers at the makeup dept you are shopping at. The best way to compare the color to your true skin shade is to test the color by putting a dab on the back of your hand and rubbing it in a circle which will give you an indication of what the color will look like on your face. If you need any more advice, specific or general, you can personally e-mail me at ____@____.com that helped you out, e-mail me anytime!!!

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A.W.

answers from Springfield on

I sell Avon... maybe I can help you! e-mail me at ____@____.com

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M.M.

answers from Providence on

Hi S.,
I sell Avon products and we have a Smooth Mineral line of products including foundations, blush duos, eye shadows, etc. Customers love these products because they feel and look natural yet hide imperfections in your skin.
If you're interested please visit my web site at
www.youravon.com/mmarrocco.

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D.D.

answers from Boston on

What ever make up you choose first apply aquaphor, a very small amount on your freshly washed face. Initally it feels greasey, but it absorbs quickly and won't irritate your skin. Bare minerals powder is awesome once you find your shade, you probably won't need cover up which will cake up your pores. Cover Girl mineral powder is good. You must get a quality kabuki brush, the brush the provides stinks. Go online to watch the bare minerals video on how to apply mineral make up

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B.M.

answers from Boston on

Hello S.,

Try MAC mineral makeup. It is at the south shore plaza and you can try on any shade before you purchase it. I also think you should treat your dry skin. Are you washing with a harsh cleanser? Try something made for dry/sensitive skin. Also use a toner (NOT an astringent) which will bring your skins ph back to normal after you wash. The ph balance is your skins key to a natural barrier. After toning, use a thick moisturizer for dry/sensitive skin. Use products for sensitive skin because they will have less fragrance and irritants. You could even go organic with your skincare...shaw's wildharvest section.

good luck

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R.D.

answers from Providence on

If you haven't tried Bare Escentuals I highly recommend it. I have combo/oily acne prone skin, and this is the first make up that I have tried that doesn't cause me to break out. It provides excellent coverage and you cannot FEEL it on your face. They have a pretty good variety of shades as well.
It is a bit on the pricey side, but a large jar of foundation can last a year or more, so when you break it down like that it is really quite reasonable.

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S.O.

answers from Providence on

call your local Mary Kay rep, they have tons of colors and will sample it for you, and if you don't like it they will take it back. If you are in RI or nearby MA, I can give you a name.

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J.H.

answers from Boston on

I know that you said you didn't want to spend a lot of money but I think that Bare Essentials(some call it Bare Minerals) is the best makeup I have ever tried. It is a bit more expensive but lasts a long time. I only have to buy it once a year. I use a small amount almost every day. It is light and doesn't look like I have makeup on. Looks very natural. I highly recommend it. You can find it at Sephora.

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J.S.

answers from Boston on

i haven't read the other replies so hopefully not redundant. have you tried a tinted moisturizer instead of foundation? It simply blends in, with light coverage and gives you a healthy glow. never cakey.one of the best i've tried is available at target - boots #7 tinted moisteriser.

http://www.target.com/Boots-Soft-Sheer-Tinted-Moisturizer...

my advice is skip foundation & head for tinted moisturizer. i've also heard laura mercier makes a great tinted moisturizer - available at sephora.

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