Finding the right foundation

[Anonymous]

I just started using foundation (Fenty Beauty stick). I went to Ulta and asked for recommendations on which tone to get and she matched me easily. I would ask for help!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What foundations have you tried that didn’t work for you? Are they all liquid? Do you think you’d have better results with a powder? Also how are you prepping your skin beforehand and how are you applying your foundation? These are all things that can affect your foundation “wear” on your face as much as the foundation itself.

I've tried powders but the ones I've tried don't provide much coverage (and I'm only looking for light to medium coverage). I've tried some powder like ones in compacts that are laughably awful...I don't have many fine lines but this stuff gave me wrinkles.

I've tried using things to prep my skin but they feel greasy and make me break out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Absolutely go to Sephora, blue mercury or ulta. The problem with the makeup counters is they only work with their brand which may or may not work well for you.

Also I only by cosmetics from those places that allow returns. Even if opened and used. Many products at the three places I mentioned aren’t sold in the stores so I buy a couple of shades and see which one works and return the rest. I’m not keeping a $40 foundation that’s not the right shade for my skin so I love the return policies of the three I mentioned.

Also if it’s in your budget I really can’t recommend a professional tutorial enough. I did one a few months ago with someone and it was around $250 and some of the best money I have spent. Learned so much about what kind of products work for me. Make sure if you do this you don’t go with someone who sells makeup as they have an incentive to tell you something is good for you when it may not be.

I don't hate the idea of working with a professional. It would save me money in the long run by stopping buying junk that doesn't work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I went to Sephora and got a bunch of samples. This worked well for me. NARS is pretty solid as a "starter" foundation.

Nars looked good on me in the store and turned orange within an hour.

[Anonymous]

Listen…the commenters who are saying “my skin is so good I don’t need foundation!” How are you being helpful?

OP asked a question…this is not about you or your skin being perfect. You have no idea what kind of skin the OP has.

And before you ask…I already gave advice in the thread that was directly answering her question.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why not focus on your skincare and diet--then you won't even need foundation. That is what I do. I only need a touch of Cle de Peau concealer occasional, say after long travel days.

My skin isn't awful. I don't wear anything on a daily basis. But if I'm going somewhere nice I could use a touch up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I thought Sephora's color machine thing worked pretty well?

That said I also decided to focus on skincare rather than foundation at some point -- retinol and SPF got me to a point where I truly don't need foundation anymore.

That's where I'm at now with skincare.... Tret is working nicely, so I have that part under control, which is why now I want to get a few good basic makeup products for when I need something.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I went to Sephora and got a bunch of samples. This worked well for me. NARS is pretty solid as a "starter" foundation.

Nars looked good on me in the store and turned orange within an hour.

This is most likely because you have strong red/pink undertones in your skin. Well known problem that many products will look orange on that type of skin. Look up some products specifically for people with those undertones. Also the people at the makeup stores will be familiar with it too. Just tell them that you have red/pink undertones and products turn orange. They will know exactly what you mean.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Haus Labs at Sephora, they have a range of undertones and shades, and it's a buildable, very easy to apply foundation. They will give you samples so you can try it for a few days at home. The finish is satin--in between glowy and matte.

I just got this foundation and I am loving it so far. Probably the best shade match I've ever had.

I tend to NEED matte. Even ones people swear aren't shiny are shiny on me, but I'll check it out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Haus Labs at Sephora, they have a range of undertones and shades, and it's a buildable, very easy to apply foundation. They will give you samples so you can try it for a few days at home. The finish is satin--in between glowy and matte.

I just got this foundation and I am loving it so far. Probably the best shade match I've ever had.

I tend to NEED matte. Even ones people swear aren't shiny are shiny on me, but I'll check it out.

So when you say that foundations are “shiny” on you and that they turn orange, I hear you saying that you have more oily skin, and/or that you have a skin tone that’s harder to match. Does that sound right? I would look at the following for more matte foundations:

Make Up Forever HD skin or HD Skin Matte Velvet
MAC Studio Fix
Too Faced Born This Way

Also are you using a foundation primer? I would try that too if you’re not already using one. The Smashbox primers always worked pretty well for me, either the regular one or the “light.”

[Anonymous]

I'm 58 and just started wearing makeup again after 20 years. Every has changed since then - everything.

I watched A LOT of TikTok videos before stepping in to Sephora/Ulta. I didn't know what shades I needed but because I knew what ingredients/type would be best for my skin, I was able to make some excellent choices.

You really need to understand what kind of primer will work best for you - Do you need color correction, if so, what kind? Is your skin oily, combo or dry? Matte finish or dewy? With sunscreen or without? Do you want skin products in it? Etc.

I don't like feeling a bunch of stuff on my face so I don't use foundation all over, just where it's needed and not usually over concealer. I don't use blush (I have rosacea) or bronzer but will use a highlighter and contour sparingly. I will set it with either translucent powder or spray.

[Anonymous]

Try Laura Mercier

[Anonymous]

OP you can book an appointment at Nordstrom. The appointment is 45 mins long and with their “in store beauty expert.” You can chat with them beforehand to explain what you need. It’s the beauty equivalent of booking an appointment with a Nordstrom personal stylist and different from going to a Brand’s beauty counter. They will pull from a variety of brands.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP you can book an appointment at Nordstrom. The appointment is 45 mins long and with their “in store beauty expert.” You can chat with them beforehand to explain what you need. It’s the beauty equivalent of booking an appointment with a Nordstrom personal stylist and different from going to a Brand’s beauty counter. They will pull from a variety of brands.

+1. Do this. Here's the link: https://www.nordstrom.com/appointments?ref=3&cat=5

[Anonymous]

I love Armani Luminous Silk and the brand ambassador at Tysons Sephora did a great job matching me—I’m fair with cool undertones and some rosacea and often people erroneously match foundation to the depth of the redness in my cheeks. There’s a good range of undertones in that line.

If you do try Sephora in general, make an appointment online with an actual artist, and go to a store that has a door to the outside so you can go check the match in natural light. Remember to give it time to see if it will oxidize.