Mid-priced make-up?

[Anonymous]

I've finally realized that my skin has gotten old enough that a dusting of cheap CVS mineral make-up is not going to cut it. I am willing to spend a little more for something that will really even skintone and mask some fine lines. I have been somewhat happy with BareMinerals at $23 per powder compact. However several friends have recommended a line of products from Laura Mercier for $45 per compact and $40 for a tinted moisturizer to go with it. Is the LM really worth that much?

I want to spend as much as I need to for a quality product, but I don't want to spend more than I have to spend. What has worked for you?

TIA

[Anonymous]

I use Bare Escentuals and I really like it. If you can watch for deals on QVC -- TSV's you can get really good deals on all of the makeup lines QVC carries.

I've never use Laura Mercier so I can't speak to the quality. I think it really comes down to finding a line which works for your skin and is at a price point you are willing to pay. You could go to the Laura Mercier counter and ask for some samples. They also have samples at Sephora.

[Anonymous]

I usually don't spend much on makeup (my pressed powder is Loreal for instance) but I did buy the Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer and love it. I wear it everyday to work, it helps keep the shine away and makes me look put together without a lot of work.

[Anonymous]

One thing to factor in to the cost of makeup is how long it takes you to use up a package. I noticed that I go through Bare Escentials powder much faster than the more expensive powder I used to use (T LeClerc), so they actually cost about the same.

I like Stila tinted moisturizer, which is a bit less expensive than Laura Mercier.

[Anonymous]

I used to use Laura Mercier and am just not that into the tinted moisturizer.

I use Bobbi Brown pressed foundation now which I like but I don't like how the oil from my face transfers tot he compact, and I have to periodically scrape the top off to get the powder/ foundation to transfer to the sponge. It happens within a few days of getting a new sponge.

[zumbamama]

I like MAC studio fix

[Anonymous]

http://www.beautypedia.com/BestProductsDetails.aspx?bcid=36

This gives a list of some good foundations. Some of them are under $15.

[Anonymous]

I'm not a fan of Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizer. I have oily skin and for some reason even the oil-free version left my skin looking super-shiny and gross. I ended up giving it to a friend. I use clinique, which I guess is on the high end of mid-priced? But in the summer I use revlon mineral color stay liquid makeup. You didn't say what kind of skin you have, but if you have oily skin this stuff is great, and it's like $12 bucks I think? I think the best thing to do is to sort of mix and match. Like, i'm happy to use revlon foundation, but I splurged and got Nars bronzer, b/c cheap drugstore bronzers tend to make you look more orange. And I bought more expensive eye shadow from bare minerals, but I use drugstore eye liner and mascara b/c I don't see what the difference is between those and the expensive brands, where as the cheap eye shadow always fades quickly. Go to Ulta and you can get a good mix of products.

[Anonymous]

zumbamama wrote:I like MAC studio fix

Another vote for MAC. The powder foundation doesn't make my skin break out and looks really good. It's so popular, in fact, that I have actually had mine STOLEN when at a hotel in NYC. But that's another story...

[Anonymous]

I highly recommend logging onto Makeup Alley, and or reading a few beauty blogs. Temptalia's great, as is Cafe Makeup (although they're taking a break right now). There are thousands of blogs and you'll get a great range of opinions, swatches,etc.

The Cover Girl "natural" foundation has worked well for me, as has the Clinique Perfectly Real. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I've used all kinds, NARS, MAC, and I'm currently using Clinque "even Better" which is supposed to even out skin tone after using it while. While I have not noticed my natural skin tone get more even, the make-up stays on and I've been happy with it. I have dry skin and the key for me has been to exfoilate 1-2 days a week.