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.

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!

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...

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.

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

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

I like MAC studio fix

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.

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.

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.

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.

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