Makeup question for summer :)

[stepcutnut]

Hi Ladies

With summer fast approaching, I will be needing to switch out my foundation and was hoping for some suggestions so I don't end up buying a bunch of makeup that I can't use!

I have sensitive acne prone combination skin. I need moderate coverage to even out my skin tone and hide a few blemishes. And would love it to have SPF in it already. My problem is, is that when I get the coverage I need/want the make up ends up being too heavy and gets clumpy by mid-day---we have quit a bit of humidity.

I used to have good luck with powdered mineral foundation, but began breaking out from it and switched brands a couple of times and found that the powder was settling too much into my fine lines.

So-I began using a liquid foundation and have been having a tough time finding the right one.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated-I hate nothing more than spending my money on a lot of products that I end up not using-argh!!!

 

[dani13]

I use Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer- have been using it for years and love it!! It gives just the right amount of coverage and is totally light-weight. I use it all year round, but I think it would be especially great for summertime. Also has SPF in it! Highly recommend!!

eta: I also dust some bronzing powder over my face when I done applying the tinted moisturizer.

 

[stepcutnut]

Thanks for the suggestion Dani-I have tried the Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer and love the feel, but need a bit more coverage. Unfortunately my skin a very reactive-when I get even a tiny blemish, it turns bright red Tough to cover sometimes!

 

[Aoife]

Have you tried the Jane Iredale mineral foundation? Very non-irritating, great coverage, and doesn't seem to slip or clump even in high humidity. It's not cheap, but the pressed version does last for a good long time. And, it's SPF 20. Unfortunately, a lot of foundations that claim to have an SPF don't actually have one that is full spectrum.

The Revlon Colorstay has good sunscreen, and great staying power, too, without the hefty pricetag!

 

[Snicklefritz]

Your skin sounds exactly like mine, and I live in a pretty humid climate several months out of the year. My daily regimen is as follows:
1. apply a thin layer of Clinique Moisture surge over my entire face (sometimes I add an SPF moisturizer just around my eyes too)
2. apply Clinique Acne Solutions Foundation
3. a light dusting of mineral powder (Physicians Formula in my case) over my entire face for the SPF

Ends up looking very natural and doesn't clump. I've been using this regimen for a couple years now, and it really seems to keep my acne under control without drying my face too much. I also use First Aid Beauty face wash beforhand. It's very mild and good for sensitive skin (designed to reduce redness), but definitely cleanses!

I believe all of these products can be found at Sephora for one stop shopping!

ETA: Sephora (and perhaps other stores) will give you samples of each product so you don't have to drop a bunch of $ on products that may or may not be right for you. I'd definitely sample first before buying if I were you! Cosmetics add up!

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Your skin sounds exactly like mine, and I live in a pretty humid climate several months out of the year. My daily regimen is as follows:
1. apply a thin layer of Clinique Moisture surge over my entire face (sometimes I add an SPF moisturizer just around my eyes too)ETA: Sephora (and perhaps other stores) will give you samples of each product so you don't have to drop a bunch of $ on products that may or may not be right for you. I'd definitely sample first before buying if I were you! Cosmetics add up!

SPFs can cause skin irritation. I found I am allergic to all of them - even the natural ones...for eyes, I use Clarins eye spf and like that, but have had to resort to wearing a hat in the sun b/c I don't want to break out. If you can't find one your skin likes, you may want to test out a few brands that are w/out sunscreen.

Sephora is EXCELLENT with giving out samples! They're very generous. I was looking for a new face cream and a gal there gave me five DDF packets so I could try the cream out for a week. I bought a little plastic travel container and poured the packets in and got a good two weeks worth by squeezing every drop out. I found my perfect lotion that way!

 

[distracts]

Thanks for the suggestion Dani-I have tried the Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer and love the feel, but need a bit more coverage. Unfortunately my skin a very reactive-when I get even a tiny blemish, it turns bright red Tough to cover sometimes!

GREEN CONCEALER. It is your friend. Your bestest best friend in the whole wide makeup world, other than mascara. I use Physician's Formula Conceal RX (in the squeeze tube) from the drugstore, but I think lots of fancier brands have them too (I like the formula of this one best, since I like thick concealers). Just a tiny dab will do on red spots to cancel them out. Green primer (I know Makeup Forever has one that's supposedly good, I've seen a lot at the drugstore too though) may be good too but I've never used it. If I'm having a really red-all-over day, I mix a little bit of the concealer with my foundation (either Loreal True Match or Smashbox HD) or tinted moisturizer (Philosophy Hope Colors Al Things Beautiful or some such nonsense). It works WONDERS, and you can get away with a much, much thinner layer of makeup because you're color-correcting instead of covering. I had to fiddle a bit to find out how much worked and made me look skin-colored in all lighting, not skin-colored in some and greenish in others, but it was SO worth it.

Oh, and then I cover the whole mess with a thin, EXTREMELY THIN I CANNOT EMPHASIZE THIS ENOUGH, layer of MakeUp Forever High Definition Finishing Powder. EXTREMELY THIN LAYER. You can get a sample of this at Sephora. It is MAGIC! It leaves a perfect finish and somehow prevents me from getting super-oily looking, which is a battle in Texas heat.

 

[makemepretty]

I like Illuminaire, they have a sample pack. It's a liquid mineral foundation.

 

[stepcutnut]

Have you tried the Jane Iredale mineral foundation? Very non-irritating, great coverage, and doesn't seem to slip or clump even in high humidity. It's not cheap, but the pressed version does last for a good long time. And, it's SPF 20. Unfortunately, a lot of foundations that claim to have an SPF don't actually have one that is full spectrum.

The Revlon Colorstay has good sunscreen, and great staying power, too, without the hefty pricetag!

Thanks for the suggestion-I have not tried Jane Iredale's purepressed yet, but have looked at it. It will go on my list

 

[stepcutnut]

Your skin sounds exactly like mine, and I live in a pretty humid climate several months out of the year. My daily regimen is as follows:
1. apply a thin layer of Clinique Moisture surge over my entire face (sometimes I add an SPF moisturizer just around my eyes too)
2. apply Clinique Acne Solutions Foundation
3. a light dusting of mineral powder (Physicians Formula in my case) over my entire face for the SPF

Ends up looking very natural and doesn't clump. I've been using this regimen for a couple years now, and it really seems to keep my acne under control without drying my face too much. I also use First Aid Beauty face wash beforhand. It's very mild and good for sensitive skin (designed to reduce redness), but definitely cleanses!

I believe all of these products can be found at Sephora for one stop shopping!

ETA: Sephora (and perhaps other stores) will give you samples of each product so you don't have to drop a bunch of $ on products that may or may not be right for you. I'd definitely sample first before buying if I were you! Cosmetics add up!

Thanks! I do like the Physicians Formula mineral powder(the illuminating one), but cannot do Clinique I have tried several times in my life, but it always leads to irritation.

 

[stepcutnut]

Your skin sounds exactly like mine, and I live in a pretty humid climate several months out of the year. My daily regimen is as follows:
1. apply a thin layer of Clinique Moisture surge over my entire face (sometimes I add an SPF moisturizer just around my eyes too)ETA: Sephora (and perhaps other stores) will give you samples of each product so you don't have to drop a bunch of $ on products that may or may not be right for you. I'd definitely sample first before buying if I were you! Cosmetics add up!

SPFs can cause skin irritation. I found I am allergic to all of them - even the natural ones...for eyes, I use Clarins eye spf and like that, but have had to resort to wearing a hat in the sun b/c I don't want to break out. If you can't find one your skin likes, you may want to test out a few brands that are w/out sunscreen.

Sephora is EXCELLENT with giving out samples! They're very generous. I was looking for a new face cream and a gal there gave me five DDF packets so I could try the cream out for a week. I bought a little plastic travel container and poured the packets in and got a good two weeks worth by squeezing every drop out. I found my perfect lotion that way!

Thanks! My skin usually does better without sunscreen, but I can usually do a mineral foundation of sorts without too much trouble. We do not live close to a Sephora at all, but wish I could sample some products first-maybe I will resort to buying a few online.

 

[stepcutnut]

Thanks for the suggestion Dani-I have tried the Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer and love the feel, but need a bit more coverage. Unfortunately my skin a very reactive-when I get even a tiny blemish, it turns bright red Tough to cover sometimes!

GREEN CONCEALER. It is your friend. Your bestest best friend in the whole wide makeup world, other than mascara. I use Physician's Formula Conceal RX (in the squeeze tube) from the drugstore, but I think lots of fancier brands have them too (I like the formula of this one best, since I like thick concealers). Just a tiny dab will do on red spots to cancel them out. Green primer (I know Makeup Forever has one that's supposedly good, I've seen a lot at the drugstore too though) may be good too but I've never used it. If I'm having a really red-all-over day, I mix a little bit of the concealer with my foundation (either Loreal True Match or Smashbox HD) or tinted moisturizer (Philosophy Hope Colors Al Things Beautiful or some such nonsense). It works WONDERS, and you can get away with a much, much thinner layer of makeup because you're color-correcting instead of covering. I had to fiddle a bit to find out how much worked and made me look skin-colored in all lighting, not skin-colored in some and greenish in others, but it was SO worth it.

Oh, and then I cover the whole mess with a thin, EXTREMELY THIN I CANNOT EMPHASIZE THIS ENOUGH, layer of MakeUp Forever High Definition Finishing Powder. EXTREMELY THIN LAYER. You can get a sample of this at Sephora. It is MAGIC! It leaves a perfect finish and somehow prevents me from getting super-oily looking, which is a battle in Texas heat.

Thanks! I have heard good things about the Makeup Forever HD powder, I think it may be time to give it a try During the winter months I do use the Physician's Formula Conceal Rx in the tube, I like the coverage, but have a tough time finding a color match---maybe a green concealer is the way to go. I will check out the others as well!

 

[stepcutnut]

I like Illuminaire, they have a sample pack. It's a liquid mineral foundation.

Thanks! I will have to check it out

 

[crown1]

were you using the mineral veil with the bare essentials mineral makeup? i have very sensitive skin myself and can not use the mineral veil.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Your skin sounds exactly like mine, and I live in a pretty humid climate several months out of the year. My daily regimen is as follows:
1. apply a thin layer of Clinique Moisture surge over my entire face (sometimes I add an SPF moisturizer just around my eyes too)ETA: Sephora (and perhaps other stores) will give you samples of each product so you don't have to drop a bunch of $ on products that may or may not be right for you. I'd definitely sample first before buying if I were you! Cosmetics add up!

SPFs can cause skin irritation. I found I am allergic to all of them - even the natural ones...for eyes, I use Clarins eye spf and like that, but have had to resort to wearing a hat in the sun b/c I don't want to break out. If you can't find one your skin likes, you may want to test out a few brands that are w/out sunscreen.

Sephora is EXCELLENT with giving out samples! They're very generous. I was looking for a new face cream and a gal there gave me five DDF packets so I could try the cream out for a week. I bought a little plastic travel container and poured the packets in and got a good two weeks worth by squeezing every drop out. I found my perfect lotion that way!

Thanks! My skin usually does better without sunscreen, but I can usually do a mineral foundation of sorts without too much trouble. We do not live close to a Sephora at all, but wish I could sample some products first-maybe I will resort to buying a few online.

If you order online, sephora is the way to go! Orders over $50 are free shipping, return shipping is free, and they accept all returns. They also always have promo codes for extra goodies...if you google, you're likely to find one that works. I buy about 80 percent of my products from them because of threir good service!

 

[pregcurious]

Have you tried a concealer for red spots, with a tinted SPF moisturizer over it? Laura Mercier sells a great concealer (called Secret Concealer).

A think a thick application of liquid foundation in the summer will not work, or look very good.

 

[madelise]

have you heard of BB (Blemish Balm) cream? It's been HUGE in asia for years, and has finally found a place in the US not too long ago. Clinique carries a line. http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/cliniqu...kingCode=E09295B5-9405-E111-8116-001517B1882A I haven't personally tried that line, as I'm still finishing up my Korean imported one.. but I plan on trying it soon It's thicker than a tinted moisturizer, so it really helps cover up any acne break outs.. but BB creams are supposed to be less irritating on the skin.. with some offering benefits. Like this particular one and its SPF and antioxidants.

 

[stepcutnut]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone!!! I am finally back at a computer and can respond all in one post

crown1-I had tried the bare essentials mineral makeup with and with out the mineral veil---it made my skin really congested which lead to breakouts---so bare essentials for me is out.

MC-I do order online from Sephora---love their customer service! Just wish I had a store near me to walk into and get advice and samples to try before I buy

pregcurious-yes, I have tried a concealer for the red spots-currently I am using the Physicians Formula Concealer Rx---but am having an issue with the color options. I will try the Laura Mercier concealer, love her products!!! Thick liquid foundation anytime of the year doesn't work too well

madelise-I will check out the BB-just not from Clinique as all their products over the years have caused skin irritation for me.

Thanks again all!

I feel like I have tried SO many different options over the years, I am hoping to finally find something that works great for me One thing that has been working really well for me is adding Ole Henriksens Truth Serum into my routine. It has greatly reduced my skins overall redness and really evened out my skintone. But, it makes any of my super red blemishes stand out even more because of the fact the rest of my skins overall redness is decreased.

 

[crown1]

my problem with the mineral veil was it contains corn starch. i believe i read that the laura mercier powder does also? i guess my point is watch out for corn starch in makeup. there has been speculation that bacteria grows in products containing cs and that it is pore clogging.

 

[iLander]

Didn't read everything, so you may have covered this already. . .

I think you want a spot concealer and a separate foundation. If you try to cover your whole face with something that conceals a spot, it might be too heavy.

I use Erase Paste for spots and under eye concealing. I use the lightest color, which is lighter than I am, but then I go over it with Sephora Matifying powder and it disappears. Erase Paste lasts all day, and I apply with a tiny concealer brush over primer.

To keep the powder from settling into lines, I use Sephora primer. It really grabs the power, and when I'm done I look pretty flawless. It's not drying, and feels pretty creamy. It's buildable, which is rare in a powder; that means you can put on more layers of it, and it won't change color, it just gets more opaque. They have a lot of colors at Sephora, and I found one that disappears into my wrist, so it's perfect. They have a yellow-based selection and a red-based selection. For summer, I go one shade darker.

I live in heavy-duty humidity, so this works for me. I've never found a liquid that stays or matches me, they tend to amplify wrinkles or turn orange or red after a long day. Or just disappear in the 90% tropical humidity.

So, primer, then concealer on spots, then powder, it works for me.

 

[stepcutnut]

crown1-thanks for the heads up on corn starch!

iLander-Thanks, I currently use the Laura Mercier face primer, but have wanted to try the Sephora brand

Aoife-do you feel you need to touch up during the day with either the purepressed or another sheer powder?

 

[jeweln]

stepcutnut

I have adult acne .I use Neutrogena moisturizer with SPF 15 then I apply a little of Almay clear complexion blemish healing makeup over it with a sponge .I love it and it makes my skin looks natural .

 

[Aoife]

crown1-thanks for the heads up on corn starch!

iLander-Thanks, I currently use the Laura Mercier face primer, but have wanted to try the Sephora brand

Aoife-do you feel you need to touch up during the day with either the purepressed or another sheer powder?

I usually don't need to touch up unless I have a cold, and having been doing the kleenex thing (TMI, I know). Occasionally I'll touch up if we are going to be going out in the evening and I don't have time to do a full redo on my makeup. Otherwise the Jane Iredale seems to last better than almost anything else I've used.

 

[stepcutnut]

jeweln-thanks for the suggestions!

Aoife-I checked out the Jane Iredale website yesterday and took the 'foundation quiz'---they suggested I try the Amazing Base loose powder---have you tried this vs. the purepressed???

 

[Aoife]

stepcutnut, I haven't used the loose version, mostly because I'm a slob with loose powder, but also because the consultant suggested the pressed version. She said the pressed base is a bit lighter, and the loose gives more coverage. The pressed gives me plenty of coverage (I have slight rosacea), but you might have to try both to see which works for you. Do you have anywhere locally that you can try them out?