when I was younger, I thought foundation was icky...

now that I've grown in to my 'mature' face (ie crow's feet, laugh lines, and some scarring from a facefull of radiator fluid a decade ago) I don't think any better of it...

I wear BeautyControl's Wet/Dry pressed powder if I'm getting pictures taken, or I'm going some where I have to socialize with women who DO spend thousands of dollars a year on their makeup and hair...

but most of the time, a little moisturizer's all I use on my face, since everything else I've played with either makes every line stand out... or it makes me feel like I borrowed Tammy Faye's makeup for the evening...

however, my mom makes me look 40 ;) and she still wears the Clinique she started me on- now cut half and half with the clinique moisturizer, and it looks just fine on her.

Hi Chinacat_sunflower

Thanks for your reply. I'd actually forgotten I'd written this---having far too many "senior moments"! Anyway, I've been using MD tinted moisturizer and seem to like it. I would use Clinque's but unfortunately since we live in a very remote area on the coast of northern California there's no place to buy it. I'd need to try samples of the colors or I'd do it over the Internet.

Reason I like this particular moisturizer is it has a very slight oil base which IMO is better for my "problems" than water based matte finishes which tend to make me look a dried prune. This at least gives me a warm glow. It also has just enough tint where I don't look pasty.

Thanks again for your answer----a fun read!

BarbB

I generally mix my foundation with face cream for sheer coverage without drying.

Thanks Joann that really is a good idea! Hadn't even thought of it.

BarbB

Sheer Cover did not meet my expectations. In fact when I followed the directions and put this makeup on exactly as the directions stated, it felt like I had cake on my face. Very heavy. And it showed all of my wrinkles, which I did not want. This makeup does not do what it says on TV, and what I have seen on TV. And for what you get it is not worth the 29.95. When I called the company they stated I would receive the credit of $35.90 and they also told me to pay for proof of purchase which I did. This company for what it is worth does not hold up to its agreement over the phone. And I will also tell my friends and family about this product and including the beauty shop that I go to.For anyone out there beware of this company.

Hi Rinaldo1,

Can't believe this inquiry has been 4 years ago, and I'm STILL looking for the holy grail of foundations. I agree with you about Sheer Cover, and, in fact, don't think any of the mineral foundations will work for me.

Thanks so much for your opinion though, and guess I'll keep looking. If you, or anyone else who may be reading this and battling the ravages of "mature skin", have a perfect foundation candidate, please pass it on.

Thanks again,

BarbB

I personally like Sheer Cover. I had never really worn regular foundation before. I find it evens out a lot of stuff without being too cakey or heavy. You have to be careful about over doing it though. I really don't use that much.

I am contemplating trying a cheaper drugstore Mineral makeup version though so I don't have to order it by mail, etc. If anyone can suggest a mineral makeup that is similar but sold over the counter, please let me know.

Sorry it didn't work for you guys.

Hi Carla35,

That's great it works for you. I don't know, I think when one gets past a certain age some of us need more coverage, and also want something that doesn't settle in the wrinkles which I have.

Not sure what generic brands there are out there, but bet if you go down to your local big box drug store they could recommend something.

Thanks again for your reply,

BarbB

I'm 57. I use Jane oil free make-up. Most of the time it works fine straight from the bottle. Previously I used a damp natural sponge to apply it but now I use a foundation brush. When I want to make it sheerer I thin it with a drop of Witch Hazel when my skin is on the oily side or I add a drop of moisturizer when my skin is on the dry side.

Every make-up marketed for the mature face has always looked or felt mask-like on me and the light reflecting qualities just highlight the lines.

Hi Wildchild,

Afraid I have a few years on you---well, maybe more than a few. For me I've always found that the oil-free makes me look dry and what lines I have more noticeable. Might try your suggestion of adding moisturizer to it and that might just make the difference.

Haven't heard of Jane make-up so I'll look it up.

Thanks for the comments and suggestions.

BarbB

I'm 52, and I find that Bare Escentuals works well for me - as long as I put on my usual sunblock/moisturizer (Neutrogena Dri-touch)first and let it sink in. Funny how EVERYBODY is making mineral makeup now.

Hi Cecilia,

I did try one similar to BE in fact was probably Bare Minerals....anyway, it was OK, just think I need more coverage and since I'm over 60 I found it to be more drying. I may try it again with the moisturizer though.

Thanks for your input.

BarbB

I'm 58 and really like Merle Norman tinted moisturuzer. I've never tried any other kind, but I've heard from others that it has a bit more pigment than other tinted moisturizers. It's feels very light on the skin and I love it in the summer when you don't want to wear heavy makeup and feel it slide off your face.

Hi SJT2900,

Thanks for your reply. I haven't tried hers yet. Most others I've found are so yellow in tint I've almost given up. My skin is a little more neutral being neither warm or cool, so it's difficult to find one that will blend.

I'll look at MN though, and thanks again.

BarbB

I just went and purchased new makeup this past week and tried the Loreal TruMatch foundation. My mother has used this for some time now and recommended it to me and I love it!
I was worried because some of them do feel heavy and I didn't want to throw money away on mineral makeup they may not provide enough coverage.

Barbb- my skin tone is the same way and I use an ivory or natural ivory. This stuff feels so light and like your skin can actually breathe through it but it provides great coverage without looking like a mask.
I'm not sure if it is the type of product your are looking for but I am really happy with this foundation and highly recommend it.

Hi groomingal,

I haven't tried L'Oreal in a long time, and didn't know about this. Think Revlon has something similar. Sounds like a good solution. Guess our quest really never stops for products that will make us look better----I think the search is part of the fun though.

Thanks for your reply,

BarbB

I saw Bare Minerals at Target this week. It was a "Starter" kit, though, not the individual types of makeup. When I first saw Bare Minerals/Bare Esscentuals on TV, I just did not believe that a dry powder could give that kind of coverage, could stay on my skin until I took it off and could be so good for my skin, too. Sorry if I sound like a commercial, but I am really a satisfied customer and would never go back to the old liquid or cream foundations. Oh - and I have used Revlon and L'Oreal mineral stuff - they do not even come close to Bare Minerals/Bare Esscentuals. I'm middle aged and have always had problem skin, but now I actually get compliments on it.

I wasn't impressed with sheer cover. I felt like the makeup fell/melted off after a couple hours. (combination skin). When i cancelled my order the lady mentioned there's a transclucent powder that goes over the foundation i could buy. I just said no but was thinking then perhaps they should put it in the kit!?? I really like the coverup at first but then noticed when you go outside the color is off. Really bad if you're not careful with how you blend it.

I'm a big fan of the oil control Artisry liquid foundation. I use their loose powder over that and it stays on all day. Doesn't break me out. If you've never tried it i'd give it a whirl. Good luck on your search!