I used to use Chanel, too (before children, when I had $ to spend, LOL), same formula (different color). One I like even better is Bobbi Brown. I think, for your skin, you should go for the oil-free version. I also think the foundation stick is very handy!

Here is a link that might be useful: BB

I don't spend much but do like a matte finish in a medium coverage. I am currently wearing Boots from Target. I also like Revlon ColorStay and Dream Matte Mousse.

Red

Thank you, Anele! I am so glad you have used the chanel too. I'll check out the Bobbi Brown. I'll definitely go with the oil-free. My skin is actually very dry skin but I prefer the "feel" and finish of the oil-free foundations. I'd like to say that I use a moisturizer underneath... but I am pretty inconsistent with the moisturizers.

You mention the foundation stick-- I tend not to reapply makeup through the day (I am lucky if I get to pee somedays LOL). Do you find the Bobbi Brown stays on as well as the Chanel?

Oh.. and thanks too for the excuse to make a run to Phila. No one carries Bobbi Brown around here (or Chanel) but I have been looking for an excuse for a getaway..

I use Revlon ColorStay as well. I also dislike a heavy cake-y foundation and the Revlon is nice. I like the ColorStay Active line. Linked to the website below. It really has a nice easy feel and doesn't seem heavy at all.

Here is a link that might be useful: Revlon ColorStay Active Foundation

I was actually going to start a thead about foundation! I think that's one of the main things that shouldn't be skimped on. I have to use oil free also or it looks like I smeared butter on my face by mid morning!

For the last oh.. 10 years I've been a fan of Artistry Absolute Oil Control foundation. Color I use is Natural. I also use their loose powder over my face to "set" the makeup. Nice matte finish. I think it does a very nice job of keeping the oil under control. I CAN NOT use cheap brands from the stores such as Cover Girl. My skin's a little darker right now so at one point I grabbed a cheap bottle of oil free Cover Girl. Oh my, never again. My face would've been better off without makeup. I order the Artistry online and the color is a perfect match.

However, my sister has a lot of issues with her skin and sensitivities. She just recently started using Clinique. The last three days in a row she's left me borrow it and I will be switching over when I'm out of the other. It's the Super Balanced foundation for oily skin. I REALLY like it. I used my Artistry powder over that but at the end of the day my makeup looks almost just as good as it does when I first do it. Really holds back the oil. It is a little thicker than the Artistry. (Artistry is thin) I think both do an excellent job of evening out your skin tone. I believe she said they have samples you can try. That would be better than trying to order something online. The Clinique is also only $21? I forget. But my Artistry with shipping comes to $35.

Clinique is running a sale starting the 7th. You buy like $20 worth and you get to pick something free from this list. My sister is so excited it's not even funny. Poor girl has acne scars and I really think this makeup does wonders for her face.

I've never used Bobbi Brown foundation. Do use some of their eye shadow and blush and like them both.

All that being said, if I wouldn't of tried the Clinique I would've been recommending the other.

Here is a link that might be useful: Clinique

Hmm after looking at the site I see they have other oil free foundations that might work even better. My sister gets dry patches at times which is why she went with the super balanced forumla. I might even try one of the other ones instead. . .

I have used mineral make-up (foundation) for the last several years. I cannot imagine going back to a liquid or creme foundation. It looks very natural, I feel like I have nothing on my skin. I do have dry skin - moreso in the winter, so I have to use a good moisturizer underneath, but I love it.

I wore Clinique for years before the mineral make-up.

tina

Thanks, everyone!

For those of you using revlon and boots, how do you get a color match? They don't have testers in the store, do they? I wonder if I just have particularly difficult skin color.

Shee, I used to use clinique as my "summer" foundation as the one I used was very thin and was perfect for my tanned face. It's been a long time since I used it and I don't remember which formula I used but I remember that it didnt "stay" so well.. and as I said, I am not one to reapply in the middle of the day. Do you know which one you are using?

BTW Clinique often runs those kinds of specials-- and if you buy from BonTon, they often have additional promotions. I love to use their men's shave cream (cream-- not the gel) on my legs LOL.

Funky- Oh, I don't mess with reapplying either! The one I have on right now is the Super Balanced formula. I might try one of the others though. Or do you mean the color? I'd have to look. It's a little off from my other foundation. I'd like to find one with a more yellow base. I wouldn't be using this particular color in the dead of winter. No amount of blending can fix wrong color choices! ha.

Yeah, I believe it was Bon Ton my sister bought it from.

I am completely sold on Avon Beyond Color "skin smoothing cream foundation."

It comes in a compact like powder, with a puff to rub on your face. It goes on kind of damp but you put it on like powder. It dries instantly and hides all blemishes and gives my skin that "youthful" look.

I don't feel like I'm wearing foundation either and I don't need to wear powder on top of it.

Yup, that is what I meant, Shee-- the line name. Sounds like we have similar coloring though because I do better with a little yellow in my foundation. My skin color just bleeds through the more ivory colors.

I havent found one of the cream foundations I like-- they go on too cakey for me. They do give a nice finish but I feel like a wax museum head LOL. Avon is out too, my skin doesnt like the avon products. They make it even more red.

Thanks.. I really appreciate the recommends. I won't likely be able to check the thread again until this evening though.

That's it funky! "too cakey" I can't stand to *feel* like I'm wearing make-up, or look like it either.

I never reapply either. One thing, if you have redness issues, doesn't clinique have a line for that. Aunt Jenn - I'm thinking she used a Clinque product for that.

Let us know what you find . . .

tina

Tina... Yup, I really hate the feel or look of makeup (except on my eyes). I am a pretty "natural" chick so I don't want to look all made up-- I just want to look fresh (and young if I can swing it LOL).

My redness is in my actual skin tone-- I don't have red spots unless I have an allergic reaction to my skin products. My actual skin tone though has a lot of color and it "bleeds" through the more delicate and lighter shade products. I have this odd swedish complexion-- but it isnt the very fair swedish, it is the darker brown haired swedish colorng. I am not dark enough to be considered ruddy but it has those colors in the undertones. Makeup artists are always surprise by the color that actually matches my skin-- it is always darker than they think it will be. Make sense? A lot more info than you wanted? LOL..

I did use the Clinique redness-reducing powder for awhile, and initally thought I liked it, but then decided I wasn't that crazy about it. It's yellow, and I felt like that color kinda stayed on top of my skin, giving me somewhat of a sallow look. I'm currently using an Estee Lauder foundation that I love for its match to my skin tone, but it feels a bit heavy on my skin. Lately I've been applying it very lightly to areas where I need the most coverage, spreading it around with a damp makeup sponge, and then going over my entire face with a light dusting of Bare Minerals.

Seems like I'm always experimenting, though. I still haven't found that magic bullet that gives me the complexion of my dreams.

Armani--costs a bomb, but it's worth it. And it seems to last a long time. I'm pretty yellow, and it matches well. Mineral foundation just made me look old.

I have very oily skin and a skin tone that's really hard to match. For whatever reason, my body chemistry also causes many makeups to oxidize on my skin over time and turn orange. I've had numerouse makeup artists/consultants be a bit stumped when trying to find a shade that works for me, not only at first, but also after a couple hours of wear.

So, for a number of years I've been wearing Bare Minerals makeup. I blend two colors of foundation together and top it with a bit of the Mineral Veil. Mineral powder foundations are definitely a love-it or hate-it concept, though.

Paula's Choice also makes good foundation. I like the Best Face Forward line, but there's another one for drier skin. Of all the liquid makeups I've tried, hers was one of the best. She offers inexpensive samples if you want to try her products out with very little up-front commitment.

I'm with Tina, mineral make-up all the way. I've tried several different ones, the right brand can make you look flawless and natural.

I don't like the big commercial or store brand versions. They can have more ingredients that irritate your skin like bismuth oxychloride, or contain too much mica leaving a shiny finish accentuating every wrinkle.

For me, the smaller mineral make-up companies offer better ingredients, more matte finishes, liquid/cream foundations if you prefer- Plus cheap or free samples that last a week or two.

You can have options to custom mix foundations to find the perfect shade as well.

I am glad some of you brought up the mineral make up. Some of my coworkers wear it and I have to say, they all tend to look orange. I couldnt ask THEM this question because, well, I don't want to insult them.. I am guessing it may just be their particular brands. I know they love their color and love their makeup-- so maybe I am too critical and they like the slight leaning towards orange. Do you find the mineral makeup colors tend in that direction? Do I just need to get the right color?

I find there are a lot of colors (mineral or not) that do lean in that direction. I need the pinks and yellows- NO orange. Same goes for my lipstick/gloss and eye makeup. No peaches, no oranges-- I even have to be careful with browns. Anyone else? Or do i have an irrational and unfair aversion to orange?

I use Revlon Color Stay also, Buff for combo oily skin. It's the best makeup I've ever used because it's different than other formulas. Even after a 15 hour day, it is still hard to take off. I put it on super fast and once it's set, I don't make any changes unless I start over completely.
And the color is perfect for me.

funky, I don't reapply makeup either . . .I'm lucky if I can do it once! I would say the best thing for this is layering (like foundation plus loose powder). I'm not sure if it stayed on as well as the Chanel. Good question. The foundation stick is nice for if you are going out, or if you have some area that needs special "attention" since it is thicker. Since you say you like yellow, BB may work for you, because that is one thing I know she is a big believer in . . .a slight yellow tone to her foundation. For me, this was perfect.

RE: Moisturizer . . .what I generally do (I just use Oil of Olay) is put it on, and then brush my teeth, fix my hair, etc. to let it dry. That helps with the time aspect.

RE: Clinique, I bought this last year. My biggest problem with it is that there is simply no shade that matches my skin. (Of course, I didn't realize until AFTER I bought it.) I know some people buy 2 shades and either blend, or buy one for summer, one for winter. I am pretty diligent about sunscreen, but despite this I do get some sun.

RE: Mineral makeup . . .while I don't think this works well for me for foundation, I do like it for other things. This company (link below) is what I've used . . .they used to have a better free selection (more options to mix and match) but it still is something.

Here is a link that might be useful: Everyday Minerals

Roobear - I completely agree! Since I have somewhat sensitive skin, I did some reading on the mineral makeups. I buy mine on line from a small company for just that reason - it is minus some of the ingredients which can be irritating.

Funky - I have not noticed that with the mineral make-up. I HATE orange so believe me, that would be something I would notice. I have to say, this has best matched my skin than most other foundations I have tried. I believe my color is light neutral - does not have pink or yellow tones.

It is just at work you notice the orange? And only co-workers? Could it be the lighting?

tina

Loyal user of the Prescriptives Traceless for approx 6-7 years now.

I was never a user of any foundation previously. When the time came that I needed a bit of a lift, I was more than pleased when a friend whose skin I've admired, shared her secret. I love the sheer coverage it affords. I hope they never stop making it, since my experimentation before the Prescriptives led me to nothing that suited me. I don't like the "look" of foundation, so the barely there coverage of Prescriptives was perfect for me.

I've never been prone to breakouts, even as a teen. However, DD who is prone to breakouts, has stopped using any type of liquid foundation, opting for the Physicians Formula powders. They look great and cover the occasional breakout for DD.

As for the mineral products, I agree that they do have an orange hue to them, which I don't like. I did buy the Bare Essentials product when it came out, but aside from the color being off for my skintone, the cakiness (is that a word?) just bothered me. It seemed to settle and just magnify every tiny line on my face. The bronzer was okay, just not the foundation.

It is too bad that the Prescriptives caused you to break out. The look is such a nice, clean-sheer look. Post if you find a product similar in coverage to that of the Prescriptives. I'd be interested just in case for some reason the Prescriptives goes the way of just about every other product from soup to nuts that are great products, but seem to disappear...

For those of you who like mineral makeup, what brands do you use? Also, I've heard that the right tools are very important esp. for mineral makeup for proper blending . . .what do you use?

Anele - I am definitely going to try BB-- but it will have to wait until I can take a day (or weekend) away. I do the very same thing with moisturizer when I use it-- I put it on right after my shower and then do my makeup 30 min or so later. It works well, I just often forget. You must be a young thing! I love oil of olay but it isnt strong enough for my aging dry skin. I do still use it in the summer when I am outside doing stuff and not wearing makeup. I like it because it is light and has some sunscreen. I do moisturize-- but not really in the routine of getting it on before work.

Tinam - Coworkers are the only ones I know to use the mineral makeup. I generally see these two women outside in daylight as we don't work in the same area. It is sounding like the problem is the brand they use-- or the color matching. I do know mineral makeup is supposed to be great for covering up all sorts of flaws.

WIP - I was surprised by the breakouts too. I generally don't have a problem with breakouts. Large pores and wrinkles? Yup, I got em-- but not usually bumps and such. I tried a few prescriptive formulas. One was just too light a coverage for me-- or rather the color/coverage combo wasnt good. The red in my skin peeked out through it. The photochrome gave me a flawless finish but it felt AWFUL. Too thick. I currently have the oil control virtual matte. Again, I don't need oil control but it was the only finish I liked. It smells kinda nasty when I put it on, but the scent goes away eventually. So much of it really is the combo of the color match and finish. I am glad that you like the product you are using-- it sounds like you love yours as much as I loved the Chanel Teint Naturel. I hope they NEVER discontinue it on you. I feel so betrayed LOL.

With my deepening lines :( , there's no such thing as a good foundation.

They all just seem to make them look worse.

Funkyart-I think mineral make-up is just like other cosmetics, the brands vary and it's a personal choice as to what works best. The right brands for me, blend perfectly, have great coverage, feel weightless, last all day, and cause no break outs or irritation.

I've experienced the orange issue too with some mineral make-up brands, usually with the more commercial ones like Bare Minerals. However, I've found several smaller brands with no orange look at all-so it depends. With the smaller companies most make their own cosmetics so sometimes you can get foundations custom mixed.

Anele- Some of the brands I like are Monave, Meow Cosmetics, Cory Cosmetics, and Aromaleigh. All of these companies offer samples. My sister likes Everyday minerals, but I didn't.

Brushes do make a difference as far as application and the overall end result-personal preference again as to which ones are best.

There is a mineral make-up forum where they talk about different brands, current sales, application techniques and tips etc.

Here is a link that might be useful: Mineral Make-up Forum

A friend introduced me to the Milani brand of mineral make-up. It's a drugstore brand. I see it at Target, but I can only find my shade at Wal-Greens. I'm very (VERY) yellow. The make-up doesn't turn orange on me.

I have very oily skin and always have. I use to use Estee Lauder oil free make up but Funkyard doesn't need that.

I'm curious how much does Armani make up cost? And what department store sells it? Or do you have to go to a Armani store?

.....Jane

Parma, you made me laugh into my tea! Maybe i would do better with spackle?

Newdawn, my sister likes estee lauder too. I used to use their blush but havent for years. I do prefer the oil-free finish so I may give it a try. I CAN get estee lauder locally so it is definitely worth a try.

Roo, yes, I suspected that the mineral products were the same as all else-- you have to find the right version for you and your coloring.

I appreciate everyone's help and suggestions. I guess I was hoping for the magic tip that would work without investing the time and letting 10 different people play with my face. I find the whole experience excrutiating LOL. And just to make it worse, they tell me how "young" my skin is when I know damn well that it isnt. I'd rather they acknowledge that it is wrinkled dried and icky -- at least then I could trust her.

I have very sensitive skin that used to be hard to color match w/o using a pricey line.

For about 3yrs now I've successfully been using Maybelline Pure Makeup and I am totally happy! It's 50% water, is light as a feather yet covers any redness that I sometimes get in my cheek area. I never itch, I never break out and it never cakes. I see my skin but only better. Sometimes it's the only thing I put on in the morning. This is the only foundation that I've ever bought time and time again.

I bought the traceless prescriptives foundation this afternoon; will try it tomorrow morning and report. I used Makeup Forever recently and it turned orangey on me and was difficult to remove; I had some Clinique left so I've been using that up.

I liked the Prescriptives #3 color on my hand, it covered a freckle quite adequately, lol... I also like the plastic tube, practical for travelling.

The salesperson tried to sell me a primer to put under it, I hate the multiple selling; I am not a wall, I don't need primer.

mitchdesj - good luck with the prescriptives. I use the #2 as I have fair skin. I found that the brush, while pricey, was essential in getting the best light coverage. I have had my brush for as long as I've been using the Prescriptives. I just wet it, tap it on a piece of papertowel to get the excess water off. I then clean it with the Dove soap I use to wash my face. Never have had a problem and the brush is in as good a shape as the day I first purchased it.

Primer - no never had that presented, but I agree, don't sell me stuff I don't need. Fortunately, the girl at the Prescriptives counter where I shop has gotten the 411 that I am not buying anything other than the traceless.... Too funny!

The one thing I don't like about the Boots (Target) is, that it is pretty drying. And I can't get the color exactly right. There are only half a dozen or so shades. But it has the matte finish that I love and it seems to last quite well. The Revlon has been a little 'tight' on me this past year. Must be the makeup............how could it be me??? (my skin is the same as it's been for the last 3 decades, right?)

I really like the Regenerist line by Olay for moisture, it works well on me. But today, I finally decided to head out to Macy's and try their Studio Sculpt foundation from the MAC counter. I had read quite a few reviews of the MAC and then, caught this little makeup fun post on the Pioneerwoman's blog....Now, she's ten years at least younger than me, I have the red hair but not the creamy pale skin, and no two women are alike anyway, but her endorsement of the MAC foundation made me decide to give it a whirl. She liked the Studio Fix, but I had read raves about the Studio Sculpt, so bought that. The acid test will be tomorrow at work when I can wear it for the whole day. Anyway, I agreed with several of her other favorites, so just figured I'd jump into the MAC pool and see if the water is nice...

And while I was there, I picked up some MAC eyeshadow in Sumptuous Olive, and a MAC lipstick in Satin finish that is absolutely what I've been looking for! It's in the color 'Verve' sort of a brown neutral with plummy undertones if that makes sense. I like to line my lips and fill in with real color, but like my color not to look like a thin slash of reddish lip! I have thin lips anyway but cannot....I repeat............cannot..........wear the nudes. I used to use a wonderful lipcolor called 'Cranberry' from Mabelline in their old, discontinued 'Budgeproof' line. Everybody asked me what color it was. Everyone commented on my lipstick. It was the best neutral ever. I hope that my Verve will be lasting like that was and that the color will be as great as it looked all day today. I have very dry lips too, and the lipsticks that last really well are usually so drying.

And BTW........has anyone else tried the new Mabelline Pulse Perfection vibrating mascara? I read about it in a magazine and thought it would be way too trendy. But I love it. And it works.

Experimenting Red

Here is a link that might be useful: Pioneerwoman tells us what she loves.........

Red, not that you have any lines yet :) but pretend that you do.

Do you think the Studio Sculpt would minimize them?

Parma, I'll have to get back to you on that. Right now, I'm coming to terms with the soft 'glow' of the Sculpt. I am used to a dead matte finish, you know, where I look like a chalky Zombie with a slash of dark lips. Love that look. I looked fairly moist and subtley glowy today. Others loved it. I'm sure that a soft glow will disguise lines, but what about my delightful zombiness?

Red

I am with you, Red. I just can't take the glow.

I picked up another bottle of my discontinued chanel on ebay-- bought myself some time to find the perfect dead matte replacement.

I have oily skin too and I am 59, yikes. And I am looking for a new makeup. I used Estee Lauder for years but it is so dry, too dry even for me.

I'm going to check out Mac and Channel as well as Bobby Brown. I like a matte finish and to be honest I am not the natural type.

Hair and makeup use to be my lively hood.

Bed Head has a lot of good makeup products I don't know about their foundation. But if you sometime havecircles under the eyes try Wipe Out Concealer by Bed Head. You can purchase through your hairdresser. I think I paid six bucks and they probably will charge twelve or ten.

....Jane

And BTW........has anyone else tried the new Mabelline Pulse Perfection vibrating mascara? I read about it in a magazine and thought it would be way too trendy. But I love it. And it works.

OK, I'm a skeptic ... but I've also been highly curious about this product. What does it do that I can't do myself by placing the mascara wand at the base of my lashes and sweeping it up with a very fast zig-zaggy, fluttering motion?

I also saw in the most recent issue of Allure magazine that there's a mineral foundation out now (I'm thinking Prescriptives, but I could be mistaken) that has a vibrating applicator that's supposed to really buff that stuff into the skin well. Again, I'm not sure if that's something that I couldn't manage to do myself, but the ad did intrigue me somewhat.

Oh Aunt Jen.............you are definitely NOT as zig-zaggy fast as that wand! You are blond and cute, but not ziggy fast. I know. It hurts to hear, doesn't it? Check out the youtube video. No, it's not me. But I should do youtube videos, huh?

Well, heading into day II of the MAC foundation. DD loved it on me. My 29 yr old (too cute for words) boss loved it on me. But again...........need my dead flat look. Going to try again and see what I think.

And I have another review. I bought the Maybelline Color Sensations lipstick in Coffee Craze yesterday. The color is so close to the MAC verve I just got.
(Can you tell I was excited about the MAC counter???? Been in Macy's 1200 times, but never ventured over to MAC till this week. Favorite part? No perfume smell at MAC.)
Anyway, the color was good, but the smell...........! Whoa. Color Sensations smells like old paint. And the MAC smells like chocolate vanilla. Double the $$ but I do love this lipstick.

Red

and oh my goodness......while searching for a short little youtube video on the ziggynes of PP for Jen, I found someone reviewing it, who was worried about inserting the battery in the tube...........wow. wow.

Here is a link that might be useful: Pulse Perfection Review on youtube

Thanks, Red! I might have to try that for myself now ...

You'd better watch out. We may just end up making you our official HomeDec/Conversations Side Beauty Advisor!
;-)

I've read great things about that MAC foundation too. Glad your test drive was positive, Red. MAC is one brand I haven't tried (!) so I'll surely head to that counter one of these days.

For the last 2 yrs. have been using Clinique & Prescriptives foundations after using Estee Lauder, Lancome, Elizabeth Arden, you name it! Started feeling a month or so ago like I it was time to try something new, (guess I'm a makeup junkie!)& I'd just read a great review of some Cover Girl products. I tried them, & love them! I'm now using CG's Trublend foundation, & Trublend pressed powder. I'm a believer! I swore off using powder when I was 33, as I decided it made my skin look dry & less than youthful. At 47, I'm using powder again because this stuff is really different. I don't just use it in the shiny t-zone area either. I use a big fluffy brush & swoosh it all over. It doesn't look powdery, or dry or add 10 yrs. to my face. It looks smooth, finished & not make-upy at all. I didn't think that was possible with a powder. Btw, the Trublend foundation is not too greasy or too dry. It's just right!

For those of you that do like Prescriptives makeup - Stock up now! The company is closing soon.

I plan on buying a few backup bottles of my HG foundation "Virtual Skin" in Real Gold. Can't feel it on my face, not greasy, not drying, doesn't break me out, doesn't make my pores more obvious like BB foundations do, light to medium coverage. Finish with a bit of powder and I'm good to go for hours.

Here is a link that might be useful: Prescriptives - The End :(

Thanks for the heads up Another Linda! I had no idea! I really like P's Flawless Skin Foundation & Intensive Moisturizing Mask (which I have on right now!) It wakes up my skin in the morning & is so soothing. I'll have to stock up!

Here is a link that might be useful: another link to the end...

For those of you that do like Prescriptives makeup - Stock up now! The company is closing soon.

I plan on buying a few backup bottles of my HG foundation "Virtual Skin" in Real Gold. Can't feel it on my face, not greasy, not drying, doesn't break me out, doesn't make my pores more obvious like BB foundations do, light to medium coverage. Finish with a bit of powder and I'm good to go for hours.

Here is a link that might be useful: Prescriptives - The End :(

Well, isn't that special? LOL! Sorry for the double post of bad news. :)

I walked by the Mac store this morning, and for some reason, I walked in, then walked out; I was thinking, why do I want to go in here ? I just remembered now that it's this thread that was subconciously nagging at me.

I want to get the Verve lipstick ( not that I don't have another 6 lipsticks) ........ brownish plums are my downfall.......and sample that foundation on my forearm.
Next time.