Beauty

[MakeUpNskinCareNut]

Hello fellow beauties! I've been on a mission for the last 2 years to find a HG foundation but not much luck. I like a med to full coverage,have pretty decent 40 yr old skin (thanks to Philosophy & my trusty Clarisonic..lol) but I have broken capillaries,combo skin,some large pores & just started getting some fine lines around eyes & corners of mouth. I'm Caucasian with medium brown hair & green eyes,however I tan VERY well & all year long so I'm in the "Tan" & sometimes even "Rich/Deep" shades (Similiar to Jessica Alba/Beyoncé tones). I've tried powders,creams,liquids,BB's & don't really prefer a certain type as long as I can get nice results. I've tried everything from Covergirl,Loreal,Physicians Formula,Mally's Ultimate Performance liquid (but not any of her others yet),LG's B&B,Bare Minerals & recently IT Celebration Foundation. I really liked the IT a lot, but it was waaay too light,even in the "Rich" shade..ugh! I just purchased the IT Cosmetics "Beautiful You" set on EZ pay after watching the on-air presentation that has the super sized Bye Bye Undereye concealer (read great reviews 1st) it was described as being a foundation too (never tried) Your thoughts on this? The IT Rep said the "Rich" in this product is a darker tone than the Celebration Foundation (Let's hope!). What do you all use & really love or your go-to foundation? What gives good coverage without looking too cakey? And what brands do you think run true-to-color & vice versa? I've spent a TON of $ (like most of us on here have) looking for my HG foundation but they're either too light,too drying,too greasy,don't last an hour,or don't cover. ANY help/suggestions/tips would be GREATLY appreciated (I've never tried any Finishing Powders,only Mally's Evercolor Poreless Flawless in clear)! I'm so tired of paying the outrageous return shipping fee's Please Help?

[abbysgran]

I can't speak to the color choice, but I can tell you what I have found that I really like. Also, like you I do like IT foundation, just can't get a good color match, I am very fair. That said, I am actually on my second bottle of Lancôme Renergie Lift Makeup. For me to repurchase a foundation I have to REALLY like it. I use the IT Bye Bye undereye concealer, Lancôme Renergie, finish with Mally's Poreless Face Defender. Love the Face Defender, I will never use powder again, this stuff is wonderful! As for the Lancôme you can go to basically any department store, ask for a color match and get a couple different samples to take home and try in different lighting. Hope this helps a bit.

[Irishrose136]

Hi! Welcome to the "HG Quest"! I'm working on the same issue.

Our skin shading is very different so I can't help there. But you did mention " I have broken capillaries,combo skin,some large pores" which is also true for me. The capillaries, depending on where they are, can be handled by concealer.

As far as the combo/oily skin and pores I've found a few tricks. 1. Using a mattifier on the oily areas will block the oil. Go to Sephora.com and search mattifier. I've used one by Murad. LG does a primer for oily skin. Urban Decay has sprays and B6 can be used BEFORE your makeup.

2. Using a primer is key. I've always loved MAKE UP FOREVER in the translucent. Hourglass has a great one. So does Cargo. Sometimes primers are also mattifiers.

3. On top of my MU I use a clear blotting powder by LG or UD.

4. When I'm done with my MU I always use a translucent finishing powder. I buff it on with a kabuki brush. You'll get an airbrushed finish. MUFE has a fabulous HD invisible powder I highly recommend.

5. Final step: Set your MU with a spray. Again, LG and UD both make one designed for combo/oily skin to help cut the oil breaking through.

I believe these steps are as important as what MU you use. Good Luck!

[Irishrose136]

I'm so tired of paying the outrageous return shipping fee's

If you need to buy online, some stores - like Macy's & Nordstrom's - ship for free (no minimum) and give you free return labels. You can return for any reason, including MU you have tried. Sephora has the same policy.

I heard that Bobbi Brown is known for having a lot of darker shades. You can go to her website. You can call and talk to a MU Artist; live chat; or email. Free shipping over a certain amount and free returns on powders and foundations. They provide a free label.

[Mindy D]

Estée Lauder liquids have great coverage and the most natural looking color choices. They have testers at the counter, so you can actually try them on to see. They have quite a few formulations and have other foundations beside liquids. I recommend them because of their great quality and color assortment.