foundation virgin seeking advice

[mspixieears]

I'm sorry to be so clueless, but I don't know anything about foundation, and thought this would be a good place to ask some questions. Hope no one minds ops:

1. Concealor - I've read somewhere that you apply after foundation, and recently a SA told me to seal conc you apply loose powder. Can one get away with just applying (stick) concealor and loose powder to set, or do you have to wear foundation too?

2. Do people wear moisturiser under foundation? What does one do when your foundation has no SPF protection?

3. Can anyone recommend some good light coverage foundations, for occasional use? My skin is normal but combo in hotter weather, slightly dry in colder months, and slightly sensitive. It tends to get slightly oily in polluted climates, and will most likely get oily/oilier if I were to wear foundation. Am prone to very occasional blemishes.

Tinted moisturiser is fine, something with SPF highly preferred. It'd be nice to have something I can wear when I go out, or do concerts etc.

Thanks in advance for any helpful things you might have to say. This is what I get for spending so much of my 26-odd years either practising musical instruments, or having my nose permanently stuck in books

[Shoe Crazy]

Don't feel bad I was clueless as well for awhile! I do wear moisturizer under my foundation. I use Clinique moisture surge extra thirsty skin relief and I love it. Their regular moisturizer is great as well. I have very dry and oily in certain spots skin so it really does help. I put concealer on under my foundation. I use MAC's concealer. The best foundation for my skin that I have found so far is Clinique Superbalanced Makeup. Out of all the foundations I have tried (and there have been many!) this one looks the most natural on my skin, it blends in very well and it doesn't get cakey at all and it does last me all day.

[PnkCosmo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mspixieears

1. Concealor - I've read somewhere that you apply after foundation, and recently a SA told me to seal conc you apply loose powder. Can one get away with just applying (stick) concealor and loose powder to set, or do you have to wear foundation too?

Yes, you want to apply concealer after foundation. That way you won't over-correct, and you'll use less concealer. No, you don't have to use foundation. Yes, it's ok to apply only concealer and set it with loose powder.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mspixieears

2. Do people wear moisturiser under foundation? What does one do when your foundation has no SPF protection?

Yes, moisturizer goes on before foundation. If your foundation does not have SPF, then you'll want to make sure that your moisturizer has at least a SPF 15. If it doesn't, then you'll need to use a seperate sunscreen that goes on after your moisturizer & before the foundation.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mspixieears

3. Can anyone recommend some good light coverage foundations, for occasional use? My skin is normal but combo in hotter weather, slightly dry in colder months, and slightly sensitive. It tends to get slightly oily in polluted climates, and will most likely get oily/oilier if I were to wear foundation. Am prone to very occasional blemishes.

If you haven't ever worn foundation, then you'll def. want to start with something sheer. Stila makes a great Tinted Moisturizer. It even has SPF15. LORAC's oil-free foundation is sheer and great for oily/combo skin. There isn't an SPF in that one, so you'd want to make sure your moisturizer has an SPF in it. MAC's Select Tint is oil-free and has SPF15 as well.

HTH

[Shoe Crazy]

[quote="PnkCosmo"]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mspixieears

1. Concealor - I've read somewhere that you apply after foundation, and recently a SA told me to seal conc you apply loose powder. Can one get away with just applying (stick) concealor and loose powder to set, or do you have to wear foundation too?

I never heard that before thats intresting I always wondered if I was defeating the purpose by applying the concealer before the foundation. I'm glad I know better now.

[mspixieears]

Thanks for such helpful responses, and for not making me feel dumb, it's much appreciated! Damn this board is so friendly!

I think I'll probably just do the concealor + powder thing for a while, but search for a nice sheer tinted moist. or sheer fdn. I only want to wear fdn for special occasions anyway.

[Sasha_2084]

What I personally like --

After I put moisturizer on my face and let it dry/sink in.

I dab concealor wherever it has to go.

Then with a large powder brush I apply MAC Studio Fix -- Powder Foundation in one.

Never had a problem with it. Has a great finish. For everything -- daytime, nighttime, school, party etc.

[Incus]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PnkCosmo

If you haven't ever worn foundation, then you'll def. want to start with something sheer. Stila makes a great Tinted Moisturizer. It even has SPF15. LORAC's oil-free foundation is sheer and great for oily/combo skin. There isn't an SPF in that one, so you'd want to make sure your moisturizer has an SPF in it. MAC's Select Tint is oil-free and has SPF15 as well.

HTH

I'm just wondering, Why would you want to start with something sheer?
Arent sheer finishes... well they kind of leave a "glow" on your face? what would be wrong with using a matte finish foundation/ tinted moisturiser?

[NutMeg]

Sheer just means that it doesn't give much coverage, so your face won't look like a mask. This is a good thing if you don't wear much makeup, it sort of eases you into it.

[scrapbookromance]

yes I agree starting with something sheer to ease you in would be a good way to go. I've learned over time and with experimentation that concealer (for me) is best when put on after foundation because you might see a blemish or some uneveness that you would think needs concealer but then the foundation covers it. I'm prone to blemishes when I wear too heavy of makeup so this has helped, and it helps my makeup last longer (more money to spend on other makeup yay!!)

[Peaches]

How do you know which colour thingie like, NC# you are, without going to a MAC MA? Can someone post photos of celebs or themselves and the diff. colours? It would be muchly appreciated

[lovemichelle]

I use concealer under my foundation. I use bare minerals, but I do it that way because its always been hard for me to find the perfect shade of concealer, so the color is a little dark and it blends in once I use my foundation. I get compliments on my skin everyday so I will keep doing it that way.

[Christina Victoria]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pirate Hooker JJ

How do you know which colour thingie like, NC# you are, without going to a MAC MA? Can someone post photos of celebs or themselves and the diff. colours? It would be muchly appreciated

There's a Foundation Help link at the top of the page, next to Viva Glam and Mac's Origins links. Basically, the lighter your skin tone, the less the number will be, the N or W represents your undertones or main color of your skin. For example, someone with NW would have a mix of yellow and pink undertones. If you have ivory skin, you may be somewhere near a NW (Or NC, etc..) 15,20, or 25. The higher the number, the darker the skin tone.

[heenx0x0]

hun, go by a makeup counter and they'll be able to look at your skin and tell you how much coverage you need and how to apply it. That's 100% your best bet!

[Peaches]

Quote:

Originally Posted by heenx0x0

hun, go by a makeup counter and they'll be able to look at your skin and tell you how much coverage you need and how to apply it. That's 100% your best bet!

I did, but they were rude and ignored me. So I wanted to know if I could do it without having to go into the city again. I have no idea what "undertones" I have. Jeez. Such a hassle to be prettiful.

[tannny]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peaches

I did, but they were rude and ignored me. So I wanted to know if I could do it without having to go into the city again. I have no idea what "undertones" I have. Jeez. Such a hassle to be prettiful.

you most def. look like you are in the NW's. at least from what i can see in your user pic, lol if that is you.

[~LadyLocks~]

I usually use Neutrogena SPF moisturizer for the face. It's non-greasy which can be great for the hot weather. I put that on before I put my make-up on. As for concealer, I only use it for under the eye area. After that I use blot powder. I'm not one to use foundation because I feel I don't really need it. I also hate that cakey feeling you get sometimes. If you don't need it, don't put it on but ALWAYS wear the moisturizer!!

xoxoxo

[aurelhard]

1. If you are pretty happy with the state of your skin, you most certainly can get away with just concealer set with a little dusting of powder. Dot the concealer on the relevant areas, and pat in, then blend the edges carefully. Then powder. Done!

2. I have dry-ish skin, so yes, I wear both a moisturiser and an SPF 30+ sunscreen. I cleanse and moisturise and first thing in the morning, so it's sunk in by the time I've had breakfast. Then I apply a primer and then foundation (if I'm wearing it that day) or a little concealer just blended out round my T-zone. I really like the ASAP 30+ (an Australian brand) — it absorbs quickly, has a satin-to-matte finish, doesn't leave a white cast under my makeup, and hasn't broken me out in more than a year of use. That said, everyone's skin reacts differently. You could also try, say, the Ultraceuticals or MD Formulations 30+ sunscreens — IMO, living here in Oz one really needs more than a 15+ for protection.

3. Everyone's skin + sensitivities are different, so trial as many as you can before you buy to make sure your skin is happy with it. If the counter won't provide you with a sample, then at least get them to make you over with the foundation, and wear it for a full day to see how it wears — will it oxidise on you, will it separate on your skin, does the finish suit you, does it slide off in an hour, etc. Samples are better because you can gauge if the foundation will break you out after a few days' wear.

Quote:

Tinted moisturiser is fine, something with SPF highly preferred. It'd be nice to have something I can wear when I go out, or do concerts etc.

I don't use it myself, but have read plenty of happy reviews of the Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser — its coverage is almost that of a light foundation. And I know someone who loves and looks great in the MAC Select Tint.

Light coverage liquid foundations I like/have liked:
~ Prescriptives Traceless – very sheer, and suitable for combo skin; it just evens out your skintone and leaves a natural satiny finish.
~ Stephàne Marais fluid foundation – sadly discontinued, though; but may perhaps be found on eBay. This was so lovely — just enough coverage to even one out, and it left a clean, polished finish.
~ Becca Luminous Skin Finish – if only this were unscented! But if you do not mind the (actually quite pleasant!) scent, then this has one of the loveliest finishes I have found. Again, it has just enough coverage to even out skintone, but with a glowy finish — probably more a winter foundation for you, going from the way you've described your skin.
~ Chanel Teint Fluide Universel (actually, this is more like light-to-medium; you can sheer it out further by mixing it with a little moisturiser and just blending around your T-zone) – this feels light on the skin, and leaves a natural satin finish.

Others of which I have heard good reviews:
MAC Face and Body foundation — water-based, sheer-to-light but buildable, with a satin finish.
Make Up Forever Face and Body foundation — as above! (IIRC this is available still at David Jones)

Another option is for you to try using a powder foundation — they're quite versatile, coverage-wise, as you may buff them on dry with a dense brush for just a light even coverage; or apply with a dampened sponge for heavier coverage.
Popular choices seem to be: MAC Studio Fix powder, Chanel Double Perfection Foundation powder (this is more suitable for oily skins as it has mattifying properties), the Shiseido Powdery Foundation, the Stila Illuminating Powder Foundation (quite a 'glowy' finish) etc etc etc.

My personal favourite powder foundation is the Chanel Blanc Essentiel powder foundation — it's so finely milled it feels like silk (like the Veluxe e/s texture, actually), and if buffed on dry quite sheerly, the finish is very natural. Coverage may be built up quite easily, too. It's an Asia exclusive though (I picked it up on an o/s trip) so the range is definitely yellow-based; but if you've warm-toned skin you should be able to find a match.

Anyway, I hope this helps a little!

[cicconeyouth]

2. Do people wear moisturiser under foundation? What does one do when your foundation has no SPF protection?

i put on moisturizer, then sunscreen, then go about putting on powder or foundation, depending on the day. i'm ultra pale so i need something greater than what spf comes in most moisturizers or foundation, so i use clinique city block in spf 40.

[sewpunk]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sasha_2084

What I personally like --

After I put moisturizer on my face and let it dry/sink in.
I dab concealor wherever it has to go.
Then with a large powder brush I apply MAC Studio Fix -- Powder Foundation in one.
Never had a problem with it. Has a great finish. For everything -- daytime, nighttime, school, party etc.

me too. I actually use a SPF 30 suncreen as my moisturizer (Skinceuticles Ultimate Defense). Before any of makeup or SPF, I moisturize my eye area with an eye cream and treat my blackhead prone nose with retinol cream.

[mzcelaneous]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mspixieears

3. Can anyone recommend some good light coverage foundations, for occasional use? My skin is normal but combo in hotter weather, slightly dry in colder months, and slightly sensitive. It tends to get slightly oily in polluted climates, and will most likely get oily/oilier if I were to wear foundation. Am prone to very occasional blemishes.

Tinted moisturiser is fine, something with SPF highly preferred. It'd be nice to have something I can wear when I go out, or do concerts etc.

I definitely recommend Stila's tinted moisturizer. It has sunscreen and it gives great sheer coverage.

[tsukiyomi]

I always wear moisturise under my foundation. I put the moisuriser on and then foundation and then I take concealer with a brush and edit out my blemishes and dark circles. After that, I buff some loose powder over to seal it. I always put on my face makeup after I have done my eyes. Otherwise, you are risking ruining the part under your eyes.

[Kiseki]

Always moisturize before foundation, even if you have an oily complexion, having excess sebum does not mean the skin doesn't need moisture.

I put concealer first and foundation later, since I have very dark eyecircles, the concealer used in my circles is usually lighter than my skin tone and I even it out when I put on foundation.

If any extra correction is needed, I will use a product of thicker consistency, like a concealer pencil, stick foundation or a pallette concealer for minor touch ups. Only then will I go to powder.

If your foundation/moisturizer doesn't have SPF, definitely use one, whenever needed I use Clinique's Super City Block.

[elizabeth103089]

Definitely wear moisturizer under foundation.
I normally wear concealer under foundation (after moisturizing).
For foundation I would reccomend:
MAC Studio Fix Powder (It's quick and easy and flawless!)
MAC Studio Fix Fluid (Full Coverage)
MAC Hyper Real (More of a luminous coverage)
Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick (Takes time to get used to working with, but the shades all have yellow undertones, and really look great on skin)

Hope I helped!

[LMcConnell18]

Always... ALWAYS wear a moisturizer under your foundation/concealer/powder!
even if you have the most oily skin in the world.
#1 you will thank yourself to the heavens when your older
#2 wouldnt u much rather have ur skin suck in moisturizer compared to foundation?!?
#3 foundation/concealer/powder goes on much much smoother when you've given ur skin some moisture. if wearing a moisturizer isnt your thing, then u should definately purchase macs fix+ spray. hidrates and even sets your makeup. so u apply before and after makeup.
just remember that.
and try to get a brush for your makeup on the face. u can use the same brush for moisturizer, foundation, and concealer.
you have no idea how many oils, germs, bacteria is on ur fingers, and spreading them all over your face is just asking for problems, and is nasty. not only will u avoid germ spreading, but you'll also have easier application since your concealer/foundation brush already has moisturizer on it!
Good luck!
<3

[MichelleM]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mspixieears

2. Do people wear moisturiser under foundation? What does one do when your foundation has no SPF protection?

I do wear moisturizer under my foundation, even if I have SPF in my foundation. I've found that most foundations and moisturizers only have SPF 15 if they even have it at all, but Aveeno makes a daily moisturizer with 30 SPF which rocks my socks.