BellaOnline Forums Beauty and Self Cosmetics Frustrated with my foundation

I am totally tired of looking washed out when it comes down to applying my foundation.I look like I am not wearing any.UGH!!!Could someone give me any advice on a great foundation because I am on a really tight budget,as the hubby and I are down to just one paycheck right now and I cannot afford high end foundation.Someone please advise!!!

First off, make sure the makeup you are using does not say "matte" in the description. This will give a very even skin tone, but it can make it look flat sometimes.

Also, make sure your true foundation - your skin - is in the nest health possible. St. Ives makes a wonderful facial scrub (Apricto Scrub - Invigorating)that I use every other day, it's pretty mild, but it does get rid of the dead skin. ALso it smells wonderful! They have several different formulations if you find this one a little too harsh for you.

Drink plenty of water.

Check and make sure the foundation you are using is not too light for our skin tone. If so, it can give you that "goth" look without even trying. It might not seem that obvious, but just enough to make you look pale and drawn.

Then look for foundations that say "illuminating" or "lights" in the name. One I use is Revlon's Skinlights face illuminator. It's a little shiny, so I pretty much relegate it to when I'm going out to parties, or a special night out. But if your skin is very dull - it might not be too much on you.

And finally - the entire goal of foundation is to look like you're not wearing any!

I love the baby little bunny!

I always had difficulty applying foundation until I discovered Bare Escentuals Bare Mineral Foundation which I apply with a brush b/c it is a powder based foundation. I cannot even feel I am wearing anything and I hate the feel of makeup on my face.

Hi DevilDawg!,

Thanks for the post! I'm glad you brought this one up. I struggled with the same problem for years. Finding the right foundation is so difficult, because no two people have the same skin.

BellaHarmony had excellent points. You shouldn't be able to see foundation. But I think I understand what you are saying, I think you just don't want sheer, like a mineral foundation that you can see through. It sounds like you want moderate coverage.

The Revlon is nice. I also use the Shimmer Lights Powder as my go to highlighter. I apply it over my foundation where ever I want to bring myself to light, such as my cheekbones, and under my eyes. I don't know your age, but I am going to recommend CoverGirl Advanced Radiance Age-Defying Make Up. It is designed for those aged 35 and older, but I used it before that age. It is coupled with Olay complex.

It has SPF10, and make you look a couple of years younger, I swear. This will stand up against any department store foundation. The best part is it is non-comedogenic so it won't clog your pores. On top of that, if you purchase at CVS or Rite Aid, they have exchange policies that you can return if it is the wrong color.

Being a cosmetics editor, I try a ton of products. This one actually stuck! Good luck.

Thank you for all of the helpful tips.

Please let us know which one you decide to try, and if it works.

We won't give up until you're on your merry way! Sorry, my attempt at some Christmas humor:)

BTW, love the bunny!!!