Help! Skin looks horrible even with foundation.

Mar 17, 2016

Aurora S.

The picture is kind of blurry but is it anything specific?
Perhaps you just need a primer that's more smoothing/thicker than water. I quite like the original Photo Finish primer from Smashbox as it does help smooth out the look of the skins texture and their Photo Finish Pore minimizing primer works AMAZING. It definitely helps smooth everything out more-so than the original

Mar 17, 2016

Shengmin L.

@aurora I'm not sure if you can see it but there's little blemishes on my skin and you can see the patchiness and also the shine on my nose. I'm super self conscious about my uneven skin tone. I've tried the Smashbox photo finish primer and it doesn't really work for me.

Mar 17, 2016

Aurora S.

Have you considered trying Studio Fix Fluid? That foundation would be able to cover up quite a bit and helps with shininess. That particular foundation is quite silicone based and really smooths everything out. I'd always get compliments with that foundation on how smooth/perfect my skin looked.

But I think a good way to help with those concerns is to focus on your skincare.
Patchiness can be due to dryness so making sure you use a good moisturizer and exfoliator is a good starting point.

Shininess, is it oily or is it just shiny?
Sometimes shiny skin that doesn't feel greasy is due to cleansers that are too harsh or it can be due to over exfoliation on that part of the skin.

If it's oily, I'd carry around blotting papers and try using a setting powder that is more geared toward oily skin like Rice Powder or Kaolin. Talc based powders are better for normal to dry skin. They do okay on oily skin but there's certainly better out there.

With an uneven skintone you want to get a serum or cream that will help brighten up the skin. Something with vitamin C, licorice root, Arbutin, glutathione, Kojic acid etc.
those will work within a month or so. It takes time but they really will even out the skin.

Mar 17, 2016

Roz X.

Well, I think you need exfoliation..either BHA or AHA; this is what smoothes and evens out skin.
If you like Smashbox Primer Water, as I do, you can make your own for about $10. I add rosewater, but you can also add aloe..so many great ways to personalize it. This recipe has tea tree oil in it, which is ideal for acne without drying the skin.

https://youtu.be/ERdOGpeQpHg

I think a facial would be a great investment. March, SO many spas on Yelp have deals. If you aren't toning, I'd definitely start. Great skin always boils down to skincare over cosmetics.
(but heredity and hormones do play a part) It can be stressful and complex. I'm sorry you are struggling. 

Mar 17, 2016

Shengmin L.

I exfoliate two times a day using Yes To Tomatoes daily pore cleanser, then I use Fresh soy face cleanser at night. In the morning, I exfoliate again and use Boscia Clear Complexion Cleanser then I use a tea tree toner from Body shop and moisturize with Cerave Moisturizing Lotion.

So it's not like I neglect my skin. I don't know why I still have bad skin

Mar 17, 2016

Roz X.

That's too much exfoliation for my own skin. It can inflame and irritate acne if you overexfoliate; it can strip precious oils from skin. This can prompt breakouts.

The most effective products, in my personal experience, are those that are left on the skin. Lotions, treatments, toners, masks, moisturizers, etc.

Often, it's heredity that's at work or hormones at play.
Are you on birth control? You should ask your doctor about birth control that may help your skin. If you notice your breakouts are heavy around the cheeks and chin..the mouth area...that can be hormonal acne.

I see a toner but I don't see any BHA (salicylic acid) lotion, spot treatments or masks in your routine. I'd definitely pull back on the exfoliation.

Mar 17, 2016

Aurora S.

Yeah I think you may be over-exfoliating which can dry out the skin and cause breakouts from irritation of the pores like Rozberry mentioned and may be the cause to the shininess on your nose.

Over-exfoliation can result in glass-like shine to the skin even when it's clean due to smoothing out the skins natural texture too much.

You should only exfoliated about 2-3x a week.
Some people can go once a day at most. You need to give you skin about 24 hours to sort of "heal" before exfoliating again.

Mar 17, 2016

Shengmin L.

Thank girls! I think that may be the problem.

Mar 17, 2016

Zati Z.

Hi darls, sometimes I have situations like yours too. What saved me is setting sprays. Invest in one, it really changes your whole game. And try to use gel primer like Benefit Porefessional or Maybelline Pore Eraser to get smoother base, a water-based primer may not work best on you. Cheers!

Mar 17, 2016

Shengmin L.

Thanks girls! And yes I have tried setting sprays as well, they didn't work on me either but thank you for your help!