Foundation looks so patchy 😩

Jun 2, 2016

Ms L.

Hey beauties!! (Not sure if it's in the right section) so I've had issues with my skin lately (breakouts and dryness). The foundations I used to love (Estée Lauder and MUFE HD) don't work on me any more instead they emphasize my dry spots. I used to have oily skin and now I still get oily but only on my tzone. When I apply any foundation really, it looks horrible! I can't even apply it with a brush because it moves around. And on my nose it's the worst! It's like it won't cover/set on my nose. It's so patchy and you can see my patches of my skin peeking through it and my pores are horrible. Honestly I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong or what I can do to get my skin back? Any advice? Deep exfoliation? Chemical peels? It's really becoming a pain. So if anybody has any insight I would appreciate it. Thank you!!

Jun 2, 2016

Kelly V.

What is your skin care routine? I'm only going by my personal experiences here but I notice when I don't use my clarisonic and stick to a strict routine my skin does that...especially the nose! my foundation sits a lot better when I am exfoliated and moisturized. also, what primer are you using?

Jun 2, 2016

Ms L.

Ok so I use the Cerave foaming cleanser with my clarisonic (every other night) and morning, and maybe about 2x a week I use Peter Thomas Roth 2% BHA exfoliant, I exfoliate at night with the Clinique moisture surge thirst relief face cream and in the AM I use Origins oil free moisturizer. I also use Differin (acne topical medication at night and another one occasionally in the AM). For exfoliation I will occasionally use a Mario Badescu face scrub.

Jun 2, 2016

Aurora S.

My guess is that you're exfoliating too much.
Too much exfoliation can cause dry patches and if your foundation moves around a lot on your nose amor forehead, that can be a sign of over-exfoliating.
When you exfoliate too much it kind of... Smooths out the texture too much and can cause a glass-like shine that isn't oily just super shiny.

Jun 2, 2016

Kelly V.

Have you ever tried face oils? I like argan oil at night and jojoba oil in the am. my find that my skin is way less oily, no more dry patches, smoother in texture and I don't get half the break outs I used to. it looks like everything you use is oil free and you might be drying your face out. your skin will over produce oil to make up for its dryness...which will make for an oily t zone and dry patches else where. I order my jojoba oil on amazon. here is the link...this bottle will last for ever. it's great for hair too. 
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00VSH7LAG/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_a_it?qid=1464839525&sr=8-3&keywords=jojoba+oil&pi=SY200_QL40

Jun 2, 2016

Ms L.

@Aurora woah I never thought of that. Thank you!! So do you suggest I cut down on the BHA? I really thought it was maybe I needed to exfoliate more lol

@Kelly yes I sometimes mix my night moisturizer with the Josie Maran Argan oil. But I'll definitely take a look at the Jojoba oil I've heard great things! :) thank you!!

Jun 2, 2016

Aurora S.

I would try to use the physical exfoliants a bit less (clarisonic and the face scrub)
Try using about once a week for about a month and see if your skin gets better.
I know when I would exfoliate a lot plus use retin-a, foundation would just slide off my t-zone even though I had less oils (the the physical exfoliator plus the retin-a smoothed out my skins texture too much)

Then, I did get dryness from the medication, which in sure differin would cause some dryness which is normal, just make sure to use a very hydrating moisturizer in those areas.
I would suggest the cerave moisturizing cream. This I what I used and it really helps with the dryness I get from the retin-a, it's cheap and very effective.

Try just using the cerave foaming cleanser by itself a little more often and once your skin gets back to normal you can experiment on how many times a week you'd be able to exfoliate because some people can exfoliate more than others without and issue. I usually only exfoliate 3x a week in the morning.

Jun 2, 2016

Roz X.

I find its best to start a BHA or AHA once a week to acclimate skin...and gradually increase usage. You need to allow skin time to adjust. The medication you are using from the doctor is a Retinoid. These also bring on dryness and patches if you use them without slowly introducing them to your skin...especially since you are pairing it with a BHA.

I agree with CeraVe and would suggesr using both the AM and the PM formulas. You need serious sun protection with both BHA and Differin..both increase photo sensitivity and so I cannot stress enough to be sure you are using sun protection.

Rinse with cooler water and I'd also use a Paula's Choice Toner that suits your skin's needs. Her sunscreens are also fantastic.

I agree on the facial oil as well. Jojoba and Evening Primrose should help you out. You can add a tiny drop to foundation in areas where you are dry and use the MUFE alone where you run oily with a primer that will keep shine and oil down in the T-Zone only...as well as keeping powder to non-dry areas. in that center region where you currently are struggling with oil.

Avoid drying setting sprays packed with alcohol, which worsen flakes. Lastly, clean fingers or a damp sponge/Beauty Blender is going to be your best bet for applying foundation..working in small areas. Brushes stir up flakes and makes patches more noticeable. Light, fluid formulas pair well with dry skin, but since you are combo, if the MUFE is working in the T-Zone, cutting your foundation with moisturizer or an acne-friendly facial oil in patchy areas will make a huge difference. I don't know which Estee Lauder you are using, but if its Double Wear, I'd shelf it right now.

If in doubt, a clean, all cotton, nubby, wet washcloth is a gentle and safe way to exfoliate before make up application.

Jun 2, 2016

Ms L.

@Aurora thank you sooo much! I will definitely cut down on the clarisonic and face scrub. And I will be going out and getting Cerave moisturize cream, is that the one in the tub?

@Rozberry so much information!! :)) Thank you so much! And I do use SPF 55 every morning! :) and yes I own 4 beauty blenders because those are the best for me right now! I will definitely be looking into the jojoba oil. Is there a specific brand you like? Or any specifications when it comes down to getting the right one (pure, cold pressed, etc)? Thank you!!

@Reny thank you! I'll definitely be getting the jojoba oil! :)

Jun 2, 2016

Ms L.

@Reny thank you but I'm actually using the sensitive one and at the lower speed. I did try the deep pore one but I also thought it was too abrasive on me!

Jun 2, 2016

Roz X.

Ms. L, For jojoba, I like the "Now" brand., which is cold pressed. I think Whole Foods has it if you are in the You.S. I know many Walmarts carry it.
If not, any health food store or vitamin shop will have it.

Those sponges are a life saver. I dig MAC's Fix+ as well..especially when I'm running dry. I've started making my own, which saves some cash. I'm delighted to hear you are loyal to sunscreen. Those can be tricky with labels and what they can sneak past with regard to "broad spectrum". The CeraVe AM and PM both contain ingredients that actively help calm and repair skin, which is why I love them. The PM is light and oil free, so it can be paired with your favorite sunscreen to boost anti-aging and calming acne.

I hope you consider bringing a toner into the nix. For my own skin, it's a game changer. Best of luck to you!

Jun 2, 2016

Roz X.

*You.S. autocorrect lulz.

Jun 3, 2016

Ms L.

@Rozberry thank you! I am in the US so I'll definitely be going to Whole foods! Do you rub or pat it on?
And I agree Mac Fix+ has been a life saver for me too!! And yes I'll look into the Paula's Choice for a toner! Again thank you so much you have been so helpful!!

Jun 3, 2016

Roz X.

I pat my oils on in a thin layer just after washing my face. Often, I do this a few hours before bed, letting it absorb while I read, watch Supernatural...  lulz.

Jun 5, 2016

Tessa M.

Exfoliate for dryness , use moisturizer and primer