I think my face wasn't made for foundation :(

Dec 18, 2014

Bailey G.

No matter the primer I use, or the foundation, or the method I use to apply it (brushes, fingers, damp Beautyblender/makeup sponge), it ALWAYS seems to look like I've piled on too much and it looks cakey, even if I use the tiniest amount. No primer I've used really seems to smooth out the texture of my face, which isn't the smoothest - my pores, no matter what product I use, are always big. Foundation always settles into the fine lines under my nose (the parentheses, they call them) I can never have a smooth finish. I exfoliate regularly, and use moisturizer & serum every day. I give my primer & foundation ample time to dry. After applying powder I use a setting spray. What GIVES?

Primers I've used:
Hourglass Mineral Veil
Rimmel Stay Matte
Rimmel Fix & Perfect Pro
L'Oreal Miracle Blur
NYX Pore Filler
Too Faced Primed & Poreless
Smashbox Foundation Primer (original)
Dr. Brandt Pores No More
Revlon PhotoReady Color Correcting

Foundations I've used:
Revlon ColorStay (whipped & liquid)
Revlon Nearly Naked
L'Oreal True Match
Urban Decay Naked Skin
MUFE Mat Velvet
Rimmel Stay Matte
CoverGirl 3-in-1

I don't use BB/CC creams because they don't give enough coverage for the redness in my cheeks. Most days...I just want to give up wearing make up. If anyone can offer any product recommendations or advice it would be greatly appreciated.

Dec 18, 2014

Alma M.

Sometimes foundation is not needed all over the face just in the area's that are needed and if your oily you need a real matte anti shine primer like zero brilliance anti shine primer,it's different from hourglass, Rimmel stay matte..this stuff is extremely matte and it sets fast.what is your skin type?

Dec 18, 2014

Bailey G.

My skin is oily.

Dec 18, 2014

Alma M.

Ok I would look into a pure matte primer and make sure your foundation is completely matte as well some of those foundations you mentioned actually have a illuminating radiance finish which works against oily skin it actually brings out everything.Another thing some may not know is sometimes settings sprays can also work against you, which one are you using? also look into your skin routine, moisturizer if not the right one for your skin can cause issues to.

Dec 18, 2014

Lara C.

Look into nars!! I have the dewy finish bc I have dry skin but they have a matte finish too. Its soooo natural looking.

Dec 18, 2014

Lara R.

Try The Body Shop seaweed mattyfying day cream :) and the face wash and toner too. Preps your skin and leave it so smooth! then it will be easier to apply foundation :)

Dec 18, 2014

Alma M.

I have the Nars sheer matte foundation it's a really nice pretty natural foundation with a illuminating finish it's a little similar to the Revlon nearly naked foundation,UD naked which are nice but illuminating much like pore fillers products can be a bit much for oily or acne prone skin.

Dec 19, 2014

Diana T.

I think a setting powder would help in your case - I use the Tarte smooth operator it smooths everything out to give a blurred finish and additional matte setting but if you just need redness reducing try Clinique redness solutions primer.