Finding Foundation for Sketchy Skin…

I’ll Admit, I’m Easily Irritated…

well…my skin is. For as long as I can remember I’ve had to “test” a product before I could commit. I’m sure my mother loved having to buy me a new -insert misc. drugstore product here- every other week. You name it, I had issues with it. Face wash, moisturizer, primer, foundation, and the list goes on.  So for the last six years, give or take, I have been reading ingredient lists and scouring beauty blogs for the products  that would work for me. Here is what I found;

–Just because it is natural, doesn’t mean it won’t make my skin burn. Fruit acids and extracts are on my no-no list.

–Non comedogenic means absolutely nothing to me. I’ve used and returned countless items to Sephora based on that silly little word. I’m convinced my name is on a list somewhere—habitual returner, take heed–but they are always so graceful when I bring junk back. Thanks, Sephora!

–A reaction can take days, weeks, or even months to present itself. Sometimes it’s breakouts and other times rough patches, dry, or itchy skin, with our without bumps. I know, all very scientific.

If you are a geek like me and want to do your own research on products, ingredients, and ratings for possible irritants I highly recommend BeautyPedia. This site has it all. In the meantime, here’s what I like to use!

The Products:

Foundation

1. Maskcara IIID Foundation– I bought this, loved it, thought I had an allergic reaction to it, cried, then finally figured out it was my new primer causing rude little bumps on my skin. Crisis averted! This is now my new fav foundation. It is fully customize-able with options for highlight/contour/blush/illuminator. Basically, everything.

♦Also, check out her blog HERE because it’s magic.

2. Nars Sheer Glow– The name says it all. Sheer, glowing coverage. The price isn’t terrible but it’s not a drugstore bargain either. If you don’t need a lot of coverage this bottle should last more than a few months.

3. Bare Minerals-I had to add this to the list since it was my go-to for so many years. It still holds true to the no-rash test, though I like a little more coverage nowadays.

Concealer

1. L’Oreal Paris Magic Lumi Highlighter Concealer– If you use the IIID foundation above, it has a highlighting concealer that is reminiscent of this product, only better coverage and in my opinion more natural looking color. In a pinch, this will do just fine i.e. when I was on vacation and had to pick up a drugstore dupe.

2. Hard Candy Glamaflauge Full Coverage Concealer– This is SUPER full coverage so you definitely want to use this sparingly. I would often mix it with THIS primer if i needed to have coverage minus the dreaded “makeup mask” feeling.

3. Maybeline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Spot Concealer– This is also a heavier coverage but since I’m in my 30’s (Eeeeek!) I keep it in my arsenal.

And that’s what’s in my makeup table! Share your faves with me because I love a brand spankin’ new product to test!

♥ Liz