Thread: Priming blotchy skin before makeup?

Can I ever look flawless and beautiful again? My ageing face is starting to look really crappy, even with foundation on (OK, I'm only in my mid-30's, but ya know, that's when the wrinkles come out and everything starts sagging...). Is there some wonder product or process that can get me from dry skin with open pores that suck up makeup and make me look oily, plus nasty blotchy spots, to flawless finish foundation?

I've never liked to over-moisturise, because I always had such oily skin, and very moist foundation just disappears off my face, but I'm starting to look flakey. I'm wondering if I should extra-moisturise before making up (I'm talking mega-makeup for gigs). Or use something else? Or find a magic foundation that isn't completely dry but doesn't sweat off? Help!

There are some really good moisturisers out there for oily skin, that moisturise but leave your skin with a matte finish. Not sure what would be available in Oz, but Enzymion by Lush is very good, and Clinique also do a "mattifying gel" (I think it's called pore perfect) which you apply after moisturiser and before makeup. I have also heard that overnight treatment with sweet almond oil (bizarrely) will help oily skin, you might even get a good aromatherapist to make you a blend with some nice soothing essential oils to calm and cleanse your skin.
You can also get priming powders for under makeup, I use flawless matte powder by Lily Lolo, which can also be mixed into a lotion to apply as a cream.

Smashbox's Photo Finish Foundation Primer. You can get it at Sephora, and it works, IMO, wonders. It's silicone based, and makes the foundation "float" above the skin. I find that not only does it make my foundation look better, it looks freshly applied longer than without it.

You can get it clear, or with slight color correction to help with redness, sallowness, etc. It's around $45, but you really only need one or two pumps so it lasts a long time.

Check out Paula Begoun's website; I've been using her products for about five years, and at forty-six (erk!! how did THAT happen) my skin is doing great. She has products for oily skin that needs moisture, and her stuff is not that expensive. All her foundations are silicone based, so they glide on nicely. But IMHO, the best product she makes is beta-hydroxy acid, 2percent. Keeps the pores clean, exfoliates the dry skin off so that your lightweight moisturizer will work; I found my pores became less obvious with continued use. Here's the website:

Paula Begoun - The Cosmetics Cop - Paula's Choice

Disclaimer: just a satisfied customer.

Hi, I don't know about what lotions, makeup to use, but I'm 49 and went to a doctor who owns her own skin care clinic. She turned me on to the "Obagi" system of lotions, not cheap ($400+). It evens out the skin tone and gets rid of most wrinkles with a gentle bleach and retin A (go retin A love it). Basically makes you fall in love with the skin you are in!!

I don't know about primers, but I've started using the Olay Definity line of moisturizers, it really does even out my blotchy skin over time. I use the foaming SPF one in the morning, it's nice and light, and the night cream at night.

Originally Posted by laura 2

Smashbox's Photo Finish Foundation Primer

I've heard this recommended a lot and am really looking forward to checking it out. (Photo shoot coming up -- yay!) May I ask what kind of foundation you're using over it? Any other tips and tricks?

I always wonder how foundations and such stay put over the silicone-based products that seem to be popular right now. But I guess if they made your makeup slide around and wander off, no one would be using them, right? ..g.:

Thanks for all the suggestions! Off to the beauty counter with my list...

(PS: I think it's totally unfair that you can have wrinkles and pimples at the same time. It should be outlawed!)

Originally Posted by Zana

I've heard this recommended a lot and am really looking forward to checking it out. (Photo shoot coming up -- yay!) May I ask what kind of foundation you're using over it? Any other tips and tricks?

I always wonder how foundations and such stay put over the silicone-based products that seem to be popular right now. But I guess if they made your makeup slide around and wander off, no one would be using them, right? ..g.:

Right now I'm using Sue Devitt Triple C-Weed Whipped Foundation, which was recommended to me at Ulta my last trip (they were out of the Smashbox foundation in the color I needed). I don't like it nearly as well as the Smashbox, it's got a weird grainy texture, but it does the job and I didn't want the hassle of returning it. So my personal preference is the Smashbox primer and foundation together. But in the past, I've even used the primer with drugstore brand foundation like L'Oreal, and it works just fine. So I think you can just combine it with whatever your favorite foundation is.

The key to a lasting face with the sillicone primer, IMO, is to powder-set everything. I use the primer, then foundation, then apply Physicians Formula mineral powder to set the whole thing. I've always powder-set my liquid foundation, but combining them with the primer makes my makeup stage appear freshly applied for quite some time.

I've been using MAC Prep and Prime (I think that is what it is called). SPF 50. Put it on after cleansing and moisturing and before foundation. What I have found is that it takes very little and does a LOT. I use less foundation and get better coverage. Keeps foundation out of your pores and minimizes fine lines and creases. Plus I don't have to worry about sunscreen. I started out using this just for performance makeup but I am now using it every day. And an added benefit is that when I cleanse and then use toner, there is no trace of makeup on the cotton ball because the makeup hasn't been sinking down into my pores. I believe the MAC primer is around $25 last time I bought some.

Souzan