Thread: Foundation, sensitive skin, & discoloration

I have breakout-prone early-30s skin that becomes clogged easily from foundation, but I also have some discoloration on my forehead from sun exposure (I'm an ecologist...lots of time working outside in my 20s). So...anybody have a great foundation that covers well but is suitable for sensitive skin?

Even foundations that are "noncomedogenic" still clog my pores...Mac, which I love in terms of coverage, is the worst, but I've yet to find any that don't totally screw up my skin.

Help!

Specifically, what brands and textures have you tried thus far?
Also, what is your skincare regimen?

Originally Posted by Sonja2

I have breakout-prone early-30s skin that becomes clogged easily from foundation, but I also have some discoloration on my forehead from sun exposure (I'm an ecologist...lots of time working outside in my 20s). So...anybody have a great foundation that covers well but is suitable for sensitive skin?

Even foundations that are "noncomedogenic" still clog my pores...Mac, which I love in terms of coverage, is the worst, but I've yet to find any that don't totally screw up my skin.

Help!

I'm the same way. I never trust anything that says "dermatologist tested, noncomedeogenic, hypoallergenic, etc." And Mac is also the worst for my skin as is Clinique.

Here is what I use and have loved it: https://www.arbonne.com/shop_online/...sp?category=25

This company tests to a Level 0 sensitivity, rather than a Level 3 that most US companies consider acceptable for 'sensitive skin.' I think you'll need to find a consultant in your area to purchase. But if you end up not liking it, you can return it no questions asked. It's very light, smoothes out easily, sits on top of fine lines (yay!) and doesn't feel like make up.

Originally Posted by Azhia

Specifically, what brands and textures have you tried thus far?
Also, what is your skincare regimen?

Azhia, you might faint at my skincare "regimen"

I use (odd, I know) eye cleanser moistened pads to clean my face (Ocusoft, I think?) because it is a very mild cleanser, but the pads are effective at removing dead skin. I follow up with a salycilic acid moisturizer. I ocassionally use a glycolic peel.

Right now I'm using a tinted Neutrogena (I think?) foundation with spf 30 and retinol. It was something light I could use during our hot humid sweaty weather. It's borderline too light colored though for summer skin...

Originally Posted by maliaraqs

I'm the same way. I never trust anything that says "dermatologist tested, noncomedeogenic, hypoallergenic, etc." And Mac is also the worst for my skin as is Clinique.

Here is what I use and have loved it: https://www.arbonne.com/shop_online/...sp?category=25

This company tests to a Level 0 sensitivity, rather than a Level 3 that most US companies consider acceptable for 'sensitive skin.' I think you'll need to find a consultant in your area to purchase. But if you end up not liking it, you can return it no questions asked. It's very light, smoothes out easily, sits on top of fine lines (yay!) and doesn't feel like make up.

I will look into this. I didn't even know there were levels of sensitivity....

Have you tried Mac's StudioSculpt? I have sensitive skin and I don't break out from it. Their StudioFix has had some issues but the Sculpt is pretty new.

Maybe try it on at the counter and see if it bothers your skin?

I love Bare Escentuals! My skin is sensitive and loves to break out, and I have tried them all... Mac and Clinique were the worst... but once I tried BE, I haven't looked back.

Some people say it doesn't give good coverage, but a lot of people don't apply it correctly. When you're buffing it in, you really do need to actually buff, not just lightly wisp the brush over your face.

Just this month they came out with a new Matte foundation that I tried, and I feel like that gives a little more coverage than their regular foundation.

LoveMatte.com

If you go in to a Bare Escentuals Boutique, or to an Ulta, Sephora, or BE counter at Nordstrom or JC Penney, they will give you a free sample of the Matte foundation. It comes with a little brush, which isn't the best brush in the world, but it does the job OK and it's free so it's worth a shot!

Sample - LoveMatte.com

The matte foundation has some of the minerals in it that you find in their Rare Minerals skincare line, which has some nice soothing anti-inflammatory properties.

If you want to try their original foundation (it has a bit more of a dewey, almost shimmery quality to it) they can also put it on you in the store, or give you some to take home and try. (they just pour some in a jar for you; it's not the fancy pants sample they have for the Matte, though ^_^ )

I have so much trouble with foundation but would you believe that Wet-N-Wild worked best for me? And it's the cheapest stuff on the market. I got so disgusted that for years I didn't wear any. Almay is pretty good for me too. But I had no luck with the more expensive brands. Whoda thought!

Originally Posted by Sonja2

Right now I'm using a tinted Neutrogena (I think?) foundation with spf 30 and retinol. It was something light I could use during our hot humid sweaty weather. It's borderline too light colored though for summer skin...

I haven't been able to use Neutrogena because it makes my skin break out as well. But if it's working for you, I'd stick with it. But do take heed that sometimes retinol can cause skin discoloration when used over prolonged periods. My husband was using a Neutro. moisturizer with retinol, then started experiencing some dark spots. He switched to one without it and they've cleared up pretty well.

Ive had some troubles with foundations also.

The one Ive never had probs with is Revlon colourstay. It has great coverage and I dont break out when I use it. They have 2 types. One for oily skin and one for dry. I use the one for oily skin, although I do have some dry patches.It has spf 6. The dry skin one has more I think.

My skin is prone to cystic acne at times and rosacea, I have pigmentation and uneven skin tone. And since giving birth its been really dry.

Mineral makeup is great but Im yet to find a really good one. Ultraceauticals, bare minerals id, and purminerals are on top of my list so far. I think you have to go for one that doesnt contain Bismith, that can cause breakouts for some.

The worst foundation for me was maxfactor pan stick. The colour and coverage were spot on for me but I had a really bad flare up of Rosacea when I used it and had to go on antibiotics for three months!!!!

Good luck! Foundations are a tricky business!

I had acne-prone skin and the worst acne and oiliness for the longest time. Then I was told my skin was actually dry. So I started exfoliating (which you do) and properly moisturizing. Many salicylic acid and glycolic products were too harsh on my skin.

Everyone is different.

I would highly recommend a silicone foundation. I extoll its virtues in this thread, post #35. Face Atelier issues free samples, I believe.

Aveda has a great acne-prone skin care line called Inner Peace. Even their regular Kinesthetics line worked well for my acneic skin.

Silicone? wow. we have a lot of Aveda carriers around here. That might be a good option.