Weddingbee boards

I use Bare Minerals but lately I feel like it's not giving me the coverage I want, I'm going to Sephora and Macys (they sell MAC there) this weekend, what foundation do you use? Likes/Dislikes? How is the coverage? Tell me what doesn't work for you too!

I have oily acne prone skin so I need something gentle.

Thanks for the help bees!

Thanks, I'll have to test that out!

Any other bees?

I love MAC foundations. Some are a lot heavier than others and yet you can apply them lightly if you wish. I also have oily acne prone skin and none of their products have made anything worse (though they won't make it better either). 

I have used: 

Studio Sculpt SPF 15: This is a liquid foundation, heavy in coverage. It's a bit more mousse-like than most liquid foundations. Can be a bit heavy in summer (in Australia, 29-35 degrees C), but I just use a tiny amount and really spread it around. Covers my large pores very nicely. 

Select SPF 15: Liquid again, but runnier and sheerer than Studio Sculpt. Doesn't cover my pores as well as Studio Sculpt.

Studio Stick: A cream foundation. This is harder to work with and I found I could end up with too much on my face. Also, the packaging (a stick) isn't great, you need to dig down to get all the product out. Can cover the pores and blemishes if you work it.

Mineralise Skinfinish Natural: This is a powder. I use this powder (with a Kabuki brush) on top of all of my foundations. This sets the foundation, so it lasts longer and controls my oil and shine better. It also gives me the matte finish which I like. I have also used this on it's own in the heat of summer and just layered it to my desired coverage. However, because it is sheer by nature, I can go through it quite quickly. 1 pot every 3 months (at a guess). 

Not MAC: Revlon PhotoReady - Very sheer, a runny liquid foundation. This has tiny reflective particles which you can notice up close in the mirror, but that's about it. This is fine, but I also set it with eh Mineralise Skinfinish powder. Doesn't cover pores. 

Overall it is probally the powder which helps the most of me personally, and therefore it's the powder I recommend over everything else. With a liquid base the powder it much heavier in coverage. So perhaps go the cheaper foundation (Revlon) and splurge on the powder. 

In terms of controlling (not eliminating) acne, I am sure to throughly wash my face each night and in the morning. I use a cotton pad and creamly makeup remover to take off the majority of my makeup. I then use a cleanser/makeup remover with warm water and rinse with a wet cloth. Then I cleanse again with just a cleanser (not and makeup remover) and rinse with a wet cloth.

Wash once to clean off the makeup, wash twice to clean the face.

Note: I originally used brushes to apply foundation, now (because it's faster and easier) I wash my hands and then use my fingers to really warm up and work the foundation. 

I hope something in there helps. I also recommend makeupalley.com and Youtube for reviews of products. 

@Tickles- WOW Thank you for all the useful information! I won't waste my money on brushes now, you are the 2nd person who I've heard say to use your fingers instead!

I'm going on Sunday so I'm going to look then! Also I'm going to try the powder that Miss Rainbow suggested (it's really good & cheap so I'm in!) I can't wait to try out her techniques! http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/23/ace-your-face-pt-1/

Makeup forever HD all the way! I would suggest a primer as well if you have enlarged pores or just generally uneven skin. Get a trial pack from Sephora first. Those are free.

I used to be a Bare Minerals girl, but had the same problem you did.  I currently use Estee Lauder Double Stay Foundation and love it.  It covers my blemishes well and stays put all day long (no need for touchups).

More coverage!

I use MAC but also want to try MAKEUP FOREVER.

I too am an oily skinned gal who needs a bit of extra coverage. I cannot recommend Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation enough! It is the holy grail of foundations (for me at least). It depends on skin tone though because the colors do run more golden/yellow than other foundations that typically run orange/pink. I am VERY fair but have a warm skin tone so the color selection is perfect for me, and it lasts ALL DAY LONG. You could seriously swim in the stuff if you really wanted to lol. Good luck!

I plan to try a few before I buy because I know I want a natural look, not cakey and something that doesn't make me break out!

I really appreciate all the feedback ladies, keep it coming!

If you are going to buy brushes (I use eye, concealer and Kabuki (for powder) brushes). MAC is the best quality but can be expensive. I have the full set of Sigma brushes. These brushes are hand made, around $10 each (cheap!) and numbered just like the MAC brushes. They are amazing quality and so so soft. There are also a lot of Youtube vidoes comparing the two brands.

My Sigma brushes are my babies.

Just wanted to add that I think that triangular makeup sponges work the best for coverage...just using small quick stokes on the face for a thin well blended base layer and then stipling the foundation on on places you need some extra coverage. Good luck in your search!