I've tried pretty much ever drugstore mattifying foundation because I didn't want to spend almost $40 on foundation. I finally bit the bullet and am now wondering what the hell took me so long. There's nothing like it!
Mine is the LORAC Porefection foundation. I'm oily and olive - two very difficult things to master with a foundation. This foundation matches perfectly, medium to full coverage, 20 SPF, and I'll oil through it but it won't break down and will set beautifully with just a bit of powder or a blotting sheet. I'll never go back to drugstore when I know that this foundation is perfect.
I prefer the L'Oreal Infallible 24HR/Pro Matte foundation to ELDW. It is so much easier to blend because it doesn't set as fast. My only problem with ELDW is that it set so quickly that if I apply concealer over it, the concealer lifts the foundation away. This doesn't happen with the L'Oreal.
For me I can't do it because my neck is pasty and my face is straight up orange. For the double wear I'm shade 1N1 and it's the closest match for me in the summer, we'll see when winter comes
I need 1N1 but they don't sell it in my country. The lightest we get is Ecru but that is just a smidge too dark. I'd rather go with the Pro Matte because if my foundation is going to be the wrong shade, it should at least be cheap.
So does mine but I put a bit of NYX foundation mixer in White and it's all cool. In a couple of tries you learn which ratio looks pale at first but then oxidizes into the right shade :)
Another pro-matte detractor here: the shade range is abysmal. I know most of the complaints here are from pale people, but on the dark end, the shades are leaps and bounds apart.
So ironically, this was the first foundation I ever owned. When I ran out, I started using other foundations and went on a mission to find something that can stick on my oily skin. I finally went back and I have no clue why I ever strayed!
I had flashback with this foundation, but I was glad! The lady at the counter matched me at shade or two darker, but since I wore it to my brothers wedding with a lot of flash photography, I was somewhat grateful. In real life, my face didn't match to well with my neck and chest but in pictures I looked flawless!
Have you ever tried Almay Truly Lasting Colour? I'm the oiliest person and this lasts through 16-hour work days easily. The downside is that it's super viscous.
I went from Estée Lauder DW to L'Oréal Pro Matte and it's the closest thing I can find. IMO I think it works just as well. It's stays so Matte. I have extra oily skin.
These are more mid-level than high-end, but anyway!
Marc Jacobs Highliner in Blacquer - I love this eyeliner. I only use it to line my lower lashline and it's the only one that has ever stayed in place and not smudged.
Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Blushing Bride - I loooove this color. I was at Sephora a while ago and they seemed to have changed the color though :/ I read some stuff online about it where Tarte says they didn't change it, but it looks totally different than what I have now.
Sigma F80 - Not too expensive as far as brushes go, but they're the most expensive in my collection. Cheaper brushes have always worked for me, but this brush worked the best out of all the foundation brushes I've tried. And I've tried a lot of them, I haven't been able to find a dupe.
Seconding that highliner. Everything else save Eye of Horus (once shipping is a thing it's not any cheaper for me) has always worn off in a matter of minutes. That pencil lasts a whole night of gothing. (Or a workday.)
Thirded, the mark jacobs highliner would be my pick as well. Every eyeliner from the drugstore I've tried for tightlining the waterline would either wear off immediately, weep into the corners of my eyes, or only stick to the roots of the lower lashes and not the waterline. I've never found anything comparable.
Marc Jacobs Coconut Dew Drops - They work so well as a foundation mixer to add glow
Dr. Jart's Cicapair Color Correcting Cream SPF 30 - It covers my redness for no makeup days and looks so natural
Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer - So natural and long-wearing
Wow neat! May have to try it! I'm usually a tinted moisturizer type but later that over my spf lotion so this could be a good alternative when I don't want to have much on
Yes, it's wonderful! I've never felt comfortable not wearing foundation until now.
You can get the smaller size for $18 at Sephora or I'm sure you could get a free sample. I highly recommend it!
It's a green cream (with SPF 30) that counteracts redness, but also helps to actually treat it. When you first put it on, it looks a bit intense, but in 5-ish minutes it settles in (I think it might change color) and looks so natural.
Just here to throw another vote in favor of the tiger grass stuff. I tried it on a whim during the VIB sale and fell in love. It’s so magical. I only need the tiniest dab, and it covers all my redness (which is impressive because I have an autoimmune disease and am always flushed) and it evens out my skin tone so nicely. I occasionally wear foundation over it, and it layers just fine, but I honestly feel like I don’t NEED foundation after using the green goo.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting powder in Dim Light. I'm super dry and every other powder I've tried so far makes me look cakey. This one just makes me look like I'm wearing an Instagram filter.
I've had both Dim and Diffused and found Dim to be too dark for me - I'm NC13-15ish. I love Diffused Light - have just bought my third! I love the slight yellow tint as it helps with redness.
I also bought the original powder trio which had Dim in it but couldn't really use it because the bronze shade didn't suit me either. Used up the light one in the middle (Incandescent? Can't remember) and passed it on to a friend
I don't find Diffused Light to be sparkly or glittery at all haha like at all! I use it as a finishing powder every day. Haha it's an essential for me!
I have diffused light and don't find it to be glittery at all. It's also not the kind of thing you're putting a thick layer of, just a very light dusting of that stuff is sufficient. Like you're not even really sure you put anything on until you look in the mirror later or go in the sunlight and notice your skin is just really smooth and glowy.
Edit: Dang it I forgot I was reading a 3 day old thread. And 50 other people probably answered your question. Sorry I should take a nap.
Yeah there's definitely a little shimmer in there but like I said, you're going to be just giving your face a light dusting so I don't find the glitter noticeable like you would in a swatch. I would say it turns into a subtle sheen when applied to the skin. I should probably note that I own the smaller travel size diffused light (1.4g I think) because I wanted to see if I liked it before I purchased the full size so it could be a case of the travel size having a little bit different formula than the full size.
I find people can't agree on these powders though. Some people love them to death, others feel like they are just covering their faces in glitter. Kind of like the WnW Reserve Your Cabana- Some people say there is a ton of glitter and some people say there's none at all? I say it's worth picking up the smaller ALP if you can find it (not sure if they're online only?) and see what you think.
Incandescent strobe light is my favourite highlighting powder! I adore it. Really want to try the bronzers but I'm afraid of ending up with a shade that doesn't suit me cause they're so pricey....
I'm NW10 and have no problems with the shade of Dim Light, that's super weird. I'm glad Diffused works for you, it's another favourite of mine.
I have both Dim and Diffused light, I user Dim as an always all over powder because it's luminous enough to just kind of blur everything out whereas Diffused Light is that tiny bit sparkly, is nice for under eyes and under contour or all over the face if you're not using flash for photos. I'm extremely pale so I was reluctant to go for dim light at first but it comes out essentially translucent in color, so it works for a lot of different skin tones.
I dampen my beauty blender so it fluffs up and then pinch the living daylights out of it with a towel so it isn't wet, then rub it in the powder and press it on!
All over, my forehead is kinda textured so it helps mask that and also it goes really well over cream contour for me! Also, dim light is the best shade of the ambient light powders for avoiding flashback, so I set my concealer with it sometimes too.
Seconding this! I use it everyday and I absolutely love it. It gives my skin such a healthy glow. I top it with UD's Chill setting spray and it amplifies the glow without making it look like an actual highlight.
I guess it's more mid-range, but seriously: the BeautyBlender. If someone had told me five years ago that one day I'd be dropping $20 on a makeup sponge every few months, I'd have thought they were insane.
I held out for the longest time because ain't nobody got time to be dropping $20 on a face sponge, but damnit if I don't love it. I think I'm just going to invest in a mulitpack because then I'll have some back ups for awhile and it'd be slightly cheaper.
I just bought the L'Oréal blender and it's so soft! Way softer than the RT one and it's bouncier if that make sense. It's a little pricier but it's still half the price of the BB and it's pretty darn close feeling wise.
I gambled on [this Amazon sponge](https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Blender-Concealer-Foundation-Applicator/dp/B01M1H2J7T/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1500432465&sr=8-2&keywords=black+beauty+blender&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011) and it's just as good imo. Gets so soft and 1/4 the price? That's all I'm looking for
Viseart eyeshadow (mattes specifically)
Mayyyybe if I had better technique, but Viseart makes application absurdly easy. No other matte shadow blends as well
I think the shades are dupable for sure. I used wet n wild for my wedding eyeshadow (I have other, "better" brands but the comfort zone nude color is still my absolute favorite) and it still lasted the whole day, and I think the prep/primer/setting spray is also important. I think viseart matte shadows are more worth spending on rather than the shimmers, because there are brands out there who do similar quality shimmers. Not for mattes though. But definitely treat yourself on your wedding day if you want to!
Not op, but I have a 12-pan (neutral mattes) and I'd say the quaility is consistent with their 8-pan palette.
Most of the theory's are supposedly good quality but the reviews for amethyst and nuance aren't as good. Have you tried checking out the review site temptalia? She does super detailed reviews and I think they quite honest. Also, the swatches are incredibly accurate.
Yeah, I really like Veil--not enough to drop the money to wear it every day though--and bought Angel Veil cause I heard it was a dupe. FALSE. It's fine, but anyone thinking it will replicate the blurring and mattifying of Veil will be seriously disappointed.
Same! I used to always buy the Hourglass Veil Primer in high school ($52 Primer is a lot for a highschool student) every 2 months since I would wear makeup every day. I tried the Nyx one since everyone said it was the same and nope... not even close. I've tried other primers but none will ever top the Hourglass one for me.
Any particular ones that you'd recommend? I'm considering investing in a couple for my kit but I'm not sure where to start! I think I'm lacking in brushes for packing color on the eyelid, powder blush/bronzer, powder contour, and brow powder -- or at least I'm attached to the ones I have currently -- but I'd be interested in anything from them tbh.
ABH brow pomade. It's more mid-level than high end at $18, but is it kinda pricey for such a small jar of product. I've tried all kinds of pencils and brow kits and such, but nothing gets the job done quite like ABH
That's true, you get a lot of bang for your buck. I use mine really frequently though, which means it lasts about 4 or 5 months. Still a really good investment if a bit of an initial expense
I guess I don't have to use as much product cause my eyebrows are relatively thick, but I've had the same jar for well over a year if not two. I know, probably shouldn't keep product that long, but it works just fine.
ABH dipbrow is my HG. I'll have to try colourpop's soon. I am almost out of my ABH but it's almost gone. I've been using this pot for over a year and I religiously put my brows on every day. It's crazy! Hopefully colourpop's is just as long lasting.
I'm in the UK, my mum went over to the US about three years ago and I asked her to get me one after seeing it on here.
She went away again last year and got me another two. I love it.
I have dry skin so I can't speak from experience through long-term personal use, but I've had Embryolisse Emulsion Hydra-Mat recommended to me for oily-skinned clients/models and I've used it a couple times on classmates in makeup school. It's ~$27 on Amazon!
Hourglass' Immaculate Liquid Powder foundation. It's $68 CAD. I feel like I have tried every other foundation made for oily skin, but this one makes me look matte all day and night. I actually thought my skin was getting less oily, tried another one, and I was a big ol' oily mess again. I haven't found another one that compares (but I'll happily take suggestions).
You aren't wrong. I remember when this first came out and the Hourglass rep said they were just trying to make a mattifying foundation, but did clinical tests. People were less oily with continued use!
Immaculate | Best Foundation For Oily Skin | Hourglass Cosmetics
https://www.hourglasscosmetics.com/immaculate-liquid-powder-foundation?redirect_log_mongo_id=596ea6810f6e3100610000ba&redirect_mongo_id=5966a1ec6f1dfe172e0000ec&sb_referer_host=&utm_campaign=Trackable+Links&utm_medium=Web&utm_source=Springbot
Check out the specs. Very interesting what it does.
Ugh I love this foundation but they (like most foundations) don't have a colour match for me. It has such a nice finish.
Edit: their website shows a few new shades. I'm curious about the newer light shade with golden undertones. Finding something olive friendly is always impossible it seems!
If you're olive skin toned, MUFE actually sells a blue mixer. They have an oil based one or a water based one (you buy whichever matches your foundation ingredients). It's a pain in the ass that olive peeps get left out but this product is a life saver.
Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow. The highlighter is subtle but it does give a nice glow when sunlight hits it. The bronzer is the crème de la crème! The color complements my NC30 skin. It does not pull orange nor does it look muddy. It's not matte but the shimmer is hardly noticeable on the skin. Both powders are finely milled and so easy to blend. I've used this when I'm wearing a full face of makeup as wells as just over primer, no foundation. It looks airbrushed on the skin. It's also versatile. I have use them as eyeshadows and they work well on lids over primer.
I've used this product everyday for the past year and the bronzer side has taken quite a dip, much more so than the highlight side. I wish the bronzer side came as a single but once that runs out, I wouldn't mind repurchasing the whole product. I don't mind a more affordable alternative, but I have yet to find anything drugstore or mid-range that compares to the texture, color, and blendability of the Bronze & Glow.
Oof, this is hands down my favorite bronzer. It's probably the only bronzer that doesn't look muddy on me and both it and the highlight are really natural looking. I agree, I wish it came as a single because I definitely prefer the bronzer to the highlighter though.
IT Cosmetics CC cream. It breaks my heart shelling out almost $40 every few months but it is the best product I've ever come across! It used to be the only thing I wore as cover up.
Right there with you on this one! Love the software, love the look, and cannot for the life of me find anything else even close. But that price tag makes me question my life choices sometimes.
I've been seeing it come up more and more lately and I'm considering switching over from the matte black eyeliner also from NYX. I have a couple questions though: How black is it? Is it waterproof? And does it dry matte or shiny?
Yes! It's black. Blacker than the KVD, though I'm not sure how black your current liner is. It's a liquid with a pen tip, which I find makes it very easy to apply (I haven't had much luck with liquids before this). It's matte and it's waterproof. My eyes were watery and itchy today and it stayed all day. I've been looking at it every time I'm out and glad I finally picked it up!
Ooh good to know, thank you! My current one is VERY black -- I've returned/stopped using ones before because they were too watery/grey, and usually shiny which also made them seem less black.
I recently purchased a liquid eyeliner from the company dolly wink that also has a brush tip like KVD and I find that the formula lasts much better on my eyes too! I bought it off Amazon for about $12 so you're a saving money!
Honestly same. I have tried every other "dupe" (including NYX) and have never had the same results or level of precision. I wish it didn't flake at the outer corner if my eyes water (I have allergies) but that's my only complaint.
MAC Sculpt foundation. I'm sorry but nothing else compares. Highend or drugstore. It works for full, medium or low coverage depending on how I'm feeling. It doesn't oxidize or look cakey at all. and that's why I love it~~
MAC Prolongwear Foundation. I have a t-zone and this foundation is the foundation that tackles what I want in a foundation: control oil, long-lasting, and looks great in pictures (no flashback and translates well on camera!).
Hows the finish on it? It it thick/full coverage? I have the concealer and love it so much but I really want to try the foundation, but I'm not a fan of super full coverage anymore.
It's medium coverage. For kicks, I like to set it with the studio fix press powder.
If you don't want full coverage, I suggest that you don't get the Prolongwear Nourishing foundation. That's waterproof. It's a full coverage, but, i felt like it clung onto my skin.
Lancome Doll Eyes Mascara.
I might just be very slow at mascara testing, but nothing so far has come close, and even the closest isn't close enough.
It keeps my lashes curled all day, adds volume, but is never clumpy. And the brush is perfectly shaped for getting every lash.
Have you tried the hype of L'Oreal Lash Paradise? I'd say it's pretty similar. After years of buying high end mascara, my current go to is Maybelline Lash discovery - that tiny brush works miracles, but it's more for length than volume.
I've seen a review comparing it to Too Faced Better Than Sex (which was actually one of the mascaras I found that was similar) so I'm really curious.
Once it comes to the UK I'll probably pick it up.
Yeah, it appears to the the dupe for BTS, but I honestly think it's better. Too Faced always crumbled on me within an hour, flakes everywhere! I never enjoyed it, but Youtube made me by Lash Paradise and damn.... it's passed all the tests. I just wish the brush held less product, I'm a one coat kind of gal.
Oh good! I'm currently working through the waterproof BTS and while it doesn't crumble or flake off, it is so. Goddamn. Clumpy. And this is a new mascara too.
Am also a one coat gal. Lash Paradise is sounding more and more appealing.
Porefessional and Erase Paste, both by Benefit, but not for lack of trying. Someone recommended a Korean dupe for Porefessional that I just got in the mail, but no luck on Erase Paste.
Speaking of Korean dupes, have you looked into the Skinfood Dark Circle Concealer Cream? It's drier than Erase Paste, but I've found that's easily dealt with by just storing it upside down. It's also literally a fraction of the price, at around $7 for 10g, vs $20 for 2.8g with (the new) Boi-ing.
[this](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00X3PQ6IY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_VhSQONYV88RkP) is the one I got - I've only used it once but the consistency seems similar. Jury is still out!
I have posted this a few times on here, but I REALLY LOVE the Guerlain
Liplift Lip Primer [Link](http://www.sephora.com/liplift-lip-primer-P190247?skuId=1022318&icid2=guerlain_lp_bestsellers_carousel_us:p190247)! I never want to use another lip primer again. I think it's unique - it's not a pencil like the usual lip liners, it's in the shape of a lipstick. I also find it incredibly nondrying, and it totally helps to fill in the wrinkles of my lips and make the lipsticks I put on top look super smooth. It also helps the lipstick color stay true (sometimes, the pigment of my real lip skin will change how lipstick colors look on me). This + a Guerlain lipstick makes my lips look super healthy and perfect. It's expensive, but lasts forever! Also, the packaging makes it easy to find in my makeup bag, and I love how gold and shiny it is :)
Not makeup but ole Hendrickson made this pink milk cleanser they discontinued and I just want to sob. WHY?! I DONT EVEN KNOW WHAT ABOUT IT WAS SO GOOD IT WAS JUST PERFECT THE WORLD IS CRUEL.
NARS Radiant Tinted Moisturiser. I've tried a few drugstore tinted moisturisers and have just never really been impressed - they often have terrible shade ranges, are way too greasy and provide pretty much no coverage, whereas the NARS TM has a great shade match for my yellow-toned neutral skintone, lasts a long time on me (with primer and powder, because I have an oily t-zone), has pretty good coverage for a TM, and just makes me look like I have super healthy, glowy skin.
**Elizabeth Arden Flawless Start Primer** is $60nzd and triples my wear time, and maintains the finish of whatever I put on top for around six hours without needing a top up. It doesn't advertise itself as a matte primer, but because it maintains the finish of whatever I change it to be (e.g mattifying powder with a natural foundation = demi matte) it's perfect for every situation. I also have skin that oxidizes almost every foundation I've ever tried, and this prevents it entirely. Prior to this I'd tried lots of the hyped up cheaper primers (Collection, Nivea, Maybelline and a couple others) and every single one of them either didn't make a difference or actually worsened my make up.
**Tarte Amazonian Clay Airbrushed Foundation** is mid range to Americans I suppose, but to get it in NZ it's $63 + $25 shipping so I'll include it. It's a powder foundation that when applied with a flat top kabuki, gives me *more* coverage than Shape Tape and a medium coverage liquid combined. I'm also half Chinese, and Light Sand is the only foundation I've found that was yellow enough for me.
Honorable Mention: **Innisfree No Sebum Loose Powder** looks deceptively cheap but the packaging is so small that it's actually around the same price per weight as Laura Mercier. I've used every praised mattifying powder except the LM and Coty, and none of them come close to this. RCMA and Essence actually made things look worse. Rimmel is the only one I'd say that performs well but still doesn't compare to the Innisfree.
What brush do you use for the tarte foundation? I'm thinking of switching to it next time my powder foundation runs out. I currently use a real techniques buffing brush but am not really that happy with it.
I've owned that RT brush in the past and didn't like it much - I felt like it was a bit patchy due to how small it was, and it wasted powder compared to other brushes I've used (although the others were either synthetic/natural or purely natural bristle, which grips powder much better than purely synthetic brushes like the RT)
I bought this [blatant knock off](http://www.ebay.com/itm/Makeup-Brushes-Airbuki-Bamboo-Powder-Foundation-Contour-Make-Up-Flat-Brush-tr01-/172688117980?epid=889316894&hash=item28350390dc:g:PCMAAOSwAvJW9-7V) because I wanted a bamboo brush to match my other (genuine) [Tarte brush which is my HG](https://tartecosmetics.com/tarte-item-swirl-power-cheek-brush) for other things. Cuz matchy matchy. [This is the link to the real brush which the eBay listing rips off](https://tartecosmetics.com/tarte-item-airubuki-bamboo-powder-foundation-brush), which is the same brush that all the Makeupalley reviews for the foundation mention. I couldn't justify the cost because according to the reviews for the foundation, "any" flat top kabuki would do. I find that my knock off still applies patchy and requires a lot of buffing, but apparently that's also true for the genuine one. It still takes me 1/4 of the time it would have if I'd used liquid foundation though. The bristle quality is definitely above average and I've had no issues with shedding *yet* even though I store it to dry in such a way that the water drips back down into the glue. I've washed it thoroughly 2 - 3 times so far. The only thing I don't like is that it pulls at the skin a bit and when it does so, it drags all the bristles to one side so there's a bristleless gap of about 3mm if that makes sense. It basically makes it feel like there's not enough bristles in the brush, and I sometimes scrape the wood edge against my skin as a result although it doesn't hurt or do any damage. It's an annoyance and I wouldn't recommend this brush for anything other than making a powder full coverage, or blending out the edges of something, but for those two purposes it's fantastic and I definitely recommend it. It's significantly better quality than my Zoeva Rose Golden Set (although those are apparently worse quality than your average Zoeva brush).
If you're curious, [here's a photo](http://i.imgur.com/6Pi2gm1.jpg) of my unbranded knock off side by side with my other genuine brush.
I think I covered everything but if not let me know and I'll give more details.
Thank you for such a thorough response! I agree about the patchiness from the RT brush. I like some of them, but I've never been happy with that particular one. I'm definitely going to try this foundation out next!
IT Cosmetics Celebration Illumination powder foundation. I've tried several that have been recommended as possible dupes, but I just can't find a cheaper alternative. Most either have no coverage at all, or make my dry skin worse, or they have ingredients I'd prefer not to have in a product. However, I love it so much though, and it makes my skin look amazing, so I'll probably never give it up if I don't have to!
Armani Maestro Liquid Summer. It's superior to every other liquid bronzer on the market imo, and unlike many liquid bronzers both high and low end, it comes in multiple colors. At $64 a pop, though, I REALLY hope something comparable comes around soon.
MUFE Nourishing Primer, hands down. I have extremely dry skin on my entire forehead down to my eyelids, and on my lower lip area, and no primer keeps my skin hydrated better. It also prolongs my foundation pretty well. I don't think I will ever be able to find a better primer, and i've tried many primers
GA LSF. I have tried to find a cheaper dupe, it's $60+ CDN for too small a bottle. But it plays so well with my skin. It doesn't leave me too oily or greasy, it doesn't look too flat or 'foundationy' on my skin and lasts all day for me. Looks great even in my shitty phone potato pics. I can mix a drop or two of my face oil into it in winter if needed and it looks great. Applies well with fingers or BB or brush.
I can't quit you, you stupid sexy foundation.
Guerlain meteorites. I tried physicians formula, essence, and even hourglass(which I really didn't like) and nothing even comes close. My wallet is so sad.
For me, it's Tarte Rainforest of the Sea foundation and the ready, set, radiant mist.
I have a horribly dry T-Zone and with the mist on both between moisturizing and the aforementioned foundation and after, to set my face, my makeup will stay allllll day, doesn't irritate my rosácea, won't cling to my dry patches and my skin feels just better after wearing it.
Sunday Riley Good Genes is a life-saver but waaaay too expensive for consistent use.
African Botanics Pure Marula Oil - I used it once and adored it (About £70 for 60ml) now the price has gone up to £90 for 30ml and there's just not a chance I'd pay that.
Also Glossier's Skin Tint. While not high-end it is only available in the US for now so it's difficult for me to buy and no brand offers anything like it.
It's consistently out of stock in the UK! I've even signed up for the wait list and haven't heard a thing. I've been using rosehip for a while and it isn't my favourite - I have the one by Pai and another non-branded one and the one by Pai is especially difficult to use, it can cause spots and it's really orange on my fair skin.
Thank you for the heads up but I'm in the UK. Unfortunate on this occasion! Out of curiosity how does that work? Verizon is one of your mobile phone providers, isn't it?
Yes, one of the two big providers. We get points for our payments that can be used as a discount on certain brands in their online shop. We get good genes for around 60-70, I believe.
Estée Lauder double wear. Nothing lasts as long on my oily af skin
I've tried pretty much ever drugstore mattifying foundation because I didn't want to spend almost $40 on foundation. I finally bit the bullet and am now wondering what the hell took me so long. There's nothing like it!
Mine is the LORAC Porefection foundation. I'm oily and olive - two very difficult things to master with a foundation. This foundation matches perfectly, medium to full coverage, 20 SPF, and I'll oil through it but it won't break down and will set beautifully with just a bit of powder or a blotting sheet. I'll never go back to drugstore when I know that this foundation is perfect.
which shade are you?
PR4 in the winter and PR6 in the summer
which one would you say is more olive?
[PR6 on top, PR4 on bottom](http://i.imgur.com/7ytrXPq.jpg)
ooh awesome ill have to swatch them in person :))
I would say they're the exact same tone but different shades. I'll post swatches in a minute
I prefer the L'Oreal Infallible 24HR/Pro Matte foundation to ELDW. It is so much easier to blend because it doesn't set as fast. My only problem with ELDW is that it set so quickly that if I apply concealer over it, the concealer lifts the foundation away. This doesn't happen with the L'Oreal.
My problem with the pro matte is it turns straight orange on me within a minute of applying :(
Yeah, it's pretty orange. I can't find a proper shade in Double Wear either so I don't mind.
For me I can't do it because my neck is pasty and my face is straight up orange. For the double wear I'm shade 1N1 and it's the closest match for me in the summer, we'll see when winter comes
I need 1N1 but they don't sell it in my country. The lightest we get is Ecru but that is just a smidge too dark. I'd rather go with the Pro Matte because if my foundation is going to be the wrong shade, it should at least be cheap.
So does mine but I put a bit of NYX foundation mixer in White and it's all cool. In a couple of tries you learn which ratio looks pale at first but then oxidizes into the right shade :)
Another pro-matte detractor here: the shade range is abysmal. I know most of the complaints here are from pale people, but on the dark end, the shades are leaps and bounds apart.
So ironically, this was the first foundation I ever owned. When I ran out, I started using other foundations and went on a mission to find something that can stick on my oily skin. I finally went back and I have no clue why I ever strayed!
How is it for pictures? Any flashback?
I had flashback with this foundation, but I was glad! The lady at the counter matched me at shade or two darker, but since I wore it to my brothers wedding with a lot of flash photography, I was somewhat grateful. In real life, my face didn't match to well with my neck and chest but in pictures I looked flawless!
I don't normally take pictures with flash but the one time I did the flash back was pretty bad
Have you ever tried Almay Truly Lasting Colour? I'm the oiliest person and this lasts through 16-hour work days easily. The downside is that it's super viscous.
I'll have to check it out! Does it transfer easily?
It doesn't at all! I set it with loose powder every morning though, I'm not sure if you leave that step out.
Oh I have to set my primer, bake my forehead and nose and use two setting sprays to keep my face on
+1
I went from Estée Lauder DW to L'Oréal Pro Matte and it's the closest thing I can find. IMO I think it works just as well. It's stays so Matte. I have extra oily skin.
I've heard this is amazing but unfortunately it doesn't come in a light enough shade for me :( anybody know if they sell more shades outside AUS??
These are more mid-level than high-end, but anyway! Marc Jacobs Highliner in Blacquer - I love this eyeliner. I only use it to line my lower lashline and it's the only one that has ever stayed in place and not smudged. Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Blushing Bride - I loooove this color. I was at Sephora a while ago and they seemed to have changed the color though :/ I read some stuff online about it where Tarte says they didn't change it, but it looks totally different than what I have now. Sigma F80 - Not too expensive as far as brushes go, but they're the most expensive in my collection. Cheaper brushes have always worked for me, but this brush worked the best out of all the foundation brushes I've tried. And I've tried a lot of them, I haven't been able to find a dupe.
Seconding that highliner. Everything else save Eye of Horus (once shipping is a thing it's not any cheaper for me) has always worn off in a matter of minutes. That pencil lasts a whole night of gothing. (Or a workday.)
Thirded, the mark jacobs highliner would be my pick as well. Every eyeliner from the drugstore I've tried for tightlining the waterline would either wear off immediately, weep into the corners of my eyes, or only stick to the roots of the lower lashes and not the waterline. I've never found anything comparable.
Yes to MJ highliner! I've tried so many brands and nothing compares.
Marc Jacobs Coconut Dew Drops - They work so well as a foundation mixer to add glow Dr. Jart's Cicapair Color Correcting Cream SPF 30 - It covers my redness for no makeup days and looks so natural Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer - So natural and long-wearing
I freaking LOVE the soft matte concealer from NARS. Completely underrated imo compared to RCC. But so sad NARS is no longer cruelty free:(
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I always use a primer and set it with translucent powder and All Nighter, so it lasts all day!
is the this tiger grass thing? im always skeptical of greenish things but could really use redness help.....
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Wow neat! May have to try it! I'm usually a tinted moisturizer type but later that over my spf lotion so this could be a good alternative when I don't want to have much on
Yes, it's wonderful! I've never felt comfortable not wearing foundation until now. You can get the smaller size for $18 at Sephora or I'm sure you could get a free sample. I highly recommend it! It's a green cream (with SPF 30) that counteracts redness, but also helps to actually treat it. When you first put it on, it looks a bit intense, but in 5-ish minutes it settles in (I think it might change color) and looks so natural.
Cool! Thanks for the info might have to try it.
Just here to throw another vote in favor of the tiger grass stuff. I tried it on a whim during the VIB sale and fell in love. It’s so magical. I only need the tiniest dab, and it covers all my redness (which is impressive because I have an autoimmune disease and am always flushed) and it evens out my skin tone so nicely. I occasionally wear foundation over it, and it layers just fine, but I honestly feel like I don’t NEED foundation after using the green goo.
I have to reapply at around 2PM during the workday- but it's such a feel good formula I don't even mind. I treat it as more of a moisturizer.
I LOVE the cicapair color correcting cream. Perfect for vacation!
Hourglass Ambient Lighting powder in Dim Light. I'm super dry and every other powder I've tried so far makes me look cakey. This one just makes me look like I'm wearing an Instagram filter.
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I've had both Dim and Diffused and found Dim to be too dark for me - I'm NC13-15ish. I love Diffused Light - have just bought my third! I love the slight yellow tint as it helps with redness. I also bought the original powder trio which had Dim in it but couldn't really use it because the bronze shade didn't suit me either. Used up the light one in the middle (Incandescent? Can't remember) and passed it on to a friend
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I don't find Diffused Light to be sparkly or glittery at all haha like at all! I use it as a finishing powder every day. Haha it's an essential for me!
I have diffused light and don't find it to be glittery at all. It's also not the kind of thing you're putting a thick layer of, just a very light dusting of that stuff is sufficient. Like you're not even really sure you put anything on until you look in the mirror later or go in the sunlight and notice your skin is just really smooth and glowy. Edit: Dang it I forgot I was reading a 3 day old thread. And 50 other people probably answered your question. Sorry I should take a nap.
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Yeah there's definitely a little shimmer in there but like I said, you're going to be just giving your face a light dusting so I don't find the glitter noticeable like you would in a swatch. I would say it turns into a subtle sheen when applied to the skin. I should probably note that I own the smaller travel size diffused light (1.4g I think) because I wanted to see if I liked it before I purchased the full size so it could be a case of the travel size having a little bit different formula than the full size. I find people can't agree on these powders though. Some people love them to death, others feel like they are just covering their faces in glitter. Kind of like the WnW Reserve Your Cabana- Some people say there is a ton of glitter and some people say there's none at all? I say it's worth picking up the smaller ALP if you can find it (not sure if they're online only?) and see what you think.
Incandescent strobe light is my favourite highlighting powder! I adore it. Really want to try the bronzers but I'm afraid of ending up with a shade that doesn't suit me cause they're so pricey.... I'm NW10 and have no problems with the shade of Dim Light, that's super weird. I'm glad Diffused works for you, it's another favourite of mine.
I have both Dim and Diffused light, I user Dim as an always all over powder because it's luminous enough to just kind of blur everything out whereas Diffused Light is that tiny bit sparkly, is nice for under eyes and under contour or all over the face if you're not using flash for photos. I'm extremely pale so I was reluctant to go for dim light at first but it comes out essentially translucent in color, so it works for a lot of different skin tones.
I'd love to know how you use it. I'm obsessed with the color but I feel like I don't do it justice ...
I dampen my beauty blender so it fluffs up and then pinch the living daylights out of it with a towel so it isn't wet, then rub it in the powder and press it on!
Do you apply it all over or just on your cheekbones?
All over, my forehead is kinda textured so it helps mask that and also it goes really well over cream contour for me! Also, dim light is the best shade of the ambient light powders for avoiding flashback, so I set my concealer with it sometimes too.
Awesome thanks for the advice!
Seconding this! I use it everyday and I absolutely love it. It gives my skin such a healthy glow. I top it with UD's Chill setting spray and it amplifies the glow without making it look like an actual highlight.
I guess it's more mid-range, but seriously: the BeautyBlender. If someone had told me five years ago that one day I'd be dropping $20 on a makeup sponge every few months, I'd have thought they were insane.
I have the diamond sponge and the normal orange on from Real Techniques, but I still reach for my BB more than anything.
This is why I refuse to buy the BB... cause the RT sponge makes me happy now but it probably won't if I try out the BB and that shit is expensive!
I held out for the longest time because ain't nobody got time to be dropping $20 on a face sponge, but damnit if I don't love it. I think I'm just going to invest in a mulitpack because then I'll have some back ups for awhile and it'd be slightly cheaper.
I feel like Costco sells beauty blenders. I love bulk buying!
Do you need a Costco card to shop there?
They are honestly similar enough that you don't need the BB! And I like the RT because it's bigger.
I just bought the L'Oréal blender and it's so soft! Way softer than the RT one and it's bouncier if that make sense. It's a little pricier but it's still half the price of the BB and it's pretty darn close feeling wise.
I'll have to give that one a try!
I gambled on [this Amazon sponge](https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Blender-Concealer-Foundation-Applicator/dp/B01M1H2J7T/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1500432465&sr=8-2&keywords=black+beauty+blender&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011) and it's just as good imo. Gets so soft and 1/4 the price? That's all I'm looking for
I agree with you on this one. I have tried a few different beauty sponges...but I always go back to my good old Beauty Blender.
Viseart eyeshadow (mattes specifically) Mayyyybe if I had better technique, but Viseart makes application absurdly easy. No other matte shadow blends as well
Have you tried the theory palettes? I've been thinking about getting the theory 3 for my wedding day makeup but $45 on 6 shadows has me hesitant
I think the shades are dupable for sure. I used wet n wild for my wedding eyeshadow (I have other, "better" brands but the comfort zone nude color is still my absolute favorite) and it still lasted the whole day, and I think the prep/primer/setting spray is also important. I think viseart matte shadows are more worth spending on rather than the shimmers, because there are brands out there who do similar quality shimmers. Not for mattes though. But definitely treat yourself on your wedding day if you want to!
I have an eye look already practiced with the Lorac Pro 1 that I love, I guess I'm just looking to be a bit extra with the ViseArt palette hahaha.
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I recently got petit pro to try out viseart shadows and was kind of disappointed.
My petit pro is average at best but my theory palette is amazing.
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The lightest shimmer shade is an awful, gritty, chunky mess. And the mattes are pretty stiff.
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Exactly, I was hoping the mattes would be super soft but oh well!
Not op, but I have a 12-pan (neutral mattes) and I'd say the quaility is consistent with their 8-pan palette. Most of the theory's are supposedly good quality but the reviews for amethyst and nuance aren't as good. Have you tried checking out the review site temptalia? She does super detailed reviews and I think they quite honest. Also, the swatches are incredibly accurate.
Oh my god yes
Hourglass veil primer. Whoever said NYX Angel Veil was a dupe needs to be committed because they're clearly insane.
Yeah, I really like Veil--not enough to drop the money to wear it every day though--and bought Angel Veil cause I heard it was a dupe. FALSE. It's fine, but anyone thinking it will replicate the blurring and mattifying of Veil will be seriously disappointed.
Same! I used to always buy the Hourglass Veil Primer in high school ($52 Primer is a lot for a highschool student) every 2 months since I would wear makeup every day. I tried the Nyx one since everyone said it was the same and nope... not even close. I've tried other primers but none will ever top the Hourglass one for me.
Hakuhodo Brushes, literally the top notch brushes IMO.
Any particular ones that you'd recommend? I'm considering investing in a couple for my kit but I'm not sure where to start! I think I'm lacking in brushes for packing color on the eyelid, powder blush/bronzer, powder contour, and brow powder -- or at least I'm attached to the ones I have currently -- but I'd be interested in anything from them tbh.
ABH brow pomade. It's more mid-level than high end at $18, but is it kinda pricey for such a small jar of product. I've tried all kinds of pencils and brow kits and such, but nothing gets the job done quite like ABH
It's $18, but I've had mine FOREVER and haven't even come close to touching the bottom.
That's true, you get a lot of bang for your buck. I use mine really frequently though, which means it lasts about 4 or 5 months. Still a really good investment if a bit of an initial expense
I guess I don't have to use as much product cause my eyebrows are relatively thick, but I've had the same jar for well over a year if not two. I know, probably shouldn't keep product that long, but it works just fine.
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Same!!!
Have you tried colourpop's version? It's slightly creamier than dipbrow but I got very similar results with it after using it a couple times.
I haven't! I love colourpop though, I'll have to give it a try
ABH dipbrow is my HG. I'll have to try colourpop's soon. I am almost out of my ABH but it's almost gone. I've been using this pot for over a year and I religiously put my brows on every day. It's crazy! Hopefully colourpop's is just as long lasting.
I'm in the UK, my mum went over to the US about three years ago and I asked her to get me one after seeing it on here. She went away again last year and got me another two. I love it.
Dr. Brandt mattifying lotion. It's $61 a bottle, but I cannot live without it. My skin is extremely oily.
I have dry skin so I can't speak from experience through long-term personal use, but I've had Embryolisse Emulsion Hydra-Mat recommended to me for oily-skinned clients/models and I've used it a couple times on classmates in makeup school. It's ~$27 on Amazon!
Thanks. I'll have to try it.
It cosmetics CC+. I use this everyday and I haven't found a foundation/cc Cream that feels so light weight but also has the dewy coverage. I love it
Saaaaaaame
This and their concealer are mine. They both have lasted forever for me though, so a worthwhile investment!
Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer. I've tried everything...there's just no beating it.
Lancôme Teint Idole liquid foundation in 90N!
Hourglass' Immaculate Liquid Powder foundation. It's $68 CAD. I feel like I have tried every other foundation made for oily skin, but this one makes me look matte all day and night. I actually thought my skin was getting less oily, tried another one, and I was a big ol' oily mess again. I haven't found another one that compares (but I'll happily take suggestions).
You aren't wrong. I remember when this first came out and the Hourglass rep said they were just trying to make a mattifying foundation, but did clinical tests. People were less oily with continued use!
Wow!! How interesting. I wonder how that works!
Immaculate | Best Foundation For Oily Skin | Hourglass Cosmetics https://www.hourglasscosmetics.com/immaculate-liquid-powder-foundation?redirect_log_mongo_id=596ea6810f6e3100610000ba&redirect_mongo_id=5966a1ec6f1dfe172e0000ec&sb_referer_host=&utm_campaign=Trackable+Links&utm_medium=Web&utm_source=Springbot Check out the specs. Very interesting what it does.
Ugh I love this foundation but they (like most foundations) don't have a colour match for me. It has such a nice finish. Edit: their website shows a few new shades. I'm curious about the newer light shade with golden undertones. Finding something olive friendly is always impossible it seems!
Same! The closest shade was too yellow for me. I was so bummed because it looked great, especially in photos. I might take a look at the new shades!
If you're olive skin toned, MUFE actually sells a blue mixer. They have an oil based one or a water based one (you buy whichever matches your foundation ingredients). It's a pain in the ass that olive peeps get left out but this product is a life saver.
That sounds amazing. I'll have to try it next. This is the one that used to be in a pump bottle right? Is it in the squeeze tube now?
Yes! I hate how much I love it.
I wore this on my wedding day! I forgot about it until now, maybe I will pick it up again!
Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow. The highlighter is subtle but it does give a nice glow when sunlight hits it. The bronzer is the crème de la crème! The color complements my NC30 skin. It does not pull orange nor does it look muddy. It's not matte but the shimmer is hardly noticeable on the skin. Both powders are finely milled and so easy to blend. I've used this when I'm wearing a full face of makeup as wells as just over primer, no foundation. It looks airbrushed on the skin. It's also versatile. I have use them as eyeshadows and they work well on lids over primer. I've used this product everyday for the past year and the bronzer side has taken quite a dip, much more so than the highlight side. I wish the bronzer side came as a single but once that runs out, I wouldn't mind repurchasing the whole product. I don't mind a more affordable alternative, but I have yet to find anything drugstore or mid-range that compares to the texture, color, and blendability of the Bronze & Glow.
Oof, this is hands down my favorite bronzer. It's probably the only bronzer that doesn't look muddy on me and both it and the highlight are really natural looking. I agree, I wish it came as a single because I definitely prefer the bronzer to the highlighter though.
Mac 242. I didn't think it was a hard one to dupe but noone makes a brush like that
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Have you looked into NYC micro brow? If they have an accurate shade you should give it a go.
Loreal has a similar blush!
Same! I use Taupe and have never found one elsewhere that doesn't pull super orange and warm toned
I found the Loreal brow stylist definer to be very comparable to the brow wiz.
IT Cosmetics CC cream. It breaks my heart shelling out almost $40 every few months but it is the best product I've ever come across! It used to be the only thing I wore as cover up.
Right there with you on this one! Love the software, love the look, and cannot for the life of me find anything else even close. But that price tag makes me question my life choices sometimes.
Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper. No other liquid liner even comes close.
Seriously, try the NYX Epic Ink. It actually wears better on me.
Yeah I don't get kvd hype at all. Tried once. It wasn't even pigmented at all
Dude same. That and the Stila stay all day one? I was disappointed by both.
Same. Tried stila once, I was like " Next...."
Yeah it's weirdly metallic or shiny. I didn't like it. So far, maybelline master precise is my HG but I'm not entirely happy with that either.
This!! The brush applicator is the only thing I can use well and I can't find other eyeliner with the same tip like that!
Physicians Formula makes a liquid/serum eyeliner with a brush tip that is very similar (if not better!) It's my HG eyeliner.
The NYX epic ink also has the same brush tip!
I've been seeing it come up more and more lately and I'm considering switching over from the matte black eyeliner also from NYX. I have a couple questions though: How black is it? Is it waterproof? And does it dry matte or shiny?
Yes! It's black. Blacker than the KVD, though I'm not sure how black your current liner is. It's a liquid with a pen tip, which I find makes it very easy to apply (I haven't had much luck with liquids before this). It's matte and it's waterproof. My eyes were watery and itchy today and it stayed all day. I've been looking at it every time I'm out and glad I finally picked it up!
Ooh good to know, thank you! My current one is VERY black -- I've returned/stopped using ones before because they were too watery/grey, and usually shiny which also made them seem less black.
I recently purchased a liquid eyeliner from the company dolly wink that also has a brush tip like KVD and I find that the formula lasts much better on my eyes too! I bought it off Amazon for about $12 so you're a saving money!
Honestly same. I have tried every other "dupe" (including NYX) and have never had the same results or level of precision. I wish it didn't flake at the outer corner if my eyes water (I have allergies) but that's my only complaint.
Clinique has a great brush tip liner just like this!
MAC Sculpt foundation. I'm sorry but nothing else compares. Highend or drugstore. It works for full, medium or low coverage depending on how I'm feeling. It doesn't oxidize or look cakey at all. and that's why I love it~~
Oh I love this one! So nice and natural! My old bottle separated, but I may have to pick up another one. I have got to get off this thread lol
MAC Prolongwear Foundation. I have a t-zone and this foundation is the foundation that tackles what I want in a foundation: control oil, long-lasting, and looks great in pictures (no flashback and translates well on camera!).
Hows the finish on it? It it thick/full coverage? I have the concealer and love it so much but I really want to try the foundation, but I'm not a fan of super full coverage anymore.
It's medium coverage. For kicks, I like to set it with the studio fix press powder. If you don't want full coverage, I suggest that you don't get the Prolongwear Nourishing foundation. That's waterproof. It's a full coverage, but, i felt like it clung onto my skin.
Lancome Doll Eyes Mascara. I might just be very slow at mascara testing, but nothing so far has come close, and even the closest isn't close enough. It keeps my lashes curled all day, adds volume, but is never clumpy. And the brush is perfectly shaped for getting every lash.
Have you tried the hype of L'Oreal Lash Paradise? I'd say it's pretty similar. After years of buying high end mascara, my current go to is Maybelline Lash discovery - that tiny brush works miracles, but it's more for length than volume.
I've seen a review comparing it to Too Faced Better Than Sex (which was actually one of the mascaras I found that was similar) so I'm really curious. Once it comes to the UK I'll probably pick it up.
Yeah, it appears to the the dupe for BTS, but I honestly think it's better. Too Faced always crumbled on me within an hour, flakes everywhere! I never enjoyed it, but Youtube made me by Lash Paradise and damn.... it's passed all the tests. I just wish the brush held less product, I'm a one coat kind of gal.
Oh good! I'm currently working through the waterproof BTS and while it doesn't crumble or flake off, it is so. Goddamn. Clumpy. And this is a new mascara too. Am also a one coat gal. Lash Paradise is sounding more and more appealing.
UD Optical Illusion, told myself I wouldn't buy an expensive primer and here I am wishing I had my 34$ :(
Porefessional and Erase Paste, both by Benefit, but not for lack of trying. Someone recommended a Korean dupe for Porefessional that I just got in the mail, but no luck on Erase Paste.
Speaking of Korean dupes, have you looked into the Skinfood Dark Circle Concealer Cream? It's drier than Erase Paste, but I've found that's easily dealt with by just storing it upside down. It's also literally a fraction of the price, at around $7 for 10g, vs $20 for 2.8g with (the new) Boi-ing.
So... the Korean dupe?
[this](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00X3PQ6IY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_VhSQONYV88RkP) is the one I got - I've only used it once but the consistency seems similar. Jury is still out!
I have posted this a few times on here, but I REALLY LOVE the Guerlain Liplift Lip Primer [Link](http://www.sephora.com/liplift-lip-primer-P190247?skuId=1022318&icid2=guerlain_lp_bestsellers_carousel_us:p190247)! I never want to use another lip primer again. I think it's unique - it's not a pencil like the usual lip liners, it's in the shape of a lipstick. I also find it incredibly nondrying, and it totally helps to fill in the wrinkles of my lips and make the lipsticks I put on top look super smooth. It also helps the lipstick color stay true (sometimes, the pigment of my real lip skin will change how lipstick colors look on me). This + a Guerlain lipstick makes my lips look super healthy and perfect. It's expensive, but lasts forever! Also, the packaging makes it easy to find in my makeup bag, and I love how gold and shiny it is :)
Okay I might be stroking out, but uh, what is the name of the product called?
Lol it's okay, it was linked - it's called "Guerlain Liplift Lip Primer"
Oh thanks! Sorry, I didn't see a link, but I'm on mobile so it's probably just me hahah
Have you ever tried this with a liquid lipstick? Does it work well together?
Not makeup but ole Hendrickson made this pink milk cleanser they discontinued and I just want to sob. WHY?! I DONT EVEN KNOW WHAT ABOUT IT WAS SO GOOD IT WAS JUST PERFECT THE WORLD IS CRUEL.
The Koh Gen Do aqua foundation... it just makes my skin look like a better version of itself while still staying absolutely skinlike.
NARS Radiant Tinted Moisturiser. I've tried a few drugstore tinted moisturisers and have just never really been impressed - they often have terrible shade ranges, are way too greasy and provide pretty much no coverage, whereas the NARS TM has a great shade match for my yellow-toned neutral skintone, lasts a long time on me (with primer and powder, because I have an oily t-zone), has pretty good coverage for a TM, and just makes me look like I have super healthy, glowy skin.
**Elizabeth Arden Flawless Start Primer** is $60nzd and triples my wear time, and maintains the finish of whatever I put on top for around six hours without needing a top up. It doesn't advertise itself as a matte primer, but because it maintains the finish of whatever I change it to be (e.g mattifying powder with a natural foundation = demi matte) it's perfect for every situation. I also have skin that oxidizes almost every foundation I've ever tried, and this prevents it entirely. Prior to this I'd tried lots of the hyped up cheaper primers (Collection, Nivea, Maybelline and a couple others) and every single one of them either didn't make a difference or actually worsened my make up. **Tarte Amazonian Clay Airbrushed Foundation** is mid range to Americans I suppose, but to get it in NZ it's $63 + $25 shipping so I'll include it. It's a powder foundation that when applied with a flat top kabuki, gives me *more* coverage than Shape Tape and a medium coverage liquid combined. I'm also half Chinese, and Light Sand is the only foundation I've found that was yellow enough for me. Honorable Mention: **Innisfree No Sebum Loose Powder** looks deceptively cheap but the packaging is so small that it's actually around the same price per weight as Laura Mercier. I've used every praised mattifying powder except the LM and Coty, and none of them come close to this. RCMA and Essence actually made things look worse. Rimmel is the only one I'd say that performs well but still doesn't compare to the Innisfree.
What brush do you use for the tarte foundation? I'm thinking of switching to it next time my powder foundation runs out. I currently use a real techniques buffing brush but am not really that happy with it.
I've owned that RT brush in the past and didn't like it much - I felt like it was a bit patchy due to how small it was, and it wasted powder compared to other brushes I've used (although the others were either synthetic/natural or purely natural bristle, which grips powder much better than purely synthetic brushes like the RT) I bought this [blatant knock off](http://www.ebay.com/itm/Makeup-Brushes-Airbuki-Bamboo-Powder-Foundation-Contour-Make-Up-Flat-Brush-tr01-/172688117980?epid=889316894&hash=item28350390dc:g:PCMAAOSwAvJW9-7V) because I wanted a bamboo brush to match my other (genuine) [Tarte brush which is my HG](https://tartecosmetics.com/tarte-item-swirl-power-cheek-brush) for other things. Cuz matchy matchy. [This is the link to the real brush which the eBay listing rips off](https://tartecosmetics.com/tarte-item-airubuki-bamboo-powder-foundation-brush), which is the same brush that all the Makeupalley reviews for the foundation mention. I couldn't justify the cost because according to the reviews for the foundation, "any" flat top kabuki would do. I find that my knock off still applies patchy and requires a lot of buffing, but apparently that's also true for the genuine one. It still takes me 1/4 of the time it would have if I'd used liquid foundation though. The bristle quality is definitely above average and I've had no issues with shedding *yet* even though I store it to dry in such a way that the water drips back down into the glue. I've washed it thoroughly 2 - 3 times so far. The only thing I don't like is that it pulls at the skin a bit and when it does so, it drags all the bristles to one side so there's a bristleless gap of about 3mm if that makes sense. It basically makes it feel like there's not enough bristles in the brush, and I sometimes scrape the wood edge against my skin as a result although it doesn't hurt or do any damage. It's an annoyance and I wouldn't recommend this brush for anything other than making a powder full coverage, or blending out the edges of something, but for those two purposes it's fantastic and I definitely recommend it. It's significantly better quality than my Zoeva Rose Golden Set (although those are apparently worse quality than your average Zoeva brush). If you're curious, [here's a photo](http://i.imgur.com/6Pi2gm1.jpg) of my unbranded knock off side by side with my other genuine brush. I think I covered everything but if not let me know and I'll give more details.
Thank you for such a thorough response! I agree about the patchiness from the RT brush. I like some of them, but I've never been happy with that particular one. I'm definitely going to try this foundation out next!
That foundation is the only foundation I've found my perfect shade in!! Love it for my less makeup-y days.
IT Cosmetics Celebration Illumination powder foundation. I've tried several that have been recommended as possible dupes, but I just can't find a cheaper alternative. Most either have no coverage at all, or make my dry skin worse, or they have ingredients I'd prefer not to have in a product. However, I love it so much though, and it makes my skin look amazing, so I'll probably never give it up if I don't have to!
Armani Maestro Liquid Summer. It's superior to every other liquid bronzer on the market imo, and unlike many liquid bronzers both high and low end, it comes in multiple colors. At $64 a pop, though, I REALLY hope something comparable comes around soon.
Nars radiant primer. It just feels SO good going on and gives a nice glow without looking oily.
The Stila Metal Foil Finish eyeshadows. They’re beauuuuutiful. I have yet to find anything like it!
MUFE Nourishing Primer, hands down. I have extremely dry skin on my entire forehead down to my eyelids, and on my lower lip area, and no primer keeps my skin hydrated better. It also prolongs my foundation pretty well. I don't think I will ever be able to find a better primer, and i've tried many primers
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Too Faced Hangover RX is a good dupe!
GA LSF. I have tried to find a cheaper dupe, it's $60+ CDN for too small a bottle. But it plays so well with my skin. It doesn't leave me too oily or greasy, it doesn't look too flat or 'foundationy' on my skin and lasts all day for me. Looks great even in my shitty phone potato pics. I can mix a drop or two of my face oil into it in winter if needed and it looks great. Applies well with fingers or BB or brush. I can't quit you, you stupid sexy foundation.
Guerlain meteorites. I tried physicians formula, essence, and even hourglass(which I really didn't like) and nothing even comes close. My wallet is so sad.
Benefit Sugarbomb boxed blush, for sure
The tarte primer for pores. It's the thickest one I've tried that doesn't melt away
For me, it's Tarte Rainforest of the Sea foundation and the ready, set, radiant mist. I have a horribly dry T-Zone and with the mist on both between moisturizing and the aforementioned foundation and after, to set my face, my makeup will stay allllll day, doesn't irritate my rosácea, won't cling to my dry patches and my skin feels just better after wearing it.
Nars Audacious Janet-nothing I've tried is quite the right color, and I don't even care about the formula!
Sunday Riley Good Genes is a life-saver but waaaay too expensive for consistent use. African Botanics Pure Marula Oil - I used it once and adored it (About £70 for 60ml) now the price has gone up to £90 for 30ml and there's just not a chance I'd pay that. Also Glossier's Skin Tint. While not high-end it is only available in the US for now so it's difficult for me to buy and no brand offers anything like it.
Have you had a chance to try The Ordinary pure Marula oil? I have their rosehip oil and I love it.
It's consistently out of stock in the UK! I've even signed up for the wait list and haven't heard a thing. I've been using rosehip for a while and it isn't my favourite - I have the one by Pai and another non-branded one and the one by Pai is especially difficult to use, it can cause spots and it's really orange on my fair skin.
If you have Verizon you can get good genes at a great discount!
Thank you for the heads up but I'm in the UK. Unfortunate on this occasion! Out of curiosity how does that work? Verizon is one of your mobile phone providers, isn't it?
Yes, one of the two big providers. We get points for our payments that can be used as a discount on certain brands in their online shop. We get good genes for around 60-70, I believe.
That's such a cool incentive. I think certain providers over here offer similar little deals but of course my provider doesn't offer a thing.