I have searched for 14 years and have been winging it so far with foundations. I haven't found the right shade for one, and also I have Systemic Lupus which has caused a butterfly shape rash across my cheeks/nose/chin/mouth. It is so frustrating. I'm not even able to put it on without it looking cruste. Does this mean that my skin is dry? I am a make-over challenge. If you have any advice, I would love to have some hope.
Bobbi Brown also has some great foundations that offer thicker coverage. I would highly suggest heading to a makeup counter at Sephora or a department store and ask someone to help match you to the right foundation. Foundations are worth spending money on, because if you think about it, the money you spend on one great foundation is probably less than you spent on all the wrong ones. Finding the perfect foundation is one of the greatest joys you'll have when it comes to makeup.
Here's a few tips for smoother coverage:
1. Exfoliate skin once a week. Foundation will look flakey, especially on dry, winter skin if you don't exfoliate because it just sits atop dead skin.
2. Always, always, always apply moisturizer with SPF before foundation. The moisturizer plumps up skin, offers sun protection and allows the foundation to go on much smoother. Many women use primers before foundation, but I find moisturizer works just as well.
3. To avoid a "cakey" look, apply foundation with a sponge (you'll use less than you would if you used your fingers), only on those areas that need it most. In your case, you need coverage on your cheeks and around your nose due to the butterfly rash lupus causes. You might also use a bit on your chin. Contrary to popular belief, foundation is not meant to cover the entire face. Make sure to blend well into your jawline.
4. Because you have lupus, your skin is extra-sensitive to the sun, so you should always wear sunscreen under your foundation, or better yet, consider a foundation WITH SPF.
Good luck and let me know if you find a foundation you like. Julyne
