Need Foundation (Makeup) Recommendation

Updated on April 05, 2010
A.C. asks from Reston, VA
23 answers

Hi Ladies,
So for the past year or so I was using Mary Kay mineral powder foundation. Now it is out of my budget so I opted for a cheaper version but I'm just not happy with it. I think I may want to go back to a liquid foundation. I feel like the powders just make me look flat and lifeless. Anyone have an inexpensive liquid or cream foundation they love that offers a glow but is still good for the skin? Thanks!

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Featured Answers

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J.P.

answers from Washington DC on

Revlon Colorstay liquid foundation comes in many shades and when on sale at CVS and Riteaid for buy one get one free deal, you can't beat the price.

C.O.

answers from Washington DC on

hello A. - go to ebay and find the Mary Kay foundation there. I use the Mary Kay emoilient cream and I'm a stay at home mom - I just bought 2 of the creams for the price of one with minimal shipping,

More Answers

V.C.

answers from Dallas on

Hi A.,
I use Shaklee's Minerelles, or maybe I should say used to.
Because their skincare is so great, I don't really need foundation anymore. When I did use it, it would last me for six months, making it very affordable. Minerelles contains the patented (8) skincare Enfuselle. It goes on as a liquid but dries to a powder locking in moisture. It is so good for your skin, you can actually sleep in it. If you are interested, you can check it out a http://www.shaklee.net/healthforlife.
Victoria

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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I like the Neutrogena tinted moisturizer "glow" foundations. Very nice and very inexpensive...I bought it when I didn;t have the money at the time for my normal Origins foundation and I think I'm gonna stick with it.

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C.E.

answers from Denver on

Actually, (and I HATE doing this... as you can see I typically Don't in any other posts but....)

Avon has really great make-up and it's inexpensive. They have powders, liquids and even mineral make-ups now!! PLUS they are 100% guaranteed - so even if you use it and decide you hate it, you can get your money back!!

If you want to check it out - you can go to my site: www.YourAvon.com/CarrieEdwards

I'm happy to answer any questions you might have.

Have a wonderful day -
C.
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L.N.

answers from New York on

how much does a mary kay foundation cost? i don't know how much you're willing to spend but i buy dior foundation (not liquid) and it is the best, i have tried lancome clinique you name it and this one, the dior one, was the best.

L.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

For the last year or so, I have been using a powder compact from Physicians Formula, and the color/formula is called called Healthy Glow. It's kind of a cross between a normal foundation/powder and a bronzer, without the pastiness of a powder compact, and without the intense darkening of a bronzer. It truly DOES give you the look of having gotten just a touch of sun! And I find that in the summer, when I do actually get a touch of sun, it is nice then, too, because it just enhances the sun kissed look! My skin is pretty fair (red head with blue eyes and freckles) and it does not look like I spray painted my face with tan colored paint. It's subtle, but does provide reasonable coverage. It won't cover moderate blemishes, but it does even out your skin tone. I think it's about $11 or $12 at Walmart, and one compact lasts me for at least 3 months, maybe more? And I use it everyday. The only downside is that the brush that comes in the compact for application is a little small. But chances are, if you have been using a mineral powder foundation, you already have a nice, poofy brush for application!

Hope this helps!!

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K.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

I don't use make up, so I don't know what is cheap or expensive when it comes to foundation. But I do get 40% off Nicole Miller's skin care and cosmetic line. If you're interested I can help you price compare and see if its in your budget.

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V.B.

answers from Houston on

I'm not sure how much the Mary Kay mineral makeup is, but I used Bare Minerals for a long time and was always really happy with it. The last time I needed some though, my friend told me she had switched to the Loreal brand of mineral makeup and really liked it (as much as the Bare Minerals, but it was almost half the price!). So, I gave it a shot. I also really like it. I have been just as happy with it. The only thing I don't like is how the container and brush are made, but I can live with that. The makeup works perfectly fine.

I have never used liquid foundation, so I can't really help you there. I've heard the Clinique "almost makeup" line is good, but it may be pricey, so you may not actually save anything there.

Good luck! I hope you find what you're looking for.

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R.M.

answers from Nashville on

I have heard the Costco minerals foundation is really good. I haven't tried it myself. I am trying to use up the one I've got now and switch, so I have been asking around too. I plan to try some of your suggestions as well. Good luck!

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K.G.

answers from St. Louis on

The two best foundations that I've ever used are Prescriptives (a liquid) and Bare Naturals (a powder). Prescriptives is more expensive, but it's worth every penny. When I needed to save money, I found Bare Naturals on accident at Walgreens. It's wonderful!

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B.C.

answers from Washington DC on

www.gerdaspillmann.com need to buy the big makeup sponge, not the small one b/c it's too cheap and they don't last. Have used it for 20 years. It is the Bio-Fond cream foundation (from Switzerland) and it is used on American Idol contestants, exclusively as well. It's on sale right now.
The BioFond also has SPF in the foundation. This foundation may not be good for acne or badly aged/damaged skin.
Good luck!
Bj from California, MD

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S.H.

answers from Richmond on

Maybelline Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Foundation (it is a liquid)...it was rated the highest in "drug store" cosmetics in 2 beauty magazines. I tried it and really love it.

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B.P.

answers from Washington DC on

I'm not a huge make-up person (I don't wear it daily, maybe once a week at most), but I just tried an Almay liquid foundation that I really like! It's called "smart shade makeup" and it only comes in 3 colors: light, medium and dark. It's says it will naturally blend with your particular skin tone so there's no guess about the right shade. I was VERY skeptical, but it actually worked! When I first applied it, it didn't looked very good and I doubted, but it needs a minute or two, then it looked great all day! It also has SPF 15 in it, if you're interested.
Hope you find what you're looking for!
B.

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D.S.

answers from Washington DC on

Yes. I use Stilla. You can get it at ULTA or Sephora. I have 2 types of foundation...one is a very light translucent foundation that give my skin a glow. The other is for a little more coverage. Get the consultant there to find the shade that is best for your skin color. I think that is half the problem. Most women get the wrong shade and it ends up looking less than natural. Good luck.

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J.P.

answers from Washington DC on

I am 43 yo and had never been "schooled" on makeup. I finally got the guts to walk into a Bare Escentuals store and I have never looked back! I highly recommend their makeup. You can get one of their getting started kits, comes with brush and foundation essentials. May be a bit of an investment ($65?), but mine has lasted just about a year. I think the eyeshadows are super too, and reasonable, if you can stop yourself from buying just a couple! I feel so much better about myself since using these products. This stuff is also sold at Sephora and beauty.com but I also look for good pricing on ebay.

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A.M.

answers from Norfolk on

Hi A.,

The Mary Kay liquid foundation is less than the Mineral and if you are a hostess you are entitled for a discount, I am in the Virginia area and can help you, even see the way you can get your products free or at a discount. Check my website for all the different types of foundations; www.marykay.com/amulllery or email me at ____@____.com

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V.M.

answers from Norfolk on

I use Almay and really like it - for Christmas I got Almay pure blends and really like it - Almay is hypoallergentic (sp) which I like and loverall think it is a good foundation.

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M.T.

answers from Norfolk on

Hi A.,
I love Avon's liquid foundation. It goes on very easy and lasts throughout the day without my face feeling heavy. Jennifer Hudson advertises it. Avon also has minerals makeup that is really good. It is called Smooth Minerals. I started using Avon products because they were less expensive than most brands and now I sell Avon. You can visit my website at www.youravon.com/mtaylor-brown

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J.B.

answers from Washington DC on

I definitely recommend asking your consultant about hosting a party. I'm also a MK consultant and would love to work with you, but certainly ask your current consultant - hostess gifts can be whatever you want in my business, I'm sure your consultant can help you as well.

MK is the number ONE skin care and color cosmetics product in the country for over a decade. There's a reason for that. We are 20%, 30%, 40% less expensive than our department store competition. You are having trouble finding a cheaper version because we are the cheaper version! ;) (AND, we're the best!) Very best of luck to you. If you are in the Centreville area and need a new MK contact, let me know. ____@____.com
~J.

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J.K.

answers from Washington DC on

I am not sure if you are near a Sephora, but they make a great foundation (their own label) that has great coverage and SPF and is only $18 for a huge tube of it.

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G.C.

answers from Cumberland on

Try and find a friend that sells Mary Kay and let her know that times are tough and ask her if it is possible to give you a discount on the mineral foundation?
You would be surprised at what her answer might be. Offer to host an MK party and you could help her get more customers and you could earn free MK products. Hope this works out for you.

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J.S.

answers from Washington DC on

My suggestion - if you really like Mary Kay - try to find a cheaper option, such as on eBay. I won't point you in a particular direction, just because I don't want to take you away from a current consultant that you might enjoy her service. But, I know someone who runs a successful eBay business of Mary Kay products - and has many comments about being the best prices on eBay consistently.

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