Moisturizer and makeup woes--recommendations?

saranandy · January 2012

Hi all,

So this is a kind of a lot of questions for one post, but what the hey. I am getting married in 6 months, and my skin is just...ugh, super hard to work with. First of all, it is very sensitive--I do mean very, very sensitive. Second, it is oily and acne prone. NOT A GOOD COMBINATION. Anything that treats acne (except for my prescription acne cream) is too harsh, anything gentle enough for my skin does not treat the acne (and is too expensive). So here are my two major problems:

1. Moisturizer. I have tried all the Neutrogena and Aveeno products, and they still irritate my skin. Yep, even the hypoallergenic stuff. I am ok with the moisturizer not treating my acne (as I've got an rx for that), but it can't actually make it worse. The only thing I've ever found was a Clinique moisturizer--but I can't afford over $40 for a single ounce of cream on a grad student budget.

2. Makeup. Until mineral makeup came out, every single type of makeup or concealer out there made me break out worse. Even the ones formulated for acne. All of 'em. Mineral makeup does not--however, it is supposed to look terrible for wedding photos. Does anyone know of a product that would work for this and definitely not make me break out on my wedding day? Is there some way you could use a non-mineral finishing powder or spray or some such that would not reflect light?

Many TIA!!

omegosh · January 2012

Have you ever tried Clinique? It's a bit more expensive than drugstore brands, but totally worth it, in my opinion. They have different levels for different types and combos of skin. Check it out - www.clinique.com

omegosh · January 2012

Sorry, just saw that you HAVE tried Clinique. I understand the budget concern, but as I said before, it's one of those things that's totally worth it if it work and gives you nice skin.

[Deleted User] · January 2012

Just a shot in the dark but my grandmother's used to swear by cold cream as a moisturizer. It might be too heavy but worth a shot.

JMAsh1078 · January 2012

I have super sensitive skin too, and I use Oil of Olay, for sensitive skin. It has SPF 15 in it too which is a great bonus. It goes on light, and doesn't make me oily. I have tried all kinds of moisturizers, Clinique included (it burned) and I found this one a few years ago and haven't switched since. It is cheap too, so maybe something you could try.

As far as makeup, I would use a primer and just go with my usual mineral makeup. It has been one of the better makeup investments I have made. I use Smashbox now, but used the one that came with the BE Starter Kit at first.

You can always do your mineral makeup a little heavier than normal, but then I would also use a mineral based finishing powder to set your makeup, like the BE Mineral Veil. From my understanding, you would want something that IS light reflecting because that helps with the appearance of flawless skin.

If you are wanting to try a liquid, I would suggest getting a sample of Lancome Photogenic Lumessence (this is my liquid go-to for winter months) and try Smashbox. You can get samples and test them out on your skin.
Sorry for the wall-o-text, I get excited talking makeup

Goldlie11 · January 2012

I wonder if the Bare Minerals Matte would be better for photography? If you really like Bare Minerals, try the matte version and see if that works. I find it so interesting that Bare Minerals is supposed to be for sensive skin. My skin isn't very sensitive, and I reacted badly to Bare Minerals.

I used Make Up For Ever HD foundation. It's fragrance free, so I don't know if you want to try that. The Sephora reps can give you a sample.

Clinique is supposed to also make good foundations. i haven't used them myself, but it's worth a try.

CAB1217 · January 2012

Mineral makeup does not look horrible in pictures. I am wearing regular BM in my wedding pictures. It's all about your photographer, not the makeup.

Goldlie, It does work well for sensitive skin, but some people get a weird, itchy feeling when they wear BM, especially in areas where you sweat more, like your upper lip. The itchy feeling happens because the minerals have particles that are a little bigger than other foundations and also don't have the oils coating them, so the itching isn't a reaction at all it is the minerals moving slightly and setting again because of perspiration. Happened to me for a while, but when I worked in the makeup field, my BM consultant pretty much forced me to stick with it

It no longer feels weird.

Now, if it was an actual reaction (red bumps and what not) then it would have been a shade with Carmine, but that is usually found in the blushes and eyeshadows. OR, a bad reaction to bismuth oxychloride...

trixie549 · January 2012

I have combo skin and have found these products to work wonders for me:

Moisturizer - Oil of Olay w/ SPF 15 during the day; Cetaphil cream at night over my SA treatment (see below), but only on flaky dry patches

Makeup - Everyday Minerals - this stuff is amazing! It doesn't contain bismuth oxychloride, which is a common ingredient found in many mineral makeups (causes itching and redness), including Bare Escentuals/Bare Minerals. www.everydayminerals.com

I also use a 2% salicylic acid treatment from Paula's Choice at night and that has really made a difference with my clogged pores and occasional breakouts. www.paulaschoice.com

saranandy · January 2012

Wow, awesome, thanks guys!! I am totally not a beauty maven, so all these ideas are really helpful! :-)

Cortney1982 · January 2012

I have super sensitive skin. A product from Origins gave me a bad reaction, so bad my face was red and patchy and hurt. My mom had me try her Ponds moisturizer, it was the only thing that didn't sting my face. I still use it.

As for makeup, I use everydayminerals to avoid putting anything potentially reacting on my face. I've never had a problem with pictures.

Chelseaclayy · February 2012

I would definitely try out Cetaphil. I use the daily facial cleanser, which is very gentle yet still cleans my face well. I like the moisurizer too. It's a little heavy (even though it is fragrance free, oil free, ect.) so I only use it at night. I use Olay sensitive skin SPF 15 during the day. I have very difficult skin as welll, so I know how frustrating it is. Also, I LOVE Make Up Forever HD foundation. It is oil free and fragrence free- so it works great for my skin. However, my sister used it and had a terrible reaction to it. So maybe get a sample from your local Sephora.

IrisYael · April 2012

Have you tried Rodan and Fields Dermatologists products.? The Unblemish regimen works well on acne scars and acne. The Soothe regimen works on red , irritated and sensitive skin and the Reverse works for brown spots , dullness and sun damage. Take a look at my Rodan and Fields site and click on to the "Solution Tools" . The doctors will recommend a regimen for your skin type and problems after you answer some questions. You can purchase what you need on- line and try it for 60 days. If your not happy with the results you simply send back the used containers and get all your money back..What do you have to lose but your skin issues? look at my site and contact me if youhave any questions..you will love these products!! https://iLangman.myrandf.com

or : facebook.com/IrisLangmanSkincare

wishing you all a wonderful and happy wedding with skin you'll be proud of for life

Let me know if you have any more questions..you will love Rodan and Fields..promise

Moisturizer and makeup woes--recommendations?

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