[bokchok]

Hi Ladies

I really need professional advice ito someone looking at my skin and helping re product and colour so I get a good "look" when I do make up. I don't do heavy make up but would still like a good cover if that makes sense, so my skin looks good etc

my skin recently after micro dermabrasion is much better with fewer breakouts etc, but I have blemishes on my skin (mostly temple area, cheeks etc) where I have lighter blotches I assume are from scarring, pigmentation etc - so my understanding is I need concealer and foundation

any advice where they not too biased on one product and give good advice on what to use and don't always recommend what costs the earth? or would you recommend a specific brand? I quite like estee lauder and used that more recently but skin has changed.

I always feel so dumb when it comes to make up basics - I just want a smooth looking cover that's not thick and heavy...

[Verurtle]

As we are in a regional area I usually go to the Chemist every 2-3 years and get the lady to 'make up' my face while I watch what they are doing and then I buy the same colours/shades they have used.

This year I was in parramatta and stopped into Myer and had the same thing done.

I always have to spend $40 or so on certain products, but I walk out of the shop with great make up.

[Oilucy]

We're lucky as we are rural and have one beauty place that sells all of the major brands - so you can test out the lot without the bias you get when you hit a department store and find individual counters.
I think that what suits one skin will not necessarily suit another. Prior to my Wedding Day I went to the above store and trialled a few brands and ended up with Napolean.
I find Napolean foundations look great on and they have a good range from light to heavier coverage.
\My only suggestion is to pick your sales assistant and choose one that you like her makeup (some are a bit OTT IMO, or perhaps they are just younger with younger makeup and I am mid 30's so am after a different look?). She can sit you down and discuss what finish you're after and try a few on.

[Oilucy]

Oh and sorry, another tip - dont buy on the day!
Tell the sales assistant you would like to see how long the foundation lasts and how it looks in natural light etc at home. Get her to write down the colours and go back the next day if you're happy.
I once purchased foundation after looking in the mirror whilst in the shop only to get home later to find that the colour of my foundation was in fact very orange (and horrible!) in natural light. Total waste of $60.

[MelbChick]

Hi OP
After years trying out different foundations and concealers with combination skin (I used to have acne when I was younger but now I have open pores and issues with pigmentation - still get the occasional blemish) ... I decided that the mainstream 'high end' brands like Estee Lauder are too concerned with being 'luxury' products and have too many fragrances and 'light diffusing particles' and "stuff". It's a bit like the 5000 calorie mascara with 5000x magnification... IMO, ff it was just A GOOD PRODUCT then they wouldn't have to make so many outlandish claims!
Anyway, I have finally settled on Stila products from Mecca Costmetica. Absolutely the best. Does not irritate my skin. Good natural tones. Does not move. Best concealer in the history of the universe... even if you don't want to spend on their foundation, their concealer is worth every penny. You need the one in the little tube, not the stick.
Absolutely love the illuminating foundation in the sealed pump pack for a foundation but at the moment I think my absolute favourite is their tinted sunscreen. It works like a primer and fills up all the open pores on my face, evens out the colour, protects from the sun and then if I need to dot a tiny bit of concealer on anything afterwards, that's enough.
I like products to be utilitarian and do what they are supposed to do. No point having something that feels 'luxurious' but makes you break out or slides off your face in half an hour.
Good tip about trying before you buy though, I agree. Good to check the colour in the natural light too