Starting Over: Foundation

[#1]

Several months ago, I decided to move on from my old makeup and cosmetic habits. I cleaned out my drawers, dumping everything except a couple favorites and some tools. Among the survivors sat my liquid foundations, Sephora hydrating & smoothing foundation in D25 and Maybelline Dream Mousse in Pure Beige (med 2), and my bareMinerals foundation (medium beige) with the bm mineral veil.
Now, the above products are a part of my everyday makeup, but I'm not really satisfied with the results. Post-prep, my face seems to take forever to cover up. I apply the Sephora foundation first with my fingers until it appears relatively even, then heavily draw over my many acne scars and pimples with a disgustingly old CoverGirl concealer stick. I blend the concealer into the foundation and under my eyes with a small foundation brush, then apply the Dream Mousse on top with a regular foundation brush. I would love to only use one liquid foundation, but the Sephora leaves me looking a bit sallow (though it was selected for me by a Sephora cast member in-store after much experimentation) and the Dream Mousse gives me a nice glow, but only when mixed into the lighter makeup. So now I have a full-face of liquid foundation and I add the loose powder. The powder foundation goes first, the I buff on the mineral veil. This gives me the perfect amount of coverage (though not long-lasting) and a matte finish. Oh, did I forget to mention the bareMinerals expired in early '08? (icky)
I don't have any skin concerns besides the acne and a bit of darkness under my eyes. I feel like I should be able to find a product that I can use in conjunction with a finishing powder with similar, more lasting results, but I am at a loss. I've been looking at Smashbox and Make Up For Ever for a better liquid foundation, but I can't make up my mind. I am also trying to find a color comparable to the Sephora D25 but with less of a yellow undertone.
I feel as though my face makeup is the last hurdle before I've successfully updated my collection and can finally wear a flawless face! Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

[#2]

dnsralg,

I know how frustrating it can be when your makeup routine takes forever and you still don't get the results you want.  Based on what you have said it sounds like you are looking for a fuller coverage foundation.   Remember, with fuller coverage, you actually apply less product on your face and you can wear it more sheer.

I would recommend checking out NARS Sheer Glow Foundation.  It is a medium coverage that is buildable and has a slight glowy finish that looks like skin.  It wears all day long too without any touch ups (at least on me it does).  You may want to check out the color Santa Fe since D25 was too sallow looking.  Santa Fe has peachy undertones, so it is still has golden tones but not too yellow.



You should also check out Dior Skin Forever Foundation.  It has a glow that mimics skin and is an all day wear.  It is also about medium coverage and buildable.  Try a color ending in 0 as these are more neutral and not too yellow.  You may be #20.  If this has too much pink, try #21- it has more gold in it.



Try spot concealing with Sephora Perfecting Cover Concealer.  It is waterproof and longwearing and full coverage.  Did I mention the great price?  It is only $16, so it won't break the bank and last a very long time. Try #20.



I would finish your look by setting your foundation with a powder foundation.  Try Sephora Collection Mineral Pressed Powder- you will still get a glow and your skin will look great.  Dust this all over your look with a fluffy powder brush.



If D25 looks sallow on you, try using R20.  The D range has golden undertones and the R range is more neutral.  R 20 is fairly neutral and may work if D 25 was too sallow looking.

Best of luck to you!

xoxo

Jill