Moisturizing Foundation Hunting

[#1]

My foundation always ends up looking dry and patchy. I've tried dozens of primers (and several were "hydrating") and zillions of moisturizers. I've tried mineral, powder, cream, and liquid foundations. No matter what I use, after a few hours my makeup looks dry, flaking, and patchy. I must be applying it wrong? Please help!

[#2]

I completely agree with the post about the clarisonic. They are truly life changing. In addition, exfoliate and wash your face with a gentle cleanser, such as Fresh soy face cleanser or Philosophy's Purity cream cleanser. And you may want to throw a hydrating serum into your skin routine for a little extra oomph under your moisturizer.

Also, I would try either a "dewy" foundation (think NARS Sheer Glow), or try using tinted moisturizer first, and then blend liquid foundation on top. Smashbox Studio Skin is a nice hydrating foundation that works well with dry skin types.

[#3]

I love all the recommendations and also using a hydrating setting mist that will also seal your makeup can help sure proof your makeup throughout your day.

Urban Decay Dew Me is a great setting spray to do as your final makeup step.(http://www.sephora.com/product/productDetail.jsp?skuId=1302835&productId=P277221&keyword=urban%20dec...

[#4]

I am a esthectician so I have worked with all types of skin for quiet some time. I also recently had a huge change in my skin, its an age thing. Hitting 30 has changed alot in my body. My new issue is similar to yours. I kept feeling like my make up was to dry and that my skin is dry but over producing oil to compensate for the dryness. This is very common the real underlying problem is you most likley have a layer of dead skin that your make up is sitting on top of makeing your skin appear dry. What I have done is start gentaly exfoliating with a clairisonic twice a week to remove that dead skin. It has made such a difference, my make up looks 10 times better. You can find a clairisonic at Sephora for $119. its an investment but worth every penny. also try talking to the staff at your local sephora they are realy very nolageable. good luck

[#5]

Something that I started doing in the past few weeks was to mix my foundation and moisturizer together and apply with a brush. My foundation looks great through out the day, never dry and cakey. I use about 1 part moisturizer to 1 part foundation, but if you want more or less coverage just change the ratio . I use a primer first because makeup melts off my face without one!