Sephora

Siesie3 · ‎04-05-2023

Hello! So I apologize in advance, this is a bit of a long post.

So I am in need of some help. I am in need of a makeup supply refresh as most of my products are now winding down to their last drops. I want some help either finding new products to try or advice in bettering the current products I use. I am looking for recs on primer, foundation, setting powder, and setting spray.

I would describe my skin as, GREASE BUCKET OILYYY! Like I usually need to blot, a little over an hour, after doing up my face. Since it’s winter right now, I see it as a win to last 2 or 3 hours before needing to blot. I have large, noticeable pores.

Where I live, it’s winter right now, so my oily skin is bit tampered down, only just slightly. It’s the summer season where I have the most trouble with my makeup. Summers here are 90’s and up most days with 90-100% humidity. So combine those weather conditions with oily skin and sweating from the heat, it makes makeup staying power a BIT of a challenge lol.

WHAT I WANT MY PRODUCTS TO HAVE

PRIMER:

Long lasting
Sweat proof
Transfer proof
Blurs pores
Sweat proof
Doesn’t crease
Doesn’t settle into lines
No flashback (I don’t think this issue applies to makeup primers, but just thought I would add it)
Doesn’t clog pores

FOUNDATIONS:

DOESN’T OXIDIZE
Long lasting
Transfer proof
Sweat proof
Doesn’t settle into lines
Not cakey
Doesn’t crease
No flashback if possible (usually attributed to setting powders but found some foundations alone have some flashback)
Buildable (not a must have, but since different days could require different amounts of foundation, this is a plus)
Doesn’t clog pores

SETTING POWDER:

NO FLASHBACK
Long lasting
Transfer proof
Sweat proof
Not cakey
Doesn’t crease
Doesn’t settle into lines
Doesn’t oxidize or cause oxidation
Doesn’t clog pores

SETTING SPRAY

So, I don’t know if this one is really necessary to list, but decided, why not?

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PRIMERS

PRODUCTS I HAVE USED SO FAR (In order of my liking)

Becca (discontinued) - My holy grail when it comes to primers and laying the base. Loved the staying powder. But the one issue I had with it is that it pilled wayyyy too much, which made applying it a challenge on its own. And since Becca no longer exists, I can’t get it anymore.
Erborian Extra Matte Cream — mattifying & blurring primer - Has a nice finish feel, but lost to Becca in combating oiliness, and on top of that, it’s being discontinued.
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer - It had a nice finish feel, but not so great in combating oiliness, it lost to Becca by A LOT.
Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Primer - Ehhh…I wasn’t blown away by this one. The finish feel felt nice and smooth, but as a primer, it didn’t do much for me.

Currently looking at: primers I’m currently looking at, doesn’t have to be these specifically, but just narrowed down on them after doing some research

MILK MAKEUP Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer
MILK MAKEUP Pore Eclipse Mattifying + Blurring Makeup Primer
Urban Decay All Nighter Face Primer
ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr Secure The Sweat Waterproof Mattifying Primer
Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer - Blurring
MAKE UP FOR EVER Step 1 Primer Shine Control
Smashbox Photo Finish Control Mattifying Face Primer with Salicylic Acid - Hmm…not sure on this one. It contains a BHA (salicylic acid). I already use a retinoid in my skincare and don’t want to over exasperate my skin.

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FOUNDATIONS

PRODUCTS I HAVE USED SO FAR (In the order of my liking)

(Tie) Dior BACKSTAGE Face & Body Foundation - Currently using this one. More sheer compared to the Lancôme.
(Tie) Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H Long Wear Matte Foundation - This and the Dior are pretty close. Between the two, this one is slightly thicker, than the Dior.
Smashbox Studio Skin 24 Hour Oil-Free Hydra Foundation - A decent backup option when I can’t get my hands on the previous two.
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation - Had great coverage but it felt so incredibly thick and heavy on skin even when using small amounts. Also, no matter what I did, it looked too cakey and was very noticeable.
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation - Coverage was okay. Combatting oil, yeah, didn’t work.
bareMinerals Matte Loose Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15 - This one officially turned me off of powder foundations. I think it has something to do with my skin being so oily, but no matter what products I used or prepped my skin with, I was always oily in less than an hour. It always oxidized. Settled into lines. Looked cakey. Not very buildable for coverage.
Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation - Ehh. Like it’s primer, this brand didn’t do much for me.

Currently looking at: foundations I’m currently looking at, doesn’t have to be these specifically, but just narrowed down on them after doing some research

Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Oil-Free Foundation
Chanel ULTRA LE TEINT VELVET - I think this is being discontinued because I can’t find anywhere that sells this anymore.
MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Undetectable Longwear Foundation
Valentino Very Valentino 24 Hour Long Wear Liquid Foundation
BASMA The Foundation Stick
Urban Decay Stay Naked Weightless Foundation
Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation SPF 30
Givenchy Prisme Libre Skin-Caring Glow Foundation
NARS Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation

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SETTING POWDERS

PRODUCTS I HAVE USED SO FAR (In the order of my liking)

Too Faced Peach Perfect Loose Powder Mattifying Loose Setting Powder (Discontinued) - My holy grail setting powder. WHY?! Why did they discontinue this.
Too Faced Born This Way Ethereal Setting Powder - This one was a decent setting powder. It did alright with the oil fighting. It caused a bit of flashback.
Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder - Currently using this one. Has a nice finish feel. Oil combatting is okay. It causes some flashback.
tarte Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder - This one was okay. It had a great finish feel, but it wasn’t that great keeping oil at bay.
PAT McGRATH LABS Sublime Perfection Setting Powder - I like the feel of this one, but it didn’t do anything really special. Oil combating was minor for me.
bareMinerals Mineral Veil Setting Powder Broad Spectrum SPF 25 - Just like it's foundation...it's a bleh for me.
SEPHORA COLLECTION Translucent Loose Setting Powder - Nothing special.
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder - This was so thick and heavy on me. It was beyond cakey and it caused really bad flashback. It didn't matter how little I used, I still looked like a crusty ghost no matter what.

Currently looking at: powders I’m currently looking at, doesn’t have to be these specifically, but just narrowed down on them after doing some research

Ami Colé Skin Melt Talc-Free Loose Setting Powder
MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Matte Setting Powder
Givenchy Prisme Libre Loose Setting and Finishing Powder
MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Microfinishing Loose Powder
Saie Airset Radiant Loose Setting Powder
ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder
Anastasia Beverly Hills Loose Setting Powder
Hourglass Veil™ Translucent Setting Powder - Talc Free

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SETTING SPRAYS

PRODUCTS I HAVE USED SO FAR (In order of my liking)

Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray - My go-to for quite some time.
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray - Currently using. Not sure how I feel about this one yet since I just got it and have only used it a few times. It does pretty well with keep my makeup in place. But I am running into an issue with this spray. So I don’t know if it’s the spray itself or the products I am using it with to have it happen, but for some reason, my makeup oxidizes really badly when I use this spray. Has anyone else had this problem?

Currently looking at: setting sprays I’m currently looking at, doesn’t have to be these specifically, but just narrowed down on them after doing some research

MILK MAKEUP Pore Eclipse Mattifying + Blurring Setting Spray
Too Faced Makeup Insurance Longwear Setting Spray + Blue Light Defense
ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray
LAWLESS Glam Guard Long-Wear Setting Spray
Lancôme Fix It Forget It Setting Spray

I know this is a long post and that I’m asking a lot, I just thought it would be interesting and helpful to see what was out there. If other oily girls have any experience with any of the products I mentioned or have products they would personally recommend me to try, I am all ears.

DeeMarieCott · ‎08-12-2023

Hi there!

So I typically have pretty oily skin too but I’ve been using The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Oil Control Serum to try and get it under control. I’d say it’s really helped! I also use First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Oil-Control Moisturizer 1.7 oz/ 50 mL and between the two I’ve noticed a difference. I know you didn’t ask for skin care but I figured I’d throw that in.

Here’s the makeup I’ve been dedicated to with my oily skin:

Primer - LYS Beauty Secure Skin Gripping Serum Primer 1 oz/ 30 mL

Foundation - CLINIQUE Even Better Clinical™ Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25 although I’ve been eyeing Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place 24-Hour Longwear Foundation 6W1 Sandalwood

Setting powder - Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Longwear Setting Powder Translucent . This is my tried and true! Even when trying other setting powders I always go back to this one. Plus, one container lasts forever!

Setting Spray - ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray 3.4 oz/ 143 mL has saved my life!!! I’ve tried so many and this one seriously controls my oil. I don’t even have to blot during the day!

I hope this helps! All of these items have been soooo worth it!

Bbb56 · ‎04-16-2023

I am also on the hunt for products that prevent me from looking too shiny! I didn't like the Laura Mercier Setting powder, but I also got the shade Honey which might have been too yellow for me. I have the mini version of the one size loose powder that I keep in my purse for touch ups and I really like it, I am planning on ordering the large size. I saw a tip where you very lightly brush some setting powder over your primer (before foundation) to minimize shine. I've heard mixed reviews about the Milk Makeup matte primer, mostly good though. I have also heard good things about the one size setting spray but I haven't tried it yet.

For no makeup days the La Roche Possay Double Repair Matte Moisturizer does an amazing job at absorbing oil but for me it does sometimes pill when I add sunscreen or makeup.

danielledanielle · ‎04-09-2023

@Siesie3, so some of the items you named I'm going to concur/recommend. Also, keep in mind, different products work differently for everyone, so finding a combination of products that doesn't blur/settle/crease isn't always viable. Especially if your skin has texture to it, for example, I have laugh lines, sometimes my makeup settles into them, sometimes it doesn't. But, it's an easy touch up. Also, your skin care prep really sets up your foundation. Don't over do it on drying products, because that will usually make your skin oilier. A gentle exfoliant and a really great moisturizer can really make a difference. Also, consider application. I get a better base when I stipple with a brush over texture areas vs using a sponge. I usually use a sponge for a heavier product that needs the blending as I go. I am going to list some brushes I love as well.

I have oily/combo skin and experience the increased oiliness as it gets warmer, particularly if it's humid. Usually when it's that hot, I skip liquid foundation and just use concealer + powder foundation.

Primer:

My favorite used to be the mattifying primer from CoverFx, but I developed a sensitivity to SA and now I break out. There were days when I would wear it as just a base, no makeup, because it mattifies and smooths out pores. Not sold here anymore, but the direct site still exists and has sales often

Dr. Brandt Skincare pores no more® pore refiner primer - Really good a blurring, unfortunately my skin started hating salicylic acid, so I can't use it anymore, same as the Cover Fx

The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer 1 oz/ 30 mL - Does the job of mattifying and smoothing, with a great price tag

MILK MAKEUP Jumbo Hydro Grip Primer 5.28 oz/ 150 mL - When it's not hot, this usually does well with my lighter/thinner liquid foundations

ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr Secure the Blur Makeup Magnet Primer 1.18 oz / 35 mL - Haven't tried, but heard good things about this one, as well as the setting spray

SEPHORA COLLECTION Smooth + Blur Primer - This is a great dupe for the benefit primer, if you want something with a blurring and mattifying effect. My skin is sensitive to this too, but it did work

Foundations:

DIOR Backstage Face & Body Foundation

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place 24-Hour Longwear Foundation 6W2 Nutmeg

Fenty Foundation always worked better for me when I combined it with a primer. They have a mattifying primer, but I have used the soft filter (original one) and it lasts.

Both of these have held up in sweat. They last for me.

PAT McGRATH LABS Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Weightless Foundation - this does last, and I have sampled it many, many many times. I like that I can use a little of this and get really decent coverage (medium), but I've never purchased a full size, I think for the price point, the double wear or dior are better bang for your buck.

Setting Powders:

I like the ami cole, but I think it has flashback unfortunately. It blends into the skin really nicely, so if you aren't taking pics daily, this is still a great option.

KVD Beauty Lock-It Setting Powder Standard Size Translucent - 0.67 oz- When it first came out, this was a thing, but I still rock it. It's a nice light powder, and it stays.

You are so right about the Too Faced Peach Perfect. E.l.f. Beauty Shield was another really great one. Milk had one too, which I just realized was discontinued. Dang!

Uoma Beauty Trippin' Smooth - my current powder. No flash back, really cool dispenser. Available at Ulta/Beautylish/Uoma Beauty

Setting Spray:

I like Skinidinavia (which is basically the UD base). CT is good, but I am sensitive to it. The SEPHORA COLLECTION All Day Makeup Setting Spray 2.7 oz/ 80 mL is also another contender.

Brushes:

SEPHORA COLLECTION Makeup Match Foundation Brush - The flat kabuki like shape is great for stippling

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Kabuki-Buff Foundation Brush 115 - Similar to makeup match, but a longer handle

Shiseido Daiya Fude Face Brush Duo (this is great with a thick foundation, because you can use the finger tip end to apply it and then the brush to buff out)

SEPHORA COLLECTION PRO Foundation Brush #47- A great multitasker. This can leave streaks when blending thin liquids, but it is great for stipling and also a great contour and highlight brush because of the angles

Ami Cole's direct site also has a really nice foundation brush