I need HELP for tired/dull skin which leads to cakey makeup?

[KathleenP123]

I’ve tired every brand possible but still my skin is never quite clear. I don’t get many zits (unless it’s that time of the month) but my skin is ALWAYS tired/dull/uneven. I have massive bags under my eyes that I cannot get away and my pores are very noticeable. Also, I’ve tired every tip, trick and step to apply makeup so it doesn’t appear cakey, but it always turns out cakey. You can see my pores and it creases. I don’t know if it’s because of my skin care but it’s frustrating! HELP! Also, I’m a fairly healthy person. I eat healthy, I exercise, I drink plenty of water. I just worked out and washed my face so I look a little rough. I am very self conscious uploading this but I hope it helps me get answers! Here’s a pic of my skin for reference. Thank-you! ❤️

[victhevirgo]

Some products that help with dullness would be Vitamin C and exfoliants. You can introduce them into your routine but limit exfoliating to 2-3 nights a week. Make sure that you’re using sunscreen everyday, especially with the Vitamin C. You may want to compare a few chemical exfoliants before deciding which one to go with (AHAs, BHAs, LHAs, or a retinol). You should also make sure that you’re properly hydrating the skin, which would make a big difference in the appearance of your skin. To be honest, start off with setting your everyday routine that addresses the needs of your skin and then start introducing exfoliants.

[KathleenP123]

Thank you!

[cshayeg]

Your skin looked exactly like mine did before I really dug into some serious products! All of which are pretty expensive but If you can swing it, or build your supply up I would highlyyy recommend starting with dr Dennis gross peel pads. They don’t peel your skin they just exfoliate in a two step peel regime you can do once a day. You can read the reviews from people and see before and after pictures but it has helped my sun spots, uneven patches, and has cleared my skin completely. I used to have zits here and there, tons of sun spots and dry flakey gross skin when I applied my makeup. Next I would suggest dr Dennis gross retinol serum because that also helps with clearing the skin and giving you a more plump youthful glow. I use dr Dennis gross because his products are really the only ones I’ve actually noticed a difference in my skin. I don’t use his moisturizers but I use his cleansers, peel pads, and retinol serum. At night after I cleanse, peel, retinol, I add the drunk elephant oil. Last thing! In my opinion the best foundation on the market is the Guerlain Lingerie de Peau foundation. Again, expensive but holy shiz after doing my skincare and applying this foundation with a beauty blender my skin looks pretty dang flawless.

[KathleenP123]

Thank you!!!!!!!

[kcdiaz]

Hi, do you use sunscreen? It could help with the dullness & uneven pigmentation, since UV rays cause a lot of damage to the skin. I've always heard that sunscreen should be used 365 days a year no matter the weather and even when you're indoors, but it wasn't until I started using Curology that I really started using sunscreen as thoroughly as I should. It has helped me with my hyperpigmentation which means I don't have to use as much concealer, hence less cakeyness. Personally, I'm a very impatient person, which I think is a product of millennials being able to get everything at an instant, but something like this really takes a while. You're not going to see results in a week or even a month, but it's a habit worth building. 🙂 

[KathleenP123]

I don’t but I’m definitely going to start. Thank you!!

[naynay0109]

My daughter has been using The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution for the past few weeks and it has made such a big improvement! All the blackheads from her nose are gone and her skin overall in the T-Zone is just better. While at first it might look worse, if you keep at it the results are amazing. It helps to clean out the funk so of course that will result in some breakouts but it really does clean it all out! I’ve also recently changed all her products to VEGAN (except for that) and it’s just such a drastic change. Pricey but worth it. Vegan face, hair, and body products. KP is all but gone, no breakouts, no blackheads!!

[KathleenP123]

Thank you!!

[seaseab]

Hi! first time replying to someone but I just had to. This is more of a make up reply. I have the same issues as you and skin tone which makes it really hard to find make that matches well. I've learned to try more cream based make ups, like Fenty cream bronzer and cream blush. For spots and under eyes I use benefit industrial concealer. I stopped wearing full face foundation because it just didn't agree with me and made me break out more. it's a rough go but in a few weeks, your skin will thank you. The redness around the nose... again, as soon as I stopped covering it up, it died down. I believe it's some sort of irritation/eczema allergic reaction, for myself. Hope that helps with the make up cakey issue.

[KathleenP123]

I’ll try those products! Thank you!!!!

[Makeupmadds]

Hi, an aha or bha would absolutely be helpful if you haven’t already incorporated one! As well as adding a face oil, Herbivore Lapis is a great option!

[KathleenP123]

Thank you so much!!!

[Linz8503]

Hey Kathleen, I’m not sure whether you’re dry, normal, combo, oily, etc but as for the rest of your skin, you appear to have similar skin to mine and I’ve had the same problems. I am covered in freckles head to toe so I always thought I needed full coverage foundation. I have large freckles in addition to raised freckles or mole-type things all over my face, I have bags under my eyes, the odd pimple, some redness, texture issues, and my skin tone isn’t even a tone, really, it’s like a splotchy collage lol. I’ve also noticed my pores appear huge nowadays which is just due to early aging signs / loss of elasticity. So I’m not sure if what I’ve learned will work for you or not, but it might be worth a try. First off the one ingredient I always recommend when people have just occasional acne is Niacinamide. This ingredient can help with a lot of issues - redness, hyperpigmentation, pores, acne, regulates oil production, and helps with cell turnover. I recommend starting off with Tatcha’s deep cleanse, The Ordindary’s Niacinamide, and Tatcha’s water cream (or dewy cream if your skin is quite dry). These products target pores and promote hydration at the same time. As for makeup I learned to only apply primer where my pores are, and to use a sheer coverage foundation or bb cream, despite the strong urge to cover up all my imperfections with full coverage. Full coverage foundation on skin like mine just gets cakey and gross and creases no matter what I do. I’m not sure if any of this will work or if you’ve already tried it but it’s the best advice I can give.

[KathleenP123]

Sounds like my skin! Thank you so much!

[Boymomtexas]

What kind of skin/climate do you live in?

[KathleenP123]

I live in northern manitoba! My skin is normal (I think) not super dry and not super oily

[amoridei]

Have you tried benzoyl peroxide spot treatment for the acne? Your doctor can also prescribe some cream with the benzoyl peroxide and either erythromycin or clarithromycin in it to spot treat the acne. Also, retin-A could help with that. Using a primer or tinted moisturizer might help with the visibility of pores, but the other replyer is right in saying we need to know what kind of makeup you have tried.

[KathleenP123]

Thank you! I use fenty foundation and concealer right now!

[KassT]

Hey there! I'd love to help you build a skincare routine which will target your concerns. I just have a few questions; tell me a bit about your skin- is it oily, dry, normal, combination, if combination in which areas? Also, what is your skincare routine at the moment? I hope I can help!

[KathleenP123]

I guess it would be normal/combo. It’s not even super oily or dry.