Makeup for "mature" skin

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I asked her and she doesn't do airbrush I should have thought to ask that from the beginning. All the other wedding stylists I've seen do offer that and I incorrectly assumed she would offer that too. I guess I'll try to ask for another trial with the regular foundation, but I just don't think it's going to work for my skin.

I'm 47 and have been using Estee Lauder's double wear since I was 21. It is hand's down some of the makeup I've ever used. It hides all my flaws effortlessly (1 bottle lasts me 8 months). I also use Smashbox primer before and afterwards to set my makeup.

Now if you're having your make up done professionally, I'd probably look at getting it airbrushed or someone that uses powder bases.

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Thanks, Margaret. I have the Estee Lauder double wear and I don't like it (in fairness I think I may have picked the wrong shade). It does the same thing where it dries out my skin and shows all my pores. I've heard so many rave reviews of that foundation and it's one of the reasons I'm worried that liquid foundations just do not work for me at all. The artist I selected only does liquid foundation, so I'm stuck unless I want to lose the $300 deposit I put down. I should have done my homework better first but I was in a rush to find someone and she had come highly recommended by a friend.

I would ask her if You can do your own foundation (if there's one you're comfortable/happy with), can she do the rest?

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Mary, I feel your pain. I've tried many foundations and many of those with "rave" reviews just didn't work for me. I can use EL foundation, but can't use almost all their other products because I either have a bad reaction or something else....

So, one of the things I've learned and tried over the many years....

wash your face as your normally do

I then follow up with a moisturizer that works for you (I love Kiehl's Glow formula skin hydrator) - let your face dry completely - use a fan or whatever works for you - It's taken me many years to finally find a moisturizer right for me, so don't be afraid to try

I use smashbox Primer water (let it dry) - I've used Ulta water based primer and it too works great.

Foundation with a sponge applicator (let it dry)

EL pressed powder, blush, etc)

End with Smashbox primer water to "set"

The key to not having it clump is to let it dry between each step. And whether you use EL or another brand... it's the same steps to follow to have that flawless look.

I used airbrush foundation and it looked way better than liquid foundation. It’s worth asking her to try that.

I don't wear make up so I am no expect in the least, but I WOULD suggest you use your OWN make up then, since you can't get access to others to try.... the last thing you want on your day is to be uncomfortable with the makeup you are wearing... you look great in your profile pic! Make her use the products you use normally when you put it on!!

Oh girlfriend. I hear you on this. My experience has been that 80% of foundations on the market work better on oily skin than on dry. People SWEAR by EL but it is not for us dryer ladies I've found.
I LOVE lancome teint idole, it's not cheap but a little goes a long way. I normally use tinted moisturizers and this is the only foundation I've found that looks natural and not like a awkward liquid mask. I also love lancomes primer.

I think Margaret was on point with the routine she gave you too! Moisturize, prime, foundation applied with sponge, powders and a setting spray.

I know you said you're using a good moisturizer, but make sure you're exfoliating too, that helped me in the under eye/ cheek areas particularly.

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Thanks, Margaret! Great advice to layer this way and let it dry in between each step.

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That's definitely what I'm leaning towards!

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Thanks, Megan! That's so helpful to know. I'll see if I can find a way to try the Lancome one. I think you're right about exfoliating - I haven't been doing that enough.

Update ladies! First, oh my gosh all of you are so nice and helpful! I have never had such a positive experience on a forum before, lol.

So I pulled the plug. I knew in my gut it was not going to work out well to work with this gal. Hallelujah she even agreed to refund my deposit! I'm so grateful. I found a Merle Norman near my house that's offering applications and I'm going in for a trial tomorrow. I"m also going to see if there are ways to sample some of the other brands you all mentioned.

I'm so relieved. I know she was just not the right artist for me to go with.

Can you do another trial with her before? Or go to Sephora and work with an employee to find one you like so you can buy it and bring it on your wedding day? Did she use a good primer below the foundation? I have dry skin and wrinkles and a lot of other skin problems (I'm 26 but I had pretty severe acne which left me with a lot of long-term scarring, pitting, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, etc.) and I love getting a dermaplane treatment about a week before a big event. I feel it makes the makeup go on a lot better and is way more flattering to me.

I have the same issue and I worry a lot about this. I am 40, and I experienced so many cakey make up. I told my venue about my concerns. I have hooded eyelid (yes, one eyelid only is sagging) and I usually use eyelid tapes, but I don’t use eyeshadow. I am not only “older bride” but also have anemia. My nails need acrylic layer all the time, otherwise they will rip like papers. My hair is super duper thin (but wavy, so I have volume) and I also lost a lot of hair on daily basis. My skin is terribly dry like the Sahara, even with tons of oil and creme, once I showered, it’s super dry. I have my mom’s gene, so nit even supplements will help. I think the best is to have an older MUA, so they know how it’s feels and they have the experience.

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It's a pain, a BIG PAIN - but I have learned that on days where I need my makeup on point, it takes me at least a full hour.

Try This as a primer:

https://www.amazon.com/Rodial-Soft-Focus-Drops-Deluxe/dp/B07YFXT9JL

I stumbled upon it in my FitFabFun box and fell in love with it. It leaves your foundation looking smooth and holds all day. And I live in NC where is can be humid. Amazon sells a small trial size and the Skin Store sells a larger size. Hope this helps !

So I went to Merle Norman for a free trial and it was WAY better than the last one. I am so relieved I have another option.