My skin type is really hard to explain. I believe they categorize me as the “combination” skin type. But years and years of “combination” skin type products failing on me, I have come to the conclusion that I am in the OILY in the summer / DRY in the winter / ALL SCREWY in the fall type.
Skin types like mine are especially hard to get foundation to look good.
J's big pores - must be summertime xP (click on image for a closer look ... bleh)
There are many types of foundation applicators but as for me? I prefer using foundation sponge.
After testing different applicators, I found that the SPONGE WEDGE is a great alternative to airbrushing. When applied in a dabbing motion, the sponge pores create airbrush spritz marks that can be blended in well into your skin. (which works out great in covering up my big pores)
Sponge wedge - can be found at local drugstore (price: $3 - $7 for a pack of at least 6)
The only thing about them is that you end up smelling like rubber. So I started soaking them in pretty smelling soap before using them. But then the shape of the sponge would get ruined.
Then came my BEAUTY BLENDER discovery!
The Beauty Blender Sponge - $19.99
Though they are reusable … the price is pretty crazy for one pretty little sponge. Don’t get me wrong, it does a great job of laying down a good amount of foundation to give you a seamless finish.
THEN … I discovered THIS at TARGET:
Sonia Kashuk - Blending Sponge - $9.99
PROS: It’s half the price of the BB sponge. It has an indent in the center for a better grip and handle.
CONS: You get what you pay for. It’s not as bouncy as the BB sponge and it stains.
and last but not least, I came across THIS at SEPHORA:
SEPHORA's Precision Sponge - $12
It doesn’t expand when wet but does just as great of a job as the BB sponge. But because it’s so small, it’s hard to use all over the face. I’ve been using this as a PRECISION SPONGE for concealer and it does a great job with a great H. igh D. efinition finish.
See video for the different makeup tools out there and their uses.
Convertible makeup:
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i reallly want to get the egg shaped sponge it seems really cool!!
Hi Claire! The beauty blender is a really great sponge~ it’s a bit pricey but it’s supposed to last up to 3 months with everyday use. I highly recommend it. There are no others out there like the BB Sponge~
Sorry, but I want to say something unrelated to makeup sponges! I have the same skin type as you – although my skin is fairly clear, foundation does not play well. In the summer foundation just kind of “slides around” my skin from the grease and sweat, and in the winter it only emphasizes my dry patches.
…until I found Creme de La Mer The Treatment Creme Foundation, that is. I’ve tried virtually every brand, every popular foundation line out there and this is the only one I’ve re-purchased when I ran out. The $85 price hurts, but it’s worth it, because not only does it cover well, lasts all day, it also makes my skin better! When I go foundation-less for a few days, I swear my skin gets worse!
You can read the review I wrote for Weddingbee at http://www.weddingbee.com/2008/04/10/product-rave-feel-my-skin/
Sorry this was so long, but when I read about the type of skin you have, I had to respond because that’s me…and I wanted to recommend this fabulous product!
Hi G.I.H. – I truly appreciate you taking the time to write your comment!~
A few months ago I spent $65 on a custom blend foundation at prescriptives and a part of me glanced over at the La Mer counter and thought of your RAVE POST (ahem~ i’ve been stalking you on WB for a long time & actually saved that particular post in my bookmarks)
I am def buying it next week! thanks for the jump of confidence in the product~