is it necessary to use foundation?

Question

i have oily and some what sensitive skin. i get pimples sometimes but my over all skin condition is ok. its not that bad but isnt perfect. but i still wonder if i need foundation? i dont like the fact that i have to retouch during the day and it makes me feel heavy and cakey. i prefer using just powder but i worry that it wont help make my skin look any better.

is it really necessary to use foundation?
other than a few small clogged pores,wide pores, and some tiny spots, (and some dark spots from break outs) do i really need foundation? will it harm the skin in a long run? is it okay just to use loose or compact powder instead? i want a super light and super natural look but a good coverage. suggestions?

i'm using baby powder at the moment and its okay (makes my skin looks smoother but did nothing else).

Answer 1

Wearing foundation is a personal preference. If you are comfortable with the way your skin looks without it, then don't wear it. My experience as a makeup artist for ten years, is that most skins look better with some correction. Many people think foundation is the answer to their skin problems - when you really should be looking at what type of skincare you are using. If you aren't taking care of your skin, no amount of foundation is going to solve your problems.

Get on a good skincare regimen - cleanse - exfoliate - moisturize where needed - address problem areas ie. pimples, pores - and then it protect - spf. Then you can choose a foundation. When selecting a good foundation, you need to consider your skin type, ie. oily vs, dry, belmish prone etc. how much coverage you want and then color. Many foundations even help the skin - clear blemishes, moisturize or contain sun protection.

I worked for Clinique for 6 years and I also worked for Shiseido, Elizabeth Arden and Lancome.

Loose powder can give a softer look, but if you are oily it's nice to have a compact to carry with you. DON"T use baby powder on your face - you want to make sure that all of your products are non comedegenic - meaning they won't clog pores.

If you select a foundation that matches your skin correctly you can apply it like you would a concealer and not use it all over.

Answer 2

Well no one has to wear makeup. Its just a personal choice. Foundations are used to even out the skin tone(use a concealer to cover blemishes). Since you don't like the feel of heavy foundations you can use an oil free tinted moisturizer. Prescriptives has a great one and the coverage is pretty good. Mac makes a blot powder that you can use throughtout the day to touch up those shiny spots and it will not cake up on your face.

Answer 3

My skin used to be very oily with an occasional pimple or 2. Then I started using Proactiv because I hated the one occasional pimple. It came with a daily oil control lotion which helped ALOT! I don't use it anymore, that's how much it helped. Anyway, I just put some concealer over the stuff that needs to be corrected and finish up with a blotting powder. It works GREAT, you only need to touch up about twice a day and it doesn't feel heavy at all. Hope This Helps!

Answer 4

It is ok to use foundation..but I would not reccomment using it every day. When I use it (which is very seldom) it is only when I go out or go somewhere special. It really clogs up the pore bad, even if you don't have that bad of skin. Why dont you try loose powder and a compact that has extra coverage? Lancome has good compacts w/ covergae.

Answer 5

No, it isn't necessary to wear foundation. I use concealer and loose powder to even out my skin tone but a lot of other people have more success with foundation or tinted moisturizer. I think it just depends on the coverage you're looking for and your skin type and lifestyle.

Answer 6

If you wear a foundation, a powder helps set it to keep it from rubbing off and getting shiny. It's not really necessary, but it definitely helps. Now it is not necessary to wear both, especially if your skin is clear. Since you have relatively clear skin I would just suggest a mineral powder for day to day makeup, because it's lighter.

Answer 7

I don't use foundation if I don't have to. It cloggs your pores and you constantly have to retouch it throughout the day. I use it where my pimples are, and other than that I don't use it. Something I use daily is a moisturizer from Olay called Daily Moisturizer with spf 15. It helps keep my face hydrated, and it doesn't have oil and other ingredients that will clog my pores. I would recomend using that for starters, and then use foundation when necessary.

:o) Emily

Answer 8

I am the same. My skin is very oily and I used to get pimples time to time. That said, I have tried every foundation under the sun. Not many of them last on my skin. Revolon Colorstay was great in lasting and fading less on my skin, but it is like hell washing the foundation off. The very best one that I have tried and I honestly believe that it does wonders for my skin is Everyday Minerals, Intensive formula. Check out everydayminerals.com. The company sends samples for free, but ask for Intensive formula because it works best with oily skin-

Answer 9

Oh, my dear babydoll...Whatever you do~ Do NOT use babypowder on your face! It will clog your pores more than ever! Foundation does not harm your face, in fact , some products have SPF that can help,others, have anti-wrinkle/crease which I am sure you don't need..lol/ recommend a very cheap but good product~CoverGirl~Freshlook~make-up-oil-free..it costs about $6@Walmart and places..I use w/w/other stuff.but, I know, that it it works!Just don't go too heavy & if you can, buy a blending sponge, so you don't have a "mask" look" when you apply. foundation, masacara, blush~ are the essentials~ just a little tip! Good Luck!

Answer 10

you dont HAVE to use foundation, but it helps your skin look mor evened out. theres a lot of brands that make a water based foundation. those would work better with your oily and sensitive skin. i have really oily skin and i use a brand called isa dora. works pretty well. i know powder base makeup works great too...like bare escentuals (aka bare minerals on those infomericials). good luck!