Hi,

I'd like to leave BE and try a different mineral make-up. Some of the things that I'm not liking about BE:

1. too shiny
2. too cakey
3. makes my pores too prominent

I've been told my several professional make-up artists that "colors really warm up on me". How can I incoporate this feedback into selecting a sample?

One more thing, I have acne scarring on my cheeks that I HATE. Is the a formulation of Aromaleigh that might be best for coverage?

Thanks!

http://picasaweb.google.com/Br...v1sRgCIL7h7LgqojFpAE

You look to be a level 1, and I'd include samples of 1Y, 1L, and 1C in your order (yellow, linen and cool). I don't know about covering scaring. However, you probably want to use a primer underneath your foundation to minimize your pore appearance (Silk if your skin is balanced, Porcelain if your skin is oily, and possibly the Ultra Resolution Finishing Powder also if your skin is oily). The Ultra Resolution Finishing Powder helps minimize the appearance of pores and reduces shine, and I apply it both as a primer, and then on top of my foundation.

Apply the foundation in thin layers to avoid a cakey look (and build up coverage in multiple layers). I recommend the flocked sponge if you want heavier coverage.

Welcome to Aromaleigh!

I'm not sure what they mean by "colors warm up on you" -- well, I know what they're saying, but I'm not quite sure what that means in terms of skintones. Maybe it means that you are extremely cool-toned so in comparison, many colors look warm on you? Also, if you have oily skin, some foundations can "oxidize" and turn orange over time. I have very oily skin and have this happen with other brands, but not with Aromaleigh Voile

What color was closest to matching you in BE? I'd start by looking at the BE to AL Conversion Chart and sampling the colors recommended there. I'd also recommend sampling both Voile and Glissade since they are different formulas -- in general, Glissade tends to work well for dry or sensitive skin, Voile for normal or oily, but there are exceptions

To address your concerns...

#1 Both Aromaleigh foundations are matte so this will not be an issue (If you wanted some shimmer or shine, then you could try a shimmery finishing powder.) If you still want a finishing powder, Ultra Resolution Finishing Powder and Parfait are both matte. But finishing powder is not required if you don't want one!

#2 Application can play a big role in how cakey a foundation looks. I personally love using the Silky Smooth Taklon Kabuki because it's super soft and gives a smooth, even finish. You could also try a fluffy powder brush if you want a very sheer coverage, or use a sponge if you want a thicker coverage. Regardless of what tool you use, apply very thin layers -- you can always add more if needed, but if you apply too much it will be cakey! Also, if you have dry skin, some moisturizer underneath or the Setting Spray can help prevent it from looking too powdery and cakey.

#3 I find that both the Silk Primer (applied with a sponge or kabuki underneath my foundation) and any color of the Ultra Resolution Finishing Powder (applied on top of foundation very sheerly with a fluffy powder brush or the Fiber Optic Face Brush) help minimize my pores. Nothing will make my large pores completely disappear but these two products help

For acne scarring, you could try applying foundation with a heavier coverage (use a sponge or apply it wet). You could also use a color-correcting product -- Coquille in Juane or Vert, Metamorphasis, and Parfait can all help cancel out red tones. You can also use a concealor such as Pure Cover or the Cream Concealors to cover individual scars.

Whew, that was a lot of product recs! Hopefully that helped a little, and let us know if you have any more questions!

Girl Geek has some great suggestions! Just wanted to add that the one AL color that does become "warmer" with wear is the N (neutral) shade. Starrybatfish and I can attest to that.

Welcome to Aromaleigh
You've gotten some great advice so far.

That's right, Tally! Although for me, N is better than the Y shades, they really made me look sallow over the course of the day. I wonder if I should mix some C into my N-to tip the balance away from the warm side a bit? Then maybe I wouldn't have to use rose coquille every time.
Sorry to hijack your thread a bit, Shannon.

Hi Shannon! Welcome. I sort of scanned through the other replies here but didn't read them thoroughly. So my comments might be duplicative. These suggestions are from my own personal experience.

Glissade gives fuller coverage and is bit more "dewy" than Voile without being shimmery or shiny. I've found that Voile cakes less on my combination skin though. I have to go very light with the Glissade or it accentuates my fine lines.

The flocked sponge (I can't live without it) gives a smoother fuller coverage than any brush but be sure not to put too much on your sponge to start with so you can build your coverage.

I have visible pores in my t-zone and using a brush made them more prominent looking. Using the flocked sponge does not do this. It actually reduces their appearance.

Following up my foundation with Ultra Resolution Finishing Powder in Clear, perfects the look of my pores (and fine lines) even further.

Since I use sunscreen on my face very day, after letting it soak in for a few minutes, I prime my skin with a light dusting of Ultra Resolution Finishing Powder It helps the foundation apply more evenly; whereas it might stick to the places where the spf hadn't absorbed as much yet. I've tried Porcelaine, Silk Powder and combinations of them together, but I feel the that Ultra Res powder by itself is a better primer for me.

From your photo you appear to be a level 2 to me. And you're very beautiful.

Let us know how your sample experimenting goes.

Robyn



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2yl/2w glissade mix • combination skin • faded freckles • warm brunette • blue/grey eyes • married 15 years • SAHM (Sierra 12, Cameron 5) • 43 y/o

AL Favorites:
Face ~ Vit C creme & serum, nocturne, glycolic acid serum, URFP clear
Cheeks ~ Dolly, Firewoman, Glorious, Cashmere
Lips ~ Cakewalk, Sweet Tart, Smitten, Limbo, Delicate Vanilla Bean balm
Eyes ~ Mostly neutrals and greens, but I like to experiment with color

Great tips Robyn! Yes, the URFP really helps to make application smoother and minimize greasiness caused by sunscreen.

You might be a mix between levels 1 and 2, Shannon. Your face appears darker than your neck. You might consider a level 2 linen with a level 1 C.

What color is your scarring? Brown, red?

You are a beauty and shouldn't be bothered with scarring .

First of all -- thanks to all of who have taken the time and thought to help me out. I really appreciate it.

I'm pretty confused about Glissade vs Voile. The scaring that I have on my cheeks is not raised it is more indentations and I find that when things look "dewey" it tends to draw more attention to the texture differences in my skin.

So, I have my shopping cart loaded with about $25 worth of samples of both formulations in the following colors: 1Y, 1L, 1C and 2L. Please provide feedback if you think I could make better choices.

Also, I'm interested in requesting a sample of the Ultra Resolution Finishing Powder. Should I go with clear or a color??

Thanks again gals!

Sounds like you made good color choices! I think it is a good call to get the L in the level 2, as opposed to Y or C. And it is good that you are getting the L separately so you can do the mixing on your own.

The main difference that I noticed between Voile and Glissade is that Voile does a better job of mattifying my skin. Glissade does offer heavier coverage, but I'm with Robyn with the fact that it can look cakey (maybe b.c. of the heavier coverage? I never really experimented with Glissade application techniques though, since I realized that the Voile would be much better for my oily skin and silicones make me break out).

I would go for the Ultra Resolution Finishing Powder in clear. The women on the forum have said that the colored ones leave a slightly shiney, glowy appearance.