It is makeup, can anyone recommend a good brand.  I am looking for a good, long lasting, quite sort of light makeup that is suitable for a sensitive and sometime blemished skin.  I really do not know where to start as I do not want to spend a lot of pounds just to discover it is not suitable.  I know from experience it is a risk but I would like to cut the odds! and I know you are a wise bunch out there. Please can anyone help.  Joany

You need a really good brand like Mac or something like that. I'd go to Debanhams (or similar dept store) or a salon and get them to match your skin tone properly. They will also be able to recommend which type is best for you.

I'm a beauty therapist and don't do as much make up as I'd like to so if you go to a salon, make sure they are confident in make up. Otherise a dept store would definately be best for you as they will be trained properly in each specific product.

I hope you find something! :)

Try Bare Escentuals, it's a mineral type make-up.  It's light and easy to use.  I think they have counters in most Debenhams and some beauty salons sell it.  My aunt uses this and she has very sensitive skin.  I use the Dior mineral foundation, which I really like.  Clarins also do a mineral foundation, but I haven't tried that one.

Whatever you're going to try, speak to the assistant, explain that you have sensitive skin and ask for a sample, that way you won't be out of money if it irritates you and you'll get to try a few and find which one you like best.  Take some small empty containers with you, as if they don't have any samples to hand they will usually give you some of their tester.

Good luck!  :)

Yes I have just bought a starter kit from these it has the brushes, make up and a book and video with it cost me £45 all in.

Having tried most over the years (oops far too many years) I currently find that no7 tinted moisturser works for me it comes in 3 shades  light medium and dark which changes slightly as you put it on to suit your skin colour , it feels lovely and just gives a light cover costs  about £10.00 
The problem for me with expensive makes and I have tried them is that my finances dont regulaly stretch more expensive makes except as pressents and I like to wear a foundation on most days.

I have sensitive skin and it's a real pain. I find Lily Lolo mineral make up suits me for foundation etc. They are only web based, although you can email them for advice. You can order samples and full sized pots are reasonable I think. For eyes and lips I am a fan of mac and aveda make-up but find anything glittery will irritate my skin.

I've just discovered 'Bobbi Brown' and have been completeley converted. It isn't available that widely but big stores (John Lewis etc) often stock it. I walked in to a JL store a few weeks ago and they managed to fit me in for a makeup demo and I was so happy with the results and the Bobbi Brown staff.
Might be worth looking at the BB site and look for a stockist near you and having a chat - if nothing else you can have a free makeover !. Book an appointment for early in the morning - see how your skin feels after a few hours and then pop back if you are interested. It's not the cheapest but like lots of these things, the quality is there and a tiny amount of foundation gives amazing coverage.

I agree with Arched, I'm sold on Bobbi Brown. I too discovered it after going for a consultation, they take the cost of the consultation off of your purchase. They do a nice foundation that makes the skin look brighter, even worked for me after aa litter of pups, I almost looked half human :)

I think you need to get some samples from different make-up stands once you have found the correct colour and texture and see how your skin behaves once on at home.

I'm a huge fan of MAC of foundation myself and use one which is often used on showcases and is very good coverage.
What you may have to use is also a colour corrector for blemished skin as well - which would help with dealing with even skin tone.

I have very sensitive skin. I used to use Clarins in the days i used make-up. The girls were always giving me diffrent samples to try
Jean

i love estee lauder and wont wear anything else. order mine online because i know what it is i want, but think you can still buy it from debenams? someone correct me if im wrong :-)

I agree with the ladies that have suggested mineral make up, I've been using it for about 6 months after using liquid foundation for years and I love it. Really natural coverage unlike a lot of liquid make ups. I get mine from a online from bare face beauty. It's cheaper than brands like bare esentuals and they do tester pots for around £2.50 I think.

Oooo make up! :-) I usually use either Clinique tinted moisturizer & Estee lauder Individualist they are my two favs but this last 2 months while my OH hasnt been working ive not been able to afford my usuals :-( I had to get a much cheaper one, I tryed a few different ones but found that max factor miracle touch was the best for coverage while still looking natural and lasted all day. It costs around £10 so isnt breaking the bank but only problem is it doesnt last as long as I wish it did :-(

Best thing to do is go round department stores and get few testers done see which ones work best on your skin.:-)

I take back the comment about no 7 its gone up just paid £14.00 for one. May have to look for something else... the recession has hit !

Avon are very good

I'm another MAC lover, I have very pale skin and it's one of the only brands that do the right shade for me. They also do a range of different coverages. I think the one I buy is about £22 but that lasts me for ages. I also have to be careful what products I use. I tried Clinque and their moisturisers actually burnt my face! MAC is also the only company where I am happy to pay out for expencive mascara, normally I think a lot of 'cheap' mascaras are as good as the top brands. They are also very nice about giving you free samples, I always ask for a sample before I buy anything from them :)

Us natural beauties needs no coverings!!! :) (I wished, I need cementing and shaping into a brands new woman all pretty and slims like!)

Thanks everyone for taking the time to give me some advice.  I do appreciate it and will following it up. Joany