Dermatologist's Favorite Foundations & Skincare Prep for Makeup | Dr. Sam Ellis

[@katherinekoerner2262]

I'm 71, and the most-important products for me are those that address skin health. I now have a great "arsenal" of healthy skin-care products. However, I would like to use foundation sometimes. Foundations are tricky for older skin; they can settle into lines and small wrinkles and draw attention to what one is trying to hide! I'd love for you to do a video on foundations that tend to work on mature skin (that is still in pretty good shape) and that improve the look of one's skin while still looking skin-like and as natural as possible. I also want foundations that don't harm the skin and thus undo all the improvement achieved from the care products. By the way, I love your videos and that you put skin health above everything else.

[@brirose230]

Would love some more foundation/BB/CC/tinted moisturiser recommendations that are both *cruelty free* and *fragrance free* please 🙏🏻

[@ambergerhelper7852]

I can only think of the Purito Bb cream.

[@carolinerosewood]

Highly recommend the ilia skin tint for people with dry skin! Very hydrating and skin like . Can be sheer or medium coverage depending on how much you apply. Plus it has mineral SPF

[@AmyGent]

I never used the old Mac face and body but I absolutely love the new one, I had to find a replacement for the Dior face and body that Sephora had but has since discontinued. THAT one was amazing! It's a little more luminous than I'd like but that's easily fixed with a little powder. I get compliments on my skin ALL THE TIME when I wear it and I'm 57!

[@juliezimmer8395]

I try many foundations but always go back to the original Bare Minerals powder foundation. Love how easy it is and how it gives my face coverage without feeling heavy.

[@sfkat]

Your skin and makeup look flawless, I looked at what you're wearing and it looks like several steps to look so natural and good. Could you please do a video of this makeup look. Just a video of you using each product to get your final look. I'm fair like you and am not sure how to use a bronzing step etc. Please Please it would be such a helpful video.

[@pamcanfield255]

I have LOTS of foundations in my arsenal (kissed alot of frogs!) from Loreal to Armani & Dior. They're all okay but, believe it or not, my holy grail is the Ulta Complexion Crush. It's $14! Not that price matters--I have some high dollar stuff. But the Ulta looks good on my mature skin! It's a natural, skin-like finish and it lasts all day! I use a setting spray lightly for longer wear. I reach for it even for special occasions--over my Armani, Dior or Charlotte Tilbury! I'd be curious to know what you think.

[@silynthiacrane66]

Armani luminous silk foundation is my absolute favorite! Definitely on the spendy side but beautiful!

[@brooks6348]

Wonderful reviews! Foundation is such a personal choice! I’m much older, and I’m having a difficult time finding a foundation that doesn’t settle in fine lines and emphasize dry areas. I’m searching for a light, skin like foundation.

[@veronicaivanova]

I personally love Estee Lauder Double Wear for the colder months and used to use EL Double Wear Light in the summer, but they discontinued the latter. They have a newer version similar to Double Wear Light which is pretty good too. I really appreciate they're fragrance free too.

[@cindybarraco5815]

In my 70’s now w/ pretty dry skin I have started adding Cream Foundation to my collection of Tinted Moisturizers & Foundations…. It blends nice …Monica Blunder’s “Blunder Cover” is one of my Fav’s w/ natural ingredients

[@ghc26]

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this video. It may not seem like an important topic to some, but it’s one of the questions I’m always wondering when I watch a Dermatologist’s video. My favorite foundation for when I want or need some extra coverage is the Armani Luminous Silk (oil free) foundation (I’m not sure of the exact name). For a light everyday tinted moisturizer I use bareMinerals Complexion Rescue with spf 30. 😊

[@lhickman51]

I also love the dior forever skin glow and the transfer proof one is also nice Another favorite is the Nars light reflecting foundation

[@susanmcf1]

The Charlotte Tillbury foundation interested me when you said it is not fragranced. One of the things I disliked about the IT Cosmetics CC was the heavy citrus smell (along with the yellow, heavy and greasy feel.

[@heatherhouse8311]

I feel like you would also enjoy Estée Lauder Futurist foundation. Regarding Mac Face & Body, I can’t tell the difference between the new one and the older version. To my knowledge, Mac rebranded F&B and added “W” shades, but did not change the ingredients. Thank God!

[@veronicaivanova]

I love the EL Double Wear variations but I hate Futurist. I have normal to dry skin, but Futurist makes my skin look so oily, it also travels down too much.

[@bsimple]

I am more interested in how you prep your skin (cleanser/sunscreen/primer steps BEFORE foundation steps...thank you !

[@mari22]

Thanks for great vid, Dr. Sam 😘 Mac Face & Body is my all time fave, too!! Mac says, that new one is same in new packaking, and it also feels same to me. My dry, sensitive, rocasea prone skin also likes new It Cosmetics CC Nude Glow, and Erborian CC Red Correct. Both are very skin like, It is little more luminous, but Erborian corrects red best. (I usually avoid fragrances on my face, but these have very light scent, and doesn’t bother my skin. Also love, that they are cruelty free ❤️).

[@bey5426]

I was obsessed with MAC studio fix powder foundation in mid 2000s and I loved it when I put on as I have oily skin, and my skin broke out so badly red pimples all around... It was one of the biggest disappointments in my 20s. Many years later Ive read online alot of people break out from studio fix. I still dont know what ingredient cause it but they never renewed their oily skin/acne prone skin products formulas. I wish they had a clean line for sensitive skin like some brands have.

[@memorydandaroy1618]

The Dior looks lovely on you. 👍🏻 When I want to look like I have foundation/ base on I use colorescience sunforgettable total protection face shield classic broad SpectrumSPF 50 ++++

[@DrSamEllis]

Thank you! I love that spf!

[@maureengreen617]

My favorite among the 30-ish that I own is probably the Pat McGrath foundation. Most important in mature skin is the super sheer application I only get with an Artis makeup brush. I can’t tell you how many compliments I get on my skin. And I’m 65. 😂

[@deidrekelloggketroser5573]

Great video! I’m a fan of the Nars Light-reflecting Foundation.

[@lindagreen8505]

Armani Luminous Silk is my favorite. For travel I like stick foundations and used to always use Bobbi Brown but want to try Merit or Westman Atelier.

[@ghc26]

For what it is worth, I have purchased both but prefer the one from Merit. Plus, it is way more affordable. The WA stick foundation contains a type of coconut oil and if worn daily, breaks me out.

[@someonerandom256]

Even using a very careful skin regimen, I was still struggling with occasional acne on the cheeks. I started using the Clinique Even Better Serum Foundation, and I haven't had a pimple since. It works best applied with fingers, over well moisturized skin, in my experience. Usually Clinique's lightest shades are too dark for me, but the lightest shade of this is a perfect match for my very fair neutral skin tone! It has something in it to fight dark spots, three types of vitamin C, salicylic acid, and hyaluronic acid. It is lightweight but has excellent coverage, so I only use a both half a pump a day, and it's buildable so I don't need a separate concealer. It has a satin finish and comes in 42 shades. So if you are acne prone and struggling with that last little big of occasional acne, or are prone to dark spots, and want excellent cake-free coverage, this might be worth a shot. I tried using a full pump the first time and it was way too much, but a half pump is perfect! Only drawback for me is that it tends to settle slightly in the fine lines around my eyes, and I have to sort of tap it back into place. It's on the pricey side for me, but I'm expecting the bottle to last me about a full year, the way I use it. It's considered full coverage, but I always go for a natural look, and that hasn't been a hindrance.

[@karenalexander8249]

For oily/combo skin girls, Dior Forever Matt is wonderful!

[@cathyjohnson9464]

I just tried the Surratt Dew Drop Foundation, and it is gorgeous! Despite the name, it is not actually dewy. More of a satin finish. I also love the OG Armani Luminous Silk! Just purchased CT Beautiful Skin Foundation from the Sephora sale. Can’t wait to try!

[@angelasuezanne1736]

I purchased the Summer Fridays about a month ago & it has been my HG ever since for everyday simple looks. I can even build it up a tad to wear out for a more date night look🤩

[@DrSamEllis]

So happy to hear that you like it too!

[@rachelcerkleski7305]

Love the NARS light reflecting foundation!

[@dianatrif7085]

Just the other days I have been checking out that Dior foundation online and I saw a shade that I think it maches me and now you recommend it. I gotta give it a try definetely. The shade was the lightest from the neutral tone ones, but your shade looks a match for me too. Thank you for the video.

[@JenaSoderholm]

I tried so many foundation before.. The ones I have used for the last 3 years now number 1- *It Cosmetics CC cream* for a natural looking make-up for day or evening make-up number 2- *Estee Lauder -Futurist* for day or evening make-up In Europe both of them cost around 50 euro each.

[@yadiraelizabethpreciado1138]

Love all your content !! Would you be able to a makeup tutorial video ? Would love to see how you apply the products 😍 Also would love to know your favorite perfumes ? Xoxo

[@mnop1774]

Love hearing your foundation faves! I always love Dior but I don't love the fragrance in it. Currently I do rotate their matte formula, which is not particularly matte imo, and Pat McGrath Skin Fetish. I think they're very similar. I also love the new Nars foundation but finding the right color match has been difficult for some reason. I suspect my coloring is similar to yours and I generally use a 2.0 or 2.5 neutral. No idea why Nars is tricky but nice formula. I am also a longtime Chanel fan and used to work behind the Chanel counter years ago which was so much fun!

[@robynmelluish721]

I use the new Mac face and body and really do not notice much difference . It’s still lovely

[@jessmullens5191]

I'm loving the Ultra Violette DreamSkin Skin Tint, it's such a lovely tint and you only need a tiny bit. Obviously I put this over a stand alone SPF!

[@1803sunnyday]

on my make up day, I like Chrlotte tilbury, I like mediam coverage and even out my skin tone and not dry out. I was in Sephora today and tried Summer Friday and so impressed on the lightness and easy to apply on the skin, I might try it after I finish my Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer ( for a none makeup day)

[@nataliabengaly5916]

Dr Ellis, we are on the same boat! My skin is now dry (I live in a dry climate), new mom (“ain’t nobody got time for that) and I also have rosacea (I treat it using BBL). Efficiency is my motto!!! Lol Thanks for your tips, I love skin but having make up tips from a dermatologist, that’s 🏆🏆

[@yellowrose13]

I went to Sephora to buy the Charlotte tilbury foundation but I found it never dried down and was too thick for my preferences. I bought the Estee lauder futurist hydra rescue foundation in a similar-looking tube. I highly recommend that instead!

[@pamcanfield255]

I agree--it feels "thick & heavy" on the skin.

[@Robbiestarduzt]

I haven’t liked anything from them

[@CoJau911]

Great video as always! Can i ask where is your sweater from?

[@SusanSlattery]

Well, I really don't need any more foundation, but I picked up the Charlotte Tilbury one. We'll see. All the super light shades are neutral or warn, so I got 3C. I am very fair with an icy cold (ready very cool) undertone. Even neutral foundations make me yellow.

[@suzannenetten6546]

Estee Lauder double wear sheer is fantastic. No perfume or alcohol, great packaging and light but buildable coverage, non sticking. 👌

[@makylaleammon]

Omg you’re in north Cali!!! What a dream come true.. what is a good concealer with good ingredients for acne prone skin???

[@OliaKonJo]

Could you please do a review of La Roche-Posay creams. So many of them. Are they good for skin care routine. I use serums to get rid of sun spots

[@veronicaivanova]

I recommend the Toleriane line by La Roche Posay. It's great for all weather conditions.

[@OliaKonJo]

@@veronicaivanova that's what I use. Except one of their cream B5 gel that has HA which can irritate skin especially if using retinol

[@Luvanmusiq]

@@OliaKonJo Love that you called this out! I just got LRP cicaplast gel and like it. But I use Arazlo now, and I am really worried about irritation as my skin barrier is irritated due to trying Tazarotene .1%.

[@RivyO]

Hi dr Sam as you said makeup has come a long way but why is summer Fridays putting corn oil in their foundation which is comedogenic? These clean brands put all types of comedogenic ingredients in their foundations but still claim to be clean. I’m very confused about that.

[@elizabethharper7371]

Have you tried the Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue tinted moisturizer? This is one of my favorites for light and sheer with coverage!

[@haleygardner5059]

This is so helpful bc I have a very similar skin type

[@elizabethjohnson6773]

My favorite foundation right now is the Armani Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Oil-Free Foundation. I haven’t tried the Mac face and body. It is on my list.

[@olgalitvak7465]

Your sweater is beautiful! What brand is it?

[@Luvanmusiq]

I’d love to know as well!

[@KaraTown12]

What is your opinion on mineral powders? Do they clog pores?

[@sarahdoanpeace3623]

You are such a beautiful woman and wonderful presenter of skincare and makeup! Thank you! Continue on the new baby!

[@romyrios217]

Whats a good loose powder i have combo skin and heard that putting powder is on your skin is a good way to mattify your face even if you dont have much makeup on

[@DrSamEllis]

It is helpful! I love the Laura Mercier translucent loose setting powder and the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder

[@Luvanmusiq]

The Hourglass one is excellent, too! The LM never looked great for me.

[@debrabrose9576]

Thank you for the great video. I always have the Mac one in my arsenal. I am curious what your fave method of application is for it. I find shaking it a lot before applying with my fingers is mine. :)

[@anita2623]

Since you are a dermatologist I would like you to assess foundations on the basis of the ingredients that are in it….. the effect can be, and has been, discussed by any influencer….

[@Shell_Herbs]

Boooooo

[@Luna-1028]

@Anita Agree 💯

[@devinahariprasad474]

I think that’s more of a cosmetologist’s job

[@floras4109]

Armani Luminous Silk ❤️

[@Jessinblackandwhite]

I wanted to love the Summer Fridays tint, but it accentuated my dry skin.

[@jennyf251]

Great video! My favorite at the moment is Nars Sheer Glow ☺️ Question, how often should you clean your foundation brush? Everything online says weekly but I’m weary about foundation caking up the brush in that time

[@MP-dz2ki]

How do ou reapply sunscreen after putting make-up on?

[@hbvamp]

Beautiful skin. ❤️

[@juliebrown3003]

I am curious what you think about the Carpe sweat absorbing face lotion. It seems to have just popped up everywhere. I live in South Texas where today’s heat index will be 109. So I worry about everything just melting off. I ordered some but haven’t tried it yet. I have sensitive dry skin with patches of red, although I was told it was not rosacea. But I am also allergic to sunless tanner. So we shall see what happens. Anyway, thanks for all the great videos!! I’m glad to know that I am not the only person shaving off the peach fuzz.😂❤❤

[@sylvielanglois1884]

Isn’t there a lot of fragrance in the Charlotte Tilbury foundation.?

[@hanojo6098]

Dior is amazing foundation.

[@Luvanmusiq]

Thank you doc!! What is a good alternative for dermaplaning/derm plane tool for face shaving? I am Fitz V (Kerry Washington color) and cannot shave my face no matter what prep before or after, I get bumps. I use those foil face shavers-they suck LOL.

[@cjmac2766]

Hi, @LuvanMusiq! I have sensitive skin and I don't do well with the dermaplaning. I don't like hair on my face, though, so I use one of those electric or battery-powered trimmers. I trim the hair very closely, so I eliminate the fuzzy look without the problems I have with the regular blades. Foundation and powder look very smooth. I hope that helps you!

[@annakelley6366]

Mac Face and Body is SO underrated! once you figure out how to use it and get the coverage out of it, it’s amazing! 🙌🏻 The new one is very similar to the old one, but slightly more luminous. I still love it

[@DrSamEllis]

I definitely need to get my hands on it!

[@tone2913]

I am 57, going on 58 and I have been using foundation every day since I was 19. I never leave my house without wearing it, and I find it a hassle. My skin is oily and acne prone with very few wrinkles. I never used actives until just recently. I thought all this skincare would leave me to have no need to wear foundation, but when you as a dermatologist have large pores and redness that needs coverup, then I wonder if it is a lost battle? How do we get a clear complection so we don't need to hide our skin? I am so tired of wearing foundation but I never can be seen without it 😢😢

[@kathiecoffaro2595]

Does sunscreen go or after foundation? Some sunscreens don’t blend well with foundation. What sunscreens work best with foundations?

[@annewarnement9365]

What do you have on your lips? Love it!

[@kerrymurphy4608]

Thank you for this review of foundations! Right now, I really like Jane Iredale Glow Time BB Cream. It says full coverage, but I only use a small amount over my sunscreen. I wanted to ask where did your gold rings you are wearing in the video?

[@robynmelluish721]

Does the fragrance bother you in foundations or lead you away . I love Dior but the fragrance annoys me and I know some dermatologists say it’s a definite nooooo ? What’s your thoughts ??

[@pamgordon783]

In regard to your use of SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic; is there a reason why you are not using the one for dry skin (SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF®). Had been using what you use and switched over because of dry skin. I’m 61. Is this what I should be using? Thank you

[@joycelinelopes7128]

This is unrelated to this video but can you answer if breastfeeding moms can use chemical sunscreen? Thanks

[@captainofmysoul6162]

what do I know, but I would say, no. They are endocrine system disrupters("allegedly"). Peace to you and yours.

[@trinablum7102]

What is the video called where you talk about face shaving? I’m having trouble finding it.

[@eileenfh7834]

None of these are oil free. I also have rosacea and was told to avoid oil in all facial skincare and foundation. Is this right? Thanks so much.

[@captainofmysoul6162]

they treat rosacea as a cosmetic issue, but it is your body telling you ,something is "off"

[@ansvong]

My no 1 is Clinique Redness Solution ❤

[@OliaKonJo]

I'm always skeptical of using a foundation. Still not sure what's the difference between tinted moisturizer and foundation. I live in a dry climate. I need something moisturizing I guess rather than foundation

[@katelynpoehr6882]

What was the setting powered you use?

[@DrSamEllis]

Laura Mercier translucent loose setting powder!

[@jgoel3266]

Does primer help cover redness? That's my main concern, redness in the cheek area.

[@ambergerhelper7852]

I have rosacea, and no green primer has ever covered my redness (I am very fair, though). I have to use foundation.

[@parinazaz4044]

use Green primer and foundation on top ..

[@loriroth2070]

The only lip products I have been allergic to are Charlotte Tillbury.

[@kita3256]

I never tried the old Mac face and body. I did try the new one and I looked like a grease ball. 🤢

[@karlaschmid8757]

MAC setting spray can help your foundation stay fresh when using a mask.

[@nancymccormick7567]

Seint is pretty good

[@Olive833]

Amen

[@judithlawless2246]

It really is misleading to market products as having a particular SPF if one needs to use an unnatural amount of the product to get that SPF level!

[@nunu9417_]

Omg if your skin tone is light mine is… inexistent???😂😂😂

[@sahahaah427]

What? Friendly suggestion to study English more lol

[@lizzi2993]

Mac Face & Body still available under Pro section on website. Don't need a Pro card to buy.

[@ambergerhelper7852]

They reformulated years ago. It’s their new formulation.

[@marialopez3814]

Do you have any drug store favorites?

[@db-gb5xi]

That would be interesting because most derm makeup videos don't really focus on them. I did see an older video from Dr Dray on drugstore makeup but that's probably an exception.

[@Luvanmusiq]

Everyone seems to be into La Roche Posay, Aveeno, Neutrogena, and Cerave

[@ambergerhelper7852]

Wet n Wild Tinted Hydrator is probably the best for a drugstore price.

[@dhdhrhhhdhrhrjrj9385]

ARE you VERY NiCE i LouE you ❣️🌻🇵🇰🥰🥊💞💘

[@manjakwiej2986]

You’re talking too much get to the point