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Best Foundations for Mature Skin ~ Year End Round-Up

Can you believe that I tried on almost 50 different foundations this year? I was on an epic search for a foundation that made my aging skin look better than it really is. I discovered that there are a few foundations that look and feel good, but that for every one of those, there are 10 that made my skin look worse! I tried on liquids, powders, BB and CC creams and tinted moisturizers in the search for my “holy grail”, and while I didn’t have a religious experience with any of them, I did find a few things that came close!

I’m going to break it all down into 4 categories (High-End Liquid, Drug Store Liquid, Powder, and BB/CC Creams & Tinted Moisturizers) and within each category list the foundations in order of best to worst. In general, the high-end liquids were far superior to the drugstore liquids, but in the powders the high-end and drugstore were more comparable. I came to the conclusion that BB and CC creams are just not made for mature skin… until I found the winner in that category.

If you like full coverage or have super dry skin, these foundations may not work for you. I like a foundation that’s sheer to medium coverage, matte to satin finish (nothing shiny or dewey), hides my pores without having to use primer, controls oily t-zone, doesn’t settle into lines & wrinkles, stays put, and looks good ALL day! It’s a tall order, I know, but as it turns out, it is achievable (and without breaking the bank)!!

The best foundations I found from each category are:

Best High-End Liquid:

Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Makeup

Estee Lauder Double Wear Light

Runner Up High-End Liquid:

Channel Vitalumiere Aqua

Armani Designer Lift

Armani Maestro

Just Didn’t Work for Me High-End Liquid:

IT Cosmetics IT-O2 Liquid Oxygen Foundation

Laura Mercier Oil-Free Supreme Silicone Free Liquid Foundation

Paula’s Choice Best Face Forward Foundation

Paula’s Choice Resist Instant Smoothing AA Found

Hourglass Immaculate Foundation

Bobbi Brown Luminous Moisturizing Foundation

Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup

Hourglass Veil Fluid Makeup

Best Drugstore Liquid:

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup

Runner-Up Drugstore Liquid:

Almay Smart Shade Anti-Aging Makeup

Just Didn’t Work for Me Drugstore Liquid:

Cover Girl & Olay Simply Ageless Foundation

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Treatment Makeup

L’Oreal Visible Lift Serum Absolute Advanced Age-Reversing Makeup

Revlon Nearly Naked

Revlon Age Defying with DNA Advantage

Revlon Photoready Airbrush Foundation

Best Powder:

IT Cosmetics Celebration Foundation

Runner Up Powder:

Laura Mercier Mineral Pressed Powder

NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation

Pretty Good Powders:

Laura Gellar Balance N Brighten

Id bareMinerals Matte Loose Powder Foundation in Medium

Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder

Almay Wake Up Hydrating Make Up

Just Didn’t Work for Me Powders:

Revlon Age Defying with DNA Advantage Powder Compact in Light Medium

Mac Studio Fix Powder

Physicians Formula CoverTox 10 Wrinkle Formula face Powder in Translucent Medium

Best BB/CC Cream or Tinted Moisturizer:

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream

Runner Up BB/CC Cream or Tinted Moisturizer:

Pur Minerals CC Cream

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Compact

Pretty Good BB/CC Cream or Tinted Moisturizer:

Clarins UV Plus High Protection Tint

Paula’s Choice Barely There Tinted Moisturizer

Just Didn’t Work for Me BB/CC Cream or Tinted Moisturizer:

Chantecaille Just Skin

Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer

Smashbox Sheer Focus Tinted Moisturizer

L’Oreal Youth Code BB Cream

Shiseido Urban Environment Tinted UV Protector

Dr. Jart Rejuvenating BB+ Cream

DiorSkin Nude BB Cream

Bobbi Brown BB Cream

Tarte BB Tinted Treatment 12-Hour Primer

Rachel K CC Cream

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream

Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge Anti Aging Complexe Tinted Treatment

43 Responses to "Best Foundations for Mature Skin ~ Year End Round-Up"

Desiree says:

July 6, 2016 at 8:11 pm

I enjoy your videos and share your same wants from a foundation, BB & CC Cream However not all of us are as financially able to splurge on high end products Can you please email me back with more drugstore options for us poorer aging women wanting to look & feel better without having a caked up face as well as affordable I’m not being rude so I hope you don’t take it that way I’m just a poor single mom trying to find drugstore products that are my only options Also what are the best drugstore anti aging skin care for us who can’t afford high end to use during the day and at night I’m desperate for advice on anything you can offer as a drugstore choice Believe me when I say I would love to be able to buy high end products let alone the more expensive drugstore products but unfortunately that’s not an option I hope to hear back from you I appreciate all your helpful video reviews along with how to and how not to I just want to look nice without wanting to hide in a corner at all my kids school and college functions Do you know of any companies that mail samples This is so embarrassing I’m just desperate for all the advice I can get Thank you for making it through this long rambling post

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Lori says:

December 18, 2015 at 1:34 pm

I was wondering if you have tried the Pur Minerals liquid veil foundation. I have been using that with fairly good success. Although, I am always in search of a good foundation for aging skin that wears well and doesn’t cake in the fine lines. It seems like I need a powder to lightly cover the liquid veil. Thank you for your work! I have enjoyed reading and will start trying your recommendations.

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Helen Johnstone says:

September 29, 2015 at 9:41 pm

Hi Ange,
Like many others I’ve loved watching your search for the perfect foundation…thankyou! I love how you do your testing and for showing the flaws. I know I’m late to comment on this but really hope your able to help!! I’m on the search for my perfect foundation, requirements not completely unsimiliar however I have dry skin and I am hoping that you may have kept note of which of the trillions you tried that you thought they would have worked well on us dryer woman? I went last week to get some samples however after waiting at all the counters (seemed that half of the SA’s were on very long breaks) I came away with a couple from EL and lancome and from those I was quite underwhelmed. I suppose I should’ve expected that considering I only received four diff samples and how many you have tried!! Hope you are well and look forward to watching your videos on all things ‘mature’! Regards, Helen

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1. Angie says:
  
  October 3, 2015 at 10:48 am
  
  Hi Helen~ For dryer skin I’d recommend IT Cosmetics CC+ cream, Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, Armani Maestro, or Bourjois Healthy Skin. I hope one of those works for you! <3
  
  Reply
2. Nicole says:
  
  October 10, 2015 at 4:35 pm
  
  hey Helen,
  
  You should also check out Chanel’s CC Cream. I have mostly dry skin especially on my cheeks, but I find this particular CC Cream provides a bit of luminosity throughout the day without highlighting dry, flaky patches. Admittedly, the shade range is limited – I think they only offer shades 10, 20, 30 and 40. I like to use this with Stila’s One Step Correct to cancel out the redness in my cheek. To apply the CC cream I’d recommend applying it with your hands starting at the centre and then blending your way out, then blend again with a cleanish foundation brush in a downward motion (you don’t need to pull hard at all, let the brush do your handiwork) to avoid brushing up any flaky bits of skin. Or, dispense a pearl sized amount of product onto the back of your hand and apply with your foundation brush, preferably one with a rounded/domed head and synthetic bristles. I tried using a Beauty Blender, but I hated the results.
  
  This isn’t gospel, but I found this is what works for me.
  
  Reply
Liz says:

July 22, 2015 at 3:22 am

Hi Angie,
Love your posts and reviews! There are so many products out there it is great to get an idea how they might work before purchasing.

I was wondering if you still like the Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid foundation? You seemed to like it a lot but I haven’t seen you mention it since this post.

Liz

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  July 25, 2015 at 8:04 pm
  
  Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid is still one of my favorites, but sadly it’s been discontinued.
  
  Reply
  1. Angel says:
    
    July 27, 2015 at 7:01 am
    
    Hi Angie
    Thanks for researching all of these foundations and saving me a fortune 🙂
    I KNOW! How can they discontinue these failsafe Estee Lauder foundations? They’ve discontinued my favourite Futurist as well apparently 🙁
    
    Reply
  2. Sheila says:
    
    May 28, 2016 at 1:34 pm
    
    Why do they discontinue good products. I feel sometimes I make up a small portion of the population especially color wise. Speaking of discontinuing, I loved fruition by ester Lauder. It was the only product that helped with my extreme oiliness. now that I am 60 I am still oily but not extreme.
    
    Reply
TerriHope says:

July 18, 2015 at 2:23 pm

Hi, Just wondering if you have tried these from the drugstore? Maybelline Fit me, Loreal Lumi, Rimmel lasting finish? I have heard these are good for mature dryish skin. Thank you.

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Mary says:

May 22, 2015 at 3:19 am

Have you ever tested Jane Iredale loose powder as a foundation? I used it for years and loved it then as I aged I felt it was starting to accent the creases and wrinkles. It had great coverage.

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1. Angie says:
  
  May 22, 2015 at 11:33 am
  
  I haven’t tried it yet, but it’s on my list to try this year (I started a new series today called Foundation Friday for Over 50s) so I’ll definitely get to it in 2015!
  
  Reply
  1. dee says:
    
    July 12, 2015 at 12:06 am
    
    hi angie ,,, im a new subscriber ,,, only last june 30,2015,, after my so. taught me how to use you tube and find u there ,,, ifollow u since then and thank you for those advice,,, im 51 yrs old problem is my big pores and oily skin ,, i dont pay attention on my makeup and use everything that s come up new in the store until i watch your videos,,, thank you for making me realized the importance of it ,,,,
    
    Reply
Leah E says:

April 9, 2015 at 11:02 pm

It BYE BYE Pores HD powder rocks, not drying, don’t need much product. Leaves skin looking airbrushed!!

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Leah E says:

April 9, 2015 at 11:00 pm

I too LOVE the It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores. I use the Bye Bye Redness for the most part due to my rosacea. I mix it with a bit of moisturizer with peptides in it. Blending with a beauty blender.
The Bye Bye Pores takes SO little product (just like Bye Bye UnderEye) really sets my make up, also put the Celebration Illumination Foundation on after the Bye Bye Redness. Then the powder. I then hit my UD Cooling/hydrating setting spray and use the beauty blender in my smile lines and just a double check to make sure I’m all blended well. I use ULTA to find my colors and samples. But find that buying It Cosmetics off QVC is great because you usually get the brush (which are FAB!) along with the product!! And buying the brushes can be a very expensive purchase. However I am finding (4-9-2015) So many of the IT products are being Wait Listed or just not even available in all colors!! I’ve live chatted, called, emailed and they blamed the distributor? You can’t get Bye Bye UnderEye in light or medium AT ALL right now. They have a waterproof version but, tried it at ULTA and it’s just not the same. Didn’t hold up and the formula/colors seemed odd. They have new Blurred Lines lip stick which is so new that its not even on the It Cosmetics site, Ulta. Just on QVC but it’s wait listed. And no estimated delivery in sight. It’s just a peeve of mine when I order something I’d like to get it within at least a couple weeks if ordering online. Anyone else having trouble getting product.

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  April 15, 2015 at 4:49 pm
  
  Hi Leah~ Part of the problem is that QVC has exclusives on many of the IT products when they first come out (like the Blurred Lines lipstick). So if it’s offered in a TSV, it won’t be available on the IT Site or Ulta for 3 months after. If the TSV sells out, it’s just not available for a while.
  
  Reply
teresa says:

February 12, 2015 at 1:06 pm

Just wanted to ask which powder would be best as light setting powder over the IT cc cream. Will the celebration be enough to control the shiny breakthrough. My skin andvage are pretty close to you. Any tips?

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  February 17, 2015 at 9:23 pm
  
  I absolutely love the IT Bye Bye Pores HD Powder for setting and mattifying (much better than using the Celebration foundation)!
  
  Reply
Lizzie says:

February 9, 2015 at 8:21 pm

I understand your search as I have tried many at theexpense of more money than I care to admit! However, cruelty free is very important to me as it is to millions which is why so many are avoiding to the big time advertisers! Estee Lauder, Loreal, Lancome, and many others are paying for puppy, rabbit, and other babies for testing. The results are unmentionable and disasterous including death! Chantecaille is a beautiful cosmetic line who has not succumbed to the demands and greed of China while helping to make us beautiful

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  February 10, 2015 at 8:22 pm
  
  IT Cosmetics (featured winners in 2 categories) is also 100% cruelty free, as are many of the brands I tested.
  
  Reply
2. windye pilgrim says:
  
  April 20, 2015 at 5:36 pm
  
  HI LIZZIE! AMEN, GIRL! THAT IS ONE OF THE REASONS I LOVE “IT” COSMETICS! I USED TO SELL AND USE ESTEE LAUDER, BUT NOW I HAVE MY REASONS TO BELIEVE THAT IT TRULY IS NOT CRUELTY FREE, AS I ONCE THOUGHT! AS WELL, I WILL NOT USE LANCOME, NOR MANY OF THE FAMOUS DRUG STORE BRANDS FOR THE SAME REASON. I MEAN IF MORE PEOPLE REALIZED WHAT POOR DEFENSELESS ANIMALS GO THROUGH FOR THE SAKE OF BEAUTY PRODUCTS, THEY WOULD THINK AGAIN!
  
  Reply
Betsy Kleger says:

January 29, 2015 at 8:48 pm

Hi there Angie: I’m in Puerto Vallarta and scored a couple of tubes of Retin-A for SIX BUCKS EACH!! You mentioned you picked some up last time you were in Mexico….

While I’ve been lounging at the beach (under an umbrella and with 70 spf sunscreen) I’ve been watching a lot if your videos and all I can say is THANK YOU for taking the time so that we can all be better (informed) consumers. I’m 53 years old and have combo skin, don’t like to wear liquid, heavy foundation and have hormonal acne as well. I’ve been a Bare Minnerals loose foundation powder (I tried their pressed powder foundation when it came out–it was HORRIBLE) wearer and alternate with Laura Gellers Balance and Brighten.

My question is this: I’m considering trying the iT Cosmetics CC creme, HD powder and Celebration Foundation because my uneven skin tone and large pores are more of a problem now and my current products aren’t cutting it. What was it about these iT products that caused you to make the switch from Bare Minerals? Did the “teenagers test” factor into your decision? Lastly, with the CC creme, HD powder AND Celebration foundation ALL layered on your face, does it still feel as light while you are wearing these?

You have saved me so much time AND money; our skin issues are very similar as is our feelings about heavy foundations. I just go with your recommendations since you’ve already done the research!!
If I purchase the iT products, do you have an affiliate link so you can get $$ for the sale?
Thanks in advance!
Betsy Kleger

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Sabrina says:

January 8, 2015 at 9:32 pm

I think you might like Hard Candy’s ‘Just Face It’ foundation. It is sold at Walmart for about $ 7, which is an amazing price. Like you, I am oily in the t-zone and need decent coverage. This foundation has a slightly more yellowish tint to it, which is great because I find the drugstore brands are usually too pinkish for my mature skin. I put it on over my moisturizer and even it out with a sponge. Works great and lots of long wear. I don’t even use powder over it. For 7 dollars, you don’t have much to lose even if you don’t like it.

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1. Danielle says:
  
  October 15, 2015 at 12:36 pm
  
  Hi,
  After discouraging and expensive searches for a foundation which does not look cakey nor emphasize every wrinkle (68 years old) and trying high end (Estee Lauder and Clinique recently) as well as numerous drugstore brands I fell on Hard Candy Just Face It (light medium) and was pleasantly surprised. I used it all summer mixed with my moisturizer and now plain with a brush. It unifies the complexion without turning into a mask. I just discovered that applying a very light touch of Physician Formula Multi colored pressed powder followed with a very light all over pass of Tikki from hard Candy give a lovely finish which lasts all day
  gives me a lovely finish.
  
  Reply
Eva says:

January 7, 2015 at 11:09 am

Have you tried vichy dermablend? It is the only foundation that makes miracles with my dark spots from acne and I’ve tried many, believe me.

Reply
Lela says:

December 4, 2014 at 9:51 pm

Hi Angie….I stumbled onto you videos one night last year and I’ve been following you since…I would love to see you do is a video for people like me than need a good day look with light shades of eye shadow and s a soft mascara…It seems that I am having such a nightmare with trying to find a medium with eye shadow, mascara and a good lipstick….I’m 60 and I look pretty good for my age so I’m a little OCD on my makeup looking as natural as possible but great as well…..Thank Angie and thanks a bunch for the tips and videos…..

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Lisa says:

November 16, 2014 at 9:15 pm

Hi Angie!
I watch your videos all the time- thanks for doing them!
I have tried a zillion foundations – all high end and now that I am in my 40’s they ALL settle into pores and lines. After a few hours I look ridiculous! With or without primer – same results. Right now I’m using Chanel Vitalumier, dior Star, Estée Lauder BB, Chanel BB… Nothing is great. I don’t even care if spots are showing anymore. Just a little evening out of the skin and no settling into pores and lines!! Any suggestions?!

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Christine says:

October 24, 2014 at 3:11 pm

I am 52, and have the usual sun damaged skin and wrinkles. What I find is less usual is that I have developed extremely oily skin, especially in my t-zone. I’m having a very hard time finding a good foundation for mature skin that isn’t super oily, thus adding to my problem.

Any advice for someone like me?

Thanks!! 🙂

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Zoe Greenberg says:

October 13, 2014 at 11:07 am

I am also not a full coverage kind of gal!
For BB cream, I like Kiehl’s with SPF 50. It gives just the right amount of coverage and uber protection.
For foundation, I am liking Armani Maestro. So light and fluid, it feels barely there.

Zoe
beautifulbeyond50.com

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Debbie says:

September 16, 2014 at 10:08 am

I’m a brand new subscriber. Working down the video list. THANKYOU for your time and interest in accomplishing what so many of us mature skin women find so confusing—what works on peri-menopausal skin and the thereafter. I recently had my makeup done for my daughters wedding. Looked gorgeous, but 3-4 hours into it and I was transformed into the wicked witch of the west as every line, crease, sag and dark circle was made evident. Should have watched the videos, and used the money to buy your recommended products and do my own makeup.

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  September 16, 2014 at 10:27 pm
  
  Hi Debbie~ Thanks so much for subscribing and watching!! Congrats on your daughter’s wedding! I’m so glad you looked gorgeous for the photos and ceremony, and so bummed it didn’t last… this getting older thing can really suck sometimes 🙁
  
  Reply
Ginny says:

September 10, 2014 at 12:19 pm

I love that you have tried and even heard of Chantecaille! I use the foundation and love it but, based on your reviews, I may switch to Este Lauder next time! Thank you so much for your foundation review critique!

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Lisa Brookbank says:

August 27, 2014 at 2:22 pm

Hi, Have you ever tried any of the Mary Kay foundations? I would love to know your opinion on the Mary Kay Full Coverage Foundation line, especially in comparison to what you already like. I do not sell it, I just use it. I would even send you some for free if you ever had the time or were interested in trying it. Just curious. Love all of your videos I have seen so far, and looking forward to watching more. I am a new subscriber and grateful for all your fantastic experiments and tutorials.

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1. Angie says:
  
  August 30, 2014 at 8:20 pm
  
  Hi Lisa~ I haven’t tried any Mary Kay foundations. I’m not really a full coverage gal, so I’m not sure it would be right for me, but I’m glad you have one you love!! xo ~angie
  
  Reply
Jeanie says:

July 19, 2014 at 11:54 am

Tried the It CC and so far I’m hooked for summer coverage!

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Lisa J says:

May 30, 2014 at 10:44 pm

I like the Bobbi Brown ok, it didn’t last all day for me. I have recently tried Lacome, just not worth the price. I bought Pur Mineral in one. I like the way it feels, but it is a little yellow on me. So now I am here seeing what works for other beautiful seasoned skin. I haven’t found my holy grail product either
Lisa

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mercedes says:

April 12, 2014 at 1:49 pm

Angie,
Thank you for recommending IT Celebration foundation powder for over 50 women. I have been trying to find a powder that does not cake or go into lines since there are times I do not want a liquid foundation. I am a devoted follower and love your videos

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Andee says:

February 6, 2014 at 6:36 pm

My current favorite foundation is Tom Ford Traceless (liquid foundation). I am a paraben avoider. This foundation doesn’t have them. It is very rich. A half squirt is all I need for my whole face. There’s an excellent color range and it doesn’t sink into pores. It is recommended to be used with a makeup brush, but I can get a thinner application with my fingers. My skin is normal to dry and very smooth, so I don’t need a primer, but even so, this product lasts the entire day for me.

For CC cream, I’ve only tried one, Supergoop. Again it is paraben free. It only comes in 2 shades, but the lighter one works for me even though I am extremely fair. It has SPF 35 and full spectrum, so unless I am going to be in the sun for long, I think it has sufficient protection. It seems to last all day.

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Debbie says:

January 14, 2014 at 9:10 am

Hi, Angie,
I am an avid follower!
I have a question . I was reading your review about the Bobbie Brown Luminous Moisturizing Foundation in which you wrote, “This was one of the better foundations I tried.” but I see it’s on your “Just Didn’t Work for Me High-End Liquid” list.
I was just wondering what you think about it because I was considering purchasing it. Thanks, Debbie

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  January 14, 2014 at 11:23 am
  
  Hi Debbie~
  
  Thanks for your question. I may have to go back and edit that post to make it more clear…
  All the detail is in the video review, so if you want to watch it, here’s the link:
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhYhddRtm_o
  Luckily, it’s the first foundation on the video!
  
  Basically, it’s a good foundation that does what it says it will, which is to be moisturizing, and
  not settle into pores and wrinkles. The reason it was on my Just Didn’t Work for Me list
  is that on me it went all shiny after 3-4 hours, and was worn off after 6 hours.
  
  It may be better for people with dry skin (mine was combo/oily last year), and could probably
  be improved with a primer and setting powder.
  
  Sorry about the confusion, hope that helps.
  ~angie
  
  Reply
Lisa says:

January 13, 2014 at 11:33 am

That’s a lot of trial and error!! I love the Pur Minerals CC cream. I set that with some MAC mineralize skin finish or some Bare Minerals and I am good to go. I love the bit of luminosity I get when it’s applied and the coverage is just enough as long as I am not having any major skins issues that day.

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Bonnie says:

January 12, 2014 at 8:21 am

I very much enjoyed your make-up tutorials, so it was exciting for me to try some products that used a Nordstroms gift certificate to purchase MAC paint pot in Painterly and Giorgio Armani under eye master corrector and also his soft eyeliner pencil. Unfortunately, my eyes didn’t react well to these products. lots of burning and watery eyes. I was able to return items for full refund to Nordstroms with no questions asked. Kudos to them for their customer service! Do you have any suggestions for face make-up products that are formulated for sensitive skin/eyes? thanks very much!

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  January 14, 2014 at 11:28 am
  
  Wow, it sounds like your eyes are really sensitive! I didn’t have any problems with those products… did you have products you used before that didn’t cause sensitivity? I’m sure there are products out there, but can’t recommend anything in particular since I don’t have the same problem.
  
  Reply

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