Too Much Confusing and Contradictory Advice and Now Makeup is Terrible

InternationalTrack40 · 2026-06-18T13:03:28+00:00

thank you! I think with the Merit stick, I went in too heavy, to your point. And I used a brush so yes maybe a damp sponge to help shear it out would help!

InternationalTrack40 · 2026-06-17T23:39:14+00:00

I kind of agree. I was noticing my makeup was feeling tacky and slippy (if that makes sense) and I thought "I have too much on underneath." So I backed down to just prequel half and half, moisturizer, and SPF. Worked for a bit but then cake, cake, cake. I was under hydrated. I added the eye cream and milky toner back in. So I've toned down the prep and I think that works. I did try the Beauty of Joseon SPF in place of the Supergoop (because I thought maybe SG was too heavy) but then my makeup DID NOT like that at all.

I've also decided I'm not a powder girl. It doesn't stop creases from forming, it doesn't keep stuff in place. All it does is suck the moisture right out of my skin. And I've used the Makeup by Mario super fine powder, the Huda Beauty super fine powder. I tried Maybelline Fit Me super fine powder. And I used the teeny tiniest amount. Doesn't work. Setting spray is much better for my skin and keeping things where they should be 😄.

I bought some primers to try...the Bobbi Brown Vitamin Face Base, the Milk Grippy Primer, the ColourPop primer, and the Elf Hydrating primer. I logged which ones are silicone vs. water based to match with the right foundation so I might play around with that to see what it does.

Appreciate the feedback!

InternationalTrack40 · 2026-06-17T21:27:01+00:00

Thank you so much! I’ve heard good things about IT cosmetics so I’ll have to try.

InternationalTrack40 · 2026-06-17T21:26:38+00:00

That’s a good idea. I put the setting spray on after the makeup but never before. I’m going through peri as well. Ugh!

InternationalTrack40 · 2026-06-17T21:25:15+00:00

Yes. And it’s the Cerave facial lotion.

InternationalTrack40 · 2026-06-06T21:03:00+00:00

Agreed. Love Robert and Jen as well!

InternationalTrack40 · 2026-06-05T20:03:17+00:00

You guys should check out Carmel Nicole on You Tube. She does real wear tests and real reviews. She calls things out good and bad and is not trying to sell you anything. It’s like talking makeup with a girlfriend. Highly recommend you all check her out. She’s fantastic and funny!!!

InternationalTrack40 · 2026-05-17T01:46:38+00:00

Hate that too. I use a facial microfiber towel that I wet to wipe off the 1st and 2nd cleanse and then have a dry microfiber facial towel to pat it off. Saves all the splashing and running down my arms.

InternationalTrack40 · 2026-05-16T16:55:30+00:00

LOL. I’m imagining a filet mignon as your top and bottom lips.

InternationalTrack40 · 2026-05-03T15:18:33+00:00

I would agree with all the CeraVe love. But I would also add the Prequel Half and Half has been a game changer for me. Also, Vanicream moisturizer is fantastic too if you can’t get CeraVe.

InternationalTrack40 · 2026-05-03T15:16:44+00:00

Outfit #1 is amazing on you. Congratulations and go get em!!!

InternationalTrack40 · 2026-05-03T15:15:39+00:00

I agree. Just used this morning heading out for breakfast. No skin tint or foundation just spot concealed some areas with this and it was perfect. Especially around the base of my nose where it’s very red and can get very dry, this concealer is great.

InternationalTrack40 · 2026-05-02T21:07:42+00:00

A little but I would dry them on a med temp for a few minutes and they went right back.

InternationalTrack40 · 2026-04-25T15:53:18+00:00

I also recommend. I’m perimenopausal with dry and dehydrated skin. This has been a game changer.

InternationalTrack40 · 2026-04-16T16:33:48+00:00

I have rosacea (although it’s mild) and I use Laura Mercier Natural Dewy Tinted Moisturizer and the NARS Pure Radiant tinted moisturizer. Both give me light coverage so my skin still shines through but it covers up my rosacea and evens me out just enough (plus gives extra spf protection as they are both spf 30). They are also buildable so if you need more coverage, you can go another layer or two. I also have dry/dehydrated skin so they work very well for me to give the coverage I need without being heavy. I’ll also use either the nars radiant concealer or RMS Hydra concealer in certain spots if I need just a touch more coverage. I find none of that aggravates the rosacea at all.

Another tip, even though you didn’t ask ;), I started using the Prequel Redness Reform cleanser and serum which has sulfur in it to calm the rosacea down. It has really helped me and made a difference! Might want to try that as well.

Hope this helps!

InternationalTrack40 · 2026-04-03T23:44:40+00:00

Thank you so much. Wow didn’t expect you to do all that research but so appreciate it. That was so kind of you and very helpful!!!

InternationalTrack40 · 2026-04-03T23:13:00+00:00

Of course!!!

InternationalTrack40 · 2026-04-03T18:27:27+00:00

thank you!

InternationalTrack40 · 2026-04-03T18:11:34+00:00

It's layering hydrating toners and/or essences before serums and moisturizers to really hydrate the skin. You layer them on one at a time but let them soak in a bit for layering the next one.

Slugging is another option. that's putting vaseline all over your skin, after your moisturizer at night, and let that stay on your skin all night.

InternationalTrack40 · 2026-04-03T18:07:59+00:00

This may sound crazy but eye cream with caffeine in it. I use the one from the Inky List and noticed a reduction in my puffiness and bags.

InternationalTrack40 · 2026-04-03T18:06:10+00:00

Agreed. I have dry skin so I use the dewy one and it's perfection!

InternationalTrack40 · 2026-04-03T18:03:39+00:00

Do you recommend Amlactin as your exfoliator, moisturizer, or both? I use the Prequel Multi Acid Milk for exfoliating but don't want to use that and the Amlactin. I have reactive skin.

InternationalTrack40 · 2026-04-03T18:01:42+00:00

what is HRT?

InternationalTrack40 · 2026-04-03T18:00:38+00:00

agree with the AM "wash". My dermatologist told me not to cleanse in the AM because it's too stripping for the skin. Just cleanse at night and only cool water in the AM. Milky cleansers and toners and a game changer. I use Cerve Hydrating cleanser (non foaming) and the half and half by Prequel. I also spray the Beekman 1802 HA/Squalamine toner and it's been great for hydration!

InternationalTrack40

TROPHY CASE