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Sales of note for 9.30.24
- Nordstrom – Beauty deals through September
- Ann Taylor – Extra 30% off sale
- Banana Republic Factory – 50% off everything + extra 20% off
- Boden – 15% off new styles
- Eloquii – Extra 50% off sale
- J.Crew – 50% off select styles
- J.Crew Factory – Up to 60% off everything + 50% off sale with code
- Lo & Sons – Warehouse sale, up to 70% off
- M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
- Neiman Marcus – Friends & Family 25% off
- Rag & Bone – Friends & Family 25% off sitewide
- Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
- Talbots – Fall Cyber Monday sale, 40% off sitewide and $5 shipping
- Target – Car-seat trade-in event through 9/28 — bring in an old car seat to get a 20% discount on other baby/toddler stuff.
- White House Black Market – 40% off select styles
And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!
Some of our latest threadjacks include:
- What to say to friends and family who threaten to not vote?
- What boots do you expect to wear this fall and winter?
- What beauty treatments do you do on a regular basis to look polished?
- Can I skip the annual family event my workplace holds, even if I'm a manager?
- What small steps can I take today to get myself a little more “together” and not feel so frazzled all of the time?
- The oldest daughter is America's social safety net — change my mind…
- What have you lost your taste for as you've aged?
- Tell me about your favorite adventure travels…
Circe
I know we’ve talked about the Julep Maven program here. I love it (was a founding member), and now they’re offering it for a penny for your first month for the first 1000 people! You get nail colors and some other goodies every month ($20/month, but at least $40 worth of stuff).
Here’s my referral link – http://julep.com/?r=13463913 – I do get some credit if you stay beyond the first month as a member (full disclosure), but you can cancel at any time, so this isn’t just a credit thing. Please feel free to use the code SHAREON (for the penny offer) and see if you like it. I wouldn’t be evangelizing if I didn’t love it.
meme
Anyone out there tried the Lands End Benton Mid Heel Pull-on Dress Boots? I’m a little tempted by the 40% off sale today.
meme
Here’s the link. http://www.landsend.com/pp/MidHeelPullonDressBoots~228206_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::BLA&CM_MERCH=IDX_Women-_-ShoesBoots-_-Boots
The reviews are all over the place – too wide, too narrow, too soft, too stiff. Not sure what to believe.
Lawyer Bird
I have never had good luck with Lands End shoes, but their return policy rivals Nordies’. I have returned shoes that I had worn several times that hurt my feet, and they even refunded my original and return shipping costs. So go ahead and buy the boots – there’s nothing to lose.
LStar
Land’s End customer service is shockingly good. I bought a pair of ballet flats recently and wore them several times before realizing the band across the toe was too tight (to the point that I would not be able to wear them because I ended up hobbling around by the end of the day). I called to see if there was any chance that I could return them since you could definitely tell that they had been worn, and was told right away absolutely no problem.
And, a real person picks up right away when you call their customer service number — no robo-answer with “press 1 for X, press 2 for Y.”
AB
Yay throwing an ugly sweater party tonight! The only fly in the ointment is roomie’s boyfriend is in town and has only one setting: cranky. He criticizes everything about my condo (I bought, she rents a room from me), is spectaularly unhelpful…. Deep breaths, soon there will be other people here to distract me. And I can break out the booze.
Anonymous
Just in from the mall (having wine).
I really, REALLY wanted to love the J.Crew cashmere cardigan but it just looked thin, tired, and it was already pilling. Couldn’t do it, even on sale. I love the image of J.Crew, but the reality is that their quality is crap lately!
nona
I am mostly upset by cute things that had some small problems in execution, such that I couldn’t justify keeping them. Namely the honeycomb sweater that just too shrunken, and the daisylace shirt – which had delightful lace detailing on the sleeves and yoke, but went so low as to show the cups of the bra underneath. I could deal with addressing bra straps, but when it cuts so low as to show part of my bra…it would annoy me to no end.
Austin
I am pondering a job offer and I’d love to hear some initial thoughts from the readers. To give you some background, I have JD but have worked mostly in legislative advocacy as opposed to litigation. Recently, I was offered a position in a government consulting firm that specializes in criminal justice reforms, but my title would be a bit ambiguous (“policy analyst”) and they’ve made it clear that it’s non-negotiable. From what I can tell, many of my responsibilities will be legal in nature (e.g. drafting proposed legislation, writing reports on the benefits of various programs). I am worried that accepting this position will make it difficult to find a legal job further down the road. (I should note that I am currently unemployed and could used the money.) While I don’t want to litigate I would like to remain in a law-related career, and I’m not sure that this position will be as substantive as I would like. Are there any thoughts from the lawyers in the house? Am I too hung up on the title?
Anon
I’m a policy analyst former lawyer! My public title is different- Director of Environmental Policy. I don’t plan to go back into law, don’t think anytime you leave traditional practice it is easy to do so in this economy, as you get behind the other ducks. But I love it much more. And depending on the position, you can do so much with it. I perform it more like an executive, lots of public speaking, strategizing, guiding others- and pulling most analysis from more data crunchy types. But others are cubicle-dwellers who produce knockout materials and love that version of the work. I recommend it if these roles or anything in between sounds appealing, so what you want and don’t look back. I also make more than I did as a lawyer (global company).
I do lots of quasi-legal stuff- represent industry at the UN, Congress, etc. and review legislation, oversee federal partnerships, etc. but yay! I have lawyers who do the nuts/bolts parts. I love being able to use my skills/background but having a more fun and rewarding role.
Sounds like a good question is: are you interested in the subject matter. That makes a big difference.
Anon
also these jobs leave you open to promotions in management, higher level strategy, etc. unlike the lawyer track which frankly has more limited advancement opportunity in my experience. something to consider.
Job Seeker
I’m in need of advice:
I have a job interview on Monday at a small firm. I am really excited since it is my first interview that I’ve gotten since I graduated in May. I planned to spend the weekend researching the firm but I’m coming up with dead ends. Besides their website, they don’t have much of an online presence, and I can’t get onto Westlaw or Lexis since I’m unemployed and my student password expired. I don’t want to show up totally clueless about them, but I can’t seem to find any information on them with the resources I have! Any thoughts on what I should do or where I should look?
I’m really nervous because I don’t have any experience in the type of law they do (but they know that based on my resume). I just really want to ace this thing but I feel like the traditional wisdom is that I need to show up knowing a lot about them and I just don’t right now…
TYIA
Anon
martindale hubbel?
Anony
I’d check them out on LinkedIn — perhaps you can see if you are friends with anyone who is connected with them on Linkedin.
You can search for the firm in Google Scholar to get a sense of what type of cases they’ve had major decision in. You should also google each of the partners or any associates you’ll interview to see if they’ve written articles, taught CLEs, or are involved in a charity or something like that.
Otherwise, you need to have enough info to ask some questions about their firm, but you really don’t need to know everything about their entire CVs and every client they’ve ever had.
(Also, since you have no experience in their practice area, I might spend about half an hour or something looking at some summaries of the relevant law so that you can at least talk about it in the right vocabulary). And good luck!
Job Seeker
Thanks! I’m currently reviewing my Barbri outlines on the subject for that very purpose!
Unfortunately the partners and associates all tend to keep a low profile (maybe the firm instructs them to not over-share online?) so I’m sort of grasping at straws. Sounds like Google Scholar is my next stop tonight!
Anony
Remember that you don’t need to know everything about the firm — just enough to be able to say “Why this firm…” Most of the best interview questions, like “how is work assigned”, “what are you looking for in an associate” and “what drew you to this firm” are pretty neutral and non-firm specific.
KK
Google it and all the people associated with it. Also try your local bar journal/newsletter/legal newspaper if they have a searchable version. If all else fails, you could always mention at the interview that you are really interested in learning more about the firm because you haven’ t been able to find too much on your own. That conveys that you’re interested, and that you tried. Also, if their presence on the internet and other public forums is as minimal as you say, I can’t imagine they would expect you to know much before the interview. So, relax! Emphasize your skills and eagerness to learn.
Sydney Bristow
Everyone covered what I would have said, but I think this means you will need (and be able to come up with) some great questions for the interviewer. Good luck!
LStar
If you’re wanting to search cases to see if you get any hits for the firm name, I suggest checking your state bar website to see if they offer any case databases. I recently learned that my state bar offers a pretty comprehensive database of state/federal cases, free for all bar members, through each person’s account on the state bar website. It’s a pretty amazing service, and even though I have been licensed several years, I had no idea it existed (and neither had the other lawyers that I have mentioned it to). I have since learned that many other state bars do the same.
Lawyer Bird
Well, the interviewers will know that they have a low profile, so they can’t expect you to know that much about the firm. I think it’s enough to say why you want to work there – that it’s small, they have your practice area, etc. Honestly when I interview a candidate and they regurgitate the info on our website to me I find it annoying. Don’t worry about it.
Anon
Thought I’d send this out in case anyone is still checking after this thread has already topped 300.
I’m a homeowner and single. I’ve got an amazing bf who has his own apartment, and will continue to do so until/if we get married. Both of us want a dog, but have pretty much agreed we should wait until we get married (I travel frequently, we don’t want to shuttle the dog between our places, etc.). However, a friend of mine recently found, and cannot find the owner for, what may be my perfect dog: 40ish pounds, sweet temperament, lab mix, about a year old.
So now I am torn: do I get this pup and figure this out as I go? Or do I let this dog go to another family/rescue and get a dog when my life is more settled? Anyone have advice on this?
(For what it’s worth, my friend has other option lined up for the dog, and regardless of my decision, the pup will not be going to a kill-shelter.)
TCFKAG
I love dogs and I have a dog, but its important that people only get dogs when they can really make a commitment to that dog. Most dogs in shelters because of people who didn’t have the time or money for them.
Labs or lab-mixes are quite common in rescue and in shelters so other dogs will be available when you do decide to adopt. And it sounds like there is a good situation for this dog right now.
But of course, I don’t really know how unsettled your life actually is. If you think you have the resources and the support structure near you to take care of the dog when you travel, you could probably make it work.
LMo
Dogs take a lot of time. If you are travelling a lot, I would not do it right now. They need you.
Lawyer Bird
Sounds like you should make this decision with your boyfriend, and not with strangers on a message board. Whatever you do, don’t decide unilaterally. It’s inconsiderate of your boyfriend to get a dog (or pass up a dog) that you two would effectively share, without consulting him.
Anon
Perhaps I should have stated explicitly that I was having discussions with my boyfriend last night. I don’t intend to let strangers make this decision for me, but was simply looking for advice, which was offered by a few people.
In the end, I think that my (and his) uncertainty about the dog situation demonstrated that we’re not in a good position to get a dog right now.
Thanks for the input, and validation that “dogs take a lot of time” which, unfortunately, I’m not able to give at this moment.
coco
In need of a makeup recommendation!
I tried a purple mascara from Benefit while wandering around make up counters today. I love how it looks on me, but it seemed a little clumpy and flaky. Any ideas if this is because the sample might have been sitting around for a while, or is it actually like that? Any other recommendations for purple mascara?
Also, I can’t believe it took me this long to try erase paste. I’m obsessed, and I just bought it today. I’m convinced it will change my life.
Anonymous
Blinc comes in a dark purple
AB
Erase paste got me hooked on Benefit. Now I’m addicted and have the receipts to prove it! Have you tried Benetint? Its life changing!
anon
How does erase paste compare to Bobbi Brown corrector?
lostintranslation
I don’t use corrector, but I use the BB face touch up stick together with erase paste. Erase paste = peachy undertones, which really cancel out under eye circles, but doesn’t color match anything else. The Bobbi Brown concealer works for random blemishes, etc., but doesn’t work well for the under eye circles (at least for me).
CB
No experience with the benefit but there is an amazing purple mascara from Loreal, something about Million Lashes? I am pretty fair and a traditional black seems a bit harsh on my eyes so the purple tint made it look a bit lighter without being noticeable.
NOLA
There have been several times where purple eyeshadow has been mentioned on Corporette. I’ve been wanting to say that purple can be problematic. I tried purple and ended up with red crusty eyelids (and it was Clinique!). I took it back and was told that many many people have a sensitivity to red dye, which is generally in purple eye shadow. I can’t even use a brown eyeliner that has any red in it.
a.
I use Benefit’s purple mascara every day! And haven’t had any issues with clumping or flakiness. So that would be my recommendation :)
coco
Thank you all for the recommendations! I might start with a drug store brand and then work my way up the ladder – but it is good to hear that the Benefit one might have just been an old floor sample.
Makeup Junkie
I really like the Physicians Formula colored mascaras if you want to start with drugstore brands. I think they’re great quality for the price.
A to Z
I am a very experienced middle-aged lawyer who works for an older, more experienced male lawyer. He often asks for my opinion about things and ofter follows them. He clearly respects me and tells me he appreciates my abilities, competence, work ethic, etc. The issue is that he also makes it clear to me, especially at times when he asks for my opinion and I offer it, that he is the leader and that I must follow his leadership, and that in the end, all of the decisions are his. It is his firm, and I never question that without him I wouldn’t have this job, the clients are his, etc. I don’t understand why I get these frequent reminders that he is the leader (yes, that is his word). Any insights from you smart ladies would be appreciated.
Ellen
He is insecure, and probabley is at home also with his wife.
I have the very same issue with the manageing partner. He knows that I can NOT get my own cleints, and therefore need the pay-check, but he also knows that he needs me to do all of the EBT’s.
I would NOT worry about it. It is better that he be insecure then smug, I say.
Lawyer Bird
Oddly, Ellen’s right. He sounds insecure to me too. It also sounds like he doesn’t totally trust you yet – I’d expect that after some time working with him, he’ll trust that you won’t disregard his wishes and the frequency of the reminders will decrease.
A to Z
Does anyone have any ideas of how I can respond to make him more secure/build trust? Sometimes these exchanges are in person, and sometimes through emails. When I receive these emails, should I just let them go, or respond in some fashion?
TOS
Make sure that you are building trust in all of your communications and actions – don’t surprise him, but also after you’ve made inroads/traction/progress on proving your ability (set a deadline based on consistent performance), start asking for what you want based on a solid foundation.
How circumspect are you being about your communication style and actions via his perspective? Is there room to adjust yourself there – are you “gunning”, have you been overconfident? Has there been good rapport, respect and attribution on your end (formal and informal).
Also thinking on micro-managing (insecurity of a different stripe) sometimes stems from the person, sometimes it stems from the work. Some work has wiggle room, other work must be triple-checked, tested out on hired jury, etc. before going live. If the work is something new, or something that you covered in law school that wasn’t around when he was in law school – give him a Big Grain of Salt.
What is his track record for other people in your role? Is this new for him?
For the email, if he is not asking for you to respond, consider what your response would add to the conversation. If it’s not part of a solution for both of you, don’t add to the problem. In person, when asked an opinion, work in language that supports his role as a leader in a supportive manner, even if there is disagreement.
I’m asking these for your consideration – not to generate an essay. I have a hunch that NGDGTCO may have ideas for working in this dynamic, being true to yourself, and staying away from obsequiousness.
A to Z
Wow. Thank you. Great comment.
Ellen
She is very smart. Even smarter then ME! Thank you.
Anonymous
Maybe he is trying to let you know not to feel bad if he doesn’t follow your advice? I am the lead on all of my cases and I frequently ask my junior partners for ideas and insight but I also remind them that I may not follow their advice.
JM
Any recommendations for winter boots? I live in Boston and have terrible circulation, so I need WARM boots that are waterproof and non-ugly. I’m willing to spend up to $150 for quality boots.
coco
Eventually, I have decided that I need two pairs of winter boots – one for winter general days (like now) and another for those horrible snowy-slushy days (I’m in Boston too). I own a pair of old Eddie Bauer boots for snowy days that are waterproof and while not ugly, they’re not particularly cute either. But they’re functional, which matter more to me when it’s horrible outside or I’m standing knee-deep in snow trying to clean out my car. Try places like Land’s End, LL Bean, outdoor stores, etc, for warm, seriously waterproof boots – you should be able to find not terribly ugly ones. Good rain boots (I recommend LL Bean) plus warm socks, plus boot liners could work for these days too.
I would also get a pair of cute one – double points if they are waterproof, but you can always waterproof them yourself. These will be less practical for standing in snow piles, but should be good for every day walking around. I tried on a few different boots at DSW – they carry a line called Bare Traps that seemed much cuter and pretty comfortable. Some good reviews online as well.
I’ve pretty much concluded that it is impossible to find highly functional, cute winter boots, so that’s my solution. If the weather is truly miserable, no one is going to be looking at my feet (including me). And for the rest of the time, they can be slightly less functional.
nona
Sorels – the soles are frost plugged, so it block the cold from getting up thru the bottom, and they’ve come up with some cute (for a snowboot) styles. I’ve also got a pair of Bare Traps – they’re warm, but more water resistant that water proof, so they’ll do in a pinch. Lands End will also work (and they’re doing 40% at the moment).
Also – part of keeping your feet warm is keeping your feet dry, so if you tend to have sweaty feet, look for wicking socks, or wool socks, which will keep your feet dry even if damp. Try to get your boots a little bit big – it lets your body heat warm up the air in the boot, which also helps keep your foot warm. Cramming thick socks into boots will not help keep your feet warm.
jr
I have really bad circulation, too, so my toes are always cold. I generally like Merrell shoes. I’ve had a pair of Merrell snowboots for several years, and they’re great for me. I wore them on my commute with tights and a skirt, and then out in the snow to take the dog out, etc. I don’t see the model I have on their website anymore, but they are mid-calf, black suede, and have a warm lining. I also have Merrell shorter boots that I wear for snowshoeing and winter walks.
One thing I’ve learned is that I make things a lot better for myself if I start out with dry feet. When I’m going to be out in the cold, I put on my socks right before I put my shoes on to go out, so that way I don’t sweat or step in a spilled water.
Divaliscious11
You will get lots of suggestions, but you may need to up your budget….
Baby lawyer
I have super warm La Canadienne boots that are also very stylish. They tend to run in the $200-300 range (or more), but I got my pair from Lord & Taylor during one of their huge boot sales, and only paid $140.
TCFKAG
I love my Sorels — the kinds with the waterproof foot base. Get them a half size too big and then invest in some merino wool socks at a running store or a hiking place and you’ll probably have better luck!
stc
I love my sorels, but if ordering online pay attention to other reviews for size. I ended up having to get mine a full size smaller than my street size and I can still wear two pairs of socks in them.
S
I need a new washing machine STAT! Any rants or raves about specific brands/models? Some of the previous threads on washing “dry clean only” clothes have me excited about some of the more advance features available these days but the more I research machines the more convinced I become that they’re all going to break down within the first week!
TOS
Consumer Reports is my go-to for something like this, as people are more inclined to take the time to write out a bad experience. Whirlpool Duet, Maytag Maxima, Samsung, Kenmore Elite, Whirlpool Duet Steam, GE Profile Steamwasher are all highly rated for front-loading. Whirlpool Vantage/cabrio, Kenmore and Maytag Bravos do well for top-loading. They all have specific model numbers (mileage will vary), so if you, friends or family can’t connect with the 2012 buying guide or internet subscription, hit the library. If it didn’t break down the first week with CR (they would mention it, I’m sure!) that’s good enough for me.
Anon
I researched heavily and got Whirlpool Duet Steam in red last year based on consumer reports. Honestly, I miss my top loaders, but they are working pretty well. The cycles are really long. It doesn’t fully drain small delicate loads. The dryer is good. You can’t open it mid-cycle and it can be confusing when there is an error sign (all digital). I like the shiny red colors:) Overall, sadly I think the old energy-hogging models just perform better as a household workhorse, but for what’s on the market now, these are acceptable. Got them 30% at Sears, plus my state had rebates at the time. Still weren’t cheap. I like having the sanitation function, though haven’t had to use it much (first baby due this year).
TCFKAG
I believe we also have the Whirlpool Duet Steam in red (yay red). I don’t have a ton to add (though they do have awesome capacity) except that you should definitely invest in the stands that go underneath if you get the front loaders. It just makes them so much easier to use.
mamabear
This may be too deep in the thread but I’ll give it a shot.
I’m looking for a foundation, preferably liquid, for dry skin that is also acne-prone. I break out monthly on my chin. I use retin-a and am taking spironolactone, so I’m doing as much as I can about the acne.
But I still need foundation to look even and well groomed.
I have been using Makeup Forever HD foundation and shade 115 is a perfect match (pale with pinky undertones) but I think it might be clogging my pores.
I have tried and returned:
Makeup Forever Face & Body (bad color match)
Giorgio Armani (bad color match)
Dior Nude (did not seem less clogging)
and am about to return
YSL Teint Radiance (settles into pores and lines)
I have sampled:
All Bobbi brown foundations (all too yellow)
Estee Lauder double wear (no good color for me)
Laura Mercier, all (no good color match)
I am sick of this!
I would genuinely appreciate any recommendations.
mamabear
Oh, and i forgot to mention,
I’ve also tried mineral powder foundation (most recently by Jane Iredale) which I thought was great until I saw flash photos of myself from a business trip, and my face was all shiny.
I understand now that the flash bounces off the mineral particles. In group shots with 3 or 4 colleagues, it looked like my face was a ghostly floating mask – so embarrassing!
TOS
I use different products in the summer and winter, and I balance moisturizer with foundation. I’m not a great resource for actual brands, but can see where you might want to get technical for this. You could ask your dermatologist about ingredients/brands that match well with your skin situation. Or do a little search-engine sleuthing for “best foundation” “Rx” “Rx2” “dermatologist” to see what has been asked, answered and analyzed.
In other areas – I personally have no talent for naturally drinking plenty of water, but know I have better skin behavior when I’m at optimal levels. Would a little more water help with less clogging? (floating a balloon here, if it isn’t hydration, so be it)
eek
I’ve heard good stuff about Armani, so it’s a shame the color didn’t match. I like the Chanel stuff I am using (Vitalumiere Aqua). It feels very light, the color matches pretty well, it doesn’t settle into lines, and it seems like I still have stuff on at the end of the day. FWIW, I am pretty pale. My mom uses regular Vitalumiere and likes it – it looks good on her. I don’t know how this shows up in pictures…so, no opinion there.
S
I don’t have any foundation suggestions, especially because the best one I’ve found for myself is Makeup Forever. I also wonder if it clogs my pores, but I’m not certain although I try to compensate anyways (sometimes I use my Clarisonic – I think I recall you already being a fan – but more often I just rely on the oil cleansing method (I use jojoba oil)). That said, in case you would consider experimenting with your meds, I found a very, very low dose of Accutane to be so, so, so much more effective at preventing break-outs, clogged pores and shininess for me than any combo of spirono and topical I have ever tried. Not sure if you’re open to it. Also not sure if all dermatologists would be open to it, but mine actually suggested it. The dosage he suggested was so low – 20mg, just 2 or 3 times per week – that I thought he was crazy but it really works for me. Plus since it’s so low, I never have any of the dry/cracked/peeling skin side effects that are typical of that med. Sadly for me, the effect doesn’t last once I’m off it long-term, and since Mr. S and I are going to TTC soon, I had to stop. But unless motherhood clears up my skin (and I doubt it will) I wouldn’t hesitate to go back on it after TTC/baby/breastfeeding/all that jazz.
mamabear
Thank you to everyone for responding.
My dermatologist was the one who recommended the Jane Iredale mineral foundation. I don’t think it contributed to breakouts, but I didn’t like the flash effect described above, and also the fact that it rubbed off on everything – my hands, my phone and worst, peoples clothing when I gave them a hug.
To S., I did try accutane when I was a teenager and it worked but I think it has worn off now. My side effects were so bad, I swore I’d never use it again. I read about the low-dose regimen and finally asked my derm, but she said she will only do the clinical full dose.
To eek, I have actually heard good things about Vitalumiere Aqua and now I will go try that – so thank you for the suggestion! I love the Chanel counter. I realize everything is absurdly overpriced – though judging from my list, it’s obvious I will spend anything to find the right foundation – but everything is so pretty, you know? I gave Chanel items to my sisters and best friends for Christmas. I guess I could get something for myself. :)
Scully
Just throwing some stuff out there.
You may have a chemical sensitivity; try out brands formulated for sensitive skin instead of oily or dry skin. Have you tried Clinique? It’s lower-end, but I’ve had better luck with their products not causing breakouts than some others. I’m also pretty hard to match.
Don’t forget that your applicator may be causing the problem- don’t use the same sponges twice. If you use your fingers, make sure they are squeaky clean. I break out only on my chin when I rest my face in my hands at my desk- hard habit to break.
You could give MAC a shot. I love their eyeshadow and brushes- I haven’t tried foundation yet.
Anonymous
I use Clinique Even Better foundation and have had very good results (I also use retin-A and spirono to control my acne)
N.
Oddly Clinique is one of the few brands that really bugs my skin, and I’m not especially sensitive to products. I second the suggestion to check out a MAC counter, they have about a million different formulations of foundation so there may be something there that’s to your liking. I use a fairly sheer tinted moisturizer that I like a lot.
mamabear
Thanks to the latest two posters. You both mention Clinique – I have tried the Even Better but I think they’ve updated the formula. I found it oxidised on me to a lovely shade of orange. Maybe I could get a sample and see if it has changed.
I just dug out my Even Skin foundation from Trish McEvoy. I had abandoned it because I felt I wasn’t getting enough coverage – it’s extremely watery and thin. However, when I put it on, it did not settle into lines, did not emphasize dry skin & did not change colors.
This makes me wonder if I should be going for a less full-coverage foundation and just strategically apply concealer – over blemishes and on my reddish nose and chin. Do any of you take that approach?
Anonymous
For less coverage, I do sometimes use just concealer, and I think I might be as pale as you – BB is too yellow, Laura Mercier Silk Creme in the lightest color is yellow-y but kinda doable, EL doesn’t make anything as pale as me – although I have neutral pale skin with some pink undertones.
Sometimes, I use moisturizer, concealer, and then set with Mac Prep & Prime power (which is white).
For light coverage liquid foundation, I used to use Revlon Age-defying (not the new cream stuff) for almost 15 years, but it just doesn’t seem to work for me lately, maybe for you? I’ve pretty much struck out with other light coverage makeup, and have turned to using Laura Gellar’s Balance n Brighten powder in Porcelain (no sunscreen, the new version with sunscreen apparently has problems). I’m also trying out BB Creams as they start making their way into the US, but not holding out hope.
For full coverage days, however, I recently went to Sephora and got Illamasqua full coverage foundation in 133 and 105 (which is white with pink undertones) that I mix on the back of my hand and stipple on with a beauty blender sponge (synthetic brushes would work, too). If you have acne and want to cover it up, this stuff would definitely do the trick, but it is really thick and could clog pores, too.
viclawstudent
Urgh, I deleted my original comment accidentally. Short form: I use a liquid tinted moisturizer (from a mineral line, but it’s not Jane Iredale – can’t remember right now, but I also use a mineral powder for finishing and I’ve never had that photograph effect you talk about, so may consider trying some different brands?), and whether mineral or not, I think that might be useful for you – because it’s a tinted moisturizer, it a) helps with dryness – I actually use it on top of my other moisturizer and my once-dry skin has been smooth all winter and b) it colour-matches more easily because it’s meant to rub/blend in. It also gives a very nice, smooth, natural finish. (And it’s super easy to apply). If you need extra coverage, you can always use spot concealer.
Monday
I was going to recommend tinted moisturizer as well. Breathable, gentle, and you have more wiggle room on the color because it’s lighter coverage. I am a longtime, happy user of Aveda tinted moisturizer. I suspect Laura Mercier is good too, and both have SPF. I then add concealer if needed. I do not recommend Physician’s Formula–I found it too watery, and also, the money you save is in the cheapness of the packaging! My tube broke while I was on a trip, in my luggage. You can see why I’m going out of my way to advise against this brand.
LMo
I agree with the tinted moisturizer recs. I use the Neutrogena Healthy Defense with light tint, with Bare Escentuals mineral powder over the top. Love it, and my skin does too.
Makeup Junkie
It’s the Boron Nitrade in Jane Iredale that gives that weird shininess in photos. If you try another mineral makeup that doesn’t use it, or doesn’t have it so high up in the ingredient list, you’d probably have better results. I’m not a huge fan of any of the major mineral makeup brands – I like the indie companies a lot better but that requires some time sampling and trying them out (which for me is a lot of fun but you might not think so!).
Meow Cosmetics (although the Flawless formula has boron nitrade, not too far up the ingredient list so should be okay) and Lucy Minerals might work for you.
I’ve been using Lumiere Cosmetics lately and boron nitrade seems to be in the formula I’m using, but I haven’t had any weird photographic effects in all the holiday photos I’ve been in.
I had that problem with Bare Minerals, ugh! Worse because I’m a medium tan naturally so I looked completely freakish in photos.
springtime
I found switching to powder foundation to be so much better for not clogging pores, although I don’t have dry skin. I am acne prone but I’m on the normal-slightly oily side of things. I had a round of accutane when I was 20 which changed my life but I think another course would really permanently prevent any pimples. I also wish my derm would prescribe low dose accutane.
I use benefit “boing” concealer in #2. They only have 3 colours but I was lucky that the middle one matches me very well. I like how thick it is which means it doesn’t settle into lines, stays in place better, and less product = more natural in my opinion. I then do a light dusting of Sephora compact mattifying foundation (not mineral, so it’s not shiny). I used to be a total liquid makeup girl but I swear this is so much better. My skin feels clean all day isntead of gross from liquid makeup. The powder I use is actually surprisingly good at covering up. I find it melts into your skin and blends with your natural oils to give a smooth, nonpowdery finish.
mamabear
Thank you all for responding, again.
Makeup Junkie, that is so interesting about what the particular ingredient is. If I end up trying mmu again, I’ll look for one that does not contain it. Sad, though, that Jane Iredale is positioned as the choice of dermatologists, plastic surgeons and spas yet still has that issue.
All of this has made me realize that I need to give controlling my acne better one more shot. I made an appointment this morning with Katie Rodan. (of Rodan+Fields and Proactiv)
Tigger
Have you tried LORAC? I have the same skin problems you have (based on your description) – dry skin but I break out like a teenager (actually more than when I was a teenager) especially on my chin. LORAC works well for me. You can find it at Sephora. It’s lighter than Make-up forever and has better color matches than Laura Mercier. Good luck!
mamabear
Hi Tigger,
I did try one Lorac foundation some time ago, and found it drying. Which one do you use?
Tigger
Hi mamabear, I tried to post a link, but got stuck. This is the one I use: Breakthrough Performance Foundation. Sephora will give you a little sample, so you can try it out for a few days before buying.
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