Disappearing Make Up (make up refuses to stay on!) :)

I don't know what kind of make up you're wearing, but it is obviously not formulated for dry skin. I have very dry skin and I have never had a problem, my make up stays on all day and night.

Are you applying a good moisturizer first before applying make up, if not, do so. I always put my moisturizer on and let it sit for a few minitues before doing my make up. Then I apply a moisturizing foundation, Blush and loose finishing powder.(all moisturizing of course) And have you thought of trying liquid eye shadow over powder, it doesn't stay on as long as powder shadow, but it won't soak into your skin. But always, always moisturize your face before applying make up, as it sets up a protective barrier to keep the make up from soaking in.

And for your lips, when you're not wearing lipstick or gloss, keep them moisturized with good old vaseline. And especially at night before you go to bed, apply a generous amount. It will keep your lips soft and beautiful and your lipstick will glide on and stay on.

Hope these tips help, I've done it all my life with excellent results, and my make up always looks fresh and dewy, even in the dead of winter.

Sweetcarolinagirl,

Avon and Covergirl make a good moisturizing face powder and blush that won't dry your skin out, or cake on your face. There are a lot of other brands out there, including L'Oreal and max factor. I just happen to be using Covergirl and Avon at the time, but I have used all the others in the past and they work just as well, but I tend to shop for price and buy what's on sale or cheaper when I need it. And they all have moisturizing blushes and eyeshadows, along with liquid shadow. It's basically a matter of preference. You may have to do a little trial and error till you find the one that's best for you, but it's worth it in the long run.

I'm sorry to say I have never had a problem with blemishes, when I was a teenager I would get 2 or 3 zits a year when I got my period. For those I used Avon clearskin and it dried them up overnight. Really works great.

If you are still having a problem in your 20's it's probably hormones. And cleansing your face more then once or twice a day will only make it worse. So don't over cleanse. Birth control pills can help tremendously in erraticating zits. As far as the moisturizer causing zits, the contrary is true. As I said it produces a barrier to keep dirt and bacteria from entering the pores along with the make up which can irritate further. And whatever you do, don't wash your face with soap and water. Always cleanse with a cold cream, and use an astringent or toner after cleansing. And you don't need to purchase expensive creams, Ponds has a wonderful cleansing cold cream for a few dollars. And any cheap astringent will work, just add a few drops of baby oil to it and shake it good before using. They are all primarily the same, It's just a matter of how much money you want to spend on the name. And I don't.

If you have any more questions feel free to ask. I know nothing is more important to me then having a beautiful complextion and make up that looks fabulous. I understand where you're coming from. 

I am a retired makeup artist, and I have to say I have never been more impressed with answers on this site than I was with the answers you've been given!! they are all excellent....couldnt have said it better myself!!!

That aside, you should consider, possibly, drinking more water and eating more fresh fruits......it sure couldnt hurt!! when you do get a breakout, try Oxy Vanishing treatment; it's 10% benzoyl peroxide.....hey, I'm 67 and once in a great while get a zit!! this stuff really works, and it's clear and disappears into the skin..other than that, the advice the others have given you, at least the first three, anyway - is very good advice....you may also want to try a moisturizing mask...one made, of course for DRY skin and not oily.....also, what do you wash your face with? you should try Dove, Caress, Pears soap, or good ol fashioned Castle soap; Kirks Castile is a great choice; if you prefer a liquid cleanser, try Cetaphil for sensitive skin, or JUST GET THE store brand!! they are always right next to the Cetaphil, same ingredients, lower price!!!

So now you have 'your work cut out for you' as the old saying goes!!! please try everyone's suggestions,,,,,,,and I'd like to hear from you in the near future as to how you make out........

Great comments from all and you might consider staying away from lotions and creams and focusing on more penetrating gels and serums to moisturize your skin after you exfoliate. That will allow more of the humectants and surfactants to be absorbed into the top layer of skin and then your makeup will adhere better. WIth such youthful skin, this lighter form of product will also minimize acne breakout and clogging, but you should wash with a milk based cleanser at night and get all of the makeup off. In the morning, simply luke warm water to refresh yourself and away you go!