Makeup Setting Advice -Calling all MUA

So, I'm not a MAU, but I play one on TV... I am using the same foundation and I have been testing it with primers of different kinds and with powders and setting sprays of different kinds. I test it at roller derby practices and bouts so I know if it REALLY stays and looks good.

I found that the HD powder did not photograph very well. Another thing I noticed is that unless you have NO hair on your face, it does seem to appear that it is sitting on tip of your skin. Here is the magic that I have finally found that will work:

Smashbox water foundation and a little Benefit Porefessional.

A tiny bit of the MAC oil control lotion (really just a dab) on the T zone- I get a little oily.

Armani foundation, applied sparingly with a brush then use a beauty blender sponge to kind of press it in. (I actually got a replica blender sponge at Ulta for about $5)

I use either Lancome Effacerness waterproof concealer or Tarte Amazonian creaseless concealer under my eyes. Blend with the sponge...

Urban Decay shadow insurance.

Then I use a mixture of HD powder and mineral veil or just Coty Airspun powder. I kind of roll it on a little bit with the brush then I use the blender again to kind of press it in. Then do eyes and lips... Last but not least- I spray with De-slick urban decay setting spray.

The finish is not cakey at all and looks like my skin but better.

Perfect base!!! This combo lasted my 5 hours of sweaty roller derby playing.

I LOVE Coty powder! I used to use that exclusively, but drifted away a few years ago. During one of my many makeup trials, I was told the smash box water would set the makeup but everything starts shifting and especially around my eyes, the makeup will smudge. Thanks for the advice about the HD Fotever powder. I'll try a different brand.

Not a MUA, but all of my girls and I used Ben Nye Final Seal setting spray and it worked really well.

Do you use powder and setting spray?

Have to admit I don't remember. I had my makeup done but put the spray on myself.

I swear by Benefit Porefessional as a primer, if you're looking for a good primer.

My sister is a MUA, she always recommends a great primer before applying any make-up as well as topping off everything with a setting spay.

She swears by this since it is a primer and a setting spray.... http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/mac-prep-prime-fix?ID=1651429&pla_country=US&CAGPSPN=pla&CAWELAID=120156340000834785&catargetid=120156340000912541&cadevice=c&cm_mmc=Google_Beauty_PLA_PLA-_-Beauty_Skin+Care+-+GS_Mac-_-55659147146_-_-_mkwid_GJltKxZp|dc_55659147146%7C-%7CGJltKxZp

DO NOT use makeup forevers HD powder. It causes bad flashback if you are in the least dry!

@FutureMrsH - thank you! I have very dry skin and that would have been a disaster. Any powder or moisturizer recommendations?

I've done countless makeup applications for brides and bridal parties for the past ten years. I also did my own makeup on my wedding day. As Annie & Javi mentioned, a good primer is key for lasting makeup. I like to use Smashbox primers. I'd pick the one that targets whatever issue the client has (such as hydrating for dry skin, or color correction, and so on). Note: don't put primer on your lids, or else the shadow won't stay. Instead, use a lid primer to keep shadow on (either Smashbox or MAC). Both lines have setting sprays, which work well, but I like Jane Iredale's mist sprays. There's three types- Pommist for uv/anti-aging, H2O for a nice dewy glow (think J-Lo's glow), and Balance for acne-prone; all three are hydrating and feels very good on your skin. That makeup line is great as well, and is actually really good for your skin. All mineral based. Hope this helps in any way.

No to that powder!!!! It's been known to cause flashback. Ben byes banana powder or cameo powder are great for setting the foundation. Use a very light layer on a soft fluffy brush. Finish with Ben nye's final seal and it will not budge!

Mrjonesandme!! Thank you - you have been my MU rescue for all my issues! I did order the Ben Nye Banana powder in both Banana and Buff. Both were too yellow :-/. I think I'll try the Cameo and see if that works. Thanks ladies!!

I like the Smashbox water primer with a little porefessional. I have tried other primers and hated the feeling of so much on my face. The Armani does give a really beautiful finish and I only put setting powder where I feel I need it but I spray the De-Slick spray ALL OVER.. it keeps everything in place so well!

I only use the HD powder mixed with mineral veil- it's probably about 25% HD with 75% mineral Veil. I just didn't like the way the mineral veil was alone and didn't like the photo effects of the HD either.

I used this combo this weekend for a double header roller derby bout and my makeup looked fantastic when I was done!

@FutureMrsPlasters - Thank you!! You have been really helpful!