October 7, 2008
I ask, you answer!
I’m having a hard time making decisions this week — yesterday I came home from the grocery with three tubes of toothpaste because OMG did I want whitening? or cavity fighting? or super breath freshening? I don’t know! Why can’t I just have them ALL?!?
Uh, right.
Unfortunately the toothpaste was the least of my worries; I have way bigger things weighing on my mind, but I’m all decisioned out (thank you WORK) and unable to make any choices. At all. Clearly I need some help over here, and so I’m going to do the only logical thing and turn to the Internet. Because I totally trust you guys! Why wouldn’t I?
Here are my dilemmas.
Dilemma #1: The Winter Coat
I said a while back that the dry cleaners lost my winter coat. It’s still hot here now (dammit Oklahoma didn’t you get the memo? IT’S FALL NOW!) but eventually it will be cold(ish). Also, in a couple of weeks I’m going to Chicago, where they really know how to do cold weather, and I’m a little bit concerned that my usual strategy of putting on a sweater and then staying inside won’t really work in the Windy City, especially if I hope to ever leave the hotel. Which I do.
I need a coat. I want this one.
Plum! So pretty!
I know that black or brown would probably be more practical, but I want purple. And weirdly, it will go with everything in my closet. And yet I’m still asking for opinions. What say you — yes or no to the purple pea coat? (Woo that’s fun to say!) Will it keep me warm in Chicago? Like during Thanksgiving week? Or will I be wishing I had invested in a full-length down parka?
Dilemma #2: The Perfect Foundation
I went to the dermatologist recently; after he hosed me down with liquid nitrogen, he sent me home with two prescriptions and strict orders about what I could and could not use on my face — specifically, I’m not to use anything that’s not clearly labeled NONCOMEDOGENIC. I have been dutifully following his instructions, which means that I have tossed virtually all of my skin care products and replaced them with new ones (goodbye Clinique suncreen that apparently was the cause of all my acne, hello counter loaded with stuff made by Neutrogena). Ironically, the new products are all available at the drugstore and cost a lot less than the ones that were making me break out.
Of course.
My face is looking substantially better, most of the time, but … BUT! I think my foundation, which I wear only infrequently, is making me break out. Dammit.
So now I need a new foundation (mine is from Prescriptives). I’m looking for something that is explicitly noncomedogenic, and is formulated for oily skin; I also want something that is lightweight and will look super natural. Metalia recommended this foundation; I am intrigued, I must admit. But I’m also wondering what else is out there.
So tell me! What’s the best foundation for slightly wrinkly, very oily, acne prone skin? Drugstore, department store, Sephora, whatever.
I’ll just be over here trying to decide which toothpaste to use.
Posted by Susan @ 9:19 pm • pretty things
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October 7th, 2008 at 9:45 pm, slynnro Says:
1. BUY THE COAT!
2. Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse!
October 7th, 2008 at 9:49 pm, karen Says:
Love, love love, LOVE the purple pea coat! You’re right, that is fun to say. I think you may wish for a chin-to-ankle down parka when you’re in Chicago but if it’s only for a week, bring an extra sweater and a good scarf - you can’t buy a coat for a single week’s weather condition.
I can’t help you with the foundation issue. I never did figure out that whole make-up thing. I’m good with coats, though.
October 7th, 2008 at 9:50 pm, Newt Says:
1. I agree, BUY THE COAT!
2. I dunno. So I reiterate, BUY THE COAT!
October 7th, 2008 at 9:54 pm, Jane Says:
1. Yes, buy that coat. I live in the Chicago area and I can remember only one year that it was freakishly cold at Thanksgiving in the last 10 years. Also, I love the plum color. You should do it.
You lost me on the make-up thing, I don’t use any. But trust me on the pea coat!
October 7th, 2008 at 9:58 pm, Nic Says:
I love the coat! You should get it.
As for the foundation, I know people are going to suggest Bare Minerals and I just want to warn you not to go there. It made my oily skin even more oily.
October 7th, 2008 at 10:08 pm, Natalie Says:
Love the purple coat. I say go for it.
Not sure about the make-up. My skin is dry in winter and more oily in the humid Oklahoma summers. It’s a struggle with this crazy weather, one day warm, the next a bit cooler, no days actually cool.
I’m currently using Bare Minerals, but my skin is a LOT less oily now than it was in the summer.
Oh yeah - not wrinkly at all, silly girl!
October 7th, 2008 at 10:11 pm, Steph T Says:
I say yes to the coat. I also noticed that it comes with Thinsulate, so I might go for that option. As for Chicago, November usually isn’t that cold. I would recommend silk long underwear for under your pants if it is cold. The parka is only really necessary if you are walking all over the city in mid-January. It was snowing on New Year’s Eve and I was still fine with my leather car coat.
Skincare - I’m using Cetaphil for cleansing and moisturizing (also using Metrogel for my Rosecea). Trying out Bobbi Brown makeup. Just bought it, so the jury is out…but it is non-comedogenic
October 7th, 2008 at 10:25 pm, Little Read Hen Says:
Go for color. Color is important in the winter. (Also, I’ve never seen Sarah Palin in plum…red, pink, blah blah blah…but never, ever PLUM. Which is Good!)
Oh. I love that coat. I want. Espich since it is freaking snowing here. Freaking snow. And Sarah Palin. Barf.
Get the coat. In Plum! Lovely!
October 7th, 2008 at 10:25 pm, Dorsey Says:
The coat is FABULOUS! Even if it didn’t necessarily match everything in your closet, a pop of color is definitely more flattering than drabness. And you can always add some opaque tights to the ensemble for added warmth and style.
On your skincare questions…I looked up this:
http://shopping.yahoo.com/t-Face-Makeup/non-comedogenic
try that.
As for the toothpaste, I’d be putting a tiny drop of each on one toothbrush. HA!
October 7th, 2008 at 10:26 pm, Headless Mom Says:
The only opinion I have is BUY THE COAT, ALREADY!
Cutest thing I’ve seen in years.
October 7th, 2008 at 10:28 pm, thelibrarylady Says:
I LOVE the coat - you should definitely get it.
I use Bobbi Brown tinted foundation on my wrinkly, oily, acne-prone face and never break out from it - although I don’t know about the non-comedogenic aspects. I really like all her stuff (except the crazy three-part undereye cover up process - WAY too much work).
October 7th, 2008 at 10:37 pm, Kelly Says:
cute coat! I love Jane Iredale pure pressed powder.
October 7th, 2008 at 10:42 pm, Denise Says:
I absolutely LOVE the coat! Buy it and if by chance the weather in Chicago is bitter cold, you can always wear a nice warm sweater underneath.
And sorry, but I have no make up advice…unfortunately my make up routine went out the window when I turned into one of those sweatpant wearing domestic engineers
October 7th, 2008 at 10:43 pm, Pork with Bones Says:
Purple pea coat, purple pea coat, purple pea coat. You should buy it just for how much fun it is to say! Also, yes, it will keep you warm in Chicago at Thanksgiving unless things are unusually cold. Get lightweight long underwear for your legs if you run cold, and make sure you have a warm hat. (Hats are a fundamental necessity in Chicago.)
October 7th, 2008 at 10:57 pm, Blythe Says:
I used to spend a week in Chicago every November. That coat is perfect. Just make sure you also have a warm scarf to keep out the wind, some gloves, and a turtleneck. (I used to have to go in January as well, and that was full-length-parka time.)
I know nothing about skin care. I’m still trying to figure out how to get my concealer to stop clogging up its container. I’ll let you know if I ever solve that mystery.
October 7th, 2008 at 11:11 pm, Tricia Says:
Get the coat- skip the foundation!
Go natural with a little extra.
October 7th, 2008 at 11:16 pm, Lauren Says:
The coat is gorgeous, and black coats are boring. Living in California where it was 80 degrees today, I can’t say if it’d really work in, you know, actual weather.
October 7th, 2008 at 11:58 pm, kat Says:
i love the purple coat! i think b/c it’s short, it works to wear. does that make sense to anyone else? to me it does.
it works both for jeans and dress up. love it!
have no recommendations on foundation. i use a primer to help with the shine for my face and then l’oreal but i’m not super enthusiastic about them. so i look forward to what others say!
October 8th, 2008 at 12:16 am, Lauren Says:
Did you really think the internet would tell you not to buy the coat? Especially with a cute picture? We all love shopping vicariously. It’s free!
And I too use Bare Minerals, but only after I borrowed some from a friend and tried it out. It’s too expensive to choose without a test run. I do break out less frequently but maybe I’ve just outgrown puberty in my 30’s. Bring on the wrinkles!
October 8th, 2008 at 2:09 am, Stephanie Says:
Coat- YES
Foundation? I like Boots. But that’s me.
October 8th, 2008 at 5:19 am, Caitlin Says:
Geez, they all really hate that coat don’t they?
October 8th, 2008 at 5:47 am, Christina Says:
The coat is pretty fabulous! I don’t know if you’ve seen it in person - if not, I just wanted to mention that it’s slightly brighter in real life. It’s not fluorescent or anything, but when I saw it, I was just a little surprised that it wasn’t really as muted as it looked online (as much as you can call plum “muted”). That said, I still think it’s pretty awesome
October 8th, 2008 at 6:09 am, Melissa Says:
The coat looks gorge… but you aren’t just wearing it for one season, right? If you can buy 2 coats, get the purple one and another in a neutral. But if only one…. you’re going to get tired of the purple in your 2nd or 3rd year. I vote for the camel-colored coat if it’s solo… buy some great cashmere scarves and/or a plum bag to change out the look. And remember you can always change out the buttons (I had dark ruddy brown leather ones on my camel peacoat), if that makes your skirt fly up.
I add a drop of moisturizer to my neutrogena makeup and it’s perfect!
October 8th, 2008 at 6:44 am, Naomi in Ohio Says:
I say BUY THE PLUM. Life is TOOOOO short to worry about whether a HOT coat will actually keep you warm! I say pack an extra pair of tights if you think you might still be chilly.
I don’t wear makeup, so I can’t help you with the foundation question.
(Buy the coat!)
October 8th, 2008 at 7:32 am, Crisanne Says:
Buy the coat, just make sure there’s enough room to wear a nice, warm sweater underneath. And a scarf to keep out the wind. And a long cami you can tuck in to keep out the draft on your back.
For those telling her it’s not that cold in November, please remember that she is an Oklahoman and quite likely has a different interpretation of cold. I feel pretty certain that you (Susan) will think it’s cold.
But really, you don’t want to pass up on an awesome coat because of one week of vacation.
October 8th, 2008 at 8:03 am, Deva Says:
YES ON THE COAT
mac studio fix foundation
October 8th, 2008 at 8:19 am, Stephanie Says:
I rarely comment but these are two of my favorite things, and since you asked…
1. LOVE the coat!!!!!!!! I purchased a burnt orange toggle coat from J Crew five years ago and had the same reservations and wondered if I would be tired of it or it would grow old quickly. I still love it and receive compliments on the color all the time. The winter is dark enough, we need to see color!
2. I have similar skin issues and have settled on two foundations. I have the GA and reserve it for occasional use. I suspect it makes me break out on my chin. It gives a beautiful finish though, so it is worth it every now and then (and the price, yikes!). I LOVE my Clinique Almost Power Makeup. It is non-com. and work to even skin tone. It’s also super easy and just brushes on like a pressed power, and then settles onto the skin without highlighting wrinkles or looking at all heavy. It’s a super every day product! I also swear by my Philosophy products.
Good Luck!
October 8th, 2008 at 8:33 am, Susan Says:
BUY THE COAT!!
I am in a similar makeup boat so I am taking notes on the comments.
October 8th, 2008 at 8:37 am, Julie Says:
By all means get that plum coat - it’s beautiful. I have no idea if it will keep you warm in Chicago but it will look soooo much better than the parka, and that’s the important thing, right? No idea about the foundation.
October 8th, 2008 at 8:51 am, Allison Says:
Chicago isn’t particularly cold at Thanksgiving. For two years it was below 20F at 7am (when I make the decision whether or not to run in a 5K race) but warms up during the day. If you have a hat, you’ll be fine.
October 8th, 2008 at 9:15 am, Dawn Says:
Like everyone else, I’m loving the coat!
As for the makeup, I’m facing the same dilemma. I am so sick of clogged pores. I’ve tried cheap, expensive and everything in between. I have been using Neutrogena products recently but there are so many to choose from that it’s overwhelming. I’d love to hear what the doctor recommended for your skin care and please keep us posted on the makeup you decide on!
October 8th, 2008 at 9:20 am, Meegs Says:
Yes, yes, yes on the coat!! Purple is such a great fall color!
October 8th, 2008 at 9:45 am, Mama Bear Says:
Buy the coat! (have you heard it enough yet for it to sink in?) I bought a red coat and wondered if I would ever wear it, if it would match, etc. It’s the only coat I ever pull out of the closet any more. And, I live in ND, where cold is a 9 month out of the year thing.
Foundation, no help from me, but I’d love advice too!
October 8th, 2008 at 10:00 am, Tricia Says:
1. LOVE the Coat.
2. I don’t know if you have them in Oklahoma, or if it’s non-com, but I use Merle Norman make-up (http://www.merlenorman.com/Color/foundations.html). I have always struggled with acne, and their “Luxiva ultra” foundation has worked for me for many years.
October 8th, 2008 at 10:09 am, Susan Says:
Absolutely on the purple pea coat - cute, functional and as someone who lived in Chicago for six winters - totally doable!
For foundation, you could always try a mineral foundation powder (I go to E.L.F. to get mine since it is waaaaay cheaper). Absorbs oil, helps me with my acne and smooths out the surface to look better. HOpe this helps!
October 8th, 2008 at 10:27 am, Charlise Says:
It is a cute coat - however you are going to freeze your butt off. That coat in Chicago = iffy for the end of November. But then, it is great for your part of the country…
October 8th, 2008 at 10:29 am, Heather B. Says:
I was going to get that coat. But I bought a different one instead because I live in Upstate New York and a peacoat that doesn’t actually cover your ass will do nothing for you when you’re shoveling snow off your car at 8:45 AM.
October 8th, 2008 at 10:59 am, Rhi Says:
1. Buy the coat. I have about 20 coats (really) and only ONE of them is black.
2. Are you going to be in Chicago during November 7-12th? Because you should.
3. I have oily skin and I use Benefit Play Sticks (suprisingly, my color is actually called Spin the Bottle and NOT Part Ghost as I originally thought.
October 8th, 2008 at 11:10 am, kris Says:
I love the coat, too. Adorable and the plum will be beautiful with your coloring.
I have the same type of skin, and I’m switching to oil free Laura Mercier as well as a foundation primer. Also am only moisturizing at night. Good luck, SW!
October 8th, 2008 at 11:25 am, Leta Says:
Love the coat. Def get it.
I use Neutrogena Healthy Skin glow sheers with Neutrogena Skin Clearing or Healthy Skin pressed powder. It is very light and natural. I have very sensitive acne prone skin and it’s never made me break out.
October 8th, 2008 at 12:25 pm, Katherine Hilton Says:
LOVE the coat. You must have it. If you are really cold-natured, it might leave your legs cold in Chicago. I went the week after Thanksgiving one year, and it’s not necessarily the cold that gets you, but the wind. The wind blew my umbrella inside-out a few times, and it also snowed lightly while I was there. Gloves and a scarf will help, but your legs might be cold.
October 8th, 2008 at 12:36 pm, Johna Says:
Love the purple pea coat. And it is fun to say.
October 8th, 2008 at 12:41 pm, Alison C Says:
Buy the coat! Black or brown is soooooo boring. I don’t know about the foundation. I have sensitive skin but funnily enough foundation ios OK. My problem is with cleansers. I have tried hundreds but react to everything except plain water.
October 8th, 2008 at 12:46 pm, amy Says:
yes on the purple. And check out YSL foundations. I loved loved them once! So much!!!
October 8th, 2008 at 12:50 pm, Lottifish Says:
Buy the coat - end of story.
As for foundation, I really like Bare Essentials. It’s light and doesn’t seem to make me break out. Not sure about the noncomodgenic thing but check it out.
October 8th, 2008 at 1:16 pm, Tanya Says:
1. Please buy that coat, it is gorgeous!
2. I’ve been using Bare Essentials for the past 2 years and I love it! I have acne prone skin - although mine is more combination type than outright oily - and it’s never caused any problems for me.
October 8th, 2008 at 1:46 pm, Lin Says:
Buy the coat.
If you go mineral, and I do recommend it as it helps my acne:be sure to use a primer and stay away from bismuth oxyide & it’s derivatives(carcinogen). I love Everday Minerals. Right now they are offering a free sample kit. You can try before you buy! http://www.everydayminerals.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=26&Itemid=40
October 8th, 2008 at 1:56 pm, ali Says:
the Canadian who used to live in Chicago in me is telling me that coat is a bad idea. but it’s a pea coat! and it’s purple! and i love it! can’t you buy it PLUS a warmer jacket for chicago??!?!
i use smashbox high definition foundation. i like it. but it’s expensive. at least in canada, it is. it’s probably, like, $8 in the states while i pay, um, about $60.
October 8th, 2008 at 2:45 pm, Shannon Says:
A wool pea coat will be JUST FINE in Chicago in a couple of weeks. And that’s coming from someone who lived there for 6 years for graduate school and has lived in MN for every other part of my life, so—I know the upper midwest. It’s not going to be THAT cold in Chicago in November. Really. I mean chilly fall weather, yes. Ankle-length-down-parka-required weather, no.
I have no idea about foundation. I don’t use it, though maybe I should!
October 8th, 2008 at 3:21 pm, Rachel, a southern fairytale Says:
I love that coat! You must buy that coat.NOW!
I don’t use foundation, sorry. Have you gone to one of the counters, clinique etc.. in the mall and had them test you/help you?
October 8th, 2008 at 3:50 pm, Alison Says:
The coat is a definite yes (and I thought that even before I read the other comments.)
Sorry I’m no help on the foundation.
October 8th, 2008 at 4:16 pm, Aisha Says:
I love that coat - if I didn’t love my coat from last year (it is wool, hits me right above the knees and is that perfect shade of red) I would be plotting out plans to save for that one.
Go for it Susan!
(and if you’re worried about being cold in Chicago, just take gloves/hats/scarves and wear some tights or thermal pants under your pants to help keep you warm. Imagine the awesome winter gear you can get to go with the coat!)
October 8th, 2008 at 9:43 pm, Marilyn Says:
Love the coat - glad you picked that one!
for makeup/skincare questions http://www.cosmeticscop.com/
she knows her stuff!
October 9th, 2008 at 12:56 pm, Lullaby Says:
About the coat, I am incompetent. (I love it though, but it’s just my opinion)
About the foundation: go to Mac and have the MUA help you pick the right formula and color, you won’t regret it!
If you wanna go mineral, try Everyday Minerals (online), you can get a free sample kit to start out. But mineral doesn’t mean good for everybody, I am completely allergic to it.
October 10th, 2008 at 2:50 pm, Jessica Says:
Ok, I’m just getting caught up so sorry if this is a little late.
First, I think I saw you in Old Navy (again!) the other day. I had a hard time placing you until, once again, I saw your bag as you were walking out and then I realized! That’s how I recognized you the first time.
Second, I LOVE the purple coat!
Third, I have strict orders for non-comodogenic products as well. I use Cetaphil cleanser and moisturizer and then I use Bare Minerals as my makeup. It has literally transformed my skin. Pricy, but SO worth it. My skin is combo pretty oily, but dry enough I need moisturizer. And Nuetrogena makes for great strong SPF in the summer!
It’s all opinion, and I know others haven’t had such luck. But I really so love Bare Minerals!
October 15th, 2008 at 3:09 pm, Michele Says:
Tarte Smooth Operator foundation is my Holy Grail. I’m not exaggerating. On my fourth tube now in 2.5 years.
October 21st, 2008 at 12:16 pm, Jen Says:
You already bought the coat, so it’s a moot point (though I would’ve said “buy it!” They have that one in tall sizes, so I’m sure I’ll be placing my order soon…)
I second Jane Iredale products and I also love Bare Minerals. My skin is hyper-sensitive, and those are the only products I’ve found that don’t make me break out.
October 22nd, 2008 at 2:56 pm, K @ The Homestead Says:
Love the coat.
Can you get away a tinted moisturizer? I really like Aveda tinted moisture in Sweet Tea and it seems to be ok for oily skin.
October 22nd, 2008 at 6:17 pm, pink and green mama Says:
I covet and adore your purple pea coat. It looks great!
November 2nd, 2008 at 3:03 pm, Alexandra Says:
I see you’ve already purchased the coat. I’ve been away from the internet for a while, but wanted to post about the make-up issue. I’m young… but I know lots about skincare. Growing up my mom worked in cosmetics at Bloomingdales, so did my older sister. (I know…lucky me) Between the three of us we’ve literally tried it ALL. The best face wash is by a company called Epicuren. It’s expensive but very worth it and you can find it at most spas. As for foundation, I too used to use Prescriptives (my mom was a manager for them for years). From there I went to MAC. Nasty stuff. Good coverage but BAD for your skin!!! DON’T USE MAC. It’s called studio fix for a reason. It’s stage makeup. I’ve found that Almay is the best. It’s very lightweight and you can get it in acne control which is what I prefer. It’s reasonably priced too. I get mine at Target for about $12. Also…I recently was given some Bare Minerals, and I have to say I do love them! My skin doesn’t feel oily or dry, but I haven’t noticed any improvement in the break-out dept.
Sorry this is so long. Hopefully you’ve already found something that works for you and I’m just wasting my time.
November 4th, 2008 at 10:35 am, amy Says:
Dermacia. look it up… it is the best ever.
They use it for people who are healing and have scars, and have very sensitive skin BUT anyone can wear it.
I have used all…and will never go back.
November 12th, 2008 at 5:20 am, Mslay Says:
I think that the Jcrew Plum coat was a wonderful investment. I have wanted that damn coat for a while now but have too much debt to afford it. Im glad someone has it and I can see them wearing it! It looks great on you! And BTW I have skin problems and hated buying new makeup, however I have a few suggestions. I have a friend that works at sephora and she gave me a few samples of makeup that any employee can give you if you ask. I tried the brand TARTE in the shade of Conceal. If you would like I can show you how my skin looked before and after. Good luckkkkkkk
December 1st, 2008 at 9:21 pm, Friday Playdate » is it cold in here or is it just wishful thinking? Says:
[…] when I decided that I wanted the purple pea coat? And you all were torn between thinking that it was fabulous and worrying that the purple would be […]