Let's Talk Foundations

I am in desperate need of a new foundation.  I have used so many different kinds in the past few years, but still haven't found one I love.  I've featured a few of the recent ones I've tried on the blog, but - to be honest - none of them have really blown me away.  I am very open to suggestions if anyone has any!

Let me show you what I've been using in rotation.

First, I always put on my moisturizer with SPF, let it absorb, and then put on "spackle" by Laura Geller.  It's a primer that helps your make-up last longer, especially if you have oily skin like I do.  I usually wait about a minute or so for that to dry as well.

(Please ignore the toothbrush, toothpaste, and my husband's deodorant in the background.  #thatsreallife)

I've been using Oil of Olay's CC creams over the past few months, but I liked them better when I first tried them.  Now they're just too thick for the hot summer days.  I've even "diluted" them with moisturizer, but then they feel sticky on my skin.  Plus, I need a shade between the light/medium and the medium/dark.  I've just been mixing them for now.

One of my all-time favorite foundations is "Traceless" by Prescriptives.  Years ago, Prescriptives used to have make-up counters at all the big department stores, but then all of a sudden they were gone.  I have no idea what happened, but they still have a website.  The only problem with this brand is that it's not cheap (I think it's approximately $35/bottle) and it only comes in 1 oz. tubes, so it doesn't last long either.  I'm looking for a cheaper option.  I have a little bit left in my last tube.

I shared not too long ago that I liked Target's "e.l.f." brand BB cream.  Nix that.  I had been mixing that with moisturizer, too, because it was too thick on its own, but by the end of the day, I feel it sliding off my face.  Plus, the tube itself makes it hard to get the product out of - - so a lot of the product gets wasted.

No matter what type of liquid foundation I use, I like to follow it up with some sort of powder.  I've used it Cosmetics' "Celebration" foundation (got it free at a QVC beauty event) and also bareMinerals original foundation.  They're both just okay.  I'm trying to finish them up, though, before I purchase anything else.

What I'd really like is just a tinted moisturizer, preferably on the thinner side in terms of consistency.  I tried Laura Mercier's a while ago based on its good reviews, but I remember it not providing much coverage.  Any other suggestions, anyone?  If I can find a great drugstore one, I'd be even happier!

PS - I'm currently testing one new product right now - Jergens' Natural Glow "Instant Sun."  I decided to dive in and get the deep bronze shade rather than the light bronze.  I just showered and applied, so I'll let you know how it works.  (I'm terrible at applying self-tanner, though.  I get impatient and just slap it on, and then I notice how streaky I am later!  Does this happen to any of you?)