I use a BB cream and a powder on top - I tried not using foundation for awhile, but then people attribute that around here to a less professional appearance. Most of the other women I work with put on a healthy slathering - the only way I know that they're wearing it, though, is that they look different on night shift!

I tried mineral makeup (Jane Iredale) and it was a powdery, chalky nightmare, even over well-moisturized skin, and being helped by a JI sales assoc. Never again!

FINALLY found my foundation HG (Holy Grail, as they say on Makeupalley) - Chantecaille "Just Skin" tinted moisturizer. I found an absolute perfect skin match, and makes my skin glow to boot.

Besides just not getting the right skin tone match, application technique is often a problem.

ETA: No disrespect intended. I just haven't had the same experiences with mineral makeup as others. Below are my thoughts on it...

Jane Iredale mineral foundation looks great when sparingly applied over moisturized skin. It's powdery if you don't moisturize first. A chalky appearance is the result of using the wrong shade (too light for your skintone). I speak from the voice of experience. I've made these mistakes before.

I've been wearing Jane Iredale for years, and absolutely love it. Do I think it's for everyone? No. I have, however, found solutions to that powdery, chalkey look. When I look at myself in the mirror or in photos, all I see is great skin. I don't look like I'm wearing foundation makeup. I don't feel like I'm wearing anything, either. And best of all, it provides great coverage.

NOTE: The above comments apply to the Amazing Base foundation, not to the PurePressed powder foundation that's in a compact. I don't like the pressed powder at all.

Sorry, late to this party, but can I still chime in?

Foundation should not be visible unless you're really, really close up. I wear it most days, but not all over my face -- just on the pinkish areas around my nose. You can still see my freckles through the foundation, and my freckles are quite faded to begin with, so the foundation must be on the sheer side.

Those who mentioned blending like crazy are right. Also, it's important to get the right shade. Usually when you can see a woman's foundation, it's because she's wearing something too dark. Err on the side of lighter than your skin tone (which can be tough for whitey white gals -- I always have to use the lightest colour in the range, and I have a friend who's even whiter than me and who has trouble finding face makeup to match her skin!).

When I say "lighter", I don't mean a ton lighter -- just a smidge -- and I can only speak for proper foundation, not mineral makeup, which I've never tried. Sheer foundation never looks chalky, even if you apply it wrong, but it can look dreadful if it's too dark.

I also agree with the others about how faces tend to look better when they are not too matte. Mine is "shiny like and apple", like Angie says, and I like it that way. If it crosses the line and starts to look greasy, as can happen in humid weather, I blot with a paper towel. Problem solved.