Oh, absolutely Gigi. Especially as you say, for different ages and skin types. Foundation is hard to choose, but I think all skin needs to be really well prepped for any foundation to look good (powder, liquid, cheap, expensive, etc).
Definitely! Skin tone is a big factor. For example if my skin is feeling dry I always start with a tinted moisturiser (yes it has SPF 15 ) And if my skin is feeling oilier than usual a straight cover all pressed powder works well. When picking a foundation it really is trial and error, see how it goes on your skin, and decide what kind of coverage you would like. I've probably tried about 15+ in my lifetime. And colour is really important. No matter what your skin shade don't go for something a darker colour than your skin tone, or you'll find you'll be blending for AGES or you'll have that nasty line that I see girls who want that "tanned" look have... and it looks dreadful. Also play with yellow based foundations as well as pink based and see what works for you... then you can go lighter or darker. I try and steer clear from yellow, my moisturiser is a bit yellow but because I use it with a pink based powder it evens out and actually works well with my skin tone.


How frustrating that you've been sold things that didn't work for you not cool.
This often happens. Only the other day I was at a major department store, trying to find a good foundation, each person that tried to apply it applied a colour that didn't suit, with a coverage that didn't suit. The MAC counter was the only one that actually knew my colouring better than I did vs. their products. The other good tip is, once you find a colour that suits, hold onto the dregs, and take it with you when you go to choose a foundation. This will help you to be able to colour match. As well as give the staff a better idea of what sort of coverage you would like and be able to help you find a product that works best. Keep in mind too some product lines work better for different skin types/tones than others. Which is why when I have a foundation I love I often stick to that label for all things foundation, unless the product line discontinues. When it comes to other makeup I go with what I like.

PS hope everyone is wearing SPF! Can't stress enough how important this is, even if you're only out in the sun for short periods. Sun exposure is the quickest way to age your skin.
Me Me ME! And there's also an awesome spray sunscreen that you can get from Neurtrogena that goes over the top of your makeup too.