I've been at the coast for about 3 months now and my skin is unbearable. I use Maybelline Fit Me but after 2 hours I'm already shiny and my makeup starts sliding off. I've tried loose powders but nothing really works for me. Does anyone have a recommendation that's affordable here?
You need to change your base strategy, not just the product. The humidity on the coast destroys any base that has a lot of water in it, so first thing is to use a mattifying primer underneath - that's what most people don't do and that's where everything falls apart. A good primer creates a barrier between your skin and the base, especially important in humid climates.
For the base itself, look for something with a powder formula or ultra matte. Cushion-type bases or BB creams are the worst for you right now because they have a lot of moisture in them. Check out brands like Revlon ColorStay or Rimmel Lasting Finish if you want something affordable - they're bases with a drier formula that adhere better when there's humidity. The important thing is that it's long-wearing; make sure it says waterproof or sweat-resistant on the label.
Here's what most people forget: the setting spray is your best friend. A good spray setting spray at the end of your makeup does all the difference in humid weather. But make sure you let the base dry completely before you apply powders, because if you put them on while it's wet everything gets clumpy. Give yourself a few minutes between each step. Try this combination first before you spend money on new bases - a lot of times the issue isn't the base but how you're applying it.
The problem you're dealing with is pretty common on the coast - humidity makes any base dissolve. Fit Me is decent but it has a lot of water content, so in humid climates it's basically impossible to make it last. What actually works better for oily skin in those conditions is a base with a drier formula, like ones with silicone or long-wearing ones. Look for something that says "long-wearing" or "oil-control" on the label. Catrice or Essence bases tend to be pretty affordable and hold up really well against heat and humidity, though you'd have to check if they sell them where you are.
What I'd do besides that is change your whole prep routine. Before applying base, use a primer specifically for oily skin (it doesn't need to be expensive, a good gel primer from any brand will help), and please use a setting spray after you're done with makeup, not just powder. Loose powders alone aren't going to hold without something to set them. That's what makes the real difference. And here's the weird part but it works: some makeup artists use setting spray in between layers, not just at the end.
Also think about whether you could maybe use a powder base instead of liquid straight up, or a lighter BB cream with a lot of compact powder on top. In climates like that people often get better results with less product and better setting than trying to use super full-coverage bases that just aren't going to last.
Water-based foundation won't hold up on the coast, so you need to look for something with a powder formula or really pigmented. Forget conventional liquid foundations; try compact ones like Maybelline Superstay or compressed powders from cheaper brands. The key thing is that it needs to be waterproof, not just "resistant."
But what really makes the difference is the step before. A decent mattifying primer (doesn't have to be expensive) is going to extend how long your makeup lasts a lot. You apply it to clean, dry skin, wait a minute for it to set, and then put the foundation on top. With that you can go way longer than two hours.
And a practical tip: use a setting spray at the end. You can find cheap ones anywhere and they'll save you on especially humid days. It's not the ultimate solution, but combined with a decent foundation and primer it works pretty well. People who live on the coast long-term almost always end up using this system.
What nobody mentioned is that the primer is only half the battle; you also need to set everything with spray after you finish your makeup, not just powder. I've found that combining a compact foundation (like Superstay that people already mentioned) with a decent setting spray extends how long it lasts way more than any loose powder alone. The idea is to seal everything before the humidity dissolves it, so it holds up longer during those 2 and a half hours you mentioned.
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