Actually; liquid foundation, concealer and loose powder is the norm, so I don’t think it’s too heavy. However, I know what you mean though, because I had the same concerns, people always used to think I was crazy when I said my skin couldn’t breathe! The good thing about loose powder is that it is very fine so it won’t further clog your pores, a quick pat down your T-zone (or wherever you are most oily) will be completely fine.

Or, you can always use a compact foundation like you said: this only needs one ‘layer’ although because of this, it is quite thick. If you’re acne prone it may not be the best. Of course, it also depends on the brand. I heard that ones by Maybelline and MAC are so thick they look like masks :( So you could do some research on good ones.

Furthermore, if you’re concerned about being too thick, clogging the pores, etc, I recommended mineral makeup. They are loose powder forms in ‘thicker’ form, but they are made out of minerals so it’s fantastic for the skin, and looks flawless too. The new one by Body Shop was really great and affordable, you can read my review here: http://www.beautyfool.net/the-body-shop-natures-minerals-foundation-review/

Ah! Tons of choices! So either;

1) Buy a loose powder to apply over your current liquid foundation, it won’t be too heavy ‘technically’, but we all have our preferences
2) Ditch the liquid and buy a compact foundation that is only one step but may be thick and clog pores, but great for touch ups.
3) Ditch all and switch to mineral makeup: good for skin, looks flawless and in powder form, so great for oily skin. However, very messy for touch ups. You can read my post on the Pros and Cons of Mineral makeup here: http://www.beautyfool.net/the-pros-and-cons-of-mineral-makeup/

Hope I helped… Let me know what you decided on! :)

Just a question, you mention using loose powder on top of liquid foundation if you have oily skin (you know my skin, it can get really oily and I use liquid foundation) and my question is whether this is something you recommend? Wouldn’t it be too heavy having two types on and wouldn’t it be even worse for your skin (i.e., makes it harder for it to “breathe”).

I’m thinking compact or loose foundation might be the way to go especially since it’s so much easier to touch up when you’re on the go! (:

http://www.beautyfool.net/the-pros-and-cons-of-mineral-makeup/

The only thing with ID Bare Escentuals is that if you live in a place with a hot climate, it tends to get very itchy on the skin, in my experience. I think it’s due to the ingredient bismuth.