Laying the foundation

If you're going to wear foundation, you want people to think your skin looks amazing, rather than your coverage. Here's how

Find the perfect coverage to showcase your amazing skin

bare skin is beautiful but when you’d like your complexion to look flawless, foundation is the solution. The first step is to find your perfect formula and then it’s time to fine-tune your application technique so you can achieve that second-skin finish.

SUIT YOURSELF

No single formula can do everything or suit everyone, so before you go shopping, decide on what your biggest skin issue is. It could be uneven skin tone, shine or you might just want to give your complexion a lift. Next step – look for a foundation specialising in delivering the results you’re after.

THE PERFECT MATCH

Finding the right shade is easier than you might think. How? Once you’ve zeroed in on a foundation, pick three shades that look close to your skin colour, then test them on your face (not your hand) by making three thin lines across your lower cheek. The closer the match the more convincing the result will be, so the one that disappears is a winner.

OPTIONS GALORE

To find your perfect shade in di‚erent brands to the one you use now, visit findation. com, which gives alternatives based on what you like and wear. Brands such as IL Makiage and Giorgio Armani also have quizzes on their websites to find your ideal shade from their ranges.

SHEER BEAUTY

Lightweight or sheer foundations are designed to enhance your natural complexion and are ideal for giving mature and dry skin a fresh, healthy glow. TRY 1 Natural Finish Fluid Foundation, $98, Gucci. 2 Luminous Silk Foundation, $105, Giorgio Armani. 3 Woke Up Like This Flawless Base Foundation, $68, IL Makiage. 4 Colorstay Light Cover Foundation, $29.95, Revlon.

GOOD TO KNOW Foundation and thirsty, dry skin don’t perform well together, so make sure yours is well hydrated before applying makeup. If your skin is very dry, go for a dewy finish, not matte.