How To Choose Your Perfect Foundation

How to: create complexion perfection

Step one: prepare
Start with a cleansed and well-hydrated face before applying your chosen foundation to ensure an even application. And don't under-estimate the importance of this step. Maybelline New York make-up artist Nigel Stanislaus explains: "The better the condition of your skin, the less time and make-up is needed to create your look."

Step two: prime
Extend the life of your make-up with a primer. "It will smooth uneven skin texture, visible pores and fine lines," says celebrity make-up artist Napoleon Perdis. As well as prolonging wear, primers act as a barrier to help protect skin from pollution, sun exposure and free radicals. Apply a thin layer under your base with a foundation brush. Try NP Set Pre-Foundation Primer Set, $39.

Step three: apply
For liquid formulas, Perdis uses a foundation brush for a well-blended effect. "Begin by applying your foundation from the centre of your face outwards and blend to nothing at the jawline," he advises. Get the look with Artiste Professional by Manicare Foundation Brush, $21.95, and M.A.C Face and Body Foundation in N3, $60. If a thicker option, such as a stick or a compact, is your preference, start by coating your brush with your chosen product, then use short strokes to buff on your base. This action will create a smooth surface and avoid that "caked on" effect. Try Shiseido The Makeup Stick Foundation in Natural Fair Ivory, $67. Finish with a light dusting of powder on top, concentrating on your T-zone, to keep shine at bay. Try Benefit "Hello Flawless!" SPF 15 in "Me, Vain?" Champagne, $63.

Step four: conceal
For superior coverage, tailor your concealer to your concern.
Illuminating: Enlist a creamy light-reflector to camouflage dark circles and brighten eyes. Try Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat in 2, $55.
Heavy duty: Opt for a thick, matt formula to cover spots using a fine brush, never your fingers. Also, consider anti-bacterial ingredients, such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, to hide and heal. Try Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in SC-4, $65, and apply with Giorgio Armani Concealer Brush, $38.
Skin perfecting: Consider a colour-correcting concealer to treat uneven skin tone. A green-based concealer will counteract redness, while yellow-based options will brighten a sallow complexion. Just be sure to blend thoroughly to avoid obvious lines.
Try: Maybelline New York Cover Stick in Green, $14.50.

How to: find your perfect match

Today, foundations are enhanced by the latest skincare technology. Often boasting dual purposes such as sun protection, brightening or anti-ageing benefits, these formulas combine care and coverage in one. Here's our guide to selecting the best base for you:

Off-duty beauty
You want: A fresh, dewy result.
Look for: A lightweight, liquid formula with a sheer texture for weekend wear. For an added boost, consider options with an in-built SPF, light-reflecting particles or moisturising ingredients.
Try: Max Factor Second Skin Foundation in Creamy Ivory, $36.50, and Dermalogica Sheer Tint Moisture SPF 15 in Medium, $77.

Spotless skin
You want: To conceal imperfections.
Look for: A mineral powder or a light foundation with in-built calming or anti-bacterial properties. Perfect for sensitive, oily or acne-prone skin, these clever products conceal and care.
Try: Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions in Fresh Neutral, $49, and apply i.d. Bare Minerals SPF 15 Foundation in Medium Beige, $79, with an i.d. Bare Escentuals Face Brush, $44.

From left to right, top to bottom: Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder in True Translucent, $12.95; Bourjois Foundation Healthy Mix in Light Beige, $32; Covergirl Advanced Radiance Age-Defying Makeup in Creamy Natural; Dermalogica Sheer Tint Moisture SPF 15 in Medium, $77; i.d. Bare Escentuals Face Brush, $44; Bobbi Brown Natural Finish Long Lasting Foundation SPF 15 in Natural, $75 and Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions in Fresh Neutral, $49.

Flawless, 9 to 5
You want: A look that lasts.
Look for: A long-wearing liquid or spray foundation for buildable coverage. For longevity, set your base with translucent powder, which will also create a low-shine look.
Try: Bobbi Brown Natural Finish Long Lasting Foundation SPF 15 in Natural, $75; Napoleon Perdis Boudoir Mist Spray Foundation in Look 4, $69, and Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder in True Translucent, $12.95.

Welcome, matt
You want: A velvety finish.
Look for: A compact, powder or mattifying fluid, designed to provide a shine-free finish. Apply the formulas sparingly to avoid a mask-like look. A light dusting of powder on top will ensure you stay smooth.
Try: Sisley Phyto-Teint Éclat Compact Foundation in Honey, $118, and Lancôme Teint Idole Silky Mat in Beige Diaphane, $68.

Smooth moves
You want: To camouflage fine lines.
Look for: A product with immediate and long-term anti-ageing benefits. These claim to boost skin's collagen and elastin, minimise the appearance of wrinkles and increase radiance.
Try: Bourjois Foundation Healthy Mix in Light Beige, $32, and Covergirl Advanced Radiance Age-Defying Makeup in Creamy Natural, $20.95.

The dos and don'ts of buying your best-ever base

DO: Test shades on your chest or jawline rather than the back of your hand. Your face and chest should always appear the same shade.

DON'T: Make a decision in the harsh artificial lighting of a store. Walk to a window or door to check the match.

DO: Allow the product to set for a few minutes before making your decision. The acid in your skin can affect the final colour of the product.

DON'T: Rely on the same shade year-round. If your skin tone darkens in the summer, consider a warmer tone for the new season.

DO: Remember your perfect match will disappear into your complexion, and will never be obvious.