How to choose the right type of foundation

Foundation comes in liquid, cream, stick and liquid-to-powder. Liquids tend to be sheerest and creams heaviest, but you can find almost any type of coverage, including long-wearing, in every formulation.

What to think about

Factor in these three considerations when choosing foundation: 1) the degree of coverage you want; 2) compatibility with your skin type; and 3) type of finish you want. Coverage ranges from super-sheer, the lightest, to thicker, heavier coverage. If your skin is normal-to-oily, choose an oil-free, non-comedegenic formula. Drier skins benefit from moisturizing formulas, such as Face Lifting Moisture Firm Foundation - Cream Souffle.

Finish, in order from dry to moist, can be matte, luminous or dewy. Tinted moisturizer is a minimalist option and one you can create yourself. Simply mix a bit of moisturizer with a bit of liquid foundation in the palm of your hand and apply as foundation.

*Hint: If your skin is perfect all by itself, you can skip foundation, though it's useful to have on hand for a more finished look when you're dressing up.

The right shade

Test foundation via a fingertip-swipe on your jaw line, not your hand, cheek or forearm. (The color looks darker in the bottle or package than it will on your skin.) That's the spot where skin tone is likely to represent your true facial coloring. Don't rub it in, just blend the edges; the correct shade will disappear into your skin. The majority of skins, regardless of ethnicity, are flattered by yellow-undertone foundation, such as Perfect Wear Foundation SPF 6 in Porcelain Beige or Honey Beige. Don't make the mistake of thinking you'll give yourself a rosy glow by choosing a pinkish foundation; you'll only look ghoulish.

*Hint: If you're between shades, blend a dot of each on your palm to get the right tint.