No matter how natural or dramatic your look, good make-up begins with a flawless complexion. The right foundation will even out skin tone, conceal imperfections and create a natural-looking finish, whereas getting it wrong can look worse than wearing no base at all. Foundations are available in different formulations designed to meet your individual needs. Choosing the right texture (from silky liquids to creamy compacts), formulation (oil-free or hydrating, for example) and shade (from pale ivory to chocolate brown) depends on your skin type, skin colour, desired coverage and - of course - personal preference. Here's how to achieve a perfect finish.



For dry skin
Choose a formulation that offers all-day hydration or one that contains extra-nourishing ingredients, so your skin won't end up looking flaky and patchy. Avoid long-lasting foundations with a silicone base because as they dry, they also rob the skin of precious moisture.



For oily/combination skin
If you have oily skin, opt for an oil-free formula that won't slip off by lunchtime and that contains non-comedogenic ingredients that won't block your pores or cause blemishes. For combination skin, look out for the many new foundations containing a clever blend of moisturisers for parched areas and oil-blotting ingredients to target excess sebum (the skin's natural oil).



For ageing skin
If you want a foundation that helps make your skin look younger, try a treatment and base in one. Good ingredients to look out for include liposomes for long-lasting hydration, sunscreens to protect against skin-ageing UV damage and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) that encourage cell renewal for improved elasticity and skin tone.



For sheer coverage
When it's hot, or if your complexion is naturally flawless, choose a sheer formula or a tinted moisturiser with hydrating ingredients to boost radiance, as well as an added SPF to offer skin daily environmental protection. Finish the look with a little concealer to hide any tiny spots or blemishes.



For staying power
If you want your base to stay perfect from application to removal, choose a long-lasting foundation that 'grips' the skin and stays on from dawn until dusk. Then, set the foundation with a light dusting of translucent powder, remembering to shake off any excess powder from the brush first to avoid a caked-on look. Finally, spritz your entire face with a fine mist of mineral water.



For speed application
For make-up on the go, a compact or stick foundation offers fast, effective coverage. A compact is versatile - apply with a dry sponge for complete coverage or use a damp sponge for a sheerer finish. Slick on a stick foundation straight over skin and then blend with your fingertips. Both are great for minor touch-ups throughout the day.



Flawless application
Well-applied foundation will look smooth, even and 'invisible', rather than caked-on. Follow these basic steps for a flawless finish:

• Dot foundation where you need it - usually over the cheeks, nose and chin.

• Working downwards and outwards from the centre of your face, use your fingers or a sponge to blend the base smoothly and evenly.

• Apply concealer after foundation so that you can use it exactly where you need it. Use a small brush for precise application and better blending.

• To finish, pat loose or pressed powder onto the skin with a sponge curled round your middle finger. Use a rocking motion to gently pat on the powder - never rub it in or your foundation will look patchy.

Pre-base tricks
Few of us are blessed with flawless, perfectly balanced skin and pre-bases can offer a solution to minor skin problems. Try a pre-foundation formulation for a little extra help in achieving a perfect finish.

• To minimise fine lines and wrinkles and even out skin tone, opt for a pre-base with light-reflective particles.

• To neutralise any flushed patches, broken capillaries and angry blemishes, use a green-tone pre-foundation base