As every Makeup Artist knows, foundation is the secret to a great makeup look. But, while there are a lucky few with perfect looking skin, most women need a little help in creating that flawless finish.

Liquid foundations as well as powder and creme formulas can enhance the look of skin, help to even out skin-tone, camouflage imperfections and create a more flawless complexion. Eye, lip and cheek colour look better and more defined next to even-toned skin.

Many foundation formulas existing today also contain an SPF sun protection as well as anti-oxidants, which benefits supplement your skincare and help to give you added protection from the elements.

The texture of your foundation should depend on your skin type. If you have oily or combination skin, you may like to choose a powder foundation to help your skin to remain shine-free all day. If you do go for a liquid foundation however, choose a matte formula, followed by a shine-absorbing powder.

If your skin is dry, choose a liquid foundation with a creamy base or a creme formula which will have moisturising properties. This will help prevent your foundation from clinging to dry areas of your face and will help to keep your skin hydrated throughout the day.

For the summer months you may consider using a tinted moisturiser; many tinted moisturisers have SPF and therefore protect your skin while providing all the hydration and light coverage you need.

It's also important to find the right shade and finish of foundation so your skin appears as natural looking as possible. According to a recent study, 84-96% of women are wearing the wrong foundation shade.

Foundation colours are best tested on your jaw line and not on the back of your hand, as some people may suggest. To get a perfect match, visit your nearest counter and ask an expert. Make sure they test at least 3 shades and formulas against your skin. Take a hand mirror with you to the window and make sure you see what the colour looks like in natural light, as the in-store lighting can be deceptive. The shade closest to your natural skin colour is the one you should choose.

Depending on the type of finish you require, you may want to set your foundation with a powder, however if you prefer a ‘dewy' finish, you might want to skip this stage and choose a cream blusher to finish your look.

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