Ace of Base

The finest foundations in the world won't do you any good if you don't know what to do with them. Here's our step-by-step guide to foolproof application...

• Start by taking a good look at your skin. You won't always need to apply your foundation all over - chances are your complexion just needs evening-out, and it's much nicer to see a bit of skin rather than a mask of make-up.

• Damp sponges have had their day - pros work with their fingers or a brush. Using your fingers warms up your foundation before you apply it, making it easier to blend. Brushes get into all the nooks and crannies, and let you apply your foundation lightly and precisely. Try Prescriptives Foundation Brush (01730 232 566), £24.

• Your foundation should be the same shade as your skin. If in doubt, use one that's slightly lighter rather than darker - if you're using your foundation to add colour to your complexion, it's time you investigated blushers and bronzers.

• Scour the house 'til you find the best light available - daylight is always the best option. If that's not practical, make sure you're brightly lit from all sides while you're making-up, and then take a hand-held mirror to the nearest window to check out your newly created complexion.

• Work on a freshly cleansed and moisturised complexion. Give your face cream a minute to sink in, then get blending while your skin still feels plump and moist. This will give you a smooth and slightly slippery surface to work on, and help you get a light, transparent finish.
  

• Make-up primers give you a head start by erasing any redness - and the smoother and more even your skin looks, the less foundation you'll need. Try Ruby & Millie Pre Base Formula £9.

• An old foundation that's almost had its day can be thinned out with a little moisturiser. This also works well if your skin seems to need less coverage than it usually does.
  

• Concentrating on the areas under the eyes, around the nose and mouth, and any reddened or blemished areas, apply your foundation in downward strokes, following the direction of the baby-fine hairs on your face. Blend, blend and blend some more, especially around your nose, jaw, hairline and eyebrows.

• Concealer goes on after you've applied your foundation, not before, or you'll just rub it away with your fingers or foundation brush.

• Most modern foundations are formulated with staying power in mind, but a touch of loose, translucent powder will keep it in place for longer. Use a soft, fat brush to dust your powder over the central panel of your face (nose, chin and forehead) but leave your cheekbones powder-free and gleaming. Try Clinique Blended Face Powder And Brush in Transparency Neutral, £17.50.
  

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