The Foundation of Beautiful Skin

Want perfect skin? Fake it with foundation.

Whatever your problem -- an oily T-zone, fine lines or dull, washed-out skin, there's a foundation to perfect any complexion.

What might be best for you:

Skin-care need Fresh, dewy look for normal to dry skin Smoothing fine lines Oil control Long-lasting coverage for any skin type Freshening a dull, lackluster complexion Look for Hydrating formulas that add moisture without leaving skin shiny Anti-aging formulas with ingredients that scatter light (a trick that prevents shadows from emphasizing lines on the face) and light-reflecting particles to brighten skin Streak-proof powder foundations with a light matte finish that won't clog pores Oil-free liquids formulated to be sheer yet long-wearing Gel-based creams or liquids with antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E, and botanicals to even out skin tone Hydrating Liquid Foundation ($32) with vitamins and minerals to keep skin moist all day; Chanel Waterlights Sheer Makeup Stick ($37.50), a cooling cream made of 30 percent water Maybelline Smooth Result Age Minimizing Makeup SPF 18 ($9); L'Oreal Air Wear Breathable Longwearing Powder Foundation ($11.95) with pigments that glide over skin; Revlon Wet/Dry Foundation ($13.95) Bobbi Brown Oil-Free Even Finish Foundation SPF 15 ($35) with silica beads to minimize fine lines; Avon Beyond Color Illuminating Radiance Vitamin C Foundation SPF 12 ($11) with skin-brightening licorice extract; Almay Wake-Up Call! Energizing Makeup ($10.95) 15

Basics of base: how to apply Whether you opt for a stick, liquid or powder formula, you'll get flawless results every time with these tips from Hollywood makeup pro Robin Siegel, who keeps the cast of Friends looking so fabulous. Stick foundation Glide on the foundation straight from the stick; blend with fingertips or a dry, clean makeup sponge. Liquid foundation Shake bottle well. Dot on, then blend with your fingertips; oils from your fingertips will help spread the foundation evenly. Powder foundation Apply with a dry sponge; wet sponges can streak.

Blending 101
For complexion perfection, it's all in the blending. Here, Siegel's secrets:

• Apply foundation in center of forehead; blend across, then down.
• For cheeks, blend in toward nose, then out toward hairline.
• Dot foundation on tip of nose; blend with upward, then outward strokes.
• On your chin, blend foundation across, then up.
  

How do I find my perfect match?
In your search for the most flattering shade, don't test foundation on the back of your hand. The skin is thinner there and tends to be lighter than your face. What you should do: Smooth a little on your jaw, and then blend it into your neck. With the right shade, you won't be able to tell where the foundation begins or ends.

Do you need powder over your foundation?
Not at all if you use a powder foundation.
If you use a stick, pat on a little pressed powder in the T-zone.
If you use a liquid or cream foundation, press your powder puff around the nose, then slightly outward toward cheeks. --Carol Straley

Source: http://www.lhj.com/lhj/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/lhj/story/data/16205.xml&catref=cat1530002&psrc=storyrl