Foundations are flesh-coloured covering fluids used to conceal skin irregularities and t o provide a base for the rest of your make-up. The right foundation can be the most difficult face colour choice to make, as well as taking a fair amount of skill to apply. But when you 've chosen the right base for your skin type and colouring, and applied it with care, your complexion can bloom with the best.

The most important point to remember about foundation is that it gives colour and texture you shouldn't see. So match your foundation to your skin colour to improve but not alter your overall colouring. A smooth, fresh base will even out your skin tone and form the perfect canvas for the rest of your make-up. You'll also be able to camouflage minor trouble spots and dark undereye shadows. The other plus is that foundation acts as a barrier on the skin's surface, helping it to hold in moisture while protecting it from outside pollutants and harsh weather conditions.

Foundation Formulas What is foundation made from? That creamy-pink fluid in a pretty glass bottle is basically colour pigment derived from iron oxide and titanium dioxide; a natural wax such as beeswax; emulsifier; and a form of cellulose to thicken the mixture and help it adhere to your skin. Foundations range from very fine, light-weight fluids which glide on easily with the fingertips, to heavy, cake-type foundations that need to be applied with a damp sponge. The lighter the consistency, the higher the water content; the thicker the mixture, the more oil or powder is present. So you should choose the texture of your foundation, like your moisturizer, according to your skin type. The same rule applies to the kind of blusher you should choose.

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