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Spending the time to find a quality one is well worth the effort. Top of the list: the new ultra-sheer, skin-specific foundations that allow us to have a smooth, fresh-looking complexion all day.
Today's foundations contain silk, powders, anti-oil formulas and moisturisers in a variety of textures and covering strengths, and some include sunscreens and anti-ageing ingredients to add protection and nourishment. Light-reflecting pigments minimise wrinkle depth and create a radiant complexion.
But here's the first dilemma: fluid, cream, cream-to-powder or solid? Deciding which base is best for you can be confusing. The answer really is in the wearing - you'll have to try different finishes before finding one that suits you best.
As a rule of thumb: if you have very dry skin, avoid extremely matte finishes, as they tend to be quite drying; opt instead for a creamy, satin texture. If you have an oily skin, the dewy finish is everything you want to avoid as oily skins are prone to pimples and blemishes.
Oil-free liquid foundation is your best bet; matte formulas are thicker and offer more coverage for redness and blotching. Those of us with combination skins - the majority - need a medium-textured product that has just enough coverage to look natural, not overdone.
Satin formulations have a moisture-rich feel; ideal for dry skins. They give extra coverage and a dewy rather than matt look.
Best buys: Guerlain Issima Foundation, R325; Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup SPF10, R175; Lancome Maqui-Douceur SPF10, R265; Clarins Ultra Satin Foundation, R155; MAC Hyper Real Foundation, R170; Elizabeth Arden Bare Perfection Make-up SPF8, R105.
Velvet foundations give a rich texture that's not too matte, and good cover.
Best buys: Christian Dior Teint Compact Diorlift, R245; Clinique Superfit Makeup, R140; Yves Saint Laurent Energie Teint Oil-Free Liquid Foundation, R245; Orlane B21 Teint Absolu Treatment Foundation, R265; Estee Lauder Revelation Light Responsive Compact Makeup SPF15, R150; YSL Teint Signifier Sheer Powder Creme Veil, R225; Revlon New Complexion Make-up, R79,95; Iman Second to None Oil Free Make-up SPF8, R200.
Silk foundations give sheer cover, a natural look and leave your skin with a healthy sheen.
Best buys: Clarins Hydrating Liquid Foundation, R175; Elizabeth Arden SmartWear Makeup SPF15, R98; Yardley's Paint & Go Foundation SPF13, R79,95; L'Oreal Visible Lift, R89,95; Chanel Universal Foundation, R220; Kanebo Exclusive Bio Total Finish UV Natural Veil, R144; Lancome Photogenic Reflecting Make-up SPF12, R265.
- If your foundation has a tendency to sit in fine lines and wrinkles, don't try to disguise them. Rather look for a product containing special ingredients that plump up skin. Try Revlon's latest innovation SkinlightsÖ Face Illuminators. They're sheer, lightweight and light-reflective and leave your skin radiant and flawless.
- Do not use light-reflective foundations if you have lumpy or blemished skin, as they highlight every detail.
- Oil secretions make your foundation slide off your skin within hours of being applied. To solve this, look for a formula that incorporates oil absorbers such as talc, kaolin or nylon powders. Try Clinique Clarifying Make-up Clear Skin Formula, R120; or Revlon Colorstay Foundation, R84,95.
- When selecting a colour, the most natural-looking, flattering undertones are yellow. Regardless of skin colour, yellow tones look healthy and real.
- Be careful with how much foundation you wear - too much looks unnatural and can detract from your face's character.
- For time-saving touch-ups during the day you can't beat all-in-one powder or stick foundations. Keep a compact in your bag to refresh your make-up.
