Beauty SPOT

Foundation Foibles? We find your perfect match, and suggest the best ways to achieve complexion perfection...

Are you still looking for 'The One'? You know, the one - that gives you great glow, lights up your eyes, makes you feel as fresh as a daisy? It's a long and difficult road we travel in pursuit of the perfect foundation match, which is the core element of making your face (even more) gorgeous. Finding the right shade, making sure it's not too oily, getting the perfect amount of coverage, the all important sun protection - There are just too many things to consider when finding the ideal foundation for you.


To prepare your skin for summer exposure - check out our 7 tips for getting skin back into shape. In our quest to make this potentially stressful and time consuming search in the cosmetics department much quicker easier, we have road tested some of the best bases money can buy - from top of the range beauties to super-market super-products. Call off the search, we have unearthed your all new glowing complexion.

HOT TIPS TO FINDING THE PERFECT FOUNDATION - and what to look for.

1. Take your time when searching for your new foundation: - Purchasing on the spot without thorough research (and a bit of trial and error) is just asking for tide-mark trouble. Ask for a sample from the brands you are interested in purchasing from, and wear each for a day - its only by wearing a foundation for a full day that you will best find our whether a particular product is your perfect match.

2. Finding the right shade: This can be one of the biggest challenges you will have to face when purchasing foundation. Use the unforgiving bright-as-the-sun lighting in the cosmetic departments in your local Myer or DJ's to your advantage - and then ask for a sample and test its appearance in the great outdoors. Don't be afraid to ask for advice from the consultants (they are more than too happy to help!).

3. Check your neck: A great way to tell if you have chosen the correct shade is to compare your skin with foundation applied to the colour of your neck - this colour should match the foundation on your face, so don't apply foundation to your neck.

4. Sun Smarts.: SPF is a fantastic addition and a great benefit to look for in a foundation, but don't go sunning yourself and assume your face is completely protected. Most cosmetics only have an SPF of 15, but for our harsh Aussie climate (and nasty UV rays) we really need an SPF of 30. So all you sun smart gals, don't forget to slip slop and slap whenever outdoors.

5. Prime Time: Primer is the perfect way to get your skin in tip-top condition before applying your super duper new foundation. At first a little suspicious, ("is this really necessary??") we at Missy are now true converts. Our top pick is Napoleon's Auto Pilot Pre Foundation Skin Primer, which smoothes and calms your complexion before you apply your foundation, letting your natural glow shine through and helping you achieve utter complexion perfection. This lovely lotion also provides instant hydration, and helps your make up last even longer.

6. No lazy products: If you are a gal on the go (as many of us are) look for a hard working foundation that can multi task as well as you do. We love an over achieving foundation that can do it all - Conceal? Check. Eye Base? Check. Flawless Face? Check. Our fave is the ModelCo Fluid Splash 3 in 1 for a great all rounder. You could even train it to do your washing and vacuum the floor, this foundation is one smartie.

SO, LET'S GO SHOPPING!

Estee Lauder Individualist Natural Finish Makeup
$66 for 30mls

Ideal light weight makeup, great for a luminous, lustrous finish.

This natural finish make up glides on like a dream - creamy, moist and light (it almost sounds like a dessert!). The Individualist makeup is perfect for those who like their true beauty to shine through their foundation. Smooth this little beauty on with your fingertips and blend.

Ease of Application and Blending Take a little time to blend this product well to get the most out of it.
Coverage Good coverage but light, perfect for those who like a product that looks completely natural.
Weigh - Subtle and pleasant.
Best For - Putting your true gorgeousness on show.
Lasts For - Most of the day, requires a little touch up if going on for night time wear.
Overall rating 8/10

Available from David Jones, Myer and selected pharmacies.

Max Factor Colour Adapt
$34.95 for 34 mls
Find your true colour match.

Struggle to find a foundation that is a perfect match to your skin tone? The good people at Max Factor have come up with this great solution to solve all your dark face/white neck problems. Colour Adapt is specially formulated to adapt to your individual skin tone to provide a flawless look. With a little powdery feel when applying this super smart makeup, even out your skin tone and blend away imperfections as quick as you can say 'perfect!'

Ease of application/blending This liquid has a little powder feel to it when applied, which can make it harder to smooth and blend, but it is all worth it when you get it right - blemishes are non existent and it makes a perfect match to your skin tone
Coverage Good coverage and finish - skin looks flawless and smooth, and soft to touch
Weight Very light, powdery to touch.
Perfect for A super glam look that is polished and finished.
Lasts For A long time, this foundation loves your skin and sets well..
Overall rating 9/10

For stockists call 1800 181 040

Bourjois Reboosting Collagen Foundation
$31.00 for 30mls
Ideal makeup for a more mature skin

Youth in a foundation bottle? Scoff if you will, but we were willing to try anything. Pretty Paris cosmetic company Bourjois has produced a lovely, creamy base that promises to smooth wrinkles and fine lines, resulting in a youthful complexion. Unconvinced? Just give this little lotion a go.

Ease of Application/Blending Soft and smooth, this foundation is perfect for a natural look that works hard for you, evening out fine lines and blemishes. Completely subtle, I couldn't even tell I was wearing it (in a good way! My skin tone was really even.)
Coverage Light, this is definitely a product you need to layer to achieve your goal amount of coverage.
Weight Lighter than air
Perfect for A natural look that works well with your blush - the pretty pink will glow against your flawless skin
Lasts For Very long lasting, I was quite surprised by this.
Overall rating 8/10

For stockists call 1800 181 040

Shiseido The Makeup. Lifting Foundation
Shiseido $65 for 30 mls
Love the pump dispenser!

This creamy and rich foundation comes in a fabulous pump dispenser to make application so easy and clean. The coverage is fantastic, covering my darker spots and evening skin tone without giving a heavily made up look. Very natural indeed. The "highly lustrous" finish translated to a smooth, light, fresh face. Love it

Ease of application/blending 10 out of 10.
Coverage Achieve a natural looking full coverage finish in minutes.
Weight Very light, non greasy.
Perfect for Hiding those dark patches and spots.
Lasts For No need to refresh, lasted the day well. br> Overall rating 10/10

Napoleon China Doll Foundation (with SPF 15)
Napoleon $65 for 30 mls
Top choice for Aussie gals!

We love a foundation which includes some SPF protection for those of us too lazy to apply in the morning. Even better, Napoleon have managed to create a non-greasy foundation to give you a beautiful "China Doll" complexion. With it's soft velvet finish, and luscious thick consistency - the benefit is a truly flawless finish. Use with China Doll Concealer for best results.

Ease of application/blending Good, only apply a small amount and blend as you go for natural coverage.
Coverage Excellent, gives a top finish.
Weight Medium
Perfect for those who need a little extra coverage for a flawless finish.
Lasts For From morning till evening.
Overall rating 9/10

For Stockists call 02 8306 9099. Or visit www.napoleoncosmetics.com.au

ModelCo FluidSplash 3 in 1 Foundation
Model Co $58 for 35 mls
Perfect for glamour girls on the go!

ModelCo win the clever packaging race hands down every time. We love this 3 in 1 Foundation for it's cleverly concealed concealer (he he!). So carrying this little tube in your handbag, you're perfectly prepared for a quick face refresh anywhere anytime. Oh? And did we mention the fantastic finish. Goodbye dark circles and hello smooth skin.

Ease of application/blending Liquid foundation goes on smooth. Tap on the concealer for light coverage.
Coverage Lightweight coverage gives perfect skin tone.
Weight Light
Perfect for attending to problem spots with a little extra help.
Lasts For From morning till evening.
Overall rating 10/10

Find ModelCo in David Jones, and leading Pharmacies. Or order online at www.modelco.com.au

CoverGirl Smoothers All Day Hydrating Makeup
$16.25 for 30mls
The bargain buy to end all bargain buys

We love great value for money, and that is exactly what this Cover Girl foundation offers you. This makeup has great hydration benefits, which is perfect for those of you with dry skin that craves to feel moist and supple all day long. The small packaging is a bonus - throw it into your smallest clutch for a fresh face all night long.

Ease of application/blending Very smooth, glides on and feels super soft. The extra moisture can be felt the moment it is squeezed onto your fingers for quick no-fuss application.
Coverage Ideal amount coverage, great for any time or any event, although you may need a little loose powder just for super setting power.
Weight So light, feels like you are just giving yourself a facial massage when you apply it.
Perfect for A long day in the office - fight the dehydration effects of air con and pollution.
Lasts For - All day - you won't even think about it
Overall rating 7/10

Stockists call 1800 181 040.

CoverGirl Tru Blend MakeUp
$19.95 for 30mls
Perfect for young troublesome skin!

Finding the perfect makeup for young skin is potentially a dilemma that needs to be dealt with carefully. The foundation needs to be oil free (so as to not create any nasty blemishes), while being light and natural, but heavy enough to conceal any existing blemishes. Tru Blend steps up to the plate with qualities that are perfect for younger and adolescent skin. A great matte makeup, Tru Blend will settle into your skin without upsetting it, and will adapt to your skin tone, while providing great coverage and a flawless finish. It is also a great price for a younger pay packet.

Be sure to blend this product well, and you will get a great result. Initially a much heavier and thicker formula compared to our other road-test products, this makeup blends superbly and melts into the skin, giving fantastic coverage. The result is soft to touch and feels light on the skin.
Coverage Thorough coverage, blemishes are no where to be seen. Blend well around the jaw and hair line
Weight Fairly heavy at first, the formula blends into a light lotion..
Perfect for Disguising unhappy skin without producing more unhappy skin.
Lasts For A great long lasting foundation - put it on and forget about it.
Overall rating 7/10

For stockists call 1800 181 040

Max Factor Sheer Radiance by Colour Adapt Make Up
$34.95 for 34mls
Party Girl Glow on the Go!

This foundation has wow factor in every single drop. Using the colour adapt technology to match your skin tone, Max Factor has added a sexy shimmering glow to their original formula. Totally dewy and creamy, look completely radiant and healthy with the light reflecting particles. You can use this product alone or on top of the original Colour Adapt.

Ease of application/blending A dream blend to apply, this is the ultimate in soft foundations that glide over the skin, leaving a shimmering hue in its wake. Pop this gorgeous product on before you head out for a special night, and lap up the compliments.
Coverage Very light, luminous - if you are after and full coverage finish, apply it on top of the original colour adapt.
Weight Light as a feather, and extra creamy.
Perfect for Glowing in the candlelight at your favourite restaurant.
Lasts For Refresh your glow during the night, as mentioned previously, this is a light formula. br> Overall rating 9/10

For stockists call 1800 181 040

Red Earth Perfect Definition
$33.00 for 30mls
A luxe formula for girls who love indulgent makeup

This is a luxuriously smooth and fabulously rich hydrating foundation, with a velvety finish and long lasting freshness. Formulated for normal to dry skin, this foundation is a favourite, providing us with a picture perfect and refined complexion that lasted all day. Apply this one with a good quality foundation brush or sponge, and control the coverage - layer up for a full finish.

Ease of application/blending Take your time while blending this rich formula, and enjoy the makeup process.
Coverage Totally up to you, apply a little for a natural glow, or create a totally imperfection free face
Weight Fairly heavy, very rich and totally luxurious feel..
Perfect for The makeup princess who loves her products and revels in the use of them.
Lasts For All day long, reapply for your gorgeous party fever face.
Overall rating 9/10

Available at selected department stores and pharmacies