Fixes for flawless skin: no matter what your skin type—dry, oily, acne-prone or sun-damaged—there's a complexion-perfecting foundation for you - Beauty in Action

Shape, Dec, 2002 by Suzanne Gleason

A word to the foundation-phobic: Rejoice! This once-intimidating makeup has come a long way from its pancake-and-stage-grease traditions and is emerging as one of the most user-friendly cosmetics in your kit. "Foundations today are available in limitless textures, colors, and coverage levels, and many are so sheer, comfortable and natural-looking that no one will know you're wearing anything," says New York City makeup artist Liz Michael. Ingredients have been added to soothe, protect and treat skin, helping to improve your complexion even after you've washed the foundation off. Just find your skin type below and follow the expert advice.

If You're Dry "In general, oil-based, moisturizing foundations give skin a dewy appearance and keep it from flaking," says Cherie Ditre, M.D., director of cosmetic dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania's Penn Medicine at Radnor. Stick to creamy liquids and "avoid powders and matte finishes, which can make skin look chalky," advises Nadine Luke, senior makeup artist for M.A.C Cosmetics. For skin that just needs a subtle glow, try tinted moisturizer or make your own by mixing equal parts foundation and your favorite moisturizer.

Foundations best for your skin Mary Kay Day Radiance Cream Foundation ($14; marykay.com), BlissLabs Skin Twin SPF 12 ($35; blissworld.com) and Lancome Photogenic Ultra Comfort Skin-Illuminating Makeup SPF 15 ($32.50; lancome.com). Tinted moisturizers: Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 ($12; at drugstores), Aveda Moisture Plus Tint SPF 15 ($25; aveda.com) and Linda Cantello Hint Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 ($34; 800-218-4918).

If You're Oily/Acne-Prone "If you're avoiding foundation because you think it will make you break out, think again," says Luke. "Today's foundations are noncomedogenic and oil-free, and the right formula can help keep your skin fresh and clear" (thanks to ingredients like salicylic acid). "If you're only oily in the T-zone, try using a mattifying lotion under your makeup in the oily areas," suggests Michael. We like The Body Shop Balance It Prebase SPF 8 ($12.50; 800-263-9746).

Foundations best for your skin Clarins Oil-Free Multi-Matte Foundation ($32.50; gloss.com), Chanel Double Perfection Matte Reflecting Makeup SPF 15 ($40; gloss.com) and Clinique Clarifying Makeup Clear Skin Formula with astringents and pore-clearing salicylic acid ($17.50; clinique.com).

If You Have Sun-Damaged/Aging Skin As skin starts showing dullness and fine lines, choose a foundation that softens and camouflages flaws without settling into wrinkles. "Go for sheer coverage," says Luke. "Packing on heavy foundation that blocks all texture leaves skin drab and makes lines more noticeable, You want to add glow." Up to the task is hydrating makeup with light-reflecting particles that visually soften flaws and help you look naturally radiant.

Foundations best for your skin Revlon Skinlight Diffusing Tints ($14; at drugstores), Almay Kinetin Skin Smoothing Foundation SPF 15 ($13; at drugstores), Orlane Compact Cake Foundation ($42.50; 800-775-2541) and Estee Lauder So Ingenious Multi-Dimension Makeup SPF 8 ($32.50; esteelauder.com).

RELATED ARTICLE: got skin that's confused?

Is your skin a little bit dry and oily? Combination skin looks best with new advanced formulations designed to moisturize dry parts and absorb oil in shiny areas. Try L'Oreal Ideal Balance Balancing Foundation ($12.70; at drugstores), Estee Lauder Equalizer Smart Makeup SPF 10 ($32.50; esteelauder.com) or Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Skin Balancing Makeup ($25; at department stores).

an easy way to fake perfect skin

Think green, yellow and lavender are shades appropriate only for eyeshadow? Not so. When used in tints and concealers, they help even out your complexion, says Bruce Dean, a M.A.C Pro makeup artist in New York City. See below for what colors to add to your cosmetic kit.

* For red blotchiness and blemishes, choose green-tinted products like Physicians Formula Pearls of Perfection Multi-Colored Face Tint in Sheer Green ($13; at drugstores).

* For dark undereye circles, peach-based concealers neutralize bluish tones while yellow-based ones erase darker circles. Try Sue Devitt Studio Automatic Camouflage Concealer in Bermuda Triangle, a peach ($18; sephora.com), or T. LeClerc Liquid Concealer in Banane, a yellow ($19; 800-788-4731).

* For sallow, dull skin, lavender will balance yellowness. Just mix with your foundation or moisturizer, says Dean. Opt for M.A.C Hyper Real Foundation in Yiolet ($24; maccosmetics.com).

Beth Janes

Suzanne Gleason is a beauty and health freelance writer in New York City.