Foundation: Cosmetic make -up foundation adds Color, Subtract Flaws

Mature skin needs color and subtle concealment. The right make-up foundation delivers both. And no one will know you're wearing it but you.

Most flattering formulation: Before choosing the cosmetics foundation, answer these two questions: How much do you need to hide? And does your skin need more moisture or less?

Foundations come in three weights, or amounts of coverage: sheer, medium, and full. Generally speaking, mature skin is most flattered by a sheer or medium weight foundation, says Doreen Milek, director of the Studio Makeup Academy, a school that trains professional makeup artists, in Hollywood, California. "A sheer cosmetic foundation make-up may not cover blotches or discoloration, while full coverage foundations, which are meant to cover birthmarks or other serious skin flaws, can look cakey and chalky."

Foundations also come in two basic formulas: oil and water. oil based foundations, such as Maybelline Revitalizing Liquid Make Up with SPF 10 Sunscreen, Almay Time Off AgeSmoothing Makeup, or L'Oreal Visible Lift Line Minimizing Makeup, are best for dry or mature skin, says Geller. Oil based foundations add moisture to skin, giving it a dewy appearance.

Whatever foundation you choose, select a product that contains added sunscreen, says Milek. It will help fortify your skin against sun damage.

Can't go wrong colors: The first step is to decide whether your skin contains more red (ruddy) or yellow (sallow) tones, says Geller. (If you can't tell, hold a piece of very white paper against your skin. It will help you to see these red or yellow tones.)

Yellow based shades such as gold beige or honey beige are most flattering to ruddy skin, while rosier shades such as rose beige and ivory beige can perk up a sallow complexion, says Geller. Very fair skin is most flattered by shades that look more ivory than yellow, such as alabaster.

Test makeup on your chest or neck, rather than on your hand. "The skin in these areas is a closer match to skin on your face," says Milek.

Perfect application: Apply an oil based foundation with a wet cosmetic sponge, says Milek. "It goes on more thinly and evenly that way." Sponge on a bit more foundation on areas of discoloration for most of us, the cheeks and the sides of the nose.

Don't use too much foundation under your eyes. "A thick layer of make-up foundation in this area will draw attention to crow's feet and skin that's gotten a little mottled like crepe paper," she says.

Tips and tricks: To get the look of flawless skin without using a ton of foundation, use your fingers to smooth a small amount just over your cheeks or the sides of your nose, suggests Geller. Blend well so that you cant see where the foundation begins and ends.