FOUNDATION A good foundation is important. Makeup needs to be built on a flawless base to look good, and that includes using a shade that matches your skin tone. Mac Cosmetics trainer Fiona Chou says the best place to try the foundation is on the jawline. 'I find a couple of shades that match a client's skin colour and place the strips of colour next to each other on the jawline. The one that disappears is the one you want,' she says. 'In general, a cream or liquid will be more hydrating and moisturising than a powder, so they suit normal to dry or dehydrated skins better. Powder would be more suited to normal to oilier skin types. But each brand's formulations vary and it is best to get advice from a beauty consultant.' Janice Lo, training manager at Bobbi Brown, says there are three ways to apply foundation: with fingers, a sponge or a brush. If you want a thicker application use fingers; a sponge application will be thin and is a good option for those with normal skin. The coverage gained by applying with a brush falls somewhere between that achieved by fingers and a sponge. Application with a brush will give good cover over large pores. [1] Bobbi Brown is launching a new foundation, Luminous Moisturising Foundation (HK$380), next month for dry seasons. [2] Mac Cosmetics Studio Mist Foundation (HK$230) is a spray that gives an even application.