by Summer Waters

Created on: January 20, 2007   Last Updated: April 17, 2007

Let's face it (no pun intended) - it's impossible not to stare (however much we try to hide it) when we pass someone in the street whose face is so orange it's been Tangoed, or whose spots stand out a mile under a layer of white foundation and powder thicker than the snow on the Alps. Do you want to be that person? I doubt it! I do not leave the house without make-up to cover my spots, dark circles, and any other blemishes - and more than one person has been surprised when I told them I wear make-up. I felt it was only fair to share my secrets with the world...

Everyone knows the importance of choosing the right foundation - picking a colour that blends into your jawline (definitely not orange) and getting a separate colour for summer and winter if necessary. It is equally important, however, to choose a foundation that gives the right amount of coverage. If you have slightly unevan skin tone, but no spots, it's fine to go for a thin liquid foundation, such as one with light-reflecting pigments. For covering spots, though, I've found a thicker, more matt base is much better suited. You may think this would look caked on, but in fact it allows for less to be used, whereas a thin one would need to be piled on for a decent amount of coverage. I have tried numerous foundations, from Almay to Lancome, but nothing has yet beaten Max Factor Hypersmooth for spot coverage.

The next step is applying the foundation. ALways apply in daylight, and after cleansing, toning and moisturising. Leave at least 10 minutes for your moisturiser to sink in - it helps if it is oil free if you want the foundation to stay in place longer. If you ask me, when you apply foundation you need a sponge, though many do use fingers. Either way, you need patience - a quick smear over your face will not look natural! I put some of the foundation on the sponge and start by spreading it to cover the whole face, wiping in upward motions along the jawline and cheeks (so that it does not cause the skin to be dragged down and to eventually sag), down the nose, over the eyelids (gently) and outwards from the centre of the forehead. The next stage is key and is too often ignored - you need to press the foundation into the skin. Think of the difference between painting a wall with a roller or a paintbrush: up close, you can always see the brush strokes. You need to use a medium amount of pressure to dab the sponge on the skin until you have covered every inch of skin on the face. This gives a much more natural,

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