I was really interested in the study that IT Cosmetics ran around this foundation that said it would improve skin in two weeks. On this, I’m unsure. It’s a little hard to tell these days what’s doing what to your skin. Am I getting acne because of this mask, or because of this new foundation? Is my skin just getting dryer because I’m constantly indoors, or is it that new serum I tried? I can’t speak much to whether it improved my skin, but what I can say is that it didn’t at all break me out. For me, this was a relief. One big reason I tend to avoid foundations is that they leave my skin covered in small bumps or lead to massive breakouts a few weeks in, and Your Skin But Better Foundation didn’t cause any new or surprising breakouts on my end. Pros: smooth formula that doesn’t crease | can be used to add airbrushed coverage to your make-up | perfect for on-the-go touch ups | comes in a compact with a mirror and sponge Applying it should be a pleasure and wearing it should be a joy. It should enhance the way your skin looks and feels, and it should disguise any bits that you want hidden, smooth out any imperfections and create the perfect canvas for the rest of your look. Iconic foundations like Estée Lauder Double Wear, L'Oréal Paris Infallible 24hr Matte Cover Foundation, and Armani Luminous Silk are classic choices because they do exactly that. How to choose the best foundation for you In many ways, MAC’s latest foundation proves the brand is as much of a make-up authority as it’s ever been. The wide shade range caters to the palest and darkest complexions with warm, neutral and cool variations. Light and fluid, the formula is also self-setting and dries to a natural matte finish. The real clincher here, though, is a convenient pen tip that dispenses precisely the amount you need; an invaluable feature for make-up artists and the everyman after an application that’s more controlled. Doubling as a concealer, a little of this foundation goes a long way to hide all manner of sins, but it can also be sheered out for a look as natural as you like. As for its staying power? It’d be nothing short of criminal to wear a foundation for 36 hours in the name of testing – but judging from how well it held up over a long work day, it’s as reliable as they come.

I’ve been a longtime fan of the IT Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil, which lasts for months, comes at a better price point than many of my other brow products, and knows how to nail a cool undertone, so I was really excited to try the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Foundation. While this product is categorized as a foundation, it's technically a foundation-skincare hybrid—it's formulated with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera extract, and is meant to actually improve your skin while you're wear it.Your Skin But Better Foundation typically retails for around forty dollars for one ounce. These days, that’s really not much for a high-quality foundation, especially one that boasts skincare benefits. I wouldn’t put this in the budget-friendly category, but if you’re someone who reaches for foundation on a daily basis, this is one that’ll last you long enough for it to work out price-wise in the end. When it comes to makeup, I’m definitely a less-is-more type of person. I’m someone who really, really doesn’t like a heavy foundation. More often than not, I’m the type of person who just uses concealer and keeps it moving, but I’ve found that—especially in cooler months—this method can result in some weird flaking and can make it too obvious that I am, in fact, just spotting my face with concealer. When paired with foundation, it’s much easier to make concealer look natural. We asked founder of VIEVE and expert make-up artist, Jamie Genevieve, what she believes makes the best foundation and she had this to say: "Shade range, staying power and buildability. Dependent on what kind of finish you want, a good foundation will be different for everyone – a person who likes a full coverage look will not be happy with a light coverage foundation. The finish and coverage of a foundation is dependent on the individual. However overall, everyone wants a good shade range so that they can find their right colour match, they want it to stay in place and last as long as possible and they want to have the control in building up the coverage where they want it without it separating." For a polished look, you can’t go wrong with YSL’s All Hours Foundation. Recently reformulated to a consistency much thinner than the original, it is comfortable, breathable and has a bare-faced feel on the skin. The smallest pump stretches to completely cover redness and dark spots without the need for concealer, yet looks believable because of a recipe rich in hyaluronic acid. A reliable foundation for weddings, graduations, proms – pretty much any big deal occasion – it gets our vote for giving the complexion a silken, lasting glow.

Whatever your preference, always remember to hydrate your skin with a good moisturiser or serum before applying your foundation of choice. Burt also recommends prepping the skin with a clay mask to gently exfoliate the skin first. Another tip is to use a primer, which can help smooth fine lines and help the foundation to stay on longer. She also recommends using a flat foundation brush or kabuki-style blender to build coverage, using your fingertips to blend, tap and press in. “The warmth of your fingertips will create the flawless finish.” Ultimately, the key things are the shade, undertone and the coverage you are looking for as well as the longevity, blendability and the way the texture feels and performs on the skin," says pro make-up artist Cher Webb. "Aim to find a base that enhances the skin and looks like it’s not really there." Regularly exfoliating your skin and getting rid of the build-up of dead cells will help stop your foundation from gathering around any flaky patches. Using the best face serums and toners for your skin type will ensure that your skin is in the best possible condition, and the foundation will glide on perfectly and stay there. Foundation and SPF Pros: enhanced with antioxidant-rich extracts | stays put | thin formula that feels like a serum on the skin | effectively conceals redness, acne and blemishes | controls shine without looking flatPros: contains SPF | feels weightless | blurs pores | looks fresh from day to night | waterproof | non-greasy silicon formula is especially good for skin prone to shine | gives full coverage without an overdone look Still looking for your perfect match? Below, Vogue rounds up the best foundations according to your skin type, colour and concern. Best foundation for oily skin But if we can offer one piece of good advice it's that the key to really good make-up lies in having a brilliant skincare routine in place. If you want your foundation to look its best and last as long as possible, then applying it to a well-hydrated, healthy and smooth complexion is the way to do it. You wouldn't build a house without a good foundation, so the same rule applies here.