The Best Foundation for You

Except for the occasional breakout, your complexion is in pretty good shape. Go for a sheer, oil-free foundation that lets your skin show through.

Role Models: America Ferrera and Blake Lively.

• 1. After washing and moisturizing your face, dab an oil absorbing primer (Benefit the Porefessional, $28; at sephora.com) over your T-zone to cut shine and help your makeup last.
• 2. Choose a noncomedogenic liquid (Neutrogena Skin Clearing oil-free makeup, $12; at shop.neutrogena.com) and use a sponge (Sonia Kashuk non-latex square sponges, $4/2; at target.com), not your fingers, to get formula from the bottle.
• 3. Use blotting sheets (Paul amp Joe blotting papers, $5/100; at beautyhabit.com) to soak up excess oil without messing up your makeup.

YOUR STRATEGY:

With fine lines and damage beginning to creep up on you, it's time to upgrade to a wrinkle-softening cream foundation with more coverage.

Role Models: Rachel McAdams and Katie Holmes

Almost everyone has some wrinkles and age spots by now. Your newest concern: loss of moisture. Use a medium-coverage liquid foundation to alleviate dryness.

Role Models: Jennifer Aniston and Lucy Liu

• 1. Neutralize discoloration with a primer that contains color-correcting tints (Stila One Step Correct, $36; at stilacosmetics.com).The green minimizes redness, lavender counteracts ashiness, and peach conceals dark spots.
• 2. Use a liquid formula (Lancome Teint Miracle foundation, $37; at lancome-usa.com) that polishes like a foundation but offers the hydration of a face cream. Apply it with a brush (MAC 190 foundation brush, $32; at maccosmetics.com).
• 3. Keep a small jar of moisturizer in your purse to dab on dry patches and keep your foundation looking fresh.

Don't make the mistake of wearing less makeup. Applied in delicate layers, foundation can help smooth a crepey texture without looking like plaster.

Role Models:Iman and Michelle Pfeiffer