It's important to find the right shade of foundation if you want to create a Flawless Complexion. Are you fair, Medium Light or dark-skinned? Lighting in department stores can sometimes be unflattering to the skin tone, so where possible test out the colours in Natural Light.

The idea with make-up, especially foundation, is to create a 'natural', ageless look. You want a foundation that blends into your skin and does not sit like a mask. Check around the jawline and hairline - can you see a line where the foundation ends?

When testing foundation, ensure your face is completely clean and free of all make-up. If walking around the shops 'naked' like this is too much to bear, then book an appointment with a makeup consultant in your local department store who will be able to remove your makeup beforehand.

Unfortunately, testing colours on the hand and wrist is not only a waste of time but misleading. The nature of the skin is different and so is the colour. In fact any body part other than the face might be darker or lighter. The only place to test the shade is on the area it is going to be worn.

Pick a shade of foundation that looks similar to what you think is your own colour, then pick a few shades up or down from that to compare. Generally, yellow-based foundations look the most natural and warm on medium light and darker skins. If, however, you are very fair, opt for a pinker base - this works better on cool complexions.

You should review your foundation colour every season, as your skin colour changes throughout the year, and also at pivotal points in your life such as puberty and pregnancy.

Some make-up counters will Give Away samples. These help customers to try out the colour and its application so that they can buy in confidence. It is important to know what works best for you, whether it's a liquid foundation, a compressed or loose powder or Mineral Make-up. Where possible try before you buy.

If you are shopping for a cheaper, high street foundation where there are no testers, you can sometimes find the perfect shade by holding the bottle up to your jaw line. Stand as close to natural light as you can - ideally by a window and ask a friend to help you choose.

As the emphasis on sun safety is increasing, it is important to choose a foundation with SPF protection. This will delay premature aging and also add life to your foundation by preventing you from tanning darker than its shade. If you have Oily Skin, look for oil-free formulas, as they blend evenly, and for a matt finish you can add powder instead of liquid to oily areas of the skin.

Combination skin works best with cream-to-foundation bases, which provide great coverage while cutting out shine and balancing combination skin. If you have Dry Skin, look for a hydrating or moisture-rich foundation or look for brands containing Vitamin E or other skin softening ingredients.

Choosing the right foundation is the first step to achieving a flawless complexion, so, if you think you are 'medium light,' test this and other shades in natural light before buying.