1. Conceal zits
“Can I use foundation to cover pimples?” A concealer gives better coverage, but if you prefer foundation, you can use it. Use a clean, flat eye shadow brush, which allows for precise coverage. Dip it into oil-free liquid foundation (it won’t clog your pores), then dab the blemish and blend outwards, so your pimple doesn’t look cakey.

2. Wear a tint
“What foundation should I wear to the gym?” It is best not to wear any. When you sweat, your body eliminates toxins, but if your face is covered with make-up, these toxins can’t escape and get trapped beneath your skin’s surface, in your pores, which can cause a breakout. If you feel you must wear something, opt for a light layer of oil-free tinted moisturiser that is more breathable, instead of cream or liquid foundation. And always wash your face after workouts.

3. Find  your shade
“How do I pick the exact right shade?” If you’re at a department store, test a few shades by drawing stripes on your jaw line, not your hand, which is usually darker. Then go outside with a mirror (natural light gives the best read on colour) to see which shade blends the best. At a drugstore, look for a sheer or colour adjusting formula, (noted on the bottle) which adapts with your skin tone more easily, and try to find a close match. Good news: most drugstores let you return foundation if the colour is wrong, so ask before you buy and keep the receipt.

4. Blend better
“I get a line of foundation below my jaw and around my hairline – help!” You may be wearing too dark of a shade – see #3 above to find the right one. After that, its all about blending. When you dot the foundation on your T-zone, place the dot on your chin one inch above your jaw line and the dot on your forehead two inches below your hairline (don’t add more make-up to these areas). As you blend the small amount onto the rest of your face, it will just lightly coat your skin, so no one will notice you’re wearing foundation.

5. Make it last
“Is there a foundation that will not get on my shirt when I put it on or take it off?” We wish there was something that wouldn’t rub off at all, but honestly, it doesn’t exist. The next best thing is to wear a thin layer of long lasting liquid foundation, which has porous polymers to help the make-up soak into your skin. This will make it less likely to rub off onto your clothes. And try this model trick: before pulling on your shirt, shield your face with a light scarf or tissue so your top slides on without touching your makeup.

6. Foundation has turned orange
“My foundation has turned orange, what should I do?” This tip sounds strange but it really works! Mix a spoonful of bicarbonate soda into your loose face powder, and then dust the powder mixture lightly over your skin before applying your foundation. The bicarbonate of soda will give your skin a slightly acid pH-balance to prevent it from turning orange.

7. Disappearing Foundation
“On hot or damp days my foundation seems to sink into my skin, how do I prevent this?” Rethink how you apply your foundation. The trick to help foundation last longer is to apply it to cool skin. Do this by holding a cold damp facecloth onto your skin for a few moments, and then apply your foundation. You can also store your foundation in the refrigerator to ensure its cool when it goes on. Apply the foundation with a damp sponge, not your fingers, as the natural oils from them will leave a streaky finish on your skin. Finally, set with a light dusting of loose powder.

8. Tidemarks of foundation
“My foundation forms a line at my chin, jawline, or hairline, how can I stop this?” If you find obvious edges to your foundation in these areas, blend them away with a damp cosmetic sponge. Do this in natural daylight so you can check the finished effect. Powder as usual afterwards.

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