A foundation that's too thick will settle into fine lines and sap the luminosity from your skin. "Only use foundation where you need it to even out discoloration," says makeup artist Frances Hathaway. "You don't have to cover every inch of your skin." When buying a foundation, avoid those described as "matte," "velvet," and "long-wearing"; look for sheer liquid formulas with light-diffusing pigments. (A great option: Chanel Vitalumiere, $60;
chanel.com.) If you have dry skin, foundation can look patchy and accentuate discoloration, so exfoliate two to three times a week and always apply a moisturizer after cleansing. Hathaway's favorite moisturizers to use under foundation: Aveda's All-Sensitive Lotion for combination or normal skin ($37;
aveda.com) and Weleda Skin Food for dry skin ($18.99;
weleda.com).
