Foundation help is a common question our readers at the Ask the Expert page. You may find the advice here helpful, or feel free to visit our expert and ask one of your own!
Reader Question
Dear DanaI have dry skin, with minimal breakouts, yellowish undertones,freckels, fair skin. What foundation would you recommend?

~~Thank you,Cheryl

Expert Reply
Dear Cheryl,

First, with your dry skin, make sure you are following a daily routine of cleansing, toning and moisturizing. When your skin is in good condition, any makeup will practically work for you.

Another good idea is to start drinking at least 6-8 glass of water a day-it hydrates your skin and also helps with eliminating any breakouts that you are having. With your yellow or "warm" undertones-skin is either golden, yellow, orange, peach or red--you want to even it out so, choose a lilac-shade corrector, which neutralizes yellow. Try Prestige Correctives Complexion Equalizer Skin Tone Corrector in lavender ($6.50). Apply corrector with your fingers before foundation. Channel, Clarins and Lancôme have wonderful foundations. For something a little less expensive, Neutrogena and L'Oreal and Almay are excellent alternatives.

Reader Question
Dear Dana

I am 64 yrs. When I smile I have creases on my face so any makeup I put on leaves a line when I stop smiling. Is there any type of foundation whether it be mineral or cream that does not do that? I am tired of searching--please help.

~~Thank you,Karen

Expert Reply
First, be careful not to use foundation directly above your mouth and your eyes and along the lines that run from the bottom of the nose to the chin, also called the "marionette lines." Wrinkles in these areas seem to stand out the most when foundation is applied. Also, always make sure your foundation matches your skin color exactly and it is thoroughly blended so the areas where you have not applied it are not so noticeable.

Another trick is to use a damp sponge to apply foundation by wetting a foundation sponge lightly and applying your foundation in short dabs. The extra moisture will help drier skin which is what happens when our skin matures. Also remember that foundation will be more effective on skin that has been properly care for, so make sure your skin is cleansed, well moisturized and exfoliated regularly.

~~Dana

Reader Question
I have never found a foundation that works for every problem I have with my face. I have spider veins, acne scars, large pores, very uneven skin tone, and combinations skin. I have tried every new product to date. The biggest problem I currently face is the base I use breaks away from my skin creating a spotted appearance. Could you please help me with these problems?

Expert Reply
Unfortunately, with foundation and concealer, you DO get what you pay for so keep that in mind when shopping. Start by covering imperfections with a concealer. I suggest Laura Mercier's Secret Camouflage or Prescriptives Flawless Skin. On a clean face that has been moisturized, use a foundation brush to apply concealer to under your eyes, broken capillaries, acne scars, etc. Next, apply foundation. Dermablend Cover Creme is a full coverage foundation that's often recommended to surgical patients to cover scars and birthmarks. MAC also has a good full coverage foundation, but it's emollient based and can clog pores and accentuate oily skin. Next, apply either loose or pressed powder. My ultimate favorite is Chanel's Double Perfection Compact Matte Reflecting Powder. If this is too heavy on top of your foundation, try a loose powder instead. Using these three products should give you the coverage you are looking for.

~~ Dana

Another Reader Question
Hi Miss Dana,

I am 37 and have been using Clinique foundation. I was wondering if I needed to change to another brand as my face still breaks out sometimes and is oily in the T-zone.

Thank You,Shannon

Expert Reply
The first question you need to ask yourself is how are you taking care of your skin BEFORE you put makeup on it? Are you using a daily regimen of cleansing, toning and moisturizing? If not, that's a good place to start to control your oil and breakouts. When your skin is in good condition, any makeup will practically work for you. Another good idea is to start drinking at least 6-8 glass of water a day-it hydrates your skin and also helps with eliminating breakouts. If Clinique is not working, try switching formulas within the brand or switch brands altogether. Chanel, Clarins and Lancolm have wonderful foundations. For something a little less expensive, Neutrogena and L'Oreal are also excellent.

~~Dana

Reader Question
Dear Dana,Right now I'm using Estee Lauder foundation on a regular basis. I've heard that makeup gives you wrinkles. I'm hoping this is a myth! I also have troubled skin so foundation is something I always wear. Is that okay? What should i do?

~~Samantha

Expert Reply
Dear Samantha,

First of all, makeup does not give you wrinkles. In fact, just the opposite. Foundations have important moisturizers, sun protection and ingredients that help protect your skin, keep it hydrated and restore its elasticity.

There have been many advances in the science of cosmetics and manufacturers are using things like grape seed, an anti-oxidant that protects skin from free radical damage and promotes health circulation and, Vitamin C, an antioxidant, that is proven to be effective in protecting against photo aging of the skin.

For your troubled skin-how's your daily skin care routine? Are you cleansing, toning and moisturizing at least twice a day? Make sure you are not using bar soap especially. Try either Neutrogena or Almay-they both have nice lines in both makeup and skincare.