HAVING GOOD foundation is like the perfect little black dress; it is something that will always be in style,” says Sean Stevenson, regional training manager of Laura Mercier.

Matching foundation with one’s skin tone is easy once you’ve figured out your skin’s undertone. “At Laura Mercier, we make all different foundations and pigments; we have pink undertones, almost ashy undertones and some very yellow. I never once had to turn somebody away because I couldn’t match their skin tone,” explains Stevenson.

Figuring out your skin’s undertone is easy. If your skin is pale or rosy, you have pinkish or cool undertone. If your skin is yellowish, golden or honey, your undertone is yellow or warm. And if you are olive-toned or a blend of both, you have neutral undertone.

If you have trouble deciding what undertone you have, base it on how you tan. If you get dark easily, chances are your skin tone is warm. But if you find it difficult to tan or you do not get dark at all, you have cool undertone.

Playing around with finishes can give your skin a fresh look. “To match your skin tone, you can mix different formulas to customize your skin finish. You can choose from oil-free, moisturizing, powder and illuminating, so it’s going to be based on what finish you want,” says Stevenson.

Oil-free foundation helps you achieve the most natural “no makeup” look with sheer coverage, and is ideal for all skin types. Moisturizing foundation is especially formulated for drier or more mature skin and gives a more complete coverage. Mineral powder, on the other hand, is made with active amino acids to clear skin of toxins, promote healthy skin cell growth and fight the aging process.

The silk crème foundation is rich and luminous. It offers full coverage by hiding fine lines and imperfections through its light-reflecting qualities. For an oil-free, water-resistant formula, a stick foundation will work best. To eliminate oil and shine, use foundation powder. For a natural, dewy finish, a tinted moisturizer can take the place of a foundation.

Makeup shouldn’t be too complicated. “The idea is not having to go home and redo your makeup. You can just pull out one extra product, add that in and you’re perfect,” Stevenson says.

For ladies who easily tan and can’t get the exact color depending on the season, Stevenson offers this tip. “You can have one base foundation and have a darker one that you can use all year when you need to mix in some color. Or use a bronzing gel that has the same color of your foundation. It will deepen the color of your foundation so you don’t have to go out and buy new products.”

“I like my clients to have a well-rounded makeup wardrobe that as seasons change, you just need to add on a few of the basics. Then replenish your core items,” says Stevenson.

More tips

Primer. Primer is the bridge between skin care and makeup, so it gives the just-applied makeup look all day.

Foundation. Pick out the perfect formula of foundation, so consider the shade, coverage and finish. Always select a foundation that is best for your skin type.

Concealer. If you need more coverage, select a concealer that’s a little heavier. Never select a heavier foundation, because skin has to show through.

Powder. Seal everything off by using translucent powder.

If you follow these four steps, you do not have to retouch throughout the day. The only thing you should redo is your lip color.