TOP FIVE FOUNDATIONS

My make-up table is a little out of control. For starters, I own about ten foundations. Apart from loving trying out new make-up, my skin has different needs at different times. From camouflage on a breakout day to a barely-there foundation for days when my skin is clear. Below are five of my favourite foundations.

MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation, £23
www.maccosmetics.co.uk

Best for problem skin

When you've had an outbreak of spots or when your skin's gone blotchy, you may think you need a heavy foundation. I've tried a few, and the problem? You look like you're wearing really thick foundation. The real key for problem skin is a great concealer (the best for problem skin, in my opinion, is Virgin Vie Correct & Perfect) and a buildable foundation, so you can layer it up on the problem areas. MAC Studio Sculpt is a great foundation for this. The foundation leaves skin hydrated, so it won't dry our and 'crack'  - the giveaway that you're wearing too much foundation.

Aibase Foundation, £32.95
www.airbasemakeup.com

 Best for good skin days
Airbase foundation is so light, that it will keep people guessing as to whether you're wearing foundation or not. The consistency is almost water-like. It can be applied with an airbrush system or with your foundation brush/fingers. This foundation is long-lasting, and doesn't clog pores, so if you use it on a 'good skin day', you're skin is likely to stay clear for longer (the vitamin A&E ingredients will help with this too). Make-up artists love using this foundation, as it gives a great finish. Love it.  



New CID Cosmetics i-Perfect Foundation, £24.75
Debenhams

Best for girls on the go

I keep a make-up bag at work, for quick make-overs before nights out. My foundation of choice for said bag? New CID i-Perfect. The reason for this is that it comes with a brush, has great coverage and is really easy to apply. I think the designer of new CID make-up must have had a busy life, as all there make-up is ideal for getting glammed up in double-quick time. The finish on this foundation is lovely - really dewy and beautiful!

Dainty Doll Loose Mineral Foundation, £19
http://www.asos.com/

Best for pale maidens
Nicola Roberts' range of make-up was designed for us pale & interesting gals. I use the Dainty Doll Concealer Click Pen - and I have genuinely never found one paler - to get rid of dark circles and blemishes, and then a dusting of the Dainty Doll Loose Mineral Powder Foundation. You'll be left looking like an ice queen! What's more, this foundation has SPF18 to keep your skin protected from harmful rays (because who wants a tan when you can look so good pale?!)

Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid Foundation, £8.19
http://www.boots.com/

Best value

I first tried out the Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid Foundation when I bought it as part of a 3 for 2 deal at Boots (I'm a succer for these 'offers'). But, OMG, this foundation was amazing  It way exceeded my expectations. It glides on, leaves a dewy finsh, great coverage... I wish I'd bought three at once, as it would have worked out about £5 a bottle. As it happens, I went back and it was out of stock, so I purchased the Maybelline Super Stay 24hour foundation. This had to be the worst foundation I ever used - it felt like sandpaper. How one brand can get it so right and so wrong and the same time baffles me! If you see the Dream Satin foudation - stock up!

These are my top five. What are your faves?