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We've Got You Covered

Skin under siege calls for stealth makeup maneuvers. Some of beauty's top brass divulge winning strategies

The Best Foundation for Your Skin

The Best Foundation for Your Skin

Photo Credit: The Best Foundation for Your Skin

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CHALLENGE: COMBINATION-TO-OILY

TACTICS: "Go with a foundation slightly lighter than your complexion, as most formulas darken a bit on oily skin," says New York City makeup artist Laura Geller. "And skip formulas with all the bells and whistles, like sunscreen and antiaging ingredients, as these can trigger breakouts." Valerie Sarnelle, an L.A.-based makeup artist, agrees that less is more: "Wear the sheerest layer of foundation you can pull off. Heavy makeup sinks into and accentuates large pores. A pearl-size drop applied with a foundation brush will do."

"Dust loose powder on only your oiliest spots, and if the powder leaves your skin looking too matte, lightly spritz your face with water," says Carol Shaw, creator of Lorac Cosmetics. According to Tim Quinn, celebrity makeup artist for Giorgio Armani Cosmetics, your makeup, like everything else, needs maintenance. Store your foundation in a cool, dry place: Oil-free formulas separate easily and can become rancid in heat -- i.e., they can literally "cook," in places like the glove compartment of your car, he says.

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