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Look at your bare face in a mirror in natural daylight (i.e., outside or near a window). In general:

Oily Skin

Oily Skin is shiny - especially along the T-zone, where oil glands are most prevalent-and tends to break out. Large pores may also indicate oiliness.

Dry Skin

feels tight and dehydrated. It may also look flaky and rough.

Normal Skin

has a uniform texture and tone.

Combination Skin

Has oily and dry patches: It may be shiny/blemished along the T-zone and scaly around the periphery.

Oily Skin

Best Foundation

Either an oil-free long-wearing liquid is the best (long-wearing formulas tend to have a matte finish that counteracts shine). For sheer coverage, `dot` colour on face using a foundation brush (fingers deposit too much colour), then blend with a damp facial sea sponge. The texture of sea sponge helps spread the base thinly and evenly, giving a fresh, luminous result. For more opaque coverage, blend with a synthetic makeup wedge.

Best Concealer

The light texture of a squeeze-out tube formula makes it perfect for covering blemishes inconspicuously.

Best Powder

Loose. It is finely ground and won`t accumulate in large pores.

Dry Skin

Best Foundation

A moisturising liquid will give you the most natural finish. But if your skin is extra parched - or you need heavier coverage - opt for a rich cream formula. Warning: Since cream bases are thick, they tend to sit heavily on skin, which can emphasise fine lines around the eyes and mouth. `Thin` your make-up as necessary by massaging it into skin with a damp facial sea sponge.

Best Concealer

since most concealers are slightly creamy, most suit your skin. Eyes - Stick concealers usually offer the thickest coverage and should be reserved for hiding birthmarks or scars; worn under eyes, they may accentuate dark circles by drawing attention to the area.

Best Powder

Use pressed powder to blot out any shine you may have.

Normal Skin

Best Foundation

Your skincare needs are not too restrictive. Hence, many options apply, from tinted moisturisers and super-sheer highlighting bases to cream-to- powder compacts and sticks. A tinted moisturiser or highlighting base is ideal when you want a hint of colour and minimal camouflage. A cream-to-powder compact offers medium coverage and allows you to by pass the powder-set step. A stick usually offers the most opaque coverage. As tempting as it may be to swipe a stick directly onto your skin, to avoid a heavy-handed application, use a foundation brush to dot colour onto your forehead, nose, chin and cheeks, and then blend with a make-up wedge.

Best Concealer

Use a squeeze-out tube formula for the occasional blemish, a wand to hide undereye circles and a pencil to rid yourself of fine lines or broken capillaries - simply trace over the offending mark; no need to blend.

Best Powder

Choose a loose powder for a sheer, no make-up look. (Apply with a blush brush to avoid a powdery mess).

Combination Skin

Best Foundation

An oil-free liquid foundation should be your default setting. When you`re not suffering from breakouts, prime your face first with a lightweight moisturiser to keep your skin`s hydration levels balanced. Since facial oil can darken the colour of your foundation, you may want to lighten the colour along your T-zone by blending it with a damp facial sea sponge.

Best Concealer

Almost any cover-up cream works, but for those times when you do have blemishes, use a medicated formula to conceal and heal.

Best Powder

Stick to loose powder and concentrate application along your T-zone. After powdering is done, run a blush brush over your entire face for a seamless finish.