Look radiant with the right base

Picture / Carolyn Robertson

In times gone by, foundation went over moisturiser and was followed with powder. This is not the way of makeup now. Things called makeup bases have been invented to go on before foundation and make application easier. Many come with built-in illuminators so skin can look positively radiant. Because it's not enough to just cover any imperfections. We're aiming for flawless skin now.

Lancome Transparence Illuminating Makeup Base
$65 for 30ml

So long sallow skin. This soft textured base with mauve lights manages to rev up dull-looking skin in one application. Excellent work. And such pretty packaging.

From selected department stores and pharmacies.

Chanel Illuminating Makeup Base
$81 for 30ml

This is a lovely, light, non-oily fluid that primes skin for foundation with special light-reflecting pigments that even skin tone and help hide any nasty blemishes. It also helps makeup stay put. A pleasure to use possibly because of the silicones which help it glide over the skin. The slight blue cast helps with redness.

From selected department stores and pharmacies.

M. A. C Strobe Cream
$65 for 50ml

The pink undertone in this cream helps give a fabulous glow, not unlike those young, fresh-faced models. A good one under foundation or, better yet, when used by itself, skin looks amazing.

From Smith & Caughey's Newmarket and M. A. C Chancery.

The Body Shop Skin Focus Face Illuminator
$40 or 25ml

Not only does this come with light diffusers and pearl pigments, it gives skin a warm, golden look and that's always attractive. A delight to wear as it feels like nothing on the skin. What's more, it's a bit of a do-gooder with community-traded marula nut oil to nourish skin.

From The Body Shop.

Shiseido The Makeup Sheer Enhancer Base SPF15
$65 for 30ml

Three cheers for Shiseido. This one's got an SPF15 in it - always a good thing. Although this white fluid looks like something out of Memoirs of a Geisha, it has no intention of making you a paleface. It's translucent and it does its absolute best to even skin texture and reflect light. Like the idea of the 3D powder that redefines facial features for new-found contours.

From selected department stores and pharmacies.

Get the look

Spend more time preparing skin for foundation rather than using heavy makeup to hide any imperfections. Illuminators are a vital part of the preparation. If you're in a hurry, try mixing one with a warm, golden tint into your foundation.

* Read more about what's happening in the world of food, wine, fashion and beauty in viva, part of your Herald print edition every Wednesday.