Lay the foundation for a flawless skin

THE past few months have been far from easy. From snow blizzards, freezing temperatures to torrential rain there's been no escaping the Scottish winter.

As the unforgiving winter elements have taken hold, the thermostat has undoubtedly been on high since last year and we've been hibernating underneath loads of layers. Beauty has taken a back seat. But with spring beauty goodies now vying for attention in the city centre's stores, it's time we embraced the new season.

Spring's love affair with nudes has extended into make-up bags, with barefaced beauty seen on the catwalks of Chloe, Stella McCartney and Dolce & Gabbana in a shades of cappuccino, peach, biscuit and apricot. "The trick to this look is to get your foundation right, it should look like a second skin, luminous and flawless," says Jamie Coombes, national make-up artist for Dior. "Once you've mastered your complexion the rest is easy. Spend time choosing the right shade of foundation, remember your skin tone changes from season to season, so what was right for you in winter might not be right for you now."

Now is the time to invest in a new foundation. "The right product should look like you're not wearing any foundation at all, but that you just have great looking skin," explains make-up artist, Bobbi Brown. "To achieve this, you not only need to choose the right colour but to find the correct texture, tools and formula for your complexion. Always begin with a test to choose the colour to your natural skin tone, try a few shades on the side of the face and the correct one will disappear."

Then, select a texture to suit your skin tone and complexion. Dry skins will benefit from a hydrating foundation, while combination skin can balance out oil levels with a regulating or oil-free foundation. More mature skins can appear more plumped with thicker and hydrating consistencies. Try Bobbi Brown's Luminous Moisturising Foundation (27. 50), MAC's Studio Fix (19), Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation (6.84), Rimmel's Renewal and Lift (6.82) or No17 Super Wear Long Lasting Foundation (5.37).

Keep the rest of the face understated with a light peach blush to contour, and nude tones on the eyes and lips. Pink, gold and subtle coral will add detail to the barefaced look.