Discover the Best Foundation Texture For Your Skin Type

Ever bought a foundation that's exactly the right colour, but somehow it still winds up looking crap-o-rama? It could be that the stuff in question was just a bad texture for your particular skin type. We asked NYC New York Color makeup artist Mathew Nigara (who has worked with stars like Jessica Simpson and Kate Winslet), to explain which foundation textures work on which different skin types. These are his recommendations . . .

If you have dry skin, go for a cream compact foundation or a liquid with "a more emollient texture that will settle into the skin and not get caught on dry patches," Mathew says. Don't ever skip moisturising beforehand, though. Your skin needs it no matter what. Try Diorskin Forever Fluid ($77).

If you worry about uneven skin tone, Mathew suggests you try something a little transparent. "Sheer foundations or tinted moisturisers give a subtle wash of colour and help in achieving a supple texture," he explains. Try Napoleon Perdis Minimal Makeup ($59).

Keep reading . . .Need a lot of coverage? Mathew recommends cream foundations as they're the most opaque. Try Laura Mercier Silk Crème Foundation ($82).

Oily skin? Oil-free foundations were made with you in mind. "The natural oils of the face will combine with the oil-free foundation and create a beautiful, natural finish," he says. Try Smashbox High Definition Healthy FX Foundation ($55.95).

Combination skin works well with a traditional fluid base and then a powder foundation for touch-ups. Mathew always keeps powder foundation around because it's "great for a quick application, or just used on the t-zone to absorb excess oil." Try BECCA Boudoir Skin Mineral Powder Foundation ($50).