hen shopping for makeup.do you ever at tired of batting through all the western skin tones that look like camouflage on our delicate Asian skin? Brush up on these foundation fundamentals and you cant go wrong.

1. If you have porcelain-colored skin you should try a foundation with a slightly pink cast; all others skin shade should stick to yellow-toned formulas.

2. Test the foundation on the inside of your wrist, or have a beauty adviser apply it to a make-free jaw line. you want a colour that seems to disappear, while it evens out your complexion and camouflages imperfections.

3. Choose a powder shade that harmonises with your skin tone.For most Asian complexions this means a yellow-toned shade, except for really pale beauties, who may do better with a translucent or a pale beige shade with a pink cast.

4. Add contour to your face with a hint of blush.Look for shades in pale bronze subtle pink or soft apricot.

5. Apply a couple dots of each color on areas of your jawline (the inner wrist or hand arent the best spots, contrary to popular belief).

6. Take a good, long look -- near a window. Ask to borrow a hand mirror and stand near a doorway, or step outside, to see which foundation looks best in the natural light. The right shade is one that you cant see because it blends in so well. If you are purchasing from a drugstore, take a couple bottles to a doorway, hold them up to your neck and see which one matches the best.

Tips

* Drier skin will benefit from a creamier foundation, and those with oilier skin should stick to a water-based liquid foundation and oil-free powder.

* Sensitive skin Those with allergy-prone skins neednt worry about finding coverage. Look for those which are free of perfume, chemical dyes and preservatives.

* Normal-combination skin A sheer base with sunscreen is the easy way to cover blemishes and protect yourself from the sun.Try Jelly Pong Pongs Teint Sublime, a complexion-cheater souffle to neutralize and colour-correct. Each of the five shades has a different job.

* Skip foundation if youre blessed with flawless skin -- wear a tinted moisturizer instead.

* Try the color out on your jawline, not your wrist or hand

* Remember to stand in a doorway or outside to see if the color matches

* Believe it or not, today foundation is totally optional. Its healthier for your skin NOT to wear foundation daily. If you have blemishes or pimples, try strategically placed concealer instead. Or just wear the foundation on the parts that need it most, likely around your nose & eyes & on your chin. Just make sure to blend properly.

* Go for different looks for evening and day. A light foundation is perfect for work or weekend. While a sexy shimmer is great for evening.

* A foundation with sunscreen is a safe bet, but you will still need to wear sunscreen under your foundation. Also considering skipping foundation & opting for a tinted moisturizer instead.