Which Foundation Formula Should You Be Using?

In recent beauty news, we learned that the topsy-turvy economy isn't stopping people from buying foundation. It probably correlates with the fact that if we can't afford facials and expensive skin care products, then we at least have to have winning face makeup to cover up imperfections and even things out a bit.

But with the dizzying assortment of foundation formulas out there, it can be difficult to know what's best for you. Which is why we called on the expertise of makeup artists Fiona Stiles and Nick Barose to help you figure out what type of foundation formula you should use based on your unique skin type, skin problems, age, the level of coverage you need and more.

Scroll down to start the quiz.

And once you've determined which formula is best for you, you'll need to figure out what shade is perfect for your skin as well -- and though it's not what this quiz is about, our experts wanted to share some helpful shade selection makeup tips:

"Everyone should have at least two foundations (even three) so that they have a color for summer and a color for winter, and they can mix these colors to match their skin throughout the year," says Stiles. "Buying two colors that seem close will insure that you can mix the right color."

If you're shopping at the makeup counter:
Stiles says: "The skin on the inside of your wrist is paler than the back of your hand, so that's a good place to see what the real undertones of the foundation are. See if the edges of the swatch [swipe you put on your wrist] turn a different color than the center when it dries -- this is the color oxidizing, and it is the color it will turn on your face. Many foundations don't shift in color, but some do. Also, be patient when shopping for foundation and trust your instincts. You know when something doesn't look right. If you aren't sure, ask for a sample. The back of your hand has small lines and pores on it, like your face. If a foundation makes your hand look wrinkly, or settles into the lines on your hands, then it will do the same to your face."

Barose says: "Be sure to check [the foundation color] in daylight to see how accurate it is. Department store lighting tends to be way off and might look completely different when you see it in daylight."

If your beauty budget limits you to the drugstore:
Stiles says: "CVS will take back opened cosmetics with a receipt." So you can check with your local drugstores and see if they honor the same policy.

By Molly Roemer