Today's crop of innovative foundations make putting your best face forward much easier

What's your idea of the perfect foundation? Is it weightless? Natural-looking? Does it hide imperfections? With the latest technological wonders, you can make a perfect match to your skin tone, find next-to-natural textures, and get traceless coverage. Here are the key trends:

MEET YOUR MATCH

We come in a spectrum of hues and undertones, so choosing the right foundation can be tricky. But it's not impossible. Many manufacturers are offering a broader range of both warm and cool hues, and some have also developed patented self-adjusting formulations that subtly change to match your skin tone, such as Lancome Color ID Precise Match Weightless Makeup SPF 8. It uses a technology that identifies tones and nuances in the skin and replicates the natural color of any complexion. The L'Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Makeup in-store kiosk allows women to test different shades, which eliminates the guesswork usually involved in choosing a drugstore brand. And the formula doesn't contain the traditional ingredients that contribute to ashiness.

LIGHTEN UP

A downside of foundation: It can appear mask-like and unnatural. Sheer formulas containing light-diffusing technology help prevent dull, cakey finishes. Two to consider: Cover Girl TruBlend Makeup is designed to let your true color show through. Clinique Perfectly Real Makeup's pigments adjust to any lighting, so skin looks more natural.

CONCEAL IMPERFECTIONS

Many of us use a base to correct an uneven complexion. Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick is designed to be used as both foundation and concealer. With its smooth suedelike texture and rich array of shades, blending is a cinch. And Prescriptives Virtual Matte Oil Control Makeup, a unique oil-controlling formula, provides medium to full coverage without ever becoming dry, cakey or heavy.

light skin tones

From top: L'Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Makeup in Honey Beige N6 is an oil-free liquid that evaporates slowly, making it easier to blend. Lancome Color ID Precise Match Weightless Makeup SPF 8 in 11-10 covers and corrects with its light, oil-free formulation. Clinique Perfectly Real Makeup, Shade 16, which has a weightless, mousselike texture, is humidity-resistant and oil-free.

medium skin tones

From top: Maybelline New York Smooth Result Age Minimizing Makeup SPF 18 in Mocha hydrates dry skin and creates a natural finish without skimping on coverage. MAC Select Tint SPF 15 in NC45 offers a sheer wash of oil-free color and moisturizing sun protection. Cover Girl TruBlend Makeup in Toasted Almond is an oil-free liquid that creates seamless, natural-looking coverage.

deep skin tones

From top: Make Up For Ever Creme Compact Foundation #8 has a light texture and nourishing essential fatty acids that produce a youthful semi-matte finish. Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick in Espresso offers unbelievable on-the-spot coverage that's easy to apply. Prescriptives Virtual Matte Oil-Control Makeup in Fresh Cocoa is a liquid formula that contains skin-clarifying exfoliants, antioxidants and SPF 15.

nude awakenings

Love the "no-makeup" look? No matter what your complexion, this summer you've got some real choices, from cool sandbar beiges to warm creamy caramels to truffle-licious browns.

While surveying the season's top color palettes, we spotted and immediately fell in love with the rich range of light airy nudes. Unlike neutrals of the past--which looked bland, matte and sometimes chalky on us--today's finishes are weightless and see-through. And the textures--from light powders to creamy washes--let you layer and build without leaving a heavy finish. Whether you're looking to achieve a "natural woman" look like model or you prefer a bit of drama, this summer you can go for it, effortlessly.

CREATING THE NAKED FACE:

* The trick to wearing nude makeup beautifully is to mix textures so that the overall look isn't flat, dull or unnatural. For example, if you use a matte eye shadow, rock it with a gloss or a shimmery or satiny lipstick.

* The best tools for application are your fingers. Think minimal application--a touch of this, a dab of that--and then lots of blending.

* Adding a bit of radiance to the face is also key to achieving a modern, naked finish. Try a highlighter like MAC Skinshimmer or a luminizing makeup like Clinique Gentle Light Makeup.

* For the most naked finish, leave off elements that can weigh makeup down, like dark brow and lip liners and pressed powder.

THE LOOK

Our model Yvonne is striking and ultracool in summer's naked face. On her eyes: Revlon Eyeglide Shimmer Shadow in Sandstone, from lid to crease, and Stila Convertible Lash + Line a mascara and liner combo. On her cheeks: Nars South Beach. On her lips, MAC Frost Lipstick in Asia Specific.

gilty pleasures

There's nothing more sensuous than brown skin warmed with a tinge of gold, copper or luminous bronze. Now's the time to spice up everyday makeup with glow-getting color. Think of basking in the gorgeous light of a golden tropical sunset--that's the effect of today's soft translucent shimmers. From creamy pencils and featherweight multipurpose powders to luscious glosses and sheer gel sticks, shimmery finishes are available in every form of makeup, so you can achieve a safe sun-kissed glow without ever hitting the shore.