Beauty: the best new bases

I am increasingly drawn to full-coverage foundations, not just because my skin is older, more flawed, less even toned, but because part of me feels that if I’m going to go to the bother of applying proper base (as opposed to smearing on tinted moisturiser), I might as well make it count.

In my youth, when I really had no business wearing foundation, full-coverage bases were like liquid surgical stockings – thick, obvious, uncomfortable and implausibly hued (but could be relied on to stay put through some furious snogging behind the prefabs). And even now, one still has to dodge these to find the good ones.

In the case of Giorgio Armani’s new Power Fabric (£40), we have a truly great one. This foundation is phenomenally good. First, it delivers on its full-coverage promise, covering all discolouration and unevenness with ease. It blends seamlessly with a sponge – none of the streaking, caking and fast drying common in more opaque foundations – and has exceptional staying power (brides: take note). It leaves skin looking real, healthy and alive. It’s suitable for all skin types and ethnicities (3.5 is my shade and it’s perfect). For balance, I tried very hard to think of something negative I could truthfully say about Power Fabric (believe me, I don’t like to gush), but I’m afraid I have nothing. It’s a 10.

If you like a more casual look, you’ll prefer Clinique’s new BIY Blend It Yourself Pigment Drops (£25), out 10 March. Squeeze one drop into your regular moisturiser for a subtle tint, two for more coverage, and three for something more foundation-like.

Or, if you already like your foundation but crave the wear and longevity of a fuller-coverage base, I heartily recommend Cover FX’s new Illuminating Setting Spray (£22). I have in the past been dismissive of makeup fixers. I find them sticky, uncomfortable to wear, drying (thanks to the routine use of alcohol) and often ineffective. So I was delighted to find this is none of the above. Sprayed finely over finished makeup, it imparts a noticeable glow and locks down makeup for the duration. One immediately forgets it’s there; there’s none of that tight, restricted feeling as though rain has washed hair lacquer on to your face. It’s taken up permanent residence under my hallway mirror, and goes on just before my coat.