I used to never wear foundation. I tanned, and then later on self-tanned, thinking that it looked natural and covered all my dirty little secrets: occasional zits, redness around the nose and chin and circles under my eyes. Now foundation is my favorite cosmetic. The difference is these new formulas — they make all the old excuses for not wearing them disappear. The new sheers are pigmented enough to blur all the bad stuff, but so lightweight your skin looks naturally healthy and clear. And mineral powder foundations will appeal to women who never liked the slippery makeup-y texture of liquids or creams.

Here’s our guide to choosing the best foundation for your skin.

Read The Facts About Mineral Makeup

1. Super- sheer liquid foundation.
Because they’re rather transparent in coverage but do hide blemishes, they bridge the gap between a tinted moisturizer and the classic liquid base. These sheer foundations feel weightless of your skin so they’re ideal for women who hate the idea of wearing any type of foundation at all, but want to have an even skin tone.

Revlon Beyond Natural Skin Matching Makeup ($9.99, buymebeauty.com) and Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 15 ($45, bobbibrowncosmetics.com)

2. Airbrush foundations.
The professional machines that spray on base via a hose and compressor have been used by TV and film makeup artists for years. Now you can get that technology at home, although it is a little pricey. These products provide a lightweight feel, but give more than full coverage — spots, scars and discoloration disappear in an instant. Airbrush foundations also work wonders for oily and sun-damaged skin.

Temptu Airbrush Makeup System ($225, sephora.com) and Luminess Air Beauty Kit with Slimming Kit ($169.95, hsn.com)

3. Aerosol mist foundations in a can.
They’re a super-portable riff on the heavier at-home airbrush machines. Fans of these misters suggest you spray it on a big fluffy bronzer brush first and then apply color to the face instead of spraying directly onto the skin. Rosacea sufferers love the full coverage.

DiorSkin AirFlash Spray Foundation ($60, amazon.com) and Napoleon Perdis Boudoir Mist Spray Foundation ($49, ulta.com)