First, you should identify the different types of formulas, textures and finishes of foundations that are available to you. For example, the formula and finish can help you select the appropriate foundation for the appropriate skin type. A dry skin would naturally want a foundation that hydrates and protects the skin while enhancing a dewy and luminous finish. An oily skin with high shine, may want to minimize the appearance of pores and excess oil along with creating a matte or flat finish.

When it comes to selecting the right foundation colour, try and establish the natural pigment in the skin; a helpful tip to identify the natural pigment is by looking at the palm of the hand, you will be able to distinguish if the individual leans towards pink cool tones or yellow warm tones. This will help give you clues as to what your customer’s natural pigment is.

To keep your foundation looking natural, select colours very similar to the natural skin colour and apply small amounts near the jaw line.

To correct skin tone, use this tip:

If the skin is prone to pink, red or high colour, select foundation shades that are ivory or have a slight yellow pigment to help tone down the pink or red in the complexion. For those with yellow pigments, it’s best to brighten the complexion by selecting foundations that have a slight pink or beige hue.

If you are looking to conceal imperfections such as brown spots or broken capillaries, select a foundation one shade slightly darker than the natural skin colour and apply the foundation in a patting motion, which will further help conceal imperfections.

To avoid any line of demarcation with your foundation near the jaw line, apply your foundation generously in the T-zone and cheekbones and blend outward and downward for a natural looking gradation.

It wasn’t so long ago that sunscreen was treated like the broccoli of the beauty world—undeniably good for our health, but unpleasing to the senses. Even today, too many people still don’t use sunscreen as often as they should (every day!) for fear of sticky, thick and chalky goop. But the beauty industry has come a long way since those old-school products were the norm: in recent years, the most notable innovations in suncare have been improvements in texture. Skincare companies know that even the best sunscreens can’t work if consumers won’t use them, so they’ve invested time and effort into developing sophisticated formulas that feel “barely there,” from fine mists to watery liquids to lotions that dry down to a “nothing” finish.

For instance, La Roche-Posay has just launched the Ultra-Fluid Lotion SPF 50 for Body, bringing the light and fluid texture of its popular facial sunscreen to a new body version. Meanwhile, Neutrogena packed UV protection into a travel-friendly, deodorant-style stick for the new Ultra Sheer Face & Body Stick Sunscreen SPF 50+. For super-fast application, there are plenty of spray options, like the Sun Bum SPF 50 Original Spray (my husband, who’s picky with product, gives it a thumbs-up). Just note that for optimum UV protection, dermatologists recommend using sprays for “touch-ups”—so I’ll put on a base layer of lotion first, just to make sure I won’t miss a spot. (Click here for more new sunscreens.)

For consumers who are still reluctant to wear sunscreen, I’d say: there’s truly something for everyone, so keep testing until you find one you’re happy applying. When it comes to proper suncare, there are loads of expert guidelines (click here for new advice from the Canadian Cancer Society).

But the most important one is also the simplest: just use it.