Need some new base? Those butterflies of anxiety in your stomach are perfectly understandable, so. Foundation is the one product women really struggle to get right and beauty brands manage to make us feel pretty poxy about ourselves.

Exhibit A: Monica Bellucci. The face of Dior's latest foundation, Diorskin Nude, she's the sultry Italian vixen best known for her roles in The Matrix and The Passion of the Christ, and her voluptuous curves decorate the bedrooms of millions of teenage boys. Ah sure, you couldn't compete with that or with Liv Tyler as the face of Givenchy's Prisme base, and, with gorgeous Russian model Natalia Vodianova representing Guerlain's new range of foundations. The outlook is starting to appear pretty grim for those of us not so genetically blessed.

Wait a sec, though. Foundation is truly brilliant these days and stars of stage and screen are merely the poster girls for products that can fill fine lines, plump skin and seamlessly cover imperfections. Beauty brands have also stepped up to the mark with formulations that mattify, fill pores, diffuse light and boost collagen production, so there really has never been a better time to be in the market for a new base, no matter what skin type or tone you may have.

But how do you go about identifying one that's right for you? Pay a bit of heed to MAC's pro trainer, Dean Rudd, before you buy. "When choosing a base, it's important to have some idea about how you would like your skin to look, so ask yourself the following questions," he says. "What is my skin type? What finish do I want the base to give me? What shade do I need, and how much coverage do I want, or need?"

Nice work, Mr Rudd. So, with that in mind, here are my eight best buys for all types and tones.

ESTÉE LAUDER DOUBLEWEAR LIGHT SPF 10

Women with oilier skins often complain that their foundation doesn't last past elevenses. Estée Lauder are right on the money with their DoubleWear line of products designed for longevity. DoubleWear Light SPF10, offers a less-caked result than the original DoubleWear foundation and comes in six shades, from department stores.

PRICE: €34

BEST FOR: Sebum-prone ladies will love this as it's so long-lasting. It's great for covering blemishes and acne scarring, too.

COVERAGE: Medium and fairly matte; buildable.

CLINIQUE EVEN BETTER MAKE UP SPF15

If you are a sun worshipper or have noticeable dark marks from acne scarring, then this could be the one for you: lightweight and oil free, it comes in 14 shades. Over time, it aims to help clear up pigmentation spots, too. At department stores and larger pharmacies.

PRICE: €28

BEST FOR: Those concerned about hiding the appearance of scarring and dark marks.

COVERAGE: Medium and buildable; satin finish.

JEMMA KIDD MINERAL SKIN NOURISHING TINT

While the coverage won't impress those who like a full face of product, this is a brilliant buy for a hot holiday as it nourishes skin using a camomile, vitamin and multi-mineral complex. In three shades, from Space NK at Harvey Nichols.

PRICE: €38

BEST FOR: Great skin days and hot climates.

COVERAGE: Sheer; unifies skin tone giving you some cover on areas you might be less than happy to bare.

ILLAMASQUA LIGHT LIQUID FOUNDATION

New to Ireland is the Illamasqua brand, and while it's got a bit of a bang of Goth about it, the shocking shades and textures more than make up for having to tussle with Emo kids at the counter. If you're very pale -- which many of us Celtic types are -- then you'll appreciate the fact that foundations start at, quite literally, white. This product comes in a huge range of 21 shades, right from the super-pale to the almost black, so there really is one for everyone. At BT2, Grafton Street.

PRICE: €24

BEST FOR: Those who find it really hard to get a shade match on pale skin.

COVERAGE: Sheer, with a light satin finish, so best for those having good skin days; this product will not hide blemishes.

MAC STUDIO SCULPT SPF 15

Gel-based, this has a silky feel thanks to silicone and soft-focus powders in the mix which help to reduce shine and will keep an oily T-zone in check. But that's not all: Vitamins C and E protect skin against free-radical damage too. In 23 shades, you'll find it at Brown Thomas and BT2.

PRICE: €33.50

BEST FOR: Combination skins will adore this, but normal skin types will also find it good.

COVERAGE: Medium and buildable with a dewy finish; masks imperfections.

DIORSKIN NUDE

A bit of an investment at more than €40, but the result is worth it -- when buffed on with a brush, the finish looks flawless. Diorskin Nude feels comfortable, lasts all day and comes in nine shades. The inclusion of a cocktail of minerals, vitamins and trace elements means it's hydrating and kind to your complexion, too. You'll bag a bottle at department stores.

PRICE: €43

SUITABLE FOR: Best for normal-to-dry skin types thanks to the hydrating mix.

COVERAGE: Light-to-medium; satin finish that gives skin a glow.

RIMMEL LASTING FINISH 16 HOUR WEAR

Rimmel have much improved their offerings over the past year or so, and while this can't compete with the big boys in terms of shade choice, it certainly whups them on price. In five shades, at pharmacies.

PRICE: €7.95

SUITABLE FOR: Budget-conscious gals with an oily skin type, or those who hate having to touch-up during the day.

COVERAGE: Medium-to-full; matte finish.

LAURA MERCIER TINTED MOISTURISER

Available at Brown Thomas and Space NK at Harvey Nichols, Dundrum, this is pricey, but is worth the spend. Ideal for good skin days, the seven shades give just enough colour to lift and lighten. Plus, you get 40mls in the tube, helping to justify the outlay.

PRICE: €48

SUITABLE FOR: Those who need very little coverage or who don't like the heavy result from most foundation products.

COVERAGE: Sheer, lasting coverage that contains an SPF20; non-sticky.

GETTING IT RIGHT

- Kirstie McDermott