Until recently, foundation was something I never used, sticking to my old faithful staples of black eye-shadow, black mascara and pocket lip balm.

I longed to be able to add a touch of colour and glamour to my look.

After putting these foundations to the test, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that if you look hard enough, there are some gems for a variety of different skin tones and all to suit every budget.

ESTEE LAUDER INVISIBLE FLUID MAKE-UP FOUNDATION, £27

Promising long-lasting shades for every ethnicity, the IntuiTone technology 'guarantees' a true-to-life shade, while controlling excess oil. I tried shade 3CN1 which I found to be a good match for my skin tone, easy to blend and light, giving me a lasting natural look.

CLINIQUE EVEN BETTER MAKE-UP SPF 15, £23

I tried Tawnied Beige which blended well.

However, I was a bit disappointed as it felt a bit greasy and also felt quite heavy on my skin.

MAC STUDIO FIX FLUID SPF 15, £20.50

I tried shade NW30. It blended well and felt light on my skin, absorbing excess oil around my T-Zone, however it looked a bit chalk-like. It would perhaps suit a lighter skin tone than mine.

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BARE MINERALS ORIGINAL SPF15 FOUNDATION, £24

This award-winning foundation powder was easy to apply and felt light on my skin.

It lasted all day and gave me a natural but radiant look. I tried Golden Tan, but Medium Tan and Golden Medium would also suit many Asian skin tones.

GOSH BB CREAM FROM SUPERDRUG, £9.99

I tried Chestnut number 4, which was easy to apply and blend, feeling creamy and smooth.

I would wear this more for a dramatic night time look as it's a heavier looking foundation.

SLEEK MAKE-UP FOUNDATION CREME TO POWDER, £7.99

With an impressive 17 shades to choose from, there should be one to suit everybody.

The foundation comes in a cute case, with the sponge separately stored underneath and a handy compact mirror.

I tried Latte, which blended well and looked natural, although after a few hours my skin felt a bit shiny.

CLARINS SKIN ILLUSION FOUNDATION SPF 10, £25

Promising an 'incredibly natural complexion,' this foundation felt very smooth and silky but not oily.

It lasted for ages and would be very suitable for a special look on a night out.

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CK ONE COLOUR COSMETICS FOUNDATION, £25

I tried it in Bisque, which blended well without having to apply much on my neck to avoid cringe-worthy tide-marks.

It felt lightweight and lasted all day.

BODY SHOP ALL-IN-ONE BB CREAM, £14

This recently launched tinted cream promises a perfect match and 24-hour hydration.

This lasted well and felt lightweight on my skin, a good natural everyday look.

BOURJOIS HEALTHY MIX SERUM, £10.99

The best so far of the high street brands.

This gel foundation has a treatment serum containing three super-fruits; lychee, goji and pomegranate and smelt lovely on application.Promising to erase signs of fatigue, I tried this when I wasn't feeling my best and it did instantly lift my appearance – and my mood.

MAYBELLINE SUPERSTAY 24 HOUR FOUNDATION, £8.99

This foundation says it moves 'flexibly' with your skin, is transfer resistant, withstanding heat, sweat, transfer and touch, lasting up to 24 hours.

I tried it in Fawn and it did seem to last a long time, although I would apply a bit of powder to refresh at the end of the day.

THE importance of finding the perfect foundation should never be underestimated.

Get it right and you'll appear natural and fresh.

But get it wrong and it can upset the balance of skin, l eaving it flaky or oily – or a completely different colour.

Evening Times girl LALITA AUGUSTINE tested some of the best-known foundation brands on the beauty counter in her quest to find her second skin