But, deep down, doesn't everyone remember their own dodgy foundation moment?

Mine came round when I was 14 years old, after I developed an inexplicable penchant for Nivea tinted moisturiser in medium to dark. Given that my skin is as translucent as Casper the friendly ghost's, you'd think the staff in Boots would have wrestled it from my grasp before I reached the till. Sadly, that's not in their job description and I spent the next six months frightening everyone I met, before realising that it really wasn't a good look.

No matter what the age, shade is the still the biggest stumbling block when it comes to foundation. How many times have you bought a foundation that looks amazing in the soft lights of a department store but turns you into the Bride of Frankenstein the minute you step into the street?

Thank heavens then for Lancome in Brown Thomas, Dublin, which has just introduced Biometric Make-Up . . . a computerised system that matches your skin tone to the relevant foundation, even taking skin-type into account.

"Biometric has become really popular with our customers, because it gives them a chance to see what colours match their skin tone in a totally different way, " says Jane Daly, make-up artist on the counter. "The computer detects the natural skin colour and can then automatically decide which Lancome foundation best suits them. It's works very well."

One must endure a few minor indignities to get a Biometric reading . . . notably a photo being taken with bright lights that strip off every inch of foundation from your face and bring up every minor blemish, line and freckle . . . but once that's over, there's all the fun of picking a shade that is just right. The process costs 25 but is redeemable on purchase of a product.

Don't listen to any wily make-up artists when buying foundation . . . the only shade you want to buy is the one that is closest to your natural skin colour. And we're talking about your face's natural skin colour, so don't bother trying it on your wrist, your palm, the back of your hand or your ankle. Instead, pop it on your face and dash for the nearest exit to see what it looks like outside.

Oil-free foundation is usually your best bet to ensure a smooth matte look. Revlon Skinlights is a beautiful and very affordable range that gives much-sought after luminosity, along with good coverage. Its Custom Face Powder ( 16.95) is a nifty little compact that contains two matte face powders and a bronzer and a brightener that can be used on their own or over foundation for extra glow.

Meantime, if you haven't already discovered Mac's limited edition Studio Mist foundation ( 37.50), then you should hurry because it's finishing up at the end of the month. This spray-on foundation looks pretty terrifying to the uninitiated, but really it's an ultra-fine mist that ensures flawless-looking skin without any nasty side-effects. Mac insists it should only be used with its brushes, but that's not strictly necessary. Putting on foundation has never been so much funf Finally, there's no point getting the right foundation if it's not going to be applied correctly, and that has to be with a foundation brush. Yes, it might mean painting your face, but it doesn't mean you'll be scraping your make-up off with a knife later. To get the most natural yet flawless look, a brush is your only man and every make-up counter stocks them. If you're not convinced, at least use your fingers. Make-up sponges should have been burnt at the stake decades ago.