Clever cosmetics

If you have never quite found your true foundation match, or are still searching for that elusive perfect red lipstick, a new way of making up with clever cosmetics could be the Holy Grail of your beauty quest. Inbuilt pigment technology works with the tones of your skin to create a look that is naturally luminous. Stock up early and these smart cosmetics will lift dull winter skin, seeing you well into spring.

THE SMART SKIN DETECTOR
If testing multiple foundations on your jawline/hand/forehead has left you dumbfounded as to what shade suits you best, let Estée Lauder's new Invisible Fluid Makeup, £27 (johnlewis.com, from February) do the work for you. It contains "IntuiTone technology" that detects and blurs out blemishes, lines and enlarged pores while still allowing your natural skin tone to shine through. You'll look dewy yet barefaced, so you can make the fact that you're wearing foundation our little secret.

THE BRAINY BLUSH
Strike the right balance between looking washed out or doll-like with Givenchy's Hydrasparkling Magic Cheek Balm in Peach Glow, £20.50, right (01932 233824 from February). What looks like a lip balm is patted on to cheeks and immediately adapts to your skin tone, creating a natural flush. It also contains hyaluronic acid, which helps fake full, plump looking cheeks - even on the most dry, winter-worn skin.

INGENIOUS EYESHADOWS
The entire Ellis Faas range is based on tones found naturally in the skin. Her Creamy Eyes E107, £23 (ellisfaas.com) comes out wet in a pale cocoa shade and soon dries for a smoky, subtle definition. For something more showy, Giorgio Armani's Eyes to Kill Intense in Sweet Fire, £26, below left, (giorgioarmanibeauty.co.uk) acts like a prism, reflecting multiple shades to give lids a three-dimensional shine in this season's must-have pink.

SUPER SAVVY LIP SHADES
Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Shine lipsticks contain "hybrid pigment" technology, which leaves lips looking dewy rather than sticky. The new BG911 is a caramel-like shade that warms pale lips while the PK340, £20 (shuuemura.co.uk, from February), subtly amps up pink-toned lips. Wear one of them every day and you'll look like your natural self - only better.