Don't skip this step. Let me repeat that: do not skip this step. Makeup has the tendency to settle into creases and crevices of dry skin, so if your face isn't properly cleansed and moisturized first, you can forget having seamless foundation.

After cleansing with a gentle face wash, massage a lightweight moisturizer over your face, (along with any other skincare products you usually use in the morning), then wait a full 15 minutes for everything to sink in before proceeding to your makeup.

I could write a thesis on how to difficult it is to find your perfect foundation shade (it takes a lot of trial and error...and bad photos), but for the sake of your sanity, I’ll keep it brief:

Most foundations fall somewhere between sheer, medium, and full coverage. If you love your freckles, choose a formula that says "sheer" or "hydrating" or "lightweight." If you want to even out your skin tone a little, look for a medium-coverage formula, which might say "semi-matte" or "satin" finish. And if you have blemishes, redness, or hyper-pigmentation that you'd prefer to cover (or, if you just love a full-face beat), go with the formula that has more coverage, which will usually say "full-coverage" or "matte."

Now that you know your coverage and finish, you can finally match your shade. I’ve tried every trick on the internet, here—undertones, neck swatches, you name it—but the best way that I’ve found is to, well, simply put it all over your face like you would in real life, then look at it under different lighting. Natural light from the sun is the most accurate and unforgiving, so if it looks good outside, you’ve most likely found your match.

Obviously, this requires you to get a sample of foundation, first. Sephora and department stores will give you little pots of foundation to take home and sample before you buy, and most drugstores—although it's not exactly fun—will allow you to return opened makeup products with a receipt...and a very apologetic look.