I've always struggled to find the right foundation. I like a light coverage and dewy finish. Can you recommend one that won't break the bank? Sue Marley, 44

Sarah says: Your skin is remarkably unlined and even-toned for your age, so you are right that you don’t require heavy coverage. However, you are very fair, with some redness on the cheeks. Try Benefit Some Kind-a-Gorgeous (£19.50, from www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk or larger Boots stores) – a light, translucent base with a vanishingly small amount of pigment in it, which offers a really smooth, moisturising finish. It will remove shine without making the skin look dull, and you can vary the coverage according to need. Also from Benefit is the new That Gal Face Primer (£19.50), which you can wear on its own or underneath foundation. It contains light-reflecting pigments to brighten the skin and will give you the everyday dewy coverage you’re after.

If neither of those grab you, have a look at Estée Lauder Double Wear Light Stay-in-Place Makeup SPF 10 (£23; www.esteelauder.co.uk). It comes in a wide range of shades and, being waterproof as well as resistant to sweat and heat, is extremely long-lasting. It offers a light, natural finish – plus, of course, you have the added advantage of an SPF.

Want to receive a free beauty goody bag? Send your query, along with a photo of yourself and your name and address, to Sarah Vine, The Times, 1 Pennington Street, London E98 1TT, or sarah.vine@thetimes.co.uk. If your question is published, we will send you a selection of beauty treats*

* publication and selected items at the discretion of the editor

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