Q What's the difference between a base and a primer? Do I have to use both?

A Some brands regard these items as different products, whereas others use them interchangeably. To minimise the confusion, here are the rules of thumb.

Ideally, your skin should be prepped before you put on make-up so that the effect is more flawless and long-lasting.

How much prep? That's entirely up to you.

Usually, someone who is interested in a base and/or primer wants to achieve at least one of the following:

Retain moisture so that skin appears plumper. Generally, a primer or any basic moisturiser will accomplish this.

Smoothen the surface of your skin so that make-up looks better. Use a base.

Even out your skin tone so that your complexion looks more healthy. Use a base.

My advice? Look for products that can do these things rather than stress over what they are called.

Chanel's Le Blanc de Chanel Sheer Illuminating Base ($58, from all major department stores), for instance, minimises pores and gives your skin a subtle, dewy look.

Cle de Peau Beaute's Base de Teint (also known as Pre-Makeup Emulsion, $105, from Takashimaya Shopping Centre) is loaded with sunscreen and comes in two formulations: the Fraiche version helps control oil while the Tendre version softens fine lines and helps to retain moisture.

You can start using primers and bases at any age, but a good skincare regimen is still the surest long-term bet for a nice complexion.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Sep 26, 2008.