A key component of autumn's 'no make-up' make-up trend is a flawless complexion, and right on time, a ton of the big beauty brands have unveiled their latest foundation formulations.

Whether you're looking for age-defying properties, a fresh-faced glow or complete coverage, these are the best of the new bases.

GLOW-GETTERS

Promising to give you the ravishing radiance of one of their billboard models, Burberry's Fresh Glow Foundation uses 'mirror-flat intense reflection pearls' to lend your complexion a burst of luminosity. That doesn't mean you'll be instantly transformed into Cara Delevingne on application (if only), but it does effectively reduce the appearance of pores and give a subtle sheen without camouflaging skin texture completely.

Similarly, Japonesque Luminous Foundation is a liquid formula that is less about coverage and more about that elusive angelic glow. It definitely delivers on the latter, but you might need to add concealer on top to banish more noticeable blemishes.

:: Burberry Fresh Glow Foundation SPF15, £35 (www.burberry.com)

:: Japonesque Luminous Foundation, £24, John Lewis (www.johnlewis.com)

AGE-DEFIERS

Using the same principles as the brand's popular Perfectionist firming serum, Estee Lauder Perfectionist Youth-Infusing Makeup is oil-free, but the silky liquid still feels really hydrating, so it suits dry skin in particular. And with a whopping 22 shades on offer (more than any other foundation we tested), it's easy to find the perfect match.

A super high-tech base that comes in a pot with a little spatula, Sensai Cellular Performance Cream Foundation looks and feels more like a face cream. Also ideal for dry skin, it seals in moisture by creating a membrane on the skin's surface, while also providing medium coverage and SPF15 to fight the anti-ageing effects of the sun.

:: Estee Lauder Perfectionist Youth-Infusing Makeup SPF25, £37 (www.esteelauder.co.uk)

:: Sensai Cellular Performance Cream Foundation, £65, Harrods (www.harrods.com)

SUPER POWDERS

Challenging the notion that powder should come AFTER your base, Bobbi Brown Skin Weightless Powder Foundation is a lot creamier than it looks, but still effectively mattifies any oily patches, and comes in a handy compact.

A new addition to the Vitalumiere family, Chanel Vitalumiere Loose Powder Foundation provides the kind of beautifully smooth, even coverage that's hard to achieve without moisture. The tiny kabuki brush it comes with is a bit fiddly, but the super-soft bristles and miniature proportions help to distribute the finely-milled powder evenly across your face. Pricey, but worth every penny.

:: Bobbi Brown Skin Weightless Powder Foundation, £33 (www.bobbibrown.co.uk)

:: Chanel Vitalumiere Loose Powder Foundation SPF15, £55, Boots (www.boots.com)

COMPLEXION CORRECTORS

Designed to cover very noticeable marks, like acne scars, spots and dark circles, Vichy Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation is a heavyweight base enriched with Vichy Thermal Spa Water. The long-lasting matte finish formula also contains SPF35, and with Bronze the darkest of five shades, it's better suited to paler skin tones.

Yves Saint Laurent Fusion Foundation offers a similar proposition, but with a dozen colours to choose from. Using 'NASA-inspired technology', it conceals blemishes and redness almost as well as the brand's iconic Touche Eclat pen, but the foundation doesn't feel anywhere near as heavy. The lip gloss-like applicator is useful too, as some bottles dispense too much product in one pump.

:: Vichy Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation SPF35, £11.33 (www.feelunique.com)

:: Yves Saint Laurent Fusion Foundation, £30.50, Debenhams (www.debenhams.com)

TRIED & TESTED

Our testers turn their gaze on shimmer eyeshadows.

:: Kiko Milano Long Lasting Stick Eyeshadow in Golden Beige, £6.90 (www.kikocosmetics.co.uk)

This eyeshadow is perfect for giving eyes a subtle, shimmery lift that stays put all day or night. With its pencil applicator, it's easy to apply and goes on evenly, while the soft golden colour will go with everything in your wardrobe. What's not to love?

4/5

:: Clinique All About Shadow Single in Sugar Cane, £16 (www.clinique.co.uk)

Even though it's a powder, this eyeshadow is so dense it feels almost like a cream. It spreads easily and really clings to my eyelids, giving a lovely even wash of white that lasts all day and doesn't crease.

5/5

:: Nars Hardwired Eyeshadow in Opal Coast, £18, (available November 1; www.narscosmetics.co.uk)

This eyeshadow looks ivory-coloured, but it's actually a very finely-milled glitter powder. At first, I overloaded my lids a bit, but once I got the dosage right, I really liked the subtle sparkly effect; it really brightened my eyes.

4/5

BUY IT NOW

Already a multimillion-selling trend in Asia, a new beauty-boosting innovation had landed in the UK, but it's got nothing to do with make-up. 1-Day Acuvue Define are contact lenses imprinted with a special pattern that enhances the ring around the iris, adding depth and definition. They're only available with a prescription, £44 for a one-month supply or try a five-day free trial at Boots Opticians (www.boots.com).

BEAUTY BULLETIN

:: FRIDGE BENEFITS

3 million women in the UK use their fridge as a vanity case, stashing bottles and balms alongside the beer and butter. According to research, to coincide with the launch of the new Samsung Food ShowCase Refrigerator, the most common beauty products found in the fridge are nail varnish, eye masks and face masks.

:: RECESSIONISTA ALERT

Silvikrin's new Heat Styling range protects tresses from temperatures of up to 230 degrees - we're looking at you, GHDs - but the prices won't make you hot under the collar. Spritz Silvikrin Heat Protect Spray, £3.29, Superdrug, on before blow-drying, to protect against heat damage and set your 'do.