So many foundation ads and reviews are by 20-somethings who generally have pretty smooth, bouncy and even skin to start with. Once you hit your late 40s, and 50s, if you wear foundation you might want something a bit clever – something that packs in some moisture and brightening, too, and gives your skin a bit of an uplift. Perhaps you’re returning to the office a few days a week and want to look more glowy and less washed-out, or you fancy something that will even your skin out for an event or special occasion. So here are some we’ve tried, tested and wear ourselves. And since it’s officially spring, you also need some skin protection – so we’ve picked three that look and feel good, while doing their job, follow this link to see more.

1 Boots No7 Restore & Renew (€24.95 at Boots.ie) is a good option for mature skin, as it features the skincare benefits of Boots’ much-loved Restore & Renew Serum, renowned for firming and brightening skin, plus SPF30 protection – seriously multitasking make-up for under €25. There’s a good range of shades, too.

2 I’ve mentioned before how much I love the new Nars Light-Reflecting Foundation (in 36 shades at narscosmetics.eu) as it really does feel super-light on the skin and doesn’t feel like foundation, yet somehow offers good enough cover for the bits you want to blur away. Check out Nars senior MUA on Instagram, @cherellelazarus, for great looks and tips. However, I’ll be waiting until I visit the UK to buy it, as it’s £37.50stg compared with €48 – the euro price feels hefty. Apparently Nars always applies foundation with fingers rather than a brush, to help it blend into the skin better; plus you use less product. Well worth a try.

Ps Nars’ matte and regular bronzing powders in cult shade Laguna are both currently €32 (usually €38) at airport store The Loop – worth knowing if you’re passing through the airport imminently. Keep an eye on the Exclusives section on the website before you set off; it’s a bit like The Outnet but for beauty, with deals like Jo Malone London Orange Blossom and Lime Basil & Mandarin Colognes (30ml) at €49 (down from €58).

3 Lighter, waterweight foundations tend to work better on skin that’s not in the first flush of youth – heavier, more powdery ones tend to sit in lines and accentuate them. For me, both Sisley’s Phyto Teint Nude (€75, at Brown Thomas) and No1 de Chanel Revitalizing Foundation (€60 at Boots.ie) fit the bill in this regard, as they are both super-light but give enough cover and plenty of glow. Clearly both are investment buys: for a budget take on this idea, consider The Body Shop’s Fresh Nude Foundation, €26, a vegan formula in fully recyclable packaging (with spatula rather than pump). It’s light, though I prefer the finish you get with the other two, and find them more hydrating on the skin.