Cleansing, toning and moisturising just aren't enough any more these days, experts are advising us to prepare our skins before applying make-up.

"A beautiful look begins with great-looking skin," renowned make-up artist Laura Mercier says. "Before applying any colour, I always create a fresh canvas - a flawless finish."

Prepping is key, Mercier explains: "Making your skin look perfect is the first and most important thing you can do to achieve a truly great look."

Rumiko, founder of RMK cosmetic range, agrees: "Base make-up is not about covering up facial flaws. It's about complementing the beauty of your skin.

"Your skin is naturally beautiful and make-up should not overpower your face."

Primers and base creams will smooth skin and give a matte complexion, so make-up goes on evenly, while serums contain nutritional ingredients to feed skin before your moisturiser goes on.

Mattifying Musts: These are ideal if you suffer from oily skin and find your make-up wipes off soon after application.

Molton Brown Instant Matte Shine Control SPF15, £25 (020 7625 6550/www.moltonbrown.co.uk), and Spice Hydrating Oil Reducing Gel Cream SPF10, £21.50 (01282 616 611), combine sunscreen with oil-reducing cream, while Elemis Daily Shine Control, £35 (01278 727 830/www.elemis.com), Jose Eisenberg Active Mattifying Secret, £24.50 at Boots, and Crabtree & Evelyn's Oil Control Gel, £15 (020 7361 0499/www.crabtree-evelyn.co.uk), are lightweight and easily absorbed.

Overly oily complexions may prefer to use Dermalogica's Oil Control Lotion, £23.40 (0800 556 785), and Lush's Enzymion, £10.50, which dry up excess oil.

Perfect Primers: Laura Mercier's primers, £27 at Space NK and department stores, have won worldwide acclaim for holding foundation in place. She has just introduced new oil-free versions for oily skins.

Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base filled with vitamins A, C and E, £32, and Dr Lewinn's Instant Beauty Radiance Booster with aloe vera, £25 (01892 750 888/www.drlewinns.com/uk), will make skins feel good inside and out.

If you're looking for a simple, straightforward base, try RMK Make-Up Base, £22 from House of Fraser and Selfridges, Ruby & Millie Pre Base, £9, or Boots No7 Shine Free Make-Up, £9, or Shiseido Pre-Makeup Cream, £20 (020 7938 1010).

Sensational serums: Serums are a godsend, as they will feed your skin and leave it feeling smooth.

Biotherm Source Therapie Superactiv, £25 (0800 037 1020), Clinique Turnaround Concentrate Visible Skin Renewer, £30, and ESPA Regenerating Skin Brightener, £35 (01252 352 230/www.espaonline.com), are packed with ingredients to make skin brighter and more radiant.

There are also lots of serums for mature skins. Indulge with Simple Regeneration Plus Intensive Line Reducing Serum, £12.99, Olay Regenerist Serum, £22.50, and Aromatherapy Associates Renew Rose Intensive Skin Serum, £28 (020 8569 7030).

Darphin Predermine Wrinkle Corrective Serum, £120 (0870 034 2566), and Steven Victor MD's Miracle Serum, £110 from Harvey Nichols, are luxury buys.