Applying Makeup The RIGHT Way

You own the best makeup money can buy. You thumb through

fashion magazines to study the faces of those stick-thin,

runway models. You spend two hours each morning putting on

your face. And, you still don't look right. What's a girl

got to do to look good around here?

Lights, camera, action...consider three things:

What's the lighting in your make-up area? Adjust it, and

you may find that you're better able to cover your flaws

and accentuate your attributes.

Picture yourself. Is the look you're struggling to attain

realistic for you? The supermodel-look you're using to

create your own makeup style may not be at all like you.

Look for famous faces with features similar to your own.

What colors and products do your look-alikes use with

success Try modeling yourself after realistic ideals.

Are you using the right colors and products?

Learn from the pros...take a lesson.

Spend a half hour with a professional makeup stylist.

Visit a department store beauty counter. Ask a well-put

together friend for a tutorial. Take notes. Here are a

few basic guidelines to keep in mind.

Foundation

Careful selection of color is essential. Remember, what

looks good in January, may not in August.

Reevaluate color often.

Apply with sponge or fingertips. Dot foundation in the

shape of a 'T' from forehead to chin. Then blend outward.

Don't apply pressure to skin. Be sure you don't leave a

'defining line' along your jaw line.

Blend any line with a tissue.

Eyes

Eye shadow is available in complementing multi-tone color combinations.

It's a good idea to buy these sets, rather than individual

colors, if you don't trust your own beauty know-how.

Swipe applicator across lightest color, tap off excess

powder, and sweep across lid to brow bone working from

the inside out.

Accent with medium tone from middle of lash to outer edge

of eyes. For a smoky, night time look, use a third color

as an accent. Blend colors with your pinky.

Cheeks

Using a full-sized blush brush, apply blush to brush, tap

off the excess, smile and sweep color gently from apple of

cheek to temple. Soften color with a tissue, if needed.

Powder

Loose powder sets make-up and extends its wear. Gently dust

your made-up face.

Lips Last

Liner and lipstick are your last step. Apply and blot with

a tissue.

Less is more...really!

Avoid looking overly made up. Too much make-up can look

worse than the flaws it's intended to hide.

Practice, practice, practice.

Do you remember how much fun it was to play with make up

as a child? Recapture that fun. Play around with different

looks.

You don't know how something will look until you try it.

But, save the experiments for a slow day. Your sister's

wedding day is no day for a new you.

Allison Saunders, a professional makeup artist, and self professed makeup junkie, is the creator of one of the most popular makeup and beauty resources on the web. Discover valuable resources and information to transform the way you look and feel, by visiting: http://www.hollywoodmakeupsecrets.com