Applying make-up may seem as easy as pie, but there`s always something your mother never told you... Let`s make faces!

Firm foundations
Always apply a moisturiser to your skin before you put on any foundation. Not only does it make the base easier to apply, you also won`t have any dry patches showing. Remember to cover your whole face with foundation, hide any spots with a blemish stick and finish with a smooth complexion powder.

Note: Never apply too much foundation, as your face and neck will appear a different colour, which looks awful! Your aim is to create a natural, yet refined look.

Blushing beauty
Colour in the cheeks is said to make a person look healthier, but too much can leave you looking ridiculous. Choose a shade that enhances your face without making it look `painted`. (Peachy colours are more understated than bright pinks.) Apply blusher to the cheeks, moving out towards the hairline, and experiment with both creamy as well as powder blushers.

Eyes bright
Wearing three shades of colour on the eye has always been the norm, but the latest looks are moving towards single colours, especially warm browns, creams and bronzes (in fact, any hue that`s just a few shades away from neutral is ideal). Use your finger or a small brush to apply and try and steer clear from going all the way up to your brow as this makes your eyes look smaller. Finish with an eye pencil (either just above the eyelid or on the lower lashes).

Lovely lashes
There are so many great mascaras on the market today that eyelash curlers are fast becoming a thing of the past. Choose a black or colourless product that lengthens and divides your lashes instead of crumpling them. Also, go for those products that specifically curl and add volume to your lashes. (Remember, mascaras should be replaced at least three to four times a year, as airborne bacteria can contaminate the wands over time.)

Brow basics
Nothing finishes an eye better than a well-groomed brow. And it`s always best to work with what you have. Pluck if you must, to define shape, but don`t overdo it and also don`t pencil your brows with a heavy hand. Rather use light strokes (using a colour that`s a tad softer than your natural brow colour) to fill in any gaps. A brow pencil that comes with its own brush is great for grooming (ie: putting those stray hairs in their place).

Kiss me
Lipstick is just one of the lip options available today - if you add liners, stains and colour glosses to the list. Using a lip brush is always a good idea for a smooth effect (watch out for the hard edges that lip pencils tend to create). A subtle look is also far better that a `forced` one, so go for soft colours as opposed to the very bold ones. Gloss is great for adding a sensual look and lip balm helps create a smooth foundation before applying colour.

Article source: LifeWorld