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The 3 Make-Up Musts
The basics you need to know.
By Mary Elise Chavez
Posted March 2006

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Three musts when applying make-up are mascara, blush/bronzer, and lips. Wearing make-up should enhance your beauty, not hide your face. The tips below will allow each woman to do just that.

1. For Gorgeous, Full Lashes
To give your long-lasting lashes the edge over any others, make sure that they are clear of moisturizer and cleanser by wiping with a water dampened cotton pad. Then, heat your eyelash curler for about ten seconds max. with a hair dryer before you curl them (depending on the heat of your hair dryer, alter time), hold the curler on them for 10 seconds per eye. Next, run volumizing mascara back and forth three times on each set of lashes then go back and hold your hand vertically and brush through them to avoid spider lashes. One last brush through them, and you're guaranteed gorgeous lashes all day long. If you apply your mascara this way it acts as an instant wake-up! It opens your eyes immediately. If you only have time for one thing, make it your mascara!

Also, don’t forget your lower lashes, when mascara is applied it makes the eye look open and wide, bright, and beautiful. With the lower lashes, lightly brush the mascara wand from beginning to end, assuring that there are no clumps and that the lashes look combed through and natural.

2. For a Warm Glow.
For fair skin, find a peachy pink blush that is not too dramatic. Rather than using the blush brush included in the package, use a powder brush to avoid any clownish blush mistakes. Brush the powder brush along the apples of your cheek, keeping in mind that others see you from the side, not just straight on. To insure any streak-type blush application, run the brush from the apples of your cheeks to your ear. Don't over-do the blush because it is the most noticeable error a girl can make! For darker skin, you can be a little more creative, using vibrant pinks or deep browns can truly compliment a warm skin tone. A great way to warm up any skin tone is with a bit of bronzer. Lightly dust bronzer on areas where the sun would typically hit your face. Blush and Bronzer give any girl an instant glow and gives the face a nice refreshed look. There are several fantastic bronzers on the market, my advice to you is to look around, and you can often find great quality bronzer without the hefty price tag. For a cheaper alternative, Wet n' Wild makes a bronzer that may even surpass the expensive department store bronzer. It is less than five dollars and can be found at your local drugstore.

In addition, the next time you plan on wearing a shoulder baring or chest-baring top, dust shimmery bronzer to compliment collarbones and shoulders. A little dust of sheer, skin illuminating powder also does the trick! Another great way of getting that toned look but with a moisturizing benefit, are fabulous lotions and creams out on the market which focus on illuminating the skin, try them, I KNOW you’ll love ‘em!

3. Simple Lip Vs. Intense Lip
Intense lips are always gorgeous, just make sure you are wearing the correct lip colors for your skin tone. For example, if you have pink undertones don’t wear an orange or red/blue based lipstick. It will only accentuate your pinkness. Don't wear a shade that distracts too much from the rest of you, unless the outfit or occasion is appropriate. Strong pinks and deep reds can look amazing especially on warm skin tones and brunettes. Platinum blondes should avoid bright pinks to stay away from a perceived Barbie attempt. A light, glossy, pink, that is almost nude or your natural lip color is always gorgeous. You can pile on the gloss and change your look completely than if you were to wear a matte lip. This season sheer lip-glosses in every color imaginable are available. Pick a few up, because they are sheer, they give a beautiful but subtle look.

One last tip to remember: Simple make-up is best; you don't want to overpower your natural beauty and look like a clown. You can still have fun with your make-up with bright eye shadows and sheer lip-glosses, just don’t over-do it. You can change your make-up, using a more dramatic look at nighttime. Play up either your eyes or your lips, never both.