Make Up
 
Now that your hair is perfected, let's finish it off with a few pointers on make-up.

EYES

Barely a season goes by without eyeliner emerging as on of the predominant make-up trends. Whether it's deep, dark-kohl rimmed eyes, soft brown smudgings or glamour puss lids winged with a sweeping of black, there's always a way to draw attention to your eyes.

This season's interpretation o smoky eyes sees metallic effects introduced to add a modern three-dimensional shine. Eyes are ringed with smouldering shades, from deep pewter to sparkling copper and shimmering plum. Plenty of black liner adds rock star definition and colors are then smudged over lids and up to the browbones. Good blending is essential; take the color right into the inner corners of the eyes and along the lower lash line using a fine-tipped brush or cotton ball. Groom brows with a brush or clear lash gel and define lashes with plenty of black mascara.

A strongly colored kohl pencil is the basis of many of these looks, so invest in a good one with a slightly powdery, non-greasy texture for longer-lasting results. Look for shadows flecked with shimmer or try loose powder formulations instead.

Liquid liner is indispensable in creating the classic looks that are so dominant
on the red carpet and runways now. It sets a smooth, neat finish that's more sophisticated than kohl and longer-wearing than shadow. Yes, it can be tricky to apply, requiring a steady hand and a degree of skill, but the extra effort is worth the glamorous results.

Don't close your eye when applying liquid liner as this can create an uneven finish. Instead, get as close to the mirror as you can and draw the line in two or three separate movements, then go back over the area to join. Any mistakes can be cleaned up with the tip of a Q-Tip.

If you want a more dramatic effect, go back over the base line and build up the thickness from the middle to the outer corner, extending the line slightly beyond the eye. Liquid liner only really works on the upper lash line; if you want to define the lower lashes, choose a pencil version.

Pencil is a much easier option and many people find its finish less "done" than a liquid. Choose one that is sot and blendable; try on the back of your hand first and discard any that drag the skin or eel scratchy. Apply as close to the lash line as possible and smudge with a sponge-tipped applicator or Q-Tip for a modern, smokey effect. Greys, browns and navy shades suit most eye colors, and although black can be a little hard; it's perfect for rock-chick and high-impact looks.

Here a few secrets from the pros on creating illusions with eye make-up:

To make eyes look closer together: Stroke a light or medium neutral shade of eyeshadow on the inner corner of your eye or draw eyeliner a bit thicker on the inner corner of the eye.

To make eyes look farther apart: Take a matte shadow in a darker shade and stroke it outward and slightly upward on the outer corners of the top and bottom

lids. You can also use eyeliner by making it thicker on the outer edge of your eyelid and extend it slightly upward.

To make eyes look bigger: Stroke a neutral shadow in a light shade all over the lid especially up to the brow line. Follow with a darker color in the crease. Use eyeliner to outline both the top and bottom lash line.

To make eyes look rounder: Apply eyeshadow around the edges of the upper and lower lids. Use eyeliner to outline the eye both top and bottom, but wing the eyeliner out at the edge of the top outer edge.

To make eyes look more oval: Use eyeliner to draw a fine line at the base of the lashes. Thicken it slightly in the middle.

EYEBROWS

Well-groomed eyebrows are a beauty must. You should embrace your natural eyebrow shape, because no matter how much you tweeze you cannot turn them into something they are not. Here is a simple way to find the best shape or your eyebrows.

How do you determine where to start? Here's how to make the perfect eyebrow shape. Locate the three pivotal points along your brow line by following this quick exercise:

Point 1: Hold a pencil vertically against the side of your nose, noting where it meets the brow. That is where your brow should begin.

Point 2: Hold the pencil against your nostril and move it diagonally across the outer half of the iris of your eye. Note where the pencil meets the brow. This is the best place or the peak of your brow. If you tweeze rom Point 1 to Point
2, tapering the line slightly thinner toward the peak, you will create the ideal shape for your brow.

Point 3: Place the pencil against your nostril and extend it diagonally to the outer corner o your eye. Where it meets the eyebrow is the best place for your eyebrow to end. If you tweeze from Point 2 to Point 3, tapering the line even thinner, you will create the ideal eyebrow shape for your face.

EYELASHES

Eyelashes are defined by mascara. There are two basic types of mascara - waterproof and regular. Unless you cry a lot or are a swimmer, stick to regular because waterproof is hard to remove. Most women prefer black mascara because it is basic yet sophisticated and works well on almost anyone. However, if you are blonde or simply want to look more natural, try brown. If both of those seem too dark for your eyelashes, try clear.

Mascara contains a lot of wax, and the wax can develop crystal formations that prevent it from going on smoothly. Using a thinner brush can help, because it is more precise and makes it easier to get into the corner lashes while avoiding the clumps. A short wand is better than a long one because it gives you more control.

A few helpful pointers:

1. To avoid clumping and smudging, always wipe the mascara wand lightly with a tissue before you apply it.

2. On the upper lashes, apply upward in parallel strokes, starting in the middle and moving out to the edges.

3. Give a few coats to the edges, which is where you want to concentrate your efforts, by blinking onto the brush. Use very little on the bottom lashes to avoid smearing.

4. If your mascara clumps, use a clean old toothbrush to "comb" through your lashes. Sometimes mascara smudges beneath the eyes because it is attracted to oily concealer or eye creams. If your mascara always smudges, try patting a bit of powder under your eye before you apply mascara.

LIPSTICK

Of all the types of make-up you apply, lipstick can be the biggest influencer of them all. Your lips can look well defined or subtle, bubble-gum pink or neutral nude. Lipstick can be the difference between a natural look and a finished, polished statement. The shade and way you apply your lipstick can make a big difference in enhancing your look.

To keep lips healthy on a regular basis, drink 8 glasses of water a day. This will keep the skin on your lips moist and healthy. If you need additional moisture, applying lip balm will help add extra softness to keep lips smooth. In extreme instances, applying heavy petroleum jelly before going to bed will allow your lips to heal overnight. Before applying lipstick you should make sure your lips are smooth and crack free to avoid clumps and bumps once your lipstick is on. Examine your lips in the mirror. If they seem anything other than smooth, pull out a clean, old toothbrush and gently rub it over your lips to exfoliate any unwanted dead skin cells still lingering. Doing these things on a regular basis will keep your lips in tip top shape allowing them to act as a clean smooth canvas for color.

Next you must decide on some basics. Do you want to use lip liner? What color do you use? How about using gloss? These decisions are purely personal, and primarily depend on the look you are going for. One thing to consider is what are you trying to accent. Is it your make-up, a certain feature, or your outfit? If you have found a must-have shade of eyeshadow or lipstick, accentuating your make-up is the way to go, but keep these things in mind. As a rule, if you are creating a dramatic look for your eyes, your lips should be neutral so as not to overpower the look. However the same rule applies to the eyes as previously defined for the lips. If your lips are the feature making the statement, keep your eyeshadow to a minimum. Sometimes matching your lipstick to your outfit can be fabulous, but only if you want a very powerful, noticeable effect. If you are going for something subtle and professional, a neutral look for your lips will do just fine. Now that you have decided the type of effect you want to create, deciding the hue comes next.

If you want a sleek sophisticated look, deep reds, pinks and berries matched with a lip liner of the same color add a finished polish that screams sophistication. Using a high gloss lipstick will add that shine quality to your pout. This look is primarily good for evening make-up, but can be toned down for day wear by using a more matte finish product with hints of brown. To keep lips light and out of the limelight, neutral shades bordering on beige and tan, even subtle pinks can be used. Lip liners used with these shades should be nude in color and only used to give definition to the lips rather than to be part of the look. Finally, gloss can be used to either tweak the shade of lipstick you are using, or to add high sheen for noticeable lips.

Begin the lipstick application process by covering your lips with foundation to add staying power to the lip products you plan to use. When applying your lipstick, go for the liner first, if you choose to use one. Don't use a liner darker than your lipstick, because as your lipstick fades, your liner won't, and this will leave a dark ring around your lips. Start at the center of your lip and draw a line to the outer corner, following the edge of your natural lip line. Once your lips are lined color in your lips with the liner. This is an additional way to keep your lipstick on longer. Finally, apply your lipstick going from the center of your lips to the outside corners. Blot your lips on a tissue and reapply lightly. Finish with a gloss if so desired. (QUICK HINT: If you apply gloss to the center of your bottom lip only, it will enhance that lips giving you a poutier look.)

CHEEKS

There are so many different blush formulations now that knowing which to choose and how to apply it can be a little daunting. It can be simply a matter of personal preference; if you like the dewy, country-walk glow then a liquid or gel formula is probably best. I you prefer a more matte, contoured finish then a powder will produce the right results. As a rule, color should be applied to the fullest part of the face (the fleshy part when you smile) and blended up and out towards the hairline. Apply just a whisper for a hint of a glow or build up the shade for a more obvious rosy look.