7 Tips For Great Make-Up

1. Avoid wearing too much

Makeup is meant to enhance features not bring negative attention to you. That's what wearing too much makeup will do; it will bring you unwanted attention. Don't wear too much of anything such as:

• Eyeliner: dark, thick eyeliner will make you look overdone

                and will ruin the rest of your makeup.

• Mascara: too much mascara looks fake and will flake.

                It looks especially bad if worn with thick eyeliner or dark blue eye eye shadow.

• Foundation: Make sure your foundation is the same colour as your skin. Foundation is meant to protect and give the face a smooth look. The magic word is blend.

• Powder: The same holds true for powder - not too much. Also, be sure to blend your makeup so there are no obvious lines.

2. Luscious lips

Apply lip liner to completely cover the lips, add colour and your lipstick will stay on much longer. Make sure your lip liner doesn't show. Also, your lip colour should match your skin tone; wear cool colours if you have cool colouring and warm colours if you have warm colouring. If you want to make your lips look smaller, keep your liner on the inside of your lips. However, if you decide to make your lips look larger, going outside the natural outline of you lips is a mistake. This can look quite messy and unnatural.

3. Appropriate for the occasion

Wear makeup that is appropriate for the occasion. If you are going to the beach you shouldn't wear the same or as much makeup as you would if you were going dancing. Also, when you are in daylight your makeup should be a lighter than when you are out for the evening.

4. Start slowly at first

Some women don't wear makeup because they are not sure how to use it and are afraid of being overdone. If you are unsure, start will light colours in your shade. Start slowly and add one product at a time. Maybe start with foundation, add mascara, blush or lipstick. If you are not used to wearing makeup, using a lot a first may be a little too much for you, so start slowly. The bottom line is a little is better than none. If you are still unsure seek professional advice.

5. Go for a natural look

When your makeup is completed it should look natural. That means avoiding colours that clash. If you have dark skin and hair you will look better in darker shades; light colours will make you look washed out. If your hair and skin tone are light, light colours will look better on you. Dark makeup will make you look older and harsh. If you have oily skin, first use oil control moisturizer and foundation. Then be sure to wear loose powder, keeping pressed powder with you for touch ups.

6. Harmonize with your hair colour

Your hair colour should also be in harmony with your skin. If you have dark hair and you want to add colour, keep it close to the same shade. If you have light hair, use light colours. As you age your skin will lighten, so should your hair colour. One last thing about hair colour - if you do colour you hair be sure you keep it up, don't let your roots show.

7. One last thing

Keep makeup looking fresh all day by doing regular touch ups. Don't let your makeup fade or crease. Smile!

Sheila Dicks has been in the fashion industry for more than twenty-five years. Early in her fashion career as a dressmaker, she learned the effect line and design has on appearance. Sheila spent three years in the cosmetics industry and later acquired a diploma in fashion merchandising and two university degrees. As an image consultant, she does wardrobe building and professional dress workshops. For more information, visit: www.SheilasFashion Sense.com.

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