If you are over 40 we advise that you should avoid wearing matte lipsticks. You will look best with a little shine on your lips. Our makeup artists recommend that you always use a lip liner since it builds a dam that keeps the lipstick from `bleeding'.

Do use a light shade as a primer to tone down color when camouflaging very dark areas such as intense bruising, age spots and tattoos. After concealing, use a shade that matches skintone to further hide the imperfections.

For a very natural look, apply blush on the cheekbones and eyelids matching the color of the lipstick.

For minor mishaps...Did you smear your mascara? Is your blusher or eyeshadow too dark or the wrong color? For a quick and easy spot removal, use a Q-tip dipped in makeup remover. It's easy to get into a small area without having to start all over and it works great!

For more mature skin use iridescent shades sparingly.

Gold shimmer under brows or across cheekbones can be a luxury you can use.

Apply blush after powder for smooth, even look with no streaking.

Be sure to do the blush test. Once you are done with your entire makeup stand back, look in the mirror. Check to see if your face is `balanced'. You should have on just enough blush to make you look as though you are blushing. If you have on any more than that you need to tone it down.

Dampen your cosmetics sponge to create a sheer finish.

For a very natural look, apply blush on the cheekbones and eyelids matching the color of the lipstick.

If you have sallow skin, pick a foundation that disappears on your face. To counteract your skin tone choose a pink or rosy blush.

If you use a magnifying mirror (or lean in very closely to a regular one) while tweezing, step back and check your work periodically. It can be difficult to judge the overall picture while you are zeroing in on a small area - you may end up taking off way more than you planned.

Keep your compact powder handy for touch ups during the day. If you 'shine' a lot you should use an oil absorbent powder.

Remember that natural light exposes makeup which is too dark or too pale, resulting in an unnatural look.

Warm blond and naturally medium brown hair with highlights may acquire coppery shades in sun due to oxidation. Thus, always wear a hat or scarf while venturing outdoors. Hair color gloss can help you to achieve the shine again.

When using powdered brow color, use a harder bristled angle brow brush and draw tiny hair-like strokes. When using a brow pencil, maintain a sharp edge and use the same technique as the brush. You may use a disposable mascara wand to soften. The trick is comb, apply, comb.

Apply a little extra concealer under the eyes if that area looks a bit dark.

Be sure to do the blush test. Once you are done with your entire makeup stand back, look in the mirror. Check to see if your face is `balanced'. You should have on just enough blush to make you look as though you are blushing. If you have on any more than that you need to tone it down.

DO NOT overpluck your eyebrows so that instead of filling in tiny spots, you will be drawing a whole eyebrow that can smudge and look very fake.

Eye shadow can make close set eyes seem further apart. Try using a lighter color on the inner half and a darker shade from the middle of your lid to the outer corner, and don't forget to blend ;)

Glow Without Blushing. When you just want to add warmth to the skin instead of a standard blush color like rose, peach or plum, use a light to medium bronzing powder in place of blush.

Keep two shades of foundation on hand. One will be suitable for winter, and the other for summer skin. Most of the year, they will match perfectly if mixed together.

Messy or overgrown eyebrows throw off even the best makeup application. If you'd rather deal with them yourself but have no idea where to start, having them done once professionally will give you a line to follow and make keeping them in check a breeze!

Sheer layer of creamy blushers can boost up your subtle makeup.

Use bronzer instead of blush. Bronzer does a better job of accentuating the cheekbones under dimmed party lights.

Use your bronzer to create peek-a-boo cleavage with plunging neckline. Simply apply a little of the bronzer to the area between your breasts where the cleavage is supposed to be, and blend well.