Makeover Magic by Latetcia Phillips

10 items to have ready for your makeover are: concealer foundation powder base and accent eye shadows eyeliner brow pencil or powder blush mascara lip liner lipstick

TIP: Concealer hides or covers up any skin imperfections like under eye circles and blemishes. You should choose a shade that's slightly lighter than the skin tone.

APPLICATION: Start with a small amount, adding more as needed. Starting at the inner corner of the eye, pull outward and upward on the color with a sponge, being careful not to pull or tug on the skin. For blemishes dab on blemish with even pressure.

TIP: Foundation evens out skin tones, protects skin from the environment, and provides a smooth base for other makeup products. Match the skin tone as closely as possible using the edge of the jaw line. Be careful not to apply too much; too much can look unnatural.

APPLICATION: Apply to the forehead, nose, cheeks and chin. Then using a sponge gently blend down until the foundation becomes invisible. Never apply below the jaw line. After a few minutes, check to see if the foundation turns colors, if it does you will need to use a different shade or color.

TIP: Powder helps set makeup, reduce shine, and blends for a finished look. Select a slightly lighter shade than the foundation.

APPLICATION: Using a puff or powder brush, gently dip into the powder. Give it a tap to shake off any excess. Then with a light dusting action apply across the forehead, down the nose, across the cheeks and down to the chin.

TIP: Eye shadow accents and defines the shape of the eye. The base eye shadow highlights and the accent eye shadow adds depth, drama and definition. Choose a light-to-medium color to highlight and a medium-to-dark to accent. Always choose a shade in the same color family as the blush and lip color.

APPLICATION: Apply the base eye shadow to the entire eyelid, starting at the lash line and going all the way up to the brow bone. Then apply the accent eye shadow in the center of the eye starting at the lash line and going up to the brow bone.

TIP: Eye Liner enhances the shape of the eyes making them appear larger, intensifies natural eye color, and boosts mascara making eyes look bigger. Base selection on preferred shade and blend ability.

APPLICATION: Line the upper eyelid 2/3 of the way from the inner eye as close to the lashes as possible, then line the lower eyelid 1/3 of the way from the outer eye as close to the lashes as possible. Don't line the entire eye because it can make the eye look smaller.

TIP: Your eye brows frame your eyes, create an expression for your face and define and set the shape of the brows. Select a shade of brow pencil that matches or is slightly darker than your natural brow. The best length for the brows is to begin just above the inner corner of the eye and extend slightly past the outer corner.

APPLICATION: Use soft feathery strokes to fill in color; starting at the inner corner and going to the outer corner. Comb or brush the upper part of the brow for a lift.

TIP: Blush adds color and glow to the face. Select from the same color family as the lip color and eye shadow. Intensity (light, medium, or dark) should match skin tone; a common error is to go too dark.

APPLICATION: Starting at the center of the cheek; brush outward and upward toward the hairline right above the ear. Use a back and forth motion to make sure you blend it evenly.

TIP: Mascara makes lashes appear longer, thicker, and darker. It also makes eyes look wider and more open. Select mascara based on the benefits and features such as all-purpose, thickening, or waterproof. Black works for most skin tones.

APPLICATION: Hold the wand in a vertical position and color the ends of the lashes with a back and forth motion like a windshield wiper. Then turn the wand to the horizontal position and sweep upward on the upper lashes. Wiggle the brush back and forth to completely cover the lashes with color. Let dry and reapply. It is better to apply lots of thin coats rather than one thick one. Only apply 1 coat to lower lashes. Don't pump mascara; it makes it dry out faster.

TIP: Lip liner defines the shape of the lip and prevents lipstick from feathering or bleeding. Select lip liner based on ease of application, how long it lasts, and shade or color family.

APPLICATION: To apply draw a smooth line from the center of the upper lip to the corner and repeat on the other side. Then draw a smooth line from corner to corner of the bottom lip. You should have at least one lip liner for each lipstick color family you select.

TIP: Lipstick changes your look and your mood dramatically. It colors, defines, shapes and protects lips and balances the face and brings out the eyes. Select lipstick based on: shade, coverage, and finish. Lipstick can change your whole attitude and your expression.

APPLICATION: Apply lipstick inside the lip liner either directly from the lipstick or with a lip brush. For long lasting wear blot lips with a tissue and apply a light dusting of powder and then reapply lipstick.

With practice you can put your best face forward in only 5 minutes.

Additional tips to remember:

For a more natural look, use shades equal to intensity and undertone, use matte shades instead of glimmer and apply less rather than more.
For a dramatic look, use deeper or darker shades, use shimmer shades and apply more.
To emphasize a specific feature, select a shade one intensity lighter or darker.
When you finish the makeover take a step back and look at the full picture. Then you can make adjustments as necessary.
Practice on someone you feel comfortable with like a friend or family member.
Most importantly: Have fun!!

About the Author
Latetcia Phillips is a writer of health and beauty articles, a Beauty Advisor, and an Independent Avon Representative. Please visit her website at: http://www.youravon.com/latetciaphillips