* remember to breath - in through the nose, out through the mouth
* maintain navel to spine connection (abs contracted)
* keep hips leveled and planted down
* stabilize pelvis, trunk and torso
* keep shoulders blades down and neck long
* always extend legs straight (think long)
* keep the lower back pressed down

Single Leg Lifts - 8 to 12 repetitions each leg.
This exercise strengthens and sculpts the abs, thighs, lower back and buttocks.

Lying on your back, with your arms at your side, and your legs straight down, point the right foot as you lift the right leg straight up so it’s pointing to the ceiling, then flex the foot and pull the leg straight down. The left leg stays resting on the mat. Inhale as you pull the right leg up again and exhale as you release it down. On the last repetition leave the leg straight up, walk the hands up the leg and hold for 4 seconds. Repeat on the left leg.

Remember: Make sure to engage the abs and to reach the leg long each time.

Modification: If you feel pressure in your lower back, bend the opposite leg, while the other leg continues to lift up and pull down.

Scissors - 12 to 16 repetitions
This exercise strengthens and tones the entire core area (abs, lower back, buttocks and thighs). It is also a good stretch for the hamstrings.

Lift the head and shoulders off of the mat (keeping the chin a fist width apart from the chest). Bring the right leg straight up so it’s pointing to the ceiling and grab hold of it with both hands. Lift the left leg up so it is parallel to the floor. Inhale as you pull the right leg towards you then exhale and as you switch, pulling the left left leg up as you release the right leg down. Complete 12 to 16 repetitions. When completed bring both legs up and bring the knees into the chest.

Remember: Keep the shoulders, hips and pelvis stable. Abs should always be engaged. Think �length�, extend your legs straight. Don’t let your tailbone pull off of the mat. Keep it pressed firmly down to the mat.

Modification: If the neck gets tired relax head down on mat. If the lower back gets tired make the scissors smaller.

Scissors - No hands - 12 to 16 repetitions This exercise is an intense exercise. It works the thighs, abs, lower back and buttocks.

Lifting the head and shoulders off the mat bring both legs straight up. Your arms are straight at your sides and lifted off the mat. Pulling the navel to the spine, release the right leg down as the left leg remains straight up. Then switch. Right leg comes up, left leg goes down. Repeat 12 to 16 times and on your last repetition hold (one leg up the other leg parallel to the floor) for a count of 4, then switch (other leg up, other leg parallel to the floor) and hold for another four counts. When completed bring both legs up and bring the knees into the chest.

Remember: Keep your lower back pressed down to the mat. Legs stay straight, imagine a ruler attached to the back of your legs, preventing you from bending them. Abs stay engaged.

Modifications: If the neck gets tired either put the hands behind the head or relax the head down on the mat. If the lower back gets tired make the scissors smaller.

Wide Scissors - 8 to 12 repetitions This exercise tones the mid abs and stretches and tones the inner and outer thighs. It’s also a good stretch for the hips.

Lying flat on your back, pull the navel to the spine, and lift both legs straight so they are pointing to the ceiling. As you inhale open the legs up as wide as you can (so the left leg reaches out to your left side and the right leg to the right side. Exhale as you pull the legs in together again squeezing the thighs tightly as the legs touch. Repeat 8 to 12 times. On your last repetition leave the legs spread out and either pulse for 6 counts or hold for 6 counts. When completed pull the legs together again and bring the knees into the chest.

Remember: Keep the abs engaged and the legs straight. The lower back stays firmly anchored to the mat. Hips stay leveled and pelvis still.

Modification: To make this exercise more challenging pull the shoulders off the mat. To make this exercise easier you can bend the legs.

Double Leg Lift -6 to 12 repetitions.
This is an intense lower abdominal and upper thigh exercise. It strengthens and tones the lower ups, thighs, lower back and even gets the buttocks.

Lying on your back extend the legs straight to the ceiling. Anchor your back firmly to the mat, squeezing the buttocks and the abs, slowly lower your legs straight down (no lower than a 45 degree angle to your body) and then slowly pull the legs up. On your last repetition hold for a count of 6.

Remember: Keep the lower back anchored to mat throughout the entire exercise. Keep the movement controlled and slow. Keep the legs straight and thighs squeezed together. The shoulders should be relaxed and down away from the ears.

Modifications: To challenge yourself more pull the shoulders and head off the mat and bring your hands behind the head.
If you feel pressure in your lower back don’t take the legs down as low.

Side Leg Circles - Front and back- 8-12 repetitions each circle
This exercise sculpts the entire leg, firms the buttocks and slim downs the thighs.

Lying on your side, relax your head into your hand or arm. Keeping the shoulders stacked and the hips stacked, extend both legs straight with one leg on top of the other. Bring feet slightly forward so that you are making a wide �V� shape with your body.

Bring the top leg forward, keeping the leg at the same height of your top hip. Point the foot, keeping the leg straight and shoulders and hips stacked draw small circles clockwise with your leg.

Relax the leg down. Take the leg centre now (right above bottom leg) and draw small circles clockwise. ( 8 to 12 repetitions)

Relax the leg down. Now take the leg behind the bottom leg (the top leg is now behind the hip) draw small circles clockwise with your leg. (8 to 12 repetitions).

Relax the leg down. Repeat the same exercise starting with the leg behind the hip and circle counter clockwise. Then take the leg centre and then front.

Repeat on the other leg.

Remember: Keep the shoulders and hips stacked. Remember to keep the abs. engaged (this will help you to stabilize the hips). Keep the top leg straight and feel the movement coming from the thigh.

Modification: If you are having trouble keeping the hips stacked bend the bottom leg.

DO

1. Keep with your own style

Get a cosmetic bag similar in design to the purses or bags you currently use. A cosmetic bag is a woman’s ultimate accessory and needs to fit with your entire wardrobe, or a good majority of it, not just what you are wearing at the time when picking out your cosmetic bag at the store.

2. Size matters

If you already have a purse, get a cosmetic bag that is small, portable and can practically fit anywhere. Professional make-up artists and extremely fashion-minded women may need to pick size over style. The Allison Barrett Cosmetic Bag and Bloom Cosmetic Bag are brands that have enough room for most of your cosmetic items.

3. Get functional with special compartments

If the cosmetic bag you choose is equipped with compartments, it will be easier for you to store brushes, concealers and other tidbits orderly and shipshape. Inspect the bag for special compartments - these are usually tough and will keep your things from getting damaged.

4. Make a statement

Cosmetic bags let you travel in style since you can choose an array of designs, sizes and colors. Nylon bags are more popular because it is custom-made with three different appealing designs. You don’t want to be seen with a dingy old purse, would you?

DON’T

1. Overpay!

You can buy a small cosmetic bag from $5.00 to $10.00 or designer bags that may cost up to a searing $100.00 or more. Some bags come free if you buy a whole set of make-up.

2. Choose style over durability.

Cosmetic bags need to be strong and sturdy especially when traveling. Durable types of bags include Europe/U.S. size Conversation and the Wisteria Cosmetic Bag, which is known for its water-resistant lining and vintage feel.

3. Underestimate black

If you don’t have the time to take care of your bag, pick one that is easy to clean to make its shelf life last longer.

4. Put everything in your bag

Choose what things are essential to you. You don’t have to bring a hundred pounds of make-up when going to a party, to work, a girlfriend’s pajama party, or even traveling. Bring the basics - like a tube of lipstick, mirror, blush, a brush, foundation or powder, eye shadow, eye liner and mascara.

Here’s a list of essentials every woman should have in their cosmetic bag.

- A tube of lipstick
It can serve as a blush on too that can make you look fabulous in seconds. If you still have space, throw in a lip gloss for that extra shine.

- A mirror, preferably flat and compact for your cosmetic bag
Double sided mirrors are available for $3.00 to $5.00. Its hard to apply make-up without seeing your face right?

- A set of brushes
These are always important for touch-ups. You can buy a complete kit filled with miniaturized brushes that costs anywhere from $5.00 to $10.00. Of course, it is mandatory that you bring eyeshadow palette that you use regularly - buy one with all the colors that you trust. Don’t buy one that you haven’t even tested on your skin. Mascara and eyeliners are also indispensable for those occasional touch-ups.

- Blush
Bringing this along might be quite tricky because most of them come in big sizes. Choose one that is light, flat and compact. This is a basic element for that natural-looking healthy glow.

Remember, your make-up kit is a miniature version of your make-up case. If your bottle of foundation is too big, transfer some to a smaller bottle that seals tightly. Choose compact style mirrors and flat brushes to save space. You can also bring a traveling toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and facial tissues.

1. Select the correct eyeshadow form

Eyeshadow comes in several formulations, each with a unique finish and level of difficulty. Matte eyeshadows blend easily and are perfect for beginners, as they can be both used for creating a soft daytime look or a heavy smoky eye. If you are not so much into eyeliners, you can opt for powder eyeshadows that can also be used as eyeliner, as long as the color is densely pigmented. Used in tandem with a fine-tipped brush, powder eyeshadow gives the softest, most natural look.

2. Getting the natural look

For soft definition, choose a powder matte eyeshadow. Choose those that are neutral in colors because these are the finest for all eye colors. The best neutral colors to choose are taupe, beige, muted wines, ivory, charcoal, browns, and grays. It is best to choose a medium eyeshadow. These types of eyeshadows are light enough, hence they do not need massive blending. For those who have dark eye colors, browns are the best shades to use in order to bring out the eye color, making it more intensified and defined.

3. Consider your color options

The safest way to go is with brown or black, but new options include other colors such as gray, charcoal, metallics, or even bright dashes of color like green, blue, or turquoise, as seen on the usual summer collections. Smoke or charcoal gives a softer look than black does. Dark green shades goes well with almost all complexions. For those who have complexions with narrower eyes, metallic shades are the best. When applied on the eyes, a metallic shade like silver or gold can make the eyes look bigger and more wide-awake. You can contrast this with a different shade of eyeshadow like green with bronze, silver with white, or go monochromatic by using lighter tones of the same color family as your eyeliner.

4. The skin tone test

When choosing the best eyeshadow, it is best if you consider your skin tone first. Usually, there are eyeshadows that do not blend well with one’s skin complexion. Hence, it is important to consider them when choosing eyeshadows.

For example, women who have dark skin complexions, it would be better if you choose darker shades of eye shadows. Choosing lighter shades like pebbles would only make your eyes look dusty.

5. The rule of thumb

Before you buy your eyeshadows, it is best to remember that dark colors tend to make the eyes appear to diminish in size. On the other hand, light colors bring your eyes out into the open. The rule of thumb when choosing the best shades of eyeshadow is to select those that will bring definition into your eyes. In reality, eyeshadows are made to re-shape the eyes or any part that surrounds it like the browbone section and the eyelids.

6. High definition

It is best to smudge a soft brown eyeshadow on the lid for a wide-eyed look. If you want more intensity, smudge the eyes with darker shades starting from the center of the lid then outwards to make eyes look bigger.

7. Limit the colors

When choosing eyeshadows, it is best not buy too many shades, even if they are just neutral colors. Using them all together will be very distracting. Best of all, do not buy eyeshadows that will draw too much attention to your makeup as well as your lids. In the end, your eyes will be taken for granted. Therefore, it is better to not choose shades of pastel colors and those that are frosted. Indeed, choosing the best shades for your eyes can be very tedious and needs more practice but in time, you will soon be expert on it. In the end, projection high-definition eyes will be a breeze.

by Julia Brown

1. Choosing the appropriate shade of blush for your skin tone

This is similar to picking the right shade for your foundation, concealer or eye shadow. It is hard to pick out the right one - doing this would require comprehension of color theory. But, you don’t need to worry. Blushers today are very flexible, which will blend onto your skin tone easily. Getting off at the wrong track, however, will make your face drained or looking like a clown.

2. What to consider

There are two simple things to take into consideration - skin and the context.

Skin tone

- Know whether your skin is a warm or cool tone.

- If you have a yellow undertone, you will settle in better with cool colors like mauve, rose and pinkish plum.

- Orange, copper, almond or peach is appropriate for olive-skinned while blue skin tones (very dark-skinned) can opt for dark red or auburn.

- Those with a neutral look can have any color while those with pink tones can get away without a blush at all.

Skin intensity

- The darker the skin, the stronger the color of the blush. So it follows that the lighter the skin, the lighter the blush.

- The intensity of the blusher will make or break your look. Having a blusher that is too weak for your skin will not even be seen.

- Fair-skinned women may use a shade from a pale pinkish red to beige - you can also apply powder blush on top to have that transluscent effect.

- Medium tones call for warm pinks, brown-based pinks or soft beige. For the olive-skinned, brown-red, soft berry, honey beige or plum pink is recommended.

- Those with a darker skin color can use deep bronze, soft mahogany or cocoa.

Context

- Consider the color of your hair and eyes. Dark or black hair tends to make the skin look paler, so a stronger blush than the recommended shade might be needed.

- Neutral shades like a bronzer should complement blonde hair and tanned skin.

- Peach is a safer color for red heads or those with loud hair colors, since it competes with your blush.

- Daytime or nighttime? Soft, natural colors like warm pinks, beige, peach, and mauve is more appropriate for evening affairs. A bronzer can also be a substitute to blushers if you want a sun-kissed look.

3. Sure-fire blush selection, made easy!

Do physical activity for about two to three minutes until your cheeks become pink. If you’re still having a hard time knowing what the right shade is best for you, ask someone from the make-up counter. Since they have charts and color wheels, it is best that you ask them for advice on color.

4. Applying the Blush

If you’re thinking on buying a blush, remember that you won’t find out the real shade until you try it out. Apply on the inside of your forearm to find out the color. If it doesn’t stand out, then you have chosen the right color.

Experimenting with the right shade and color would require a face in full make-up. This will let you know if your blush is balanced with your make-up. Make sure that your blush will match the color of your lipstick. Applying a little blush to the tip of your nose and chin will balance your look.

To ensure that your blush will blend with your make-up, apply blusher first or else it will compete with your eyeshadow and lip color. If you find out that you have too much blush, don’t fret. Just get a dry and clean sponge to soften the colors. Remember, this will all be in vain if you don’t know how to apply blush properly.

1. What Are Lip Balms?

Generally, lip balms are made from menthol, scented oils, beeswax, camphor, petroleum jelly, and other different components like alum, salicylic acid, and vitamins. When buying lip balms, there are certain factors that need to be considered. There are ingredients that when present in lip balms may induce greater result and long-lasting treatment.

2. Go natural

Basically, all lip balms are created for the same purpose and are definitely effective on their own ways. However, it is still important to choose lip balms that contain natural substances. This is to be sure that using lip balms will not irritate your chapped, dry lips.

3. Look for the super friendly oils.

When buying lip balm, it is best to buy those that contain vegetable oils like olive oil and almond oil. These particular types of vegetable oils are useful in bringing back the natural oils to the lips. Hence, you will have healthy-looking, clean, shiny lips.

4. Consider the kind of lip service you want from your lip balm.

Do you want to use it as an everyday alternative to lip-gloss? Are you looking for medical treatment with regards to your super dry, heavily chapped lips? Do you want to provide some sun-block protection to your lips? Or do you just want to have that super protection that you had been longing to have? Lip balm uses may vary from the everyday lip care to the super-protection lip balms.

5. Consider the kind of weather you have on your place.

How often should you use lip balm to prevent your lips from chapping? It depends on where you live and the time of the year. For example, if you live in Denver, the typical weather or climatic condition would be very dry and cold in the winter, and there is a lot of sun. Hence, it is important that you should use a lip balm on a daily basis, applying it a couple of times a day. If your neck of the woods is less dry, less cold, or less sunny, you may be able to use lip balm less frequently.

6. Choose a lip balm with sunscreen.

The lips take a solar beating just like the other areas of the face that are exposed to sunlight, but they typically do not get protection from sunscreen. That is why it experts strongly suggest using a lip balm with a sun-blocking ingredient. People, however, should be wary of using lip balms with sunscreen protection elements. Some people are sensitive to sunscreen, and their lips can become chapped because they are using it on their lips. Hence, if you notice any itching or redness, go back to a lip balm without the extra protection.

7. Observe the first batch of lip balms you have bought

It is really hard to distinguish the different ingredients in lip balms and its propensity to cure chapped lips. In fact, there are instances wherein some lip balms can even make the matter worst. And so, it is extremely important to note if a certain brand of lip balm can actually do more harm than good. If this is the case, then, it would be better to find another brand and look for the possible ingredient that could have caused the irritation. Indeed, it has been said before but it certainly bears repeating: The fastest way for a woman to update her look is by simply swiping a flattering shade of lipstick over her kisses. However, this is not possible if you have dry, chapped lips.

With the advent of technology and innovative cosmetics, women can now enhance their looks without having to undergo tedious and expensive cosmetic surgery or implants. Take for example fake eyelashes. These eye enhancers achieve a dramatic look just like what Oprah Winfrey, Angelina Jolie, and other Hollywood actresses project on the big screen.

Fashion has given the limelight to fake eyelashes in portraying the kind of lashes that most people are enthralled to see. In fact, many people are now so much into thick-lashed eyes that they want to wear them on every occasion where they want to create a fashion statement.

Advantages over other eyelash products:

- Achieve longer, fuller lashes - Less risk of eye irritatation - Won’t run when wet - No need to reapply every few hours - Get the precice length you want - More intense than other products, a seemingly theatrical and sensational appearance

Not all fake eyelashes are created equal.

What factors should you keep in mind when buying fake eyelashes?

1. Get the look

Know what appearance you are aiming to achieve before you buy. Every curve, length, color, and style depicts a different angle of drama, ranging from the most subdued glamour to the hard-hitting impression.

2. Contemplate color

Choosing the colors of fake eyelashes is just the same as choosing the ideal color of mascara. Each color has to match the kind of event and the time you will be wearing the fake eyelashes. For example, if you want to add more drama without having to use mascara, it is best that you buy black fake eyelashes. For a more natural look especially during the day, purchase a dark brown eyelash.

3. Consider the style.

Would you rather go for an inner dramatic statement or an outer full eyelash? If the fake eyelashes are densely thick, then, wishing to achieve a natural look is not the issue. Just keep in mind that when you want to acquire the natural look, choose a fake eyelash that applies to the outer edges. For a more falsified look, use the more thick-lashed fake eyelashes.

How to apply fake eyelashes:

- Know how to distinguish the right fake eyelash from the left. - Be wary of using glue when applying the fake eyelash. Accidents may happen and the glue may seep into your eyes and may cause irritation. - Never apply fake eyelashes with traces of eye shadows or eyeliners already present in the eyes. It has to be clean first before any application.

Indeed, fake eyelashes are not just mere tools to enhance one’s look. It functions more on how it reflects the woman’s desire to focus on women’s individualism and how a single stroke of fake lashes will definitely change and affect their sense of style. Experts say that for those who find themselves fashion-challenged, inspiration and innovative products such as fake eyelashes can be the basis of their own personal style.

by Julia Brown

Creme foundations

Creme foundations are usually the top choice of most makeup artists. Available in sticks and compacts, these provide very good facial coverage. This consistency and texture deliver a rich and perfect finish that can be applied easily resulting to a fine complexion.

Liquid foundations

Offering sheer and complete facial coverage, it gives the face a very natural appearance. Available in oil based and water based formulations, this is preferred by most women since it can be easily applied and matches the skin well, almost resembling the skin itself. To get a foundation that will perfectly match your complexion, make sure to select one that is based with the color yellow.

Dual active powder foundation

These are so called quick fix foundations, that starts as cream that is applied and spread over the face easily ending in a powder form. Having this function, it is a powder and a foundation all in one.

2. What foundation is best for my skin?

Facial foundation for normal skin

In the selection of a foundation for normal skin, there are a lot of things to be considered, as there are so many lines of cosmetic foundations available, and in various shades. Often, their main difference is their price. The label will be your best guide. Read the label and make sure it is for dry to normal skin and that it is nonacnegenic so that it will not clog your pores.

Facial foundation for acne prone or oily skin

For oily skin, the best foundation to use is water-based. These usually come in liquid form, and they offer sheer and total facial coverage, with the downside of lasting for only a maximum of four hours. This problem can be very well addressed by using a loose powder after application of the foundation to help the foundation last longer as well as absorb excess oils. A product labeled as oil controlling is great for oily skin. Again, choose a product that is nonacnegenic, as this will ensure you of unclogged pores and will not worsen your acne condition. For oily skin type, find labels such as oil free or oil controlling on a product - usually these products are water based.

Facial foundation for dry or sensitive skin

For dry or sensitive skin, cream based is often recommended, the ones with with moisturizing benefits. As they provide full coverage on the face, they too can stay longer. Keep in mind that before any makeup is applied on the face, the face should be cleaned thoroughly using a mild facial wash along with a moisturizing cream; this also enables one to apply the foundation easily as the moisturizer will help to smoothen the foundation. For dry skin, a moisturizing foundation is best, such labels as moisture rich or hydrating are to be looked for.

Foundation for combination skin

For combination skin, select a product labeled as skin balancing, which would be perfect for this kind of skin type. If you can’t find such a product, a combination of liquid foundation and a powder in translucent form will help take off the shine on your T-zone. For combination skin, you have to know if you have skin more on the oily side, or the dry side and select the appropriate formulation - foundations that are cream-to-powder based are recommended for this type of skin.

3. Choosing your foundation:

- Know what type of skin you have. Before you shop for the right foundation shade you need to determine first what formulation is right for your skin; is your skin dry? Oily? Or a combination of both?
- Remember to go without any foundation on. Your face should be clean so that you can easily test a shade on your face and see clearly whether it matches your skin tone or not.
- Pick out three or four shades that you think match your skin tone. They need to look as natural as possible. Usually, the yellowish based shades will give all skin tones a natural look. For a very light or fair skin, a pink shade of foundation will be best.
-Test the foundation by applying a small amount near your jawline (not on your wrist!), then decide.
- Study the shade of your foundation as to the shade on your jawline. Examine it carefully with a mirror in an open window, where there is natural light. The shade to choose is the shade that you can not see, as it blends well on your skin.

It is best that you buy a foundation in a small container first. Once you’re home, try it out again. Return it if you feel the shade isn’t right. Then if it is perfect for you, you can go ahead and buy a bigger container.

You would think that getting a real tan is better than applying a bronzer - but you might change your mind after finding out the answers to your usual questions.

1. What’s the difference between a real tan and a bronzer?

Exposure to the sun also exposes the skin to UV (ultraviolet) rays that can be extremely harmful. Studies show that tanning beds, an alternative to the real deal, can also cause cancer. Both methods can be health hazards, whereas a bronzer is a safe and easy-to-use option that will still give you the golden brown effect you desire. Plus, unlike sprawling in the sun, you can control how much darker you want to be precicely.

2. How does a bronzer work?

Bronzers have an active ingredient called DHA that produces a golden glow unlike an artificial looking orange-burnt color. With the advent of DHA technology, lotions and creams now come with self-tanning ingredients. Self-tanners contain 4-5% DHA while bronzers usually contain 2-3%.

Known as a quick-fix like any other make-up, a bronzer can last up to a week like self-tanners, depending on the brand. It is usually fast drying and the natural-looking tan will develop for about an hour. Earlier products like cosmetic bronzers are washed off with soap and water.

3. What type of bronzer is right for me?

Bronzers come in different types like creams and quick sprays. One example is the Jungle Bronze Self-Tanning Spray that lasts for six to seven days. Some of these sprays come with vitamins A, C, and E, that are healthy for skin because they are great anti-oxidants. Lotions like Arden’s Oil-Free Self Tanning Lotion for face and body is recommended.

If you want to develop a permanent bronze, you can opt to use a daily bronzer, by which an accumulated use will result to a natural looking tan. Check the bottle if it carries DHA bronzers or not.

4. How do I apply a bronzer?

Before applying:

- The skin should be clean and dry.

- All jewelry should be removed.

- Wear a shower cap to protect your skin and scalp from stains.

Apply onto skin in a rotating motion. Be sure to avoid sensitive areas like the eyes, eyelids, and around the lips. In applying different amounts of bronzer, make sure you consider the variations of your skin color. For example, you should put less on your face if it is lighter than your arms.

To achieve a sun-kissed look, take notice of where the sun usually hits your face. It hits heavily on the cheekbones, nose chin and collarbones, and lightly on the forehead. Although bronzers hide blemishes, it highlights wrinkles - so go gentle on those face crinkles.

For the body, sweep through all the parts, especially the ankles, in between the toes, ankles and knees - if you miss some parts, your tan will look artificial. Most bronzers now do not stain on clothes unlike cosmetic ones. When you get used the color, you can take the next step by applying a darker shade. Just make sure it still looks natural.

5. Other benefits?

A bronzer can mask features such as a wide nose. Choose a shade lighter than your skin. Test it first on a small part of your face to know if it will look natural if applied to the entire face. Using a powder brush, apply bronzer on both sides of the nose. Brush more on your cheeks and forehead to balance it off. Then take your foundation or powder to blend the bronzer. A subtle shadow should create the illusion of a narrower nose.

by Julia Brown

1. Be open, do not forget to experiment!

There are numerous brands of lip gloss and the prices of each vary. A $7 lip gloss bought at a neighborhood drugstore is not necessarily inferior in quality compared to an $18 Poole lip gloss compact. Lips could only appreciate the texture, smoothness, silkiness of the gloss or feel its heaviness, stickiness, or icky-ness. Little do lips care about how much the lip gloss cost or where it was bought. Though high-end lip glosses at times do offer a super-glossy feel that it almost glides delightfully on the lips, there are also not too expensive lip glosses like Bonne Bell which could give the high-end brands a run for their money. A label is not everything. Sometimes, a great find could be found in dollar stores. Try your luck, win or lose, its all worth a dollar. But, if buying in a drugstore or at Wal-mart, make sure that extensive research has been done on the lip gloss product you are considering of buying since drugstores offer no testers.

2. A Gloss Is Not Forever

- Reapply to preserve the dye
- Some brands, even the best ones, fade off after a few hours
- Some people really do not like the feel of a heavy gloss
- Judge by your lip color not anyone else’s

3. Selection Tips

Make sure to choose a lip gloss based on the lip color you have since the color of your lips automatically affects the color of the gloss applied on it. Never choose based on how good or bad a lip gloss looks on Jennifer Anniston or Angelina Jolie. Jennifer has thin pale lips while Angelina has full pucker-up ones. Naturally, yours is similarly worlds apart from theirs, if not better. Lip gloss colors appear differently on different kinds of people. One’s own lip color plays an important part because your natural lip color will shine through. So does your natural lip tone, the pigmentation of the lip gloss, how convenient is it when applied and whatever it is you’re looking for a lip gloss. Clearly this is as unique, individual and personalized as it could be.

4. Not All That Glitters Is Good

No matter how great it looks, make sure that the lip gloss put on the lips feels comfortable, as if it’s almost like it wasn’t there. Lip gloss glitter that feels gritty or sharp should not be tolerated by the lips or by you. Do not be afraid to return it to the store and politely explain to the store clerk or - preferably - the store manager your problem. It should be exchanged for another less grittier tube. But if the same trouble persists maybe it is time to change to a different brand, specifically one that has not too much glitter that it hurts.

5. Moisturize!

Be realistic, lip gloss gives lips a smooth shimmer, it does not provide anyone with kissable cottony-soft lips. Lip balms do that. Balms are not shiny. But it makes lips feel supple. Apply a balm over the lips first before putting on a lip gloss, this is to moisturize the lips. Gloss is supposed to be - you’ve guessed it - glossy. If it does not, troop to the shop or store where it was bought from, you are supposed to get the product you purchased for.

Offering sheer and complete facial coverage, liquid foundations give the face a very natural appearance. Available in oil based and water based formulations, this is preferred by most women since it can be easily applied and matches the skin well, almost resembling the skin itself. To get a foundation that will perfectly match your complexion, make sure to select one that is based with the color yellow.

Dual active powder foundations are so called quick fix foundations, that starts as cream and is applied and spread over the face easily ending in a powder form. Having this function, it is a powder and a foundation all in one.

1. What foundation is best for my skin?

Facial foundation for normal skin

In the selection of a foundation for normal skin, there are a lot of things to be considered, as there are so many lines of cosmetic foundations available, and in various shades. Often, their main difference is their price. The label will be your best guide. Read the label and make sure it is for dry to normal skin and that it is nonacnegenic so that it will not clog your pores.

Facial foundation for acne prone or oily skin

For oily skin, the best foundation to use is water-based. These usually come in liquid form, and they offer sheer and total facial coverage, with the downside of lasting for only a maximum of four hours. This problem can be very well addressed by using a loose powder after application of the foundation to help the foundation last longer as well as absorb excess oils. A product labeled as oil controlling is great for oily skin. Again, choose a product that is nonacnegenic, as this will ensure you of unclogged pores and will not worsen your acne condition. For oily skin type, find labels such as oil free or oil controlling on a product - usually these products are water based.

Facial foundation for dry or sensitive skin

For dry or sensitive skin, cream based is often recommended, the ones with with moisturizing benefits. As they provide full coverage on the face, they too can stay longer. Keep in mind that before any makeup is applied on the face, the face should be cleaned thoroughly using a mild facial wash along with a moisturizing cream; this also enables one to apply the foundation easily as the moisturizer will help to smoothen the foundation. For dry skin, a moisturizing foundation is best, such labels as moisture rich or hydrating are to be looked for.

Foundation for combination skin

For combination skin, select a product labeled as skin balancing, which would be perfect for this kind of skin type. If you can’t find such a product, a combination of liquid foundation and a powder in translucent form will help take off the shine on your T-zone. For combination skin, you have to know if you have skin more on the oily side, or the dry side and select the appropriate formulation - foundations that are cream-to-powder based are recommended for this type of skin.

2. Choosing your foundation:

- Know what type of skin you have. Before you shop for the right foundation shade you need to determine first what formulation is right for your skin; is your skin dry? Oily? Or a combination of both?

- Remember to go without any foundation on. Your face should be clean so that you can easily test a shade on your face and see clearly whether it matches your skin tone or not.

- Pick out three or four shades that you think match your skin tone. They need to look as natural as possible. Usually, the yellowish based shades will give all skin tones a natural look. For a very light or fair skin, a pink shade of foundation will be best.

-Test the foundation by applying a small amount near your jawline (not on your wrist!), then decide.

- Study the shade of your foundation as to the shade on your jawline. Examine it carefully with a mirror in an open window, where there is natural light. The shade to choose is the shade that you can not see, as it blends well on your skin.

It is best that you buy a foundation in a small container first. Once you’re home, try it out again. Return it if you feel the shade isn’t right. Then if it is perfect for you, you can go ahead and buy a bigger container.