Make Up Tips & Tricks

While cosmetics are something that many women can't live without, others like keep it minimal and look natural. Whether you're a young or mature woman, these free tips  are for those who want accent their finest features and look their best.

Remember, make-up is a great beauty enhancer, but you need to remove it every night and let your skin breathe -- so you don't end up with clogged pores and blemishes. Here you'll find free make up tips and tricks to give you a stunning look for both casual and formal occasions.

Applying Foundation

• Learn which type of foundation will create the perfect base for you.

• Your foundation should match your face and neck, so don't try it on your hand or arm for color a match.

• Use a foundation with a sunscreen with at least SPF 15 to prevent future skin damage.

• Ask for samples at the cosmetics counter but not before determining your skin type.

• You will probably need a different shade of foundation for each season, so don't use the same one all year long. Blending colors sometimes is the only way to get a perfect match.

• Don't forget to apply foundation on your eyelids, lips and into your neck for a more natural look. This also is a good setting for eye shadow and lipstick and helps it stay on longer.

• For clear complexions, sometimes all you need is a tinted moisturizer for a natural look.

• Liquid foundation is usually water based and is best for dry skin. Use a sponge or your fingers to blend from the nose, out.

• Liquid foundation can settle and separate, so remember to shake it up before use.

• Apply loose translucent powder with a large cosmetics brush to "set" your foundation and keep it from running in hot and humid weather.

• For dry skin, apply a light moisturizer before your foundation.

• Powder foundation is ideal for oily skin and will help reduce shine.

• Use a concealer for those nasty blemishes and pat lightly with pressed powder.

• If your foundation is too heavy, add a couple drops of moisturizer to thin.

• After applying make-up, go outside or near a window to check for blunders.

Eye Make-up

• Overly plucked eyebrows look unnatural and make your eyes appear smaller.

• Use Eye shadow to shape and define your eyes. Three shades are ideal with the darkest on the lid and the lightest just below the brow bone.

• Neutral tones are the best for daytime.

• Cream eye shadow is best used sparingly and only in cool weather. It has a tendency to crease. If you prefer the cream look, try a frost powder shadow that has a similar look.

• Powder eye shadow stays on the longest.

• Matte eye shadow looks better than frost if you're tired. Frost shadow draws attention to wrinkles.

• Extend your eye shadow above the lid (crease) and use a light shadow or highlighter right beneath your brow to open up your eyes and make them appear larger.

• Using an eyelash curler before you apply mascara will shape your lashes and extend them to the fullest potential. To prevent damage, do not hold the curler too close to the roots.

• Black/Brown mascara and eyeliner flatters most faces, blondes, brunettes, and redheads. Black is usually too harsh, especially for blondes.

• For extra thick, fuller eyelashes, apply mascara to the top and bottom of your lashes.

• When applying mascara to your bottom lashes, fold a sheet of toilet paper or tissue underneath the lashes and apply. This keeps mascara from getting on your face.

• Mascara is best when two coats are applied. Make sure the first coat is dry before applying the second.

• Use unscented baby wipes to remove eye make-up. Rub lightly.

• If you use liquid eye liner for a more dramatic effect, practice making straight lines. Crooked eyeliner will ruin your look.

• Eyeliner on the lower lids can make your eyes appear smaller. To open them up, line only the upper lids.

• Put your eye pencils in the freezer for a few minutes before sharpening.

• Waterproof mascara is a must if you're participating in swimming and outdoor sports. Same goes for emotional events such as weddings and funerals.

Lips

• Keep lips moisturized at night with petroleum jelly or lip balm.

• Use a lip liner that matches your lipstick.

• To make thin lips appear larger, apply your liner just outside of your natural lip line. Add a final touch with lip gloss.

• Apply pressed powder on and around your lips if your lipstick has a tendency to "bleed."

• If you're blond, avoid dark colors that appear too harsh.

• Never apply lipstick testers to your lips in a store. It's not hygienic. Try applying it to the back of your wrist instead.

• Unless your teeth are sparkling white, avoid coral and orange lipsticks. Instead, try red, pink or plum.

• To avoid getting lipstick on your teeth, after application, run your finger through the middle of your lips and pull it back out. The excess will come off on your finger -- not your teeth.

Cheeks

• For tan or dark skin, apply bronzing powder to cheeks in lieu of blusher.

• Pinch your cheeks for an instant glow.

• Use a medium-sized blush brush to avoid a striping affect.

• Apply blush to the apple of your cheeks and just underneath your jaw. Avoid the old technique of applying blush outwards towards the temple. (Updated.)

• Try peach colored blush for a great sun-kissed look.

• If you don't wear foundation, try a liquid or crème blush.

General Makeup Tips

• Always use good lighting and a clean mirror.

• Keep your make-up light in the summer. Heavy foundation will cake and melt off in the summer heat and humidity, leaving you with a streaked look.

• For proper hygiene, don't use outdated cosmetics, particularly around the eye area and never share your make-up with anyone.

• Try bronzing powder underneath your cheeks and jawbone to make your face appear slimmer.

• To make your nose appear smaller, apply bronzing powder carefully down the sides. Add a little shimmer creme or powder down the bridge of your nose.

• Use Q-tips to blend in any eye shadow that has fallen on your cheeks or face.

• Clean your make up brushes and applicators often to reduce bacteria and oil.

• If your powder blush or eye shadow breaks up in the compact, use alcohol to press it back together.