Get the Makeup Essentials

• Foundation : Create a smooth, even surface with foundation before you apply makeup.
• Concealer : Cover dark circles under the eyes or blemishes on the face with concealer.
• Powder : Set your makeup, make it last longer, and cut down on shine with face powder.
• Blush : Accentuate bone structure and brighten up any complexion with blush .
• Bronzer : Give a sun-kissed glow by using bronzer without exposure to harmful sun rays.
• Lip liner : Prime your lips with lip liner to keep lipstick on longer.
• Lipstick : Accent your mouth with a matte, satin, or glossy finished lipstick
• Eyeliner : Define and enlarge the appearance of your eyes using an eyeliner pencil . Use liquid eyeliner for a more dramatic effect—day or night.
• Eye shadow : Create different looks for night and day with different eye shadow colors and shades.
• Mascara : Combine mascara with other eye makeup for striking effect, or to wear alone for more subtle results.

Complement Your Complexion

• Teen : The best teen look is fresh, pretty, and clean. Pinpoint your best feature—your skin, lips, or eyes—and use makeup to emphasize it. The rule of thumb for teens is that you should stand out, not your makeup.
• African American : Darker skin has many complex undertones. That's why you should get to know your skin and its specific undertones and choose shades that complement your natural color.
• Asian : Yellow-based foundations and powders work especially well for Asian skin. Avoid pink-based foundations and powders to prevent a harsh, unnatural look.
• Hispanic : Wear shades that enhance your natural, striking dark tones. Avoid bright shades that may clash with your coloring.
• Mature : While many women tend to wear more makeup as they get older, that strategy can backfire. Simplifying your makeup and coordinating with your natural tones will give you a healthier, younger appearance.

Keep Makeup Fresh

Here's how to know when it's time for something new:

• Foundation : Liquid formulations typically last three to six months. Powders should last a year. Not sure of when you bought your liquid foundation? One indicator that it's gone bad is an offensive smell. You'll also see an uneven or chunky consistency.    
• Concealer : Because it's exposed to the air and bacteria, replace concealer every three to six months.
• Blush : Powders last longer than creams . Washing your blush brush often will keep the powder fresh longer. But always check for unpleasant smells or unusual consistency.
• Lipstick : Like foundation, even your favorite tube of lipstick will begin to smell when its time has come.
• Lip gloss : If you use your fingertips to apply it, toss it after six months. A lip gloss that's applied with a wand, however, can last upwards of a year.
• Lip liner : Every time you sharpen a lip liner pencil , you're cleaning it. So if you're sharpening it often, a lip liner can last indefinitely.
• Mascara : You should replace your mascara most often—every three months. Why? Of all makeup products, mascara is the most prone to microbial growth. Not only can expired mascara lead to an eye infection, it also can dry out your lashes.
• Eye shadow : If it starts to break up, it's time for a replacement. But no matter what, you should toss eye shadow after six months because eyes are more vulnerable to bacteria.
• Eyeliner : Replace liquid eyeliners every three to four months. If your liner is a pencil , sharpen and replace it every six months to a year.
• Eyebrow pencils : Sharpen eyebrow pencils frequently and follow the same guidelines as with a lip liner pencil.

Use the Right Cosmetic Tools

• Blush brush : Choose a large, fluffy brush for blush and powder. Be sure to wash it often to extend the life of your blush and brush alike.
• Eye shadow brush : Used for applying color to lids and brows, you can also use it to apply a little extra color to the lash line. Look for a brush with stiff bristles .
• Eye crease brush : Choose a narrow brush for best results. If you have heavy lids, this brush will give the illusion of larger eyes.
• Lip brush : Most makeup artists agree that this is the best way to apply lipstick. Not only does the lip brush pick up less color than if applying lipstick straight from the tube, it also makes the color last longer.
• Eyelash curler : Before you apply mascara, use an eyelash curler to define and curl your lashes.
• Makeup mirror : A good makeup mirror can help you see details you've never seen before. Look for one that has high-strength magnification (7X) to enable you to apply makeup and tweeze brows with ease. Some mirrors are also lighted , or have adjustable light settings.
• Makeup remover : A regular skin cleanser is not appropriate for removing makeup. Instead, choose a makeup remover that lifts face makeup, eye makeup, and oil right off your skin, but without irritating or drying it out.
• Aluminum makeup artist case : To keep your new makeup and brushes orderly, consider an artist case .