12 Steps to Makeover Your Makeup

I can't let go. I need to change my makeup to a lighter, sunnier, more summer-friendly routine, but I'm having trouble. I just can't seem to let go of my deep purples and my jet black eyeliner. All my training and my years of experience teaching others how to apply their makeup gets lost in the morning when I stand in front of the bathroom mirror, eye liner in hand. Are you like me? Do you need to lighten up your look for summer? Here' s my 12 step program to a new, made-over me and you!

1. Admit that its time for change. Dark colors are too heavy and drab for summer. And before you know it, fall and winter will be here again and you can go back to your old ways. It's only for a season. And change is good.

2. Purge your makeup bags. Throw away anything that is expired, broken, dirty, or gross. Toss mascara that's been open for three months or more, and foundation that's been open for more than a year. If it looks funny, smells weird, is old, out of style, or your just don't use it.... lose it.

3. Figure out what's missing and replace it. You need a foundation type product, concealer, eye shadows, liner, mascara, blush, bronzer, and lipstick or gloss. Just to name a few.

4. Wash your makeup brushes. They really should be washed every month, but if I'm going to 'fess up, I might as well tell you I'm behind. Months behind. Maybe even 12.

5. Forget foundation. Especially if you're going to be outside in the summer sun. Opt instead for a tinted moisturizer with SPF. You've got protection from the sun, moisture, and a bit of color to even out your skin tone, all in one. Use concealer anywhere you need a little extra coverage.

6. Shimmer up with a little bronzer. Bronzer is so practical for summer. Use it instead of blush for a soft, suntanned look. Use it to fake a light tan. You can even use it to fake a little cleavage (but you didn't hear that from me). Choose a soft, shimmery color that is only a teeny bit darker than your skin tone.

7. :"> {Blush.}Use bronzer or blush, but not both at the same time. A sheer pop of pink or a soft peach swirled on the apples of your cheeks is enough to make you resemble a blushing beauty. Don't make your cheeks the center of attention though, so a hint of color is just enough. Keep the color high on your cheeks for a more youthful glow.

8. Brighten eye colors. Choose a softer, lighter, brighter, or more pastel shade of your favorite colors. Instead of deep purple - try lilac. If you like dark brown shades, try a soft, shimmery bronze. If you go for burnt orange, replace it with a peach. Eyes, lips, and cheek colors should be sheer and light for summer days. Save the gunmetal and jet black for a night out.

9. Lighten your liner. If you normally wear jet black liner, try charcoal or brown. If you wear brown, again, try a bronze. Better yet, use a slightly darker shade of shadow instead of eye liner. Some shadows were meant to be used wet as well as dry, which will give it more intensity and staying power.

10. Waterproof your mascara. Nothing is right about mascara sliding down your eyelids and into the pool, so always wear a waterproof version in the summer. You'll need to replace your mascara by the end of the summer.

11. Love your lips. Be careful of sunburn on your lips - ouch! That's not a good idea if there's kissing on the horizon. And neither is gobs of gloss or loads of lipstick. Play it cool instead with a tinted lip balm with SPF. Your lips will be soft, kissable, and happy.

12. Blot. Skip the powder - it will just cake on your face and make you look muddy. Instead, blot away the shine with cotton or bamboo blotter papers. Use powder only when you're desperate.

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