Beauty Truths - What Your Friends Won't Tell You

In the beauty world, we are constantly bombarded in terms of do's and don'ts. But how often are we told how to fix those beauty don'ts? More often than not we are left to struggle through it and fend for ourselves. Rather than "don'ts," here are some beauty truths that your friends have been too nice to tell you.

Scene eyeliner. All right, kids - I get it, everyone is young at some point and this heavy, winged eyeliner gives the coveted "edge" that so many young girls are after these days. But the beauty truth? The thick, raccoon-eye style makeup has simply got to go. There is an easy and much cuter alternative while still keeping that rebellious edge: liquid liner. While those two words strike dread in the hearts of makeup-wearing women everywhere, I am here to soothe your fears - once you get the hang of liquid liner, it can be your best friend. As an alternative to using a thick black pencil to give yourself the Amy Winehouse effect, opt for a thinner winged line on your upper lashline only. The sharpness of the liquid liner will appear sleeker while the darkness of the liner and the dramatic wing will still provide an edgy effect. Remember, your eyes say a lot about you: why not make them say something nice?

Lip liner is not just for lining the lips. The beauty truth is that lip liner should be used as a lipstick base and not merely an outline. What does this mean, ladies? Outline your lips, and then fill them in. You can apply your lipstick of choice on top of the liner. Not only will this make your lipstick last longer and appear more vibrant, but it will also prevent you from getting the chola effect - unless that's what you're going for, that is.

Bronzer. This is one product that baffles many consumers and has become the butt of many jokes (especially here in New Jersey). Bronzer can be your worst enemy if it isn't done right! Many magazines and product reviews will tell you that bronzer is nothing but a tacky product that should be avoided at all costs. Beauty truth? Bronzer is heaven-sent if you know how to apply it! Here are a few things to remember about applying bronzer to get the best possible look: 1: choose a color no darker than 2 shades deeper than your true skin-tone. If you're ivory-skinned and it's the middle of January, no one expects you to have a tan and besides - can you even tan to that color? The answer is probably no, and people are often not as dumb as we think (meaning, they can tell that your skin is not really Halle Berry brown today if you were Snow White Pale yesterday). 2: do not apply it to your entire face. Focus only on the highlights of your face, where your bone structure is raised - dusting it across your forehead, cheekbones, nose and chin. 3: The most frequently forgotten rule: Do not forget your ears! Always apply a light dusting of the bronzer to the surface of your ears. This makes all the difference in the world, and makes your cosmetic tan look as authentic as possible. If you follow these three bronzer rules, you'll have a sexy, healthy glow without leaving your house - even in the dead of winter!

Never be discouraged by the mass of beauty "don'ts" that the magazines toss your way. Remember, that there is always a way to tweak what you're already doing to make you look your personal best, and why not? We only get one chance to make a first impression. Put your best face forward, and don't be afraid to give something a try.