How to Be Your Own Makeup Artist

Doing your own makeup isn't magic, you have to work at it to put your best face forward. Bad makeup habits can ruin good looks, so don't get into a routine that fails to take advantage of your assets. Instead, practice some of these tips for top makeup results. Some women get into cosmetic trouble because they are pressed for time in the morning. If that is your problem, don't put all your makeup on at home. Just do the basics - powder, blush, lip gloss - and add the rest at the office.

Other women fall into such a rut they boast they could put their makeup on in the dark. Take time on a weekend to experiment with new colors, products and techniques. Part of the art of makeup is applying it properly. Lips that are obviously lined and clumpy mascara attract the wrong kind of attention, so be careful to blend makeup carefully.

The same goes for lipstick. Applying lipstick without a mirror is taboo because without seeing what you are doing it is impossible to do it perfectly. The tools of the makeup trade are important and must be kept in good condition and used properly. Match the tool to the job - a teeny brush is not for blush, for instance. And don't muddy colors by using the same applicator for everything.

Keep your tools clean. Dirt that accumulates on unwashed brushes, power puffs and sponges ends up on your face. Wash tools often in warm, soapy water, rinse and air-dry, reshaping brush bristles with your fingers. Throw out shedding or too-stiff brushes, sponges that won't come clean and old mascara.

How you apply and take off your makeup can be as important as what colors you choose. Don't attack your skin when putting on or taking off makeup. Tugging, rubbing and pushing stretches your skin and creates wrinkles. The ultrathin tissue around the eyes is especially delicate. Let makeup remover soak in for a minute before removing, and makeup will come off more easily. Refine your makeup look and be careful not to overdo it. If you have trouble toning down your eye makeup, try using a bigger brush for eye shadow to achieve a subtler look. Soften pencil eyeliner by smuding with a cotton swab. Or if your look is out-of-date with heavy eyeliner, garish cheek color or overplucked eyebrows, get advice and fresh inspiration from friends and newspaper and magazine articles.

To keep up with current cosmetic fashions, don't automatically reach for the same old eye shadow. Use blush on eyelids instead - it gives a pretty, unexpected touch of color. To make sure you are getting the look you want, use a large mirror so you can see your entire face when applying makeup.