How to Shine like the Pretty Star You Are

We are all pretty. Not to sound too inspirational or anything, but as a woman, we are entitled to grandiose claims of gorgeousness. But it doesn't hurt to jazz up the natural at times. Not that you want to go for that Dolly Parton appeal, unless you are seriously considering a career in dancing, specifically the type involving poles… (Sorry Dolly, I really do love you in all of your plastic magic.)

So, what to do about those bags, pimples, blotches, and all other tidbits of, not so wonderful, womanly beauty? You might want to try sleep. Overtly simple it may sound, don't underestimate the power behind the cliché. But let's not get carried away, because even twenty hours of rest won't erase last night. (Try apologizing to your liver though. And the bartender to whom you cried for three hours last night. And the bouncer who had to carry you off of the karaoke stage when you decided it looked like a pleasant place for a little cat nap.)

Eyes tend to swell easily, especially if you're a crier like me. (I swear The Little Mermaid can be heart wrenching.) A cold washcloth over the eyes will do fine, but you can buy or make quicker, sometimes anyway, fixes. You can find special eye masks from those kiosks at the mall, and just about any other useless item man has created. Try to look for the kind that you can freeze, the cold feels really soothing against tired, or hungover, eyes. You can also rely on the teabags no one seems to drink. The cheaper variety higher in caffeine and tannins are great for depuffing.

Try to take care of your skin, particularly your face. Passing out in full make up every night will only age you, and no, botox is not the solution. But beware of overwashing, because your face needs some natural oils. Unless you're prone to oily skin, only wash your face once a day. (This piece of advice feels somehow dirty, like I'm admitting to showering once a week or something… but I swear it helps.) Also, as an ex-tanning bed addict, I must profess to an obsession with that glow. But keep in mind, its pretty much skin cancer packaged in an array of coconut scented rays. If you need the tanning fix, try self tanners. Gradual lotions that you apply over weeks are really natural and subtle, but for the "be jealous, I just got home from Jamaica" look, try easy to use sprays or foams, particularly the tinted types.

My fiancee calls it the "skin colored stuff," dubbed so after admitting to a little dab or two over his Rudolph nose. It's sticky, oily, thick, gloppy, goopy, and every other synonym falling into the category "it feels gross." I remember frantic attempts to cover my tan lines during my senior portraits, and the lovely residue of what looked like caked mud, colored "light tan," on all of my clothing.

Beware of foundation. I generally advise using only concealer and tinted moisturizer. Buy concealer slightly lighter than your natural skin tone, because if it's darker it'll only enhance the spots you want to cover up. Tinted moisturizer is amazing, quite possibly the best invention since the wheel, believe me, that is an investment you want to make. If you really feel the need for foundation, look for oil free, light application types. I remember I always thought my second grade teacher wore a mask to school every day, let's try to avoid this look. Finish your look by sealing it in with translucent powder. And then powder that pretty pretty nose.

Don't be afraid of blush, the brighter colors often look much more muted on skin. Dull colors usually translate onto faces. Bronzer is a little trickier, as too much can look muddy, so go lighter. Blush is a really nice quick fix, as it can transform my bookish self into a glowing beauty. Honestly though, it can bring a nice burst of color into your face, especially if you've got that natural Wednesday Adams complexion.

I remember this piano teacher I once had, who would always insist on kissing the air next to my cheek. It really irked me that she refused to actually make contact with my skin, that is until I, being the ADHD kid that I am, knocked into her face with my arm. I thought I was dead from the sheer amount of redness covering my body. Then I realized that blood isn't waxy. To this day, I don't understand how she managed to glop so much lipstick onto her thin, and incredibly intimidating, lips.

Save the dramatic lipstick for special occasions. Your lips can drastically change your face with a couple swipes, so try to maintain a somewhat natural color for everyday wear. Also, avoid the matte stuff, unless you want to emulate grandma's look. Even if it's minimal gloss, a little shine goes a long way. And unless you're 13, never wear frosted lip colors. (I shudder every time I remember the reign of whitish purple lipstick.)

Eye make up has almost evolved into an art form by this point in time. It ranges from the heavy rings of Marilyn Manson to the doe eyed sex appeal of porn. Of all make up, it becomes a stamp of personality. Be creative, but keep in mind that generally you want to avoid stark lines. The key word here is blend. Also, most neon eyeliners are a no.

You never want to be "that girl." You know, the one who always wears an inch of make up, worse even than the girl who insists on cutting her own hair and bleaching it into strange shades of magenta. Your natural beauty is inevitably better than another Liza Minelli.