Orange face, white neck. Brown neck, pink face.

We all know someone with no perception of how her make up really looks on her own face. She's sweet, really sweet. But she's a joke in your circle of friends. Oh, no. It isn't you, is it? Well, even if you don't wear "clown makeup," chances are you're making some mistakes with your makeup. Take stock to be sure that you don't fall into any of the makeup traps below.

Mismatched Foundation

Your foundation should not be a different color from the rest of your body. Really, it shouldn't. This is an easy problem to fix. March yourself down to the make-up counter at your favorite department store and let the salesperson do her job. It's her job, after all. Don't be intimidated, you don't need to buy the whole product line.

Blue Eye shadow

Blue eyeshadow works for some people. Little girls in dance recitals. Guests at 1970s-themed parties. Ethereal looking supermodels. If you aren't one of the aforementioned people then don't wear it. Enough said.

Dark Circles Under Eyes/Obvious Under Eye Concealer

This is a chicken or egg problem. You're right, the circles aren't great. But neither are orange crescents under your eyes. Play around with a few shades of concealer to see what really works best for you. Different products work differently on different people. Just because one brand works for your friend, doesn't mean it'll be flattering on you. Make sure you're getting enough sleep and talk to your doctor. Sometimes those circles are a sign of allergies or a vitamin deficiency.

Obvious Lipliner

This is a look. It's just not a flattering one. Lipliner is intended to add dimension to thin or small lips, to lengthen the wear of your lip color and to prevent your lipstick from "bleeding" onto your face. It is not intended to create a visible outline.

Inferior products in your dressing area

Most of us are not starlets with dressing rooms and makeup artists at our disposal. But that doesn't mean we don't deserve to look like starlets with dressing rooms and makeup artists. Invest in good lighting around your vanity. Stock it with quality makeup brushes and limit your make up collection to products you'll actually use. That way, your budget can be used to buy better cosmetics.

You're worth it

Add a couple of extra minutes, a wee bit more effort and a little money into your daily makeup routine. It's not vain to spend a few dollars on or a few minutes at your vanity. Put on your prettiest smile, bat your beautiful lashes and show the world that you like who you are.

Put your best face forward... you don't have to hide behind crow's feet and lip lines...

©2008 Peter Vaughn

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