Professional Make-Up Tips

It may be a lack of sleep or ongoing stress, illness, just a bad day, or the morning after effect. Whatever the reason, there are days when every woman looks into her mirror and doesn't like what she sees.

Since our appearance - and feeling good about how we look - is important, it's good to know that there are ways to maximize our appearance, to look good even on a bad day. Understanding basic cosmetics can help but so can these professional tips and tricks.

One of the most obvious yet overlooked secrets to looking good is to begin with clean skin. Keeping skin clean and clear is so simple and yet many women ignore this beauty basic. Always remove all cosmetics before retiring for the evening and before applying any products, always wash face with a gentle cleansing agent (never use soap) and pat face dry with a towel. Do not scrub or rub vigorously and always splash cleansers away with cool water. Facial scrubs, beauty bars, and other liquid cleansers are recommended.

Most women believe that the first thing to apply is foundation. Despite the name, that's not true - experts advise that the application of a light moisturizer first is very important. Apply the moisturizer with fingers and allow it to soak into the skin before applying foundation. Although many women have a single shade of basic foundation, professionals know that a foundation wardrobe is necessary.

Lighter shades for the winter months when complexions are naturally paler are one way to accent complexion; darker shades for the spring and summer season can also enhance nature's coloring. Women should also have at least two shades of foundation for everyday use.