Every gal wants to take on the world with her best face forward. Young or old, makeup can enhance your best features and hide your little imperfections. Whether you love to put on a full face or just like to brighten up what nature gave you, there are a ton of products on the market to choose from.
Face and Nails
A little makeup can make you feel fresh for day or like a true glamor girl at night. Below are some tips to help you choose which kinds of makeup will work best for you.
* '''Eyes'''
** '''Eyeliner''': Eyeliner is a great way to open up the eye and really make it pop. You'll find eyeliner pencils, liquid eyeliner and cream eyeliners in basic colors like black and brown and funkier tones like blue and green.
** '''Mascara''': Mascara is a must-have, whether you use eyeliner or not, as it makes eyelashes look longer and fuller. There are a myriad of mascara options to choose from, although most come in black and brown. You'll find tried and true drugstore versions from Cover Girl and Maybelline as well as high end department store options like Shishedo and MAC.
** '''Eyeshadow''': To enhance and define your eye try using eyeshadow. From neutrals and pastels to bold, bright shades, there is every color of the rainbow available, and then some. Buy eyeshadows individually or purchase a whole palette.
* '''Lips'''
** '''Lipstick''': Lipstick is great way to make your lips really pop. It can also be a fabulous way to make you look fresh and ready when you're running on little sleep. Lipsticks come in matte and gloss and just about every version of red and pink imaginable. You'll also find funkier versions in orange, blue, yellow, gold and even black.
** '''Lip gloss''': Lip gloss is shinier than lipstick and may not have as rich of a color or hue. Lip gloss is great for casual afternoons (try clear or light pinks) or a night out on the town (try hot pink or glittery versions that have a hint of sparkle). Lip gloss also has a tendency to be sticky.
** '''Lip liner''': Lip liner helps define the lip and enhance your lipstick. Lip liner is not meant to be worn alone. Buy a lip liner that compliments and blends with your favorite shade of lipstick.
* '''Face'''
** '''Coverup is great to smooth out those little skin imperfections. Pick a shade close to your skin as you don't want your face to be a different color than your neck. Many brands come with SPF, are hypoallergenic or contain a moisturizer.
** '''Powder''': Powder can be a great quick fix for shine. You'll find both pressed and loose powder available. Like cover-up don't pick a powder that's too different from your skin tone.
** '''Blush''': Blush can give you a sun kissed look even in the dead of winter. You'll find pressed and liquid options in every shade of pink there is.
** '''Bronzer''': Bronzer is the best way to get a tan. There are bronzers that get darker over time, like a natural tan and those that let you look a shade darker right away. Try one that contains a moisturizer and SPF.
* '''Nails'''
** '''Nail Polish''': From fingers to toes, polish is a great way to accessorize without jewelry. Try traditional reds and pinks, funkier colors like blue, purple and black, shades with a hint of glitter or pearl, or go "au natural" with a clear version.
Tools
Now that you have your army of makeup, there is an arsenal of application tools you can choose from. Before you invest in tools, make sure to buy a makeup bag or box to stay organized. Makeup brushes are a great way to apply eyeshadow. You'll also find blush brushes and lip brushes to aid in painting your face. Other important tools include sponges to apply cover-up and eyelash curlers. Don't forget the makeup remover to make taking off that face at night easy.
