Note: Read this post for Part I of this series.

Are you just developing an interest in makeup? Don't know which products are best for you? Never fear, I'll cut through the hype and tell you what to do:

Before you start wearing makeup, you MUST have a good skin regimen in place. I cannot overemphasize this idea. You should be washing your face and moisturizing twice each day. Unlike your hair which grows and is readily forgiving, your skin doesn't change. You will be able to counteract some of the effects of aging by taking care of your skin NOW. See this post for tips on maintaining a regular skincare regimen.


1. Invest in a good foundation. Bare Escentuals (which you can read about here) Mineral makeup goes a long way to counteract some of the skin-clogging tendencies of makeup. It keeps your skin looking fresh and young while protecting it from the sun and diminishing the appearance of fine lines and spots. It's a little expensive, but well worth it.




Add a little color. Decide what your best features are. Do you want to compliment your eyes or your lips? Got killer cheekbones? Then go visit a makeup store like Sephora and get a makeover. The stylists there will be able to help you find the perfect colors for you. Listen to them when they try to direct you. They know what they're doing and will see your face differently than you do. What you want to do at this stage is keep an OPEN MIND. Don't be afraid to try something new--you may end up with killer results!

"But I don't have endless funds to drop on makeup!"




Don't want to spend Sephora prices? No problem! Take note of the colors you especially like and head to your local drugstore. It's easy to find similar colors although the quality is typically not as good. If you're just experimenting, then the drugstore might be the way to go.

Do you want to try a new shade of lipstick, but aren't sure what colors work for you? Definitely pick up a shade (or six!) of Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipstick (reviewed by the DeLush gals here). Everything they say about this lipstick is true. It wears far better than any expensive lipstick I've ever used, and that's saying something!

Along the same lines:

Eyeshadow Again, pay attention to what they use at the makeup counters. If you're not ready to blow a whole bunch of money on their products, then go for the cheaper drugstore alternatives until you've decided what you really love.






Institute a Makeup Play Hour. Remember, this is your gift to YOU. No one will care for your appearance if you don't do it. As with any skill, applying makeup takes time and patience to master. Don't be upset if you don't get it right the first, second, or tenth time. It will take years to really hone your own personal look, but the results are well worth the effort!

I included these pictures to give you some ideas to start. They are all taken from The New York Post