Step 1: Foundation - choose a foundation for your skin type that matches your underlying skin tone exactly. Using the smooth surface of a round, nonporous synthetic sponge, pour some foundation onto the sponge, then transfer the foundation in dots and dabs all over the face and the eyelids. You can also use your fingers to transfer the foundation in dots from the bottle to the face. Use your sponge to blend the foundation down and out over the face. Use the edge of the sponge without foundation (or turn the sponge over to the clean side) to dab or buff away any excess product. Do not apply foundation on the neck or under the chin.

Step 2: Concealer - Use a concealer that is one or two shades lighter than your foundation. Apply it in a small are around the inside corner of the eye. Using your fingers or a concealer brush, blend the concealer out evenly by dabbing and buffing. Avoid pulling or tugging the skin under the eye. Be careful not to spread the concealer onto areas where you don’t want it. You can also apply concealer to the eyelid if that area is dark or, if your concealer has a matte finish, as a way to help eyeshadow cling better.

Step 3: Powder - After you apply the foundation and concealer, dust a light layer of powder over the entire face and eyelids. Apply the powder with a large, full, round brush. Avoid using a sponge or powder puff, which can put too much powder onto the face. Pick up some of the powder on the full end of the brush, knock off the excess, and brush it on using the same motion and direction as you did for the foundation.

Step 4: Eyeshadow - Typically, the lightest color is applied to the entire eyelid and to the edge of the eyebrow. The general rule is that the larger or more prominent the eyelid area is compared with the under-brow area, the darker or deeper the eyelid color can be, the smaller the eyelid area is compared with the under-brow area, the brighter or lighter the eyelid color can be. Select a deeper color from the same or a complementary color family to shade the crease. Practice your application and blend well, the goal is not to have obvious edges of color. Remember, lighter colors bring things forward and highlight, dark colors recede and add depth and shading.

Step 5: Eyeliner - Position the brush, pencil, or applicator as close to the lashline along the eyelid as possible. Then draw a line from the inner to outer corner using one fluid stroke, following the curvature of the eyelid.

Step 6: Eyebrow Shaping - Use a color that closely matches the color of your brows rather than your hair color or a color you think would look better than what already exists. Apply powder brow color using a wedge brush, working in the direction the hair grows. Use a light touch, with short, quick motions, and avoid the temptation to exaggerate the shape of the brow by arching it severely or extending the brow into the temple area.

Step 7: Mascara - Apply mascara to the lower lashes by holding the wand perpendicular to the eye and parallel to the lashes (using the tip of the wand). If necessary, use a tissue to wipe excess mascara off the brush before applying to the lower lashes.

Step 8: Blush - apply blush brush along the full line of the cheekbone brushing down and back toward the ear. Always knock the excess powder out of the brush to avoid applying too much blush. Use your sponge to soften any hard edges. Do not apply blush to the temple area, chin, nose, or forehead--this tends to make skin look uneven and ruddy.

Step 9: Lipstick and Lip Liner - A lip brush or lip pencil is an optional accessory. You can use a lip pencil to draw a definitive edge around the mouth to follow when applying lipstick, and a lip brush to control your application. A standard tube of lipstick makes too wide a mark for some lips and too narrow a mark for others. If your lips are small, it is best to use a lip brush; if your lips are large, the only reason to use a lip brush is to improve your accuracy, especially with deeper shades such as red.

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