I must confess, when I was in high school I never wore make-up and didn't know where to start. So when I started to experiment I began using those foundations and crazy shades of eye shadows that looked wonderful in the store and turned out to be dead wrong on my face.

Over time, I was able to come to a simple solution…"a natural look". It's been often said but remains absolutely true to this day - the most important thing about beauty is to feel comfortable with the face you wake up with everyday. When you look in the mirror it's not about trying to point out what's wrong, but focusing on what's right!

Grooming yourself consistently and thoroughly is the best bet, this way you don't ever have to worry about anyone catching you without your "face" on. And so my essential word of advice is - before you put anything on, make sure that your face is clean and moisturized.

Now step by step, element by element, I'm going to outline your "map" for building your make-up style.

Our skin is our daily calling card. I like to keep my skin pretty much clear of foundations and a lot of creams and powders that will only serve to clog pores. If your skin has relatively few flaws in the first place you can get away with just a little foundation to cover them up. Try not to cover your whole face with foundation. A clean and simple look is more effective than a mask. Again, never think that you have to hide or camouflage - you want people to get up close and personal. True, this requires confidence but isn't that the basic ingredient for projecting beauty?

Are more important than you might imagine. Your eyebrows are a tool to set the tone for your face. When your brows are neat and clean they open up your eyes and your smile

In my professional life as a make-up artist, many people ask me what is the best way to achieve "the perfect eyebrow". All I have to say is don't even start unless you are patient and prepared for a little pain.

Seek a professional. Many nail salons these days have great waxing technique. If you want to do it yourself, there are many home waxing kits like Zip strip who provides microwaveable kits, and prewaxed strips that you apply yourself. Go slowly and carefully. Rushing, I assure you is a recipe for disaster.

Light mascara is always a recommendation, it gives your lashes some definition. For the day I wouldn't suggest too much eye make-up but if you must have it:
1. Take your eyeliner and gently use the tip along your lash line from the outside of your eye inward
2. Use a Q-tip and blend it in a little bit. This works great for just about every woman.
3. If your eyes naturally tilt downward on the outer part of your eyes then just use your pencil on the inner lash line to the point where you feel that the eye starts to droop you don't want to accentuate droopy eyelids.

If you'd like to take this into an evening look, like for example going to an after work party:
1. Take that same liner and apply it with a thicker stroke.
2. Blend upward with a Q-tip.
3. Take some of your lip gloss (if you don't have any on hand, Vaseline is always is a great substitute) and apply with your fingertips using a patting type motion.
4. Blending in with the liner and you will end up with a smoky eye look that is always great for evening. (PS. Vaseline, used lightly is a handy beauty tool to gloss up lips or moisturize a parched face).

Don't beat them up! Many women make the mistake of over blushing their cheeks. Easy goes it. Use just a little bit of color. Trust me, that little will go quite a long way.

Lips, if you pardon the pun, are a matter of taste. Some like them glossy. Some like them matte some like them tasty with no lipstick at all. It's pretty safe to say with today's fashion trends that very little color and a little gloss with get you through the day into the night. If you want to dramatize add a deeper color to what you've got on already.
Try to stay away from bright colors. Don't get me wrong any color can be worn but not by everybody.

And here's an all-purpose basic beauty tip: Aloe is your friend.

Purchase a small bottle of aloe gel from your local health food spot. At night after you take your shower apply some aloe gel to your face. Apply about a tablespoons worth liberally on your face and let dry. Aloe aids in tightening your skin and helps your skin to heal quickly. Aloe has a refreshing quality that is undeniable.
(Keep aloe refrigerated. Fresh aloe works even better!)

Light enough for the city dwellers skin, Clinique's City Sticks are perfect for the Fall. In four shades from a warm beige to a spicy brown. It's a safe segue from Summer to Fall without the heavy feeling of a creamy oil based foundation. Great coverage with a light touch.

Can't find your lip liner that matches your favorite lip gloss? Another clever idea from Clinique is Double Takes. This brilliant bargain joins the two into one superb product. It saves time while your trying to elbow yourself a little extra mirror time while your date is tapping impatiently back at the dinner table.

Do not hesitate to post your question and comments on the Health & Beauty Forum. And let me know about what little tricks and tips help you create your make-up style. I'm here.