IF YOU HAD a makeup artist on hand each morning, applying cosmetics would be easy. But unless you live in the pampered world of celebrities, it's something you have to do yourself - and the results are there for everyone to see.
Beauty blunders are common, but can be avoided if you grasp the basics, says US-based freelance makeup artist Natasha Sowry. And one universal rule with makeup is that less is more.
'Subtle makeup enhances the face, and too much is scary, regardless of age or race,' says Sowry.
She advises women to choose their best asset and work with it. 'Highlight one feature: the lips or eyes,' she says. 'For example, apply colour and gloss to the lips and just a light coat of mascara to the eyes, or go heavier on the eyes with a light, colourless gloss on the lips.'
When it comes to choosing the best shades for your skin, it's good to know your colour grouping - whether it's warm or cool.
'If you're warm, your skin has a lot of yellow and olive tones,' says Australian makeup artist Charlene Hyde. 'If you're cool, you have a rosy complexion and pink suits you.'