How to do Your Makeup Like a Pro

Here is your ultimate guide to do an expert makeup look without paying a professional $150.

STEP 1 - Put on Primer and Foundation. Technically, primer is optional but pros use it. I use it if I know it's going to be a long day and I won't have time to primp myself, or for an important evening out. If you use it, your makeup will last all day. It creates a base for makeup to stick to. Simply smooth it all over clean, moisturized skin. My favorite is a makeup primer by Smashbox. If you use liquid foundation, spread it with a fingers, starting at your nose. Smear on cheeks, forehead and chin, blend with a sponge. If you're using powder foundation, apply it with a powder brush. I prefer minerals foundation. They blend with your skin and stay put are actually good for your skin. Buff it into your skin in small circles, working from the center of your face outward.

STEP 2 - Conceal Dark Circles and Other Spots. Don't glop cover-up under your eyes, apply to only the darkest spots, usually the inner corners. To hide a pimple that shows through foundation, dot on matching concealer with a concealer brush. For brown spots, freckles or other discoloration, dab on more foundation with a concealer brush. Then, pat a sponge on the area to set it without removing any makeup.

STEP 3 - Then play up your eyes (the subtle way). Dust pale, subtly shimmery shadow from last lines to brows with a sponge applicator or shadow brush. Do bone or pink if your skin's light; taupe if it's dark. Define top and bottom lash lines with dark pencil or shadow applied with a smudger brush. Curl your eyelashes with a curler to make your eyes look more open. Put two coats of mascara on top lids; place the wand at the base of your lashes and wiggle side to side as you go upward.

STEP 4 - Now, apply blush to flatter your face shape. To add fullness to a long face, swoosh pink blush onto the apples of cheeks, blend toward the ears. To slim a round face, sweep pink blush behind the apples. Then run matte bronzer beneath your cheekbones and up toward your ears. This is a contouring trick pros use all the time. Prefer creme blush? Apply it to the same spots as mentioned earlier with three fingers. Whatever your blush of choice is, finish with a dusting of translucent powder, making big sweeps over your face with a powder brush.

STEP 5 - Lastly, apply lip color so it LASTS. Slick on lip balm. It smooths flakes and prevents color from sinking into lines and looking crackly later on. Blot excess with a tissue. Press on a neutral matte pink or brown lipstick with a fingertip starting in the center of lips. Add a second coat with a lip brush. Dab clear or pearly gloss in the center of your lower lip, an expert finishing touch; the reflection will make your mouth appear fuller.

Three Things to Add at Night

No. 1 - Smear on a bright lip color-try a pomegranate or berry lipstick. Or, just put a pink or red gloss over whatever shade you have on.

No. 2 - Sweep shimmery champagne highlighting powder onto cheekbones and brow bones.

No. 3 - Line your top and bottom lids with black liner; keep it thin.

The Secret Powers of Concealer

POWER 1 - Fake Eight Hours of Sleep - Pat a lightweight eye cream onto dark circles, then dab on pink or golden highlighter. The shimmer brightens the eye area and prevents chalkiness. Now, follow with concealer, tap it onto the darkest part of the circle and blend.

POWER 2 - Camouflage a Bruise - There's no beauty law against using concealer on a banged up shin. Look for a product with a drier texture so it stays put and then blend well.

POWER 3 - Perfect your Eyeshadow - Shape a cat eye with shadow; then use a concealer pen to wipe up mistakes.

POWER 4 - Make a Pimple Disappear - Apply a concealer onto the red spot and extend it out slightly to form a small circle around the bump. Let it set and add a thin layer of foundation on top