Lift Drooping Eyes

Emphasize the uppereyelid with light, neutral shadows, which work to highlight and open up the area. Smudge liner on your top lashline, extending it upward and outward beyond the outer corner of the eye (in subtle Cleopatra fashion). Darker shadow applied to the crease should also be blended upward and outward, never downward. Line the bottom lashes beginning at the outer corner of the eye and extending only halfway, beneath the pupil.

Banish Dark Circles

These common flaws can become more pronounced with age. Blue circles are generally caused by blood pooling underneath thin skin that surrounds the eyes; dark brown or yellowish circles are typically caused by a buildup of melanin exacerbated by sun exposure. Opt for a concealer that has a creamy consistency to camouflage without caking. Choose a yellow-based tone if your dark circles have a blue cast. If the circles are melanin-induced, pick a peachy concealer that will blend with the rest of your flesh. In either situation, an iridescent taupe shadow can be used to call attention to the upper eyelids.

Diminish A Double Chin

A powder bronzer or foundation that’s a few shades darker than your natural complexion is your secret weapon for contouring the jawline (this trick is particularly helpful if you plan to appear in photos or on television, which can add pounds to even the thinnest frames). Apply either one where the jaw meets the neck, blending downward to create a shadowing effect. The darker shade will appear to make the area recede.

Decrease Under Eye Hollows

As you age, the skin under the eyes becomes thinner and has a tendency to become puffy or hollow, depending upon genetics. For those who want to disguise the latter problem, apply a yellow-based concealer to the area, using a delicate brush, after you’ve applied foundation (if you apply concealer first and then blend foundation, you’re erasing all of your handiwork). Apply blush starting at the top of the cheekbone, near the center of the ear, sweeping it downward toward the nostril, but not extending it beyond the pupil of your eye. Follow with a highlighter, a few shades lighter than the blush, directly applied to the hollow of the eye. Conversely, a concealer that’s a hint darker than the rest of your complexion can work to recede puffy undereyes.

Straighten A Crooked Nose

You can use bronzing powder or two distinct tones of liquid foundation to achieve this goal. The point is to use a darker color to shade both sides of the nose and to use a lighter color to draw a straight line down the center of the bridge. In addition to “straightening” a crooked nose, this makeup trick gives the illusion of slenderizing a wide nose or de-emphasizing a bump. Obviously, you must be sure to blend, blend, blend so that the difference in shades isn’t visible to the naked eye.

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Step 1: Conceal and Correct

Warm a dab of multi-use concealer between clean ring fingers for smoother coverage underneath the eye area. Using the same fingers, blend it under the eyes and anywhere else you have imperfections. Energy expended: 30 seconds.

Step 2: Create Luscious Lips

Reach for a flesh-colored lipstick. The better it matches your natural lip hue, the easier it is to apply in a hurry. Add gloss, but skip the liner, since it requires a steady hand. Energy expended: 10 seconds.

Step 3: Define Lush Lashes

A dark mascara that boasts curling, thickening and lengthening properties is your best bet since it eliminates the need for eyeliner. Start at the base of the lashes, making tiny zigzag movements toward the tip and holding them upward in a curling motion for a few seconds before you apply a second coat (the second coat is always optional). Energy expended: 60 seconds.

Step 4: Shade Your Lids

In dire makeup emergencies, mascara comes before shadow (when forced to choose between the two, always reach for the former). Sweep a light-colored, matte shadow from lashline to brow using a brush or your finger. If you pick a tone that nearly matches your skin color, skillful blending won’t be necessary. Energy expended: 30 seconds.

Step 5: Get Glowing

If you’re a foundation girl, skip to step six. If not, reach for blush or bronzer. Powder formulas are generally easiest to work with (i.e. blend) and you won’t need to wash them from your fingertips like gels or stains. Energy expended: 20 seconds.

Step 6: Get Even Allover

Save this step for last, only if time allows and if you have not already applied powder blush or bronzer, which can make liquid foundation cling to the skin in patches. Apply a dot of foundation to each area: the cheeks, chin, nose and forehead. Your fingers can be more efficient than any blending sponge or puff: keep demarcation lines at bay by wetting the tips and blending foundation into the hairline and toward the ears and jawline. Energy expended: 60 seconds.

The two-minute face is an even quicker variation in which steps 4 and 6 are omitted. The cosmetics that make the biggest impact when you’re in a pinch (for instance, when your crush is standing unexpectedly at your door) are mascara, blush, lipstick and concealer. By now you know how the universe works: Leave the house without wearing these essentials and you’re practically begging to run into the people who will judge your appearance most.

“Maintenance is what you have to do just so you can walk out the door knowing that if you go to the market and bump into a guy who once rejected you, you won’t have to hide behind a stack of canned food.” —Nora Ephron

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Get Fresh

Look to your kitchen to help you chill out and look gorgeous. Toners and milky cleansers should be kept inside your fridge for a quick morning pick-me-up—the cooling sensation feels amazing on parched or sunburned skin. Chilled yogurt can be used as a mask to restore your skin’s PH balance and soothe irritations from external aggressors like sun and wind. Add ¼ tablespoon of honey to one tablespoon of all-natural, plain yogurt for extra hydration.

Heat-Proof Your Blow Dry

Hairstylists suggest retiring your blow dryer in hot weather, but for some women the mere thought is enough to work their faux-tanned temples into a nervous sweat. Air-drying isn’t for everyone, especially women with frizz-prone hair, so switch to an ionic hair dryer (it dries faster without frying) and use the cool setting whenever possible. You can create extra volume by lifting with your fingers at the roots since humidity makes hair limp. Blow dry the top of the head, working your way to the ends so you don’t over-dry them. A paper towel can work wonders in lieu of a regular towel for soaking up moisture without roughing up the cuticle.

Brighten Up Your Lips

Vibrant reds, corals and pinks that are sheer or glossy give the illusion you’ve been hanging out at the farmers’ market sampling juicy, fresh-picked produce. Dress them up with a bit of blush applied to the apples of the cheeks for a flushed look that’s of-the-moment, then melt-proof both by blotting so there’s not as much to slide off in the warm weather.

Get Your Glow On

Porcelain skin is de rigeur, but it’s tempting to fake a tan if you live near the shore. For an authentic-looking glow, opt for a gradual self-tanner made for daily use. These products contain moisturizing lotion, but still tend to cling to skin’s dry, rough patches, so apply them after shaving and exfoliating. And steer clear of sugar or salt scrubs, which can leave behind residue that prevents an even application.

Hydrate Your Hair

Fun in the sun comes at a price, usually in the form of parched, sun-drenched locks. Combat whipping winds, chlorine and UV rays by avoiding alcohol- or peroxide-based products (think Sun-In and firm-hold hairsprays) and adopting a weekly deep-conditioning routine. Apply a thick, creamy moisture mask to warm, damp hair and leave it on for at least five minutes, preferably under heat or wrapped in a warm towel. At-home conditioning treatments work best if you first wash with a deep cleansing shampoo to remove build up. Cutting back on buildup, caused by constant touching or heavy styling products, will allow you to go longer between shampoos.

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One Week: Nix split ends. Put the health back into lackluster hair with a deep conditioning or hot oil treatment, and book an appointment with a stylist to snip off dry ends. Consider trimming a solid inch or more if your hair is damaged and request a clear gloss treatment, which imparts instant shine. A few face-framing highlights can brighten your entire look (try them on in our makeover gallery).

Five days: Clear your skin from head to toe. If you settle in for a facial, forgo extractions, harsh peels or any other treatment that can potentially leave your skin looking red and roughed up, and use masks with care, since they can make proverbial mountains out of blackheads under the skin’s surface. Estheticians will tell you that hydration is one of the keys to beautiful skin, so drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your big event. Other skin that deserves TLC: the elbows, back of the thighs and buttocks, which require exfoliation if you plan to put them on display on your honeymoon or at a beach bbq. Back breakouts are common and can be treated with a tonic containing salicylic acid; replace the top of the product bottle with a spray head so you can spritz hard to reach skin.

Four Days: Book a precise, bare-it-all wax. Now’s the time to spruce up your bikini line, underarms, upper lip, chin and any other spot you want glowing and fuzz-free. Silky smoothness is your very attainable mission, and with three days to go, there’s plenty of time for potential redness to subside. Hair removal—even shaving—should be done before tanning to prevent temporary color from fading.

Three Days: Get bronzed. Next to body-shaping undergarments and standing up straight, faux tanning crèmes are the quickest way to give the illusion of a slender, toned body (if you’re a bride, you’ll definitely want to ace all three). Whether you opt to apply self-tanner yourself, or book an appointment for a customized airbrush tan, the goal is to look toasty, never muddy. Depending on your base skin color, you can opt for as many as three or four coats, relative to the look you desire. Make sure the crème has dried completely before dressing. Elastic waistbands, socks and underwear can cause lines of demarcation.

Two Days: Score perfect digits. A manicure and pedicure in your favorite shade of polish will make hands and feet feel glamorous. Professionals will buff the skin on your heels to a satiny sheen, but it’s up to you to maintain the softness with a foot scrub and moisturizer. The bottoms of your feet can become dirty and rough, especially in summer months when sandals are de rigueur.

One Day: Add definition to your lashes. Opt for a temporary tint to make your mascara twice as effective. This is also great option for any occasion where mascara could put a crimp in your style (think pool parties). Most quickie treatments last two to three days and are ideal for fair haired gals who crave stay-put definition.

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Attain an “air of innocence” that extends beyond a traditional wedding gown. Think scattered touches of iridescent powder or cream, applied to the high points of the face—namely, the cheekbones, temples and bridge of your nose.

Fair skin is making a comeback, but there’s something glam about a tan paired with a radiant white dress. Add contour and warmth to your skin by dusting bronzer on your décolletage, along the hairline, and to the hollows beneath your cheek bones.

Translucent powder is a must to keep skin matte and photo-ready, but avoid applying it underneath the eyes and use it sparingly anywhere else you might have fine lines or creases. This is your day to shine and your skin should look healthy, supple and dewy, not dull, dry or cracked.

Arm yourself with waterproof mascara and a specially formulated lipstick designed to outlast even the wildest wedding party.

Score lush, look-at-moi lashes à la Brigitte Bardot with a few individual falsies applied at the outer corner of each eye. Lash tinting is a great option for the honeymoon because it can eliminate your dependence on mascara for a few days.

Use makeup to camouflage pesky bruises or veins on your body. The trick is to first apply concealer that’s lighter than the skin to neutralize the greenish or bluish tint beneath the surface. Then add a layer of flesh-toned foundation that’s thick and creamy.

Create the illusion of long, slender legs by reaching for sunshine-in-a-bottle (self-tanner enhances muscle definition allover) and blending a lotion with iridescent shimmer down the front of your shins. The result is subtle, but is sure to make your gams worthy of a ZZ Top music video.

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It’s not enough to look gorgeous in person on your wedding day—you’ve got to look fabulous in every photo, as well. Flashbulbs call for skin with a matte finish, dramatic eyes and defined facial contours, which can be achieved with a proper powder or foundation. Bring out your best side on your big day with these insider makeup secrets.

1. Makeup is no substitute for a well-rested face (which doesn’t require nearly as much concealer or time spent playing with Photoshop). First and foremost, vow to get at least eight hours of sleep before you exchange “I dos.” In the midst of wedding planning chaos, take time out to chill. A relaxing facial will ward off stress-induced breakouts, not to mention furrows between the brows.

2. Wear an oil-free foundation with medium to heavy coverage. It should not contain sunscreen, which reflects light and makes the face appear much paler than the body in photos. Your moisturizer should also be oil- and sunscreen-free.

3. Apply foundation with a brush, paying careful attention to areas where heavier coverage is desired. It never hurts to put a little bit on the backs of your hands, which will be on display once you slip on that dazzling diamond.

4. Translucent powder—in loose or compact form—stops T-zone shine on the spot. No matter which you choose, consider a powder puff your best friend since it allows for heavier application than a brush. If you have oily skin, opt for a pore minimizing, oil-controlling serum applied underneath your foundation on the forehead, nose and chin.

5. Create the illusion of a slimmer face and more defined features with powder or foundation a few shades darker than the rest of your skin. Either one can be applied under the cheekbones (to sculpt a round face), at the jawline (to minimize double chins) and down the sides of your nose (to slenderize a wide nose). The trick is to blend, blend, blend.

6. Turn up the intensity on your eyes. Matte powder shadows work best in photos—anything metallic or shimmery will appear shiny.

7. As a general rule, dark eye shadows appear to recede an area and pale ones highlight, so keep the former in the crease and the latter on the brow bone, lid and in inner corners of each eye.

8. Play up your kisser with plenty of color, and draw just outside your natural contours with a flesh-toned lip pencil for extra definition. A tiny dab of gloss placed on the center of the lower lip offers a dewy, delectable finish. Avoid frosted colors since they have a tendency to disappear on film. A layer of translucent powder—applied to your pout before and after lipstick—will give keep it from rubbing off on your groom, not to mention the champagne flutes.

9. Play it smart and tote a makeup case with carefully edited contents. You’ll definitely need to touch up your powder and you may also want to bring a light hold hairspray. Spritz it on your hands, not directly on the hair, to maintain luscious locks.

10. Brides can just as easily slip a few blotting papers and single-use lip color quickies by Smooches inside their bra. No one will be the wiser and you won’t have to worry about simultaneously keeping track of your makeup bag and your wild and crazy new mother-in-law.

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Foundation Brush

A foundation brush is a must if you crave a flawless finish—it conceals with greater detail than a sponge or your fingers and is especially useful for applying liquid and cream foundations at the corners of the mouth, nose and eyes.

Concealer Brush

A concealer brush is comparable to a foundation brush, but its smaller size allows you to cover dark circles and blemishes with more precision. Concealer applied with a brush is more likely to stay put since your fingers produce oil.

Angled Blush Brush

A specialty blush tool like this sculpts chiseled-looking cheekbones. It can also be used to swipe away fallen eye shadow particles.

Bronzing Brush

A tad bigger than a blush brush, bronzing brushes are great for dusting bronzer onto your cheekbones, forehead and nose to impart an authentic-looking glow that smacks of a tropical island vacation.

Eyebrow Brush and Comb

Essential for do-it-yourself brow sculpting, use this handy tool to brush the eyebrows upward and to separate lashes after you’ve applied mascara (and before it has completely dried).

All-Over Shadow Brush

This wide, condensed brush allows you to apply a flesh-toned base shadow to the entire eye in just a few simple strokes.

Push Eyeliner Brush

A flathead and straight edge distinguish the so-called push brush and make it a cinch for applying eye liner, even if you have an unsteady hand. Use it to push shadow (wet or dry) into your lash line.

Smudge Brush

A short-bristled brush blends, blends, blends to impart that coveted smoky effect. When used wet, you can use this tool to transform your favorite powder shadows into eyeliner.

Crease Brush

A longer, softer contouring brush comes in handy when you crave a wash of color on the crease. It’s also known for blending to perfection.

Select brushes available at Clarins.com and Chanel.com

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