So you think it's time you graduated from bubblegum flavoured Lip Smackers to the real deal?
Even if you have an impressive history of sleepover-inspired experimentation with mom's cosmetics collection, if you don't start with the basics the results could be a nightmare.
Yes, The Dark Knight was the movie of the summer, but nobody's going to give you the thumbs-up for showing up at school looking like The Joker.
According to Grace Lee, a senior artist at Mac Cosmetics, less is definitely more.
"Make a prettier version of yourself, but don't cake it on," she says.
Foundation? Forget it, says Lee.
"Don't hide your skin. It's probably going to look its best now," she says.
Years from now, says Lee, you will be reminiscing about that perfect texture and wrinkle-free complexion. So do yourself a favour and start taking care of it, pronto.
Wash and moisturize both day and night, and make sure the latter contains an SPF of at least 15.
That said, it's a given that you are going to be hit with the occasional tragic breakout.
Lee's battle plan is simple: use a light concealer to target trouble spots.
"Place it where you need it, and you can use your fourth finger because it delivers less impact and pat it on," she advises.
As for actual makeup, you can narrow it down to three components:
bronzer, mascara and lip gloss.
Apply a single coat of bronzer with a big fluffy brush before you leave the house. No need to reapply throughout the day, unless it's Halloween and you want to convince Mr. Jack o' Lantern that you're "the one."
"Really think about where the sun naturally hits your face and where you tan first: your forehead, t-zone, cheeks and the chin, and sometimes a little down your neck," says Lee.
Lip gloss is a safe bet, since you are likely to shy away from the garish corals and shocking fuchsias.
"It's age appropriate when they are very light and sheer," says Lee.
When it comes to mascara, two coats will do. You are not going for the drag queen false eyelash look, here.
"It's enough to make your eyes look finished and your lashes elongated," says Lee.
If you want to venture into the eyeshadow/eyeliner realm, tread carefully.
"Don't overdo the black eyeliner – it's almost to the point where you don't see eyes, you just see dark holes," says Lee..
Ease in with a light, taupey brown, which is neutral and complements any eye colour.
And while it's true that the ‘80s are back to a certain degree, smearing a big gob of blue shadow on your lids is about as cool as sporting rock-hard, massive bangs.
Try a sheer tone that is a smidge lighter than your skin tone and apply it to the lower lid. This creates a pretty highlighting effect.
Of course, once you get the hang of it, you will inevitably be seduced by bolder, brighter colours and more products.
It's worth bearing in mind that makeup counters, such as MAC, offer free consultations and tips on proper application.
Or you could ignore all this advice. And the next time you're in a bind for an art class project, you could just submit your face.
