Beauty Tips

Nothing gives the illusion of flawless, even skin like a coat of foundation. The trick is knowing how to properly apply it. Makeup expert Carmindy, star of TLC's What Not To Wear, takes us through the simple steps for flawless foundation for light, medium, and dark skin.

Light Skin Undertones
Light skin has either pink or yellow undertones. To determine yours, follow this guide: If you have a lot of redness or an allover pink tint to your skin, you have pink undertones. If your skin is fairly even and you tan easily, you have yellow undertones.

Medium Skin Undertones
According to Carmindy, woman with medium skin usually have olive undertones.

Dark Skin Undertones
Women with darker skin tones tend to either be a little golden in undertone or more reddish, so keep that in mind when selecting foundation shades.

Find Your Match
At the cosmetics counter, choose three shades of foundation that are as close to your natural skin tone as possible. Apply a stripe of each shade near your jaw line, and whichever blends the easiest into your skin is the best match.

Prime Your Canvas
Once you find the perfect shade of foundation, prep skin with a luminizing face primer. "It just makes the skin nice and smooth so when you apply the foundation, it'll just glide right on," explains Carmindy.

Application
For the most even application, use a foundation sponge to lightly feather foundation across your skin. This will ensure you get even coverage.

Tip:
If you don't like an allover application, you can always spot-apply foundation only where you need it most. "I like to apply foundation only in areas that really need it. That usually tends to be around the nose, around the eyes and the chin," says Carmindy.

Tip:
According to Carmindy, many women with darker skin tones tend to have areas of their faces that are a little darker than the rest. If you still have any dark areas after you apply foundation, just even them out by pushing the foundation sponge into the skin. This just adds a slightly heavier layer of foundation on the darker areas so your whole face looks even.

Conceal Flaws
Apply concealer after your foundation. If you put it on before, your foundation will just wipe it off. "Pick up the concealer with a fine-tipped concealer brush -- remember to use the smallest amount possible," suggests Carmindy. Gently dab onto any flaws.

A Close Shave
This professional shaving brush by Anthony Logistics creates a rich lather--and helps lift hairs for a closer shave.

Shop Now:
Anthony Logistics Whisker Lifter Brush

Courtesy of Molton Brown

Designer Dad
If you've got a dapper dad with a thing for couture clothes, he'll love this super luxe soap from Tom Ford Beauty.

Shop Now:
Tom Ford Men's Soap

Courtesy of Tom Ford Beauty

Skincare Products
Pamper dad with skincare products from AHAVA, which uses potent minerals from the Dead Sea in its products. Safe bets include: Deep Cleansing Gel, Mineral Shower Gel, and Soothing After Shave.

Shop Now:
AHAVA Men's Products

Courtesy of Ahava

The Hot Towel Treatment
If Dad's a fan of barber shop shaves, he'll love the Billy Jealousy Hot Towel treatment. The pre-shave formula contains a water-activated heating agent to open pores, for professional spa-like results.

Shop Now:
Billy Jealousy Hot Towel Pre-Shave

Courtesy of Billy Jealousy

His Favorite Scent
If dad is loyal to a certain fragrance, you can't go wrong with a brand new bottle. Shown: Burberry Summer.

Shop Now:
Burberry Summer for Men

Courtesy of Burberry

On the Go
If Dad likes to travel, this mini Elemis skincare set--complete with a zip pouch, will make his life easier.

Shop Now:
Elemis Men's Travel Set

Courtesy of Elemis

Stock His Shower
These men's products from Molton Brown come in great scents, and mom won't mind the chic bottles on display in her bathroom.

Shop Now:
Molton Brown Men's Products

Courtesy of Molton Brown

Scent-Sational
If Dad doesn't have a signature scent, this deluxe sample set from Sephora will help him choose.

Shop Now:
Men's Scents

Courtesy of Sephora

Smooth Shaving
Another great gift for dad's next trip: This airplane-approved kit of shaving essentials from Anthony Logistics.

Shop Now:
Anthony Logistics Perfect Shave Kit

Courtesy of Molton Brown

Hollywood's golden girl is known for her box office hits and megastar boyfriends, but can we talk about her ever-changing hair and makeup? Take a look at the many faces of Cameron Diaz, then and now!

We first met the star in 1994 when she starred alongside Jim Carrey in The Mask. She was young, fresh-faced, and absolutely stunning. And her lilac eyeshadow looks so gorgeous on her blue eyes, we'll forgive her for the too-light foundation.

Jim Smeal, WireImage

Hey, isn't that Shanna Moakler? No, it's Cameron at the 1st Annual Blockbuster Entertainment Awards in 1995. We're so glad she gave up the roots and fake hair (but kind of intrigued by this rare view of her natural color!).

Jim Smeal, WireImage

Cameron sported a layered cut and brick-red lips to a convention in 1996, the year she starred with Keanu Reaves in Feeling Minnesota.

Ron Galella, WireImage

We love the "no makeup" look and super-cute haircut Cameron had at the In & Out premiere in 1997.

Barry King, WireImage

Witness the Something About Mary cut in its full glory, at a press event in 1998.

Jim Smeal, WireImage

By the time There's Something About Mary premiered in July, Cameron had finally broken up her too-blunt cut into layers. Again, we love the lilac eyeshadow on those baby blues!

Jim Smeal, WireImage

Cameron looked ethereal at the Shrine Auditorium in 2000, the year the first Charlie's Angels movie came out. Her barely-there brows, black dress, and pale skin made her look too washed out. But still stunning!

Jeffrey Mayer, WireImage

We love Cameron's funky waves at the MTV Movie Awards in 2000. However, the cool platinum hue is a bit extreme, so we're glad to know that Cam goes more golden in the future.

Jim Smeal, WireImage

At the 2001 MTV Movie Awards, Cameron looked disheveled. The berry lips lacked definition (lip liner...stat!), the brown shadow was dull, and the hair didn't help, either.

Gregg DeGuire, WireImage

Your MacGyver guide to beauty! These clever "off-label" tricks for popular products will solve last-minute emergencies. These tips, culled from blog confessions, expert advice and our own experiments, will have you reusing your makeup in no time, not to mention save you money and get you out of emergencies.

TotalBeauty.com

Nipple Cream
Great as: Lip balm
Lansinoh nipple cream was intended for use by breastfeeding mothers, but the thick, moisturizing formula has gained underground popularity as a lip balm, too! Actress Angie Harmon is said to be a fan.

Lansinoh.com

Petroleum Jelly
Great as: Furniture fixer
You may have used your trusty Vaseline Pure Petroleum Jelly, $4.49 as lip balm, moisturizer, lash definer or makeup remover, but did you know it also camouflages light scratches in wood furniture? The Beauty Brains bloggers love this tip: Just dab it on and buff. You can also make light bulbs easier to unscrew by spreading a little around the thread of a new bulb before screwing it in.

TotalBeauty.com

Conditioner
Great as: Shaving cream
When traveling or just in a pinch, use the same trick employed by stars like Natalie Portman: Shave your legs with hair conditioner. It provides the same slickness as your shaving cream does, allowing your razor to slide over your legs and condition your skin without nicks and razor burn. (We like Paul Mitchell The Conditioner, $15.99.)

TotalBeauty.com

Oil-Free Moisturizer
Great as: Frizz tamer
Skin Rhythm blogger Jen confesses using a less-than-pea-sized amount of Juice Beauty Oil-Free Moisturizer as a smoothing cream for her very fine hair: "It smoothed and sealed my dry ends and added a bit of shine. It even added a bit of definition to my layers without weighing down my hair or causing it to look [flat and] oily, even hours later." You can use most any face moisturizer, lip balm or body lotion to smooth frizzy flyaways. Start by rubbing just a drop of the product together between hands, then smoothing over hair or along hair ends to tame frizz. (Curly hair tip: To help define curls, wrap one-inch pieces of hair around your finger.) Add more product if necessary, but use sparingly to avoid a greasy look.

TotalBeauty.com

Lip Balm
Great as: Cuticle conditioner, makeup remover
When you're done applying your lip balm (or virtually colorless gloss), don't just wipe off that leftover product on your finger. Rub it into your cuticles for a nice conditioning treatment. (Note: You can also do this with any room-temperature oil or butter you get on your hands while cooking.) Another tip for lip balm: Like petroleum jelly, it makes a great on-the-go makeup remover for that little eye makeup stain you get after washing your face. Just make sure you're not using peppermint or menthol lip balm as it could sting your eyes.)

TotalBeauty.com

Rubbing Alcohol and Hairspray
Great as: Stain remover
To remove home hair color stains on your skin, sink or even carpet, sponge it with an alcohol-soaked cotton ball or rag. Just be sure to apply with a cotton ball soon after you see the stain. If you wait too long, the stain gets harder to remove. If you don't have alcohol handy and the stain is on fabric, try this tip backed by Good Housekeeping: Saturate it with hairspray, which contains alcohol and can help loosen the stain. Then soak and launder as soon as possible.

TotalBeauty.com

Eye Shadow
Great as: Highlighter, contour creator, eyeliner and brow filler
Neutral metallic or white eye shadow (like Sonia Kashuk Powder Partners Eye Shadow Duo in Cocktail Hour, $7.99) can easily double as a highlighter, while matte eye shadow that's a few shades darker than your skin tone can be used to contour features. (Read TotalBeauty.com's highlighting and contouring how-to article for tips and tricks.) You can also use eye shadow as eyeliner by wetting an eyeliner brush, dipping it into the shadow and dragging it along your lash line. For brow filler, dab dry shadow on an angled dry eyeliner or brow brush and use a very light hand to fill in your brows.

TotalBeauty.com

Cleanser or moisturizer
Great as: Skin soothing treatment
Refrigerate cleansers or moisturizers in lotion or gel form and use them as a post-extraction soothing treatment or refreshing makeup remover for dry skin types. (Try Alba Sea Lettuce Cleansing Milk, $9.95). You can also do this with eye cream to give tired eyes a cooling, soothing effect.

TotalBeauty.com

Foundation
Great as: tinted moisturizer/concealer
Want lighter coverage than say, Nars Balanced Foundation, $40, without getting a new foundation? Create tinted moisturizer by mixing your current foundation (you can even do this with stick foundation) with a little moisturizer (we like Olay Complete Defense Daily UV Moisturizer, $13.99). Do this on the back of your hand -- not in the bottles -- and experiment with the consistency and coverage until you get what you want. Apply with a fingers or a brush (a sponge may soak up too much product) and blend well. Don't forget to set with powder to make the coverage last longer.



Bonus tip: If you need a concealer when you've run out, dab on a bit of the foundation that has caked into its cap. The moisture there has evaporated a bit more, leaving your foundation with a thicker consistency. Blend outward with fingers or a concealer brush. (Watch this video for more tips on how to apply concealer.)

TotalBeauty.com

The right brow shape can lift your eyes, slim your face, and take ten years off your look...instantly! Makeup expert Carmindy, star of TLC's What Not To Wear, shares her best secrets for youthful, natural, and perfectly-groomed brows.

Trim and Shape
Before plucking, your brows may need a trim. Grab a spooley brush and a pair of small scissors. Brush your brow hairs straight up, and if there are hairs that go beyond your natural brow line, carefully snip them away.

Easy Tweezing
Carmindy suggests having two types of tweezers: one with a very fine tip and one with a slanted tip. You can use the slanted ones to grab a few hairs at once. The needle-nosed, fine-tipped tweezers are good for precision plucking and getting those tiny, hard-to-reach hairs.

Where to Start
"Everybody's brows are different, so if you're not sure where to start plucking, try this: Hold a makeup brush vertically along the side of your nose. Then use the side of the brush as the marker of where the brow should begin," explains Carmindy.

Finding the Arch
Angle the same makeup brush outward so that the bottom end is against your nose, and the top and is even with the iris of your eye--the brush now marks the point where the brow should arch.

Where to End
Angle the brush out even more toward the outermost corner of your eye--that's where the brow should end.

Mind the Gaps
"Not everybody's brows are totally perfect, so you may need a little brow corrector to fill in any gaps. A waterproof liquid brow corrector can last the longest," says Carmindy. Starting at the inside edge and working your way out, feather on a light brow color to fill in any sparse areas.

Voila!
Now your brows are groomed to perfection! Having well-defined, well-groomed brows really makes your face look finished. All you need to do is trim, pluck, and correct, and you'll have perfect, face-framing brows.

The second best part of Fashion Week is the chance to mingle with some of the most fashionable women on the planet. Melissa Goldberg used the opportunity to get advice from professional beauties on how to get gorgeous.

Jolie Novak, AOL

"I've always put a lot into keeping fit and staying healthy. I recently started taking a daily multi vitamin. It's great for the busy schedule that I keep and so important to maintain great health."

-Jennifer Lopez

Michael Tran, FilmMagic

"Confidence and plenty of water makes a woman beautiful! And I like to treat myself to a massage and facial at Ole Henriksen in L.A. They customize the facials to each of their client's needs, which makes you feel real special."

-Jessica Alba

Jemal Countess, WireImage

"My secret obsession is lip plumper. My new favorite is DuWop's Prime Venom. It really gives the illusion of fuller lips, and it's matte so it's not sticky."

-Gossip Girl's Blake Lively

Astrid Stawiarz, Getty Images for IMG

"I'm a big believer in washing your hair less. I wash my own hair every two days, and it's truly changed the life and health of my hair. I've noticed less breakage. I use dry shampoo powders in between washes to feel cleaner.
Don't ever starve yourself! If you want to indulge, just increase your activity instead. I personally love to run, and enjoy it not just for fitness but as a stress reliever too.
My dermatologist told me to always use two things: a retinol product at night, and a sunscreen with mexoryl during the day. I swear by Philosophy's Help Me as my retinol at night it's amazing!"

-Lipstick Jungle's Lindsay Price

Michael Tran, FilmMagic

"If you can figure out a to-go makeup kit that holds your entire face, you will save so much time. You can always take it with you. I admit to doing my face in the car most days! I stock up on minis of all my favorite makeup items, and always have moisturizer in there as well. Go for items that have multiple uses, like a mahogany shadow that you can use both as eyeshadow and eyebrow powder You'll save room AND time."

-Beauty Maven Bobbi Brown

Wendell Teodoro, WireImage

"I'm big on yoga for staying fit, but also because it helps me relax which is a very necessary beauty component due to the high stress levels of everyday life. While stress affects the entire body, the first place it usually shows up is in a person's face. The inverted poses in yoga increase blood flow to the head, and can immediately give you a healthy glow.

I make my own homemade sugar scrub. It's easy to make and stays fresh when refrigerated. In a jar, add one part organic cane sugar to one part vegetable glycerin and then add five to ten drops of your favorite essential oil. My favorite scents are rose, lavender, lemon and sandalwood. Experiment with different combinations to come up with a scrub that's not only great for dry hands and feet, but also excellent for exfoliating chapped lips. All of the ingredients can be safely ingested, so if you get a little in your mouth, the most it'll do is taste sweet. Plus you've got an aromatherapy bonus!"

-Lancôme model Selena Breed

John Spellman, Retna Ltd.

"Always wear one good piece of jewelry! I love Marni necklaces.

Makeup only looks good if your skin is healthy. I don't leave the house without applying moisturizer. A great moisturizer with a luxurious texture really makes your skin glow.

Work out your own style formula. Mine is feminine and functional: a dress and shoes, and I'm ready to go. It's the same for makeup. I use the same bronzer, mascara, eyeliner and a spritz of my new fragrance , Private Collection Amber Ylang Ylang, every day."

-Aerin Lauder, Senior Vice President and Creative Director of Estée Lauder

Stephen Lovekin, Getty Images

"I gave up coffee over a year ago and I only drink Japanese powdered green tea. It's filled with more anti-oxidants than regular bag tea. My energy stays nice and level all day and I feel great.

Every other day I scrub my face with white sugar. It's a tip I learned from my grandmother. I start by lathering up my face with cleanser and then grabbing a handful of sugar. I scrub in circular motions, exfoliating all of the dead skin. This is the best facial you can give yourself and it leaves your skin so smooth!

My five minute face ritual has become my meditation moment in the morning. I take five minutes to do my makeup and during this time, I give daily affirmation and am grateful."

-AOL Stylelist Beauty Expert Carmindy

Brad Barket, Getty Images