Most women look in the mirror and can pinpoint both their most and least favorite features. The increase of cosmetic surgery procedures during the past few years can promise women refined features, fewer wrinkles or better skin but of course include hefty price tags and notorious possible side effects. Happily, there are makeup techniques for our least favorite features and skin conditions that can deliver fast results and avoid the pain and expense of cosmetic surgery. Some common types and techniques to correct them include:

Dark Under Eye Circles and Puffy Eyes

Dark bluish/purple circles around the eyes call for a concealer in a light peach or salmon shade to neutralize the dark colors. Apply with a concealer brush and blend by lightly tapping with the ring finger. Banish puffy eyes by first applying an under eye treatment, such as an eye cream made with botanical ingredients such as raspberry extract or grapeseed, before concealer.

Crow’s Feet and Laugh Lines

Use a concealer in a shade one to two shades lighter than skin tone and apply with a concealer brush around the edges of the lines. Blend by gently tapping with the ring finger, apply foundation as usual and set by using a powder puff and translucent loose powder.

Blotchy, Red Skin

Use a yellow-toned concealer to neutralize red undertones. Apply with a concealer brush and blend with a small amount of liquid foundation on the edge of a wedge sponge. Set with either a powder brush or powder puff (gently tap the puff onto skin, don’t rub) and set with loose powder.

Crooked Nose

Use cream foundation or concealer two shades darker than skin tone and apply with a thin, flat concealer brush. Begin shading in the inner corners of eyebrows and apply light downward strokes on the sides of nose. Use a clean brush or sponge to blend any harsh lines and set with a powder puff and loose powder. Pat gently to avoid rubbing off the lines.

Double Chin

After applying concealer, foundation and powder, use a contouring powder one-half to one shade darker than skin tone. Using a blush brush, apply at the base directly under the chin and along the jawline, making sure to blend any harsh lines.

Flat Cheekbones

After applying concealer, foundation and loose powder, measure a length of two fingers below the natural shape of cheekbones.   Apply contour in a shade one shade darker than skin tone with a blush brush and blend toward hairline, paying careful attention to any harsh lines.

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