See if this sounds familiar…

You’re all alone in the bathroom and there’s the makeup bag. Who knows what mysterious anti-aging, breakout-hiding, look-enhancing secrets lay hidden inside? You check the mirror again. Your eyes are looking a little tired… and where did those dark circles come from? Is that a pimple on your chin?

The bag beckons…

We’ve all thought about it and, truth be told, most of us have checked our inhibitions at the door and taken a trip through the dark recesses of the makeup bag. Some of us have come out ahead and others have taken some wrong turns. If you aren’t ready to take the leap of walking up to the cosmetics counter and buying men’s makeup, but are still looking for a little discreet help, here are some basic do’s and don’ts for pilfering cosmetics and skincare products from your significant other.

Look for:

The Toner or Astringent – While toners and astringents aren’t solely created for women, most men are oblivious to their benefits. Both can help fight oily skin and prevent breakouts. Apply with a cotton ball to your T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) after cleansing to help control shine throughout the day.

The Moisturizer   – Your skin loses moisture all day (and all night long), so grab some of that moisturizer and use it – especially right after you get out of the shower. Pay close attention to the area around your eyes. Crow’s feet have been working for Clint Eastwood for a long time, but they might not be for everybody – do you feel lucky?

The Concealer – Probably the single most useful product you can pull out of that makeup bag is the concealer. A little concealer under your eyes can disguise those dark circles that even a triple shot of espresso can’t erase. Dab two or three times under each eye in the darkest area and use your fingertip to blend it outward. Try the same technique for acne breakouts. Of course, if you have drastically different skin tone from your wife or girlfriend, the concealer that works for her might not work for you.

Avoid:

The Eyeliner – We all saw the Pirates of the Caribbean movies and yes, we all heard and saw the female reaction to Johnny Depp, but don’t try to become a pirate in your bathroom. It takes a lot more than a heavy dose of eye makeup to achieve that look. First you need a cursed ship, a monkey that just won’t die, and scarves – lots of scarves… then try the eyeliner.

The Foundation – Foundation is just what its name implies – the basis for the rest of the makeup on the face. When used with concealer, it helps create a starting canvas for the other colors and products that will be applied later. Your wife or girlfriend has a look (or maybe a few) that she creates with the colors and products in her makeup bag. Odds are, that look won’t work for you. Plus, nothing is quite as gross as a five o’clock shadow poking out through a layer of pressed powder.

These are just a few guidelines for fighting problem areas and enhancing your appearance without looking like you’re trying to. If you’re after the flawless look of male models or Ben Affleck and Brad Pitt, you might want to look into the lines of cosmetics available exclusively for men.

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