It all depends on what kind of lashes you have and what kind of look you want. If you have thick lashes and use a thickening mascara you may feel clumpy. If they are long and thin and you use lengthening mascara you may feel it does nothing.

First determine what you would like more of from your lashes. Longer, thicker, more curl? Choose mascara that says it does what you want on the label.

Some of my personal favorites are:

• Christian Dior, Diorshow "Black Out" for thick, dark, dramatic lashes.
• Chanel, "Inimitable" for length, curl, & thickness.
• Christian Dior, "Diorshow Unlimited" for length with a more natural look.

If your mascara runs or smears try a water resistant formula. If it is still a problem try switching your eye makeup remover or eye cream. Remember, never put eye cream near the lashes; it can coat them and potentially make even the best eye makeup smear. If it flakes either it is poor quality mascara or it is past its prime. It is recommended to change mascara every three months.

1. Start by using a lip primer follow by powdering your lips and the area surrounding the lips.
2. Next use a lip liner, color in your whole lip.
3. Last apply a lipstick and softly blot.

Assuming you are using quality product and you are not chewing on your lips your lip color will easily stay for hours.

The best thing to do is just go to a pro and get them done, preferably someone who specializes in brows. Don't gamble with your brows, if they are done badly it can take months to get them back. Try getting a referral from a friend who has great brows. Waxing, tweezing, and threading are all great options.

If you need to pencil your brows in remember these guidelines:

1. Hold a thin brush to the side of your nose and the inner corner of your eye in a straight line. This is where your brow should begin.
2. Hold the brush again at the corner of your nose and the outer edge of the pupil, This is where your arch belongs.
3. Hold the pen to the corner of your nose and the outer corner of your eye; this is where the brow should end.

Try to avoid changing your natural shape too much. The closer you stay to your natural shape the easier it is to maintain the brows.

Oh, if only it were that easy. There is no such thing! While it is safe to say that you get what you pay for, don't assume because a brand is in a department store or pays for tons of advertising that means it is a good choice for you. Try different brands; choose good quality products that are appropriate for your skin type. You will find that you like one product from one line and another product from a different company. It is Ok to mix makeup brands, in fact I recommend it. I can't even tell you how many different brands of makeup I have in my kit.

As a licensed Esthetician with advanced skin therapy training in both the spa and medical industries I can tell you that the most important thing you can do for your face is take good care of your skin. Cleanse, tone, & moisturize every day with products designed for your skin type. Exfoliate two to three times weekly. Use a good eye cream morning and night and please wear sunscreen. Don't forget to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. If you have healthy skin that looks good your makeup will go on easier and look better.