by Brett Butler

Created on: November 04, 2009

There are only 3 times in a woman's life when makeup is not necessary: When she's sick, when she's giving birth, and when she's dying. Makeup is the key thing that will bring a look or outfit completely together. Whether you are on your way to work out or on your way to your wedding, makeup is a must.

Less is more is a common phrase when it comes to makeup. This is not always the case. Having to rise and shine at 5:30 a.m. to finish homework and make the bus for an 8 o'clock class normally has the ladies strapped for time to put on a face full of makeup, but you must ask yourself, "Do I have an extra 15 seconds?"

Your answer should be "Yes!" It takes the average woman approximately 15 seconds to apply 2 coats of mascara to the top lash line of each eye and lip gloss to your pucker. Even in the wee hours of the morning your fellow classmates will thank you for the extra effort.

There is also another side to makeup: the ugly side. Have you ever seen a girl in a class or on Northgate whose face was a different color than her neck?

Ladies, do yourselves and your peer a favor. Put on what you think is your perfect face. Now turn to the side facing the mirror. Use a hand mirror if you have trouble seeing this clearly. Is there a line of makeup along your jaw line? Is your face a different color than your neck? If you're unsure ask a roommate. But remember, if you're unsure, it probably is a different shade.

Take it down a notch or 12. More makeup does not equal more beautiful. Remember, makeup is intended to enhance your natural beauty, not cover it up. When it comes to foundation choose a color that matches your own skin tone. Do not use a shade of foundation that you wish was your skin color. If you are naturally pale, embrace it! If you are the darkest shade of ebony put on that makeup with pride!

Another misconception with makeup is the amount of eye shadow and liner one should use. Liner is named liner for a reason. You are not supposed to frame your eyes with liner. A very thick line around your eyes will make them look smaller and comes across as rather trashy.

Eye shadow should be kept simple and neutral in the day and bolder at night. For day time try various shades of gold, copper, bronze, pink and light browns. For night go bolder with purple, grey, and dark browns for a smoky eye look.

When it comes to beauty, we all could use a little enhancement. Makeup is a fun, easy and inexpensive way to do that. When you look better, you feel better. So look at yourself in a new way: change up your everyday and going out looks.

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