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Applying make-up well is about two things: using the right tools, and using the right techniques.

There are 5 stages to applying make-up that will last and look well applied - even if you want a 'natural' look. The stages are: face, eyes, lips, cheeks and finish.

1. Face
If you are using a liquid foundation, it is better to use a brush for even coverage and less product waste. People frequently use sponges, and although it is easy to achieve even coverage using a sponge, a lot of product tends to get wasted. If you are using a cream/powder based foundation, then a sponge is more appropriate. DO NOT use your fingers as your application tool!

After the foundation, apply the concealer and blend in using a concealer brush. NOT your fingers! You can also apply any highlighter that you would like on areas like the brow and cheek bones, but this can also be done at the end where you can enhance the final look.

2. Eyes
Ensure that you have covered your eyelids in foundation as well as your face. This creates a much nicer finish, especially with powder eyeshadows, and gives it staying power. You can also apply a base or a neutral color which acts as a primer for the eyelids.

Now select the eyeshadow color/s that you want. I always recommend using powder based as this allows more effective blending and even coverage. It is also best to apply the eyeshadow using a flat eyeshadow brush.

The key to great eyes lies in the blending. Using a blending brush, apply small circular stokes on the eyelids, especially on the socket area. What you are aiming for is to make the eyeshadow look like it just fades away to the top of your eyes.

3. Lips
Although it takes longer, lipstick application is more accurate and even when applied using a thin lipstick brush. Apply the lipstick and then line it to avoid the lipstick from 'bleeding', this is, seeping out from the edges of your lips. In order to give it staying power, blot in between applications.

4. Cheeks
Do not pout! The idea is to relax your face and apply the blusher where the light naturally falls. Usually it is the horizontal panel from your cheek bones to your ears. I always find a quick dust of bronzer enhances the cheeks.

5. Finish
Here you can apply the highlighter in the areas, to subtly enhance the make-up. But as mentioned, this can also be done at the beginning stages when applying foundation.

The final touch is to dust your face with some loose powder using a big powder brush. This seals the make-up and eliminates any excess shine that the foundation has not neutralized.

It sounds like a lot to do but a 'rush job' without the attention paid to details results in make-up that does not last. As you can tell from the guidelines, the tools you use are essential.

Learn more about this author, Sumantha Dutta.
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