It’s a known fact that women are always searching for beauty secrets: What colors compliment my facial features? How can I make my make-up look natural and not trampy? How can I hide imperfections? How can I fake a tan? These questions generally run through a woman’s mind several times during the day, especially when we glimpse in the mirror. A few things to keep in mind when searching for your perfect palette are:

- Embrace your skin tone and texture. Choose colors that compliment your shade; don’t get a shade darker because you want to look tan, your result will most likely lead to an uneven application making you look like a clown, yes, a clown. Your texture is also key for choosing the right foundation.

- Embrace your features. Choose make-up accordingly in colors that match YOU. Just because turquoise eye shadow looks good on Beyonce doesn’t mean it will look good on you, once again, you don’t want to look as if you escaped from the circus.

YOUR SKIN TEXTURE/TYPE:

1.) Dry: Cream or liquid foundation is probably the right foundation for you. Along with covering up imperfections, your skin will retain moisture and not flake. A great foundation is Stila’s, Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer. ($30 at Sephora or sephora.com) Not only does this product hydrate skin, it includes SPF 15 which will protect your skin from sun damage. Also, it comes in all shades ranging from light to deep shades.

2.) Oily/Combination: Use “oil-free” or “oil-control” liquid foundation or powder foundation. To get rid of shine, choose a product with a “matte” finish. Try CoverGirl’s Fresh Complexion Pocket Powder Foundation. ($8.99 in drugstores)

3.) Normal: You’re one of the lucky ones; you’re free to choose any type of foundation. Try BareEssentuals i.d. bareMinerals ($26 on sephora.com and selected retailers).

Once you’ve found your perfect foundation, you can work with the rest of your beauty: eyes, cheeks, and lips.

EYES:

- If you’re going for the natural look, eyeliner and mascara is a MUST; however, not in massive amounts. Mascara is an eye opener, literally, so do not be afraid to pile on. By pile on I don’t mean go for the tarantula look: apply one coat and, before it dries, apply another. Some of my favorites are DIOR Show Mascara ($26) and L’Oreal HIP ($8).

- Eyeliner and mascara go together like two peas in a pod. Rim your upper eyelid from center to end, extending out if you wish to achieve the “cat” look. Blue eyeliner can make any eye color stand out. I was skeptical at first, but after I tried it, I fell in love with it. See for yourself! (a great one is Max Factor’s Eyeliner in Jean Jacket, about $7 in drugstores) - Eye Shadow is a great alternative to or in conjunction with eyeliner. It is key to remember to choose shades that match your skin. Pink looks good on light skin, cooper looks good on medium skin, and deep purple and jewel tones look good on dark skin. Gold and shimmer looks good on all skin tones.

CHEEKS:

- Blush is a good way to top off the “natural” look and it’s also a great way to fake a tan. Peach and pink tones match most skin colors. They also give off a “clean” effect and can distract from imperfections. Bronzers will instantly add a healthy glow. Apply bronzers to upper cheekbones, nose, and forehead minimally!

LIPS:

- The perfect pout is up to you. There is no right or wrong color to wear; red lips look good on everyone and nude shades do as well. Feel free to experiment with color when it comes to your pout!