by: Julyne Derrick,

Tips and tricks for foundation, concealer, blush

1. Avoid full foundation coverage.

Few people need to apply foundation all over the face. Simply apply where you have uneven skin tone (usually along your nose and on the skin). In wintertime, if your cheeks tend to get ruddy, apply there as well.

2. Consider a tinted moisturizer.

Foundations can go on too thick for some people. Tinted moisturizers provide a lighter coverage. My absolute all-time favorite is Laura Mercier

3. Blend foundation correctly.

Always start in the center of your face then blend foundation outward. Blend foundation from face to neck well, otherwise people will see the line where you stopped giving you a 'mask face.'

4. Pick the proper color and formula for your skin type.

Choose a color that's as close to your natural skin tone as possible. Never try to deepen your complexion with foundation, it will look very obvious. But do consider two shades of foundation: One for summer when skin is naturally darker, and one for winter when skin is lighter.

For oily skin, go for a matte foundation. Dry skin? Try a hydrating formula. One last tip: It's a myth to test foundation colors on the back of your hand. The best spot is actually along your jawline, according to Allure's Linda Wells, in her book,Confessions of a Beauty Editor.

5. Apply concealer BEFORE foundation

Once you apply concealer, you won't need as much foundation, according to makeup artist Bobbi Brown in the April 2006 issue of O magazine. Use concealer under eyes, along the nose and on the chin.

6. Use a sponge or brush OR your fingers

There's really no right or wrong way to apply foundation. It's just by preference. Some makeup artists swear by foundation brushes to apply foundation. A brush allows you to get into all the nooks, crannies and pores on your face. To do this, put a glob of foundation or tinted moisturizer on the back of your hand and dab in a synthetic brush (I like MAC brushes) then apply to face. Other makeup artists believe using your fingers warms up the foundation, which helps it melt into your skin better. A sponge provides a great even coverage. It's up to you which you prefer.

7. Don't throw out wrong-toned foundations and concealers.

Finding the right color foundation and concealer can be daunting, which is why I suggest you get professional help at Sephora or a makeup counter at a department store. This way you can try before you buy. But if you do have a few foundations and concealers that are just a bit off, do like the makeup artists and blend a couple of mismatched colors for the perfect one.

8. How to conceal dark undereye circles.

According to makeup artist Anthea King in the March 2006 issue of InStyle magazine, you want to neutralize dark undereye circles with peach- or yellow-tone concealers. Dab concealer on the inner corner of the eye by tapping it into place (never run a concealer on like you would sunscreen or foundation). Great concealers for undereye circles include Sue Devitt Automatic Camouflage concealer: I also love Benefit Lemon Aid Concealer

9. Don't be afraid of bronzers

Nothing warms the face more than a bronzer. Make sure to use a big brush (I love MAC brushes) and a light touch. Apply to all the spots where the sun hits: Forehead, cheeks and nose. For more 'pop', blend a creamy blush on top. I use Laura Mercier Golden Mosaic Shimmer Bloc
If you have a yellow complexion, try Laura Mercier Pink Mosaic
Another good one is Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder

10. Avoid 'cake face'

Oily face? Make sure to blot oil before powdering or your skin will look cakey. Try a powder-free blotting sheet.