Just like the constantly changing fashion world, makeup fads come and go.  However, what never changes is the correct approach to applying makeup to achieve the ultimate goal of looking the best you possibly can.

This can only happen when you combine quality skin care products, to a sound surface (your skin) and use professional tools and techniques to achieve a flawless finish.

Once you have mastered all of these things you will be adapt your own personal style to achieve a more fashionable look and make the most of the features that you are blessed with.

With this in mind where do you start for the perfect approach to applying makeup?

1. Cleansing Your Face

It’s paramount that before you even think about opening your favorite foundation that you properly clean your face.  After all, a clean face will provide the perfect key to apply your makeup.  Start by applying cleansing milk or cream to your nose, cheekbones and forehead and with some cotton wool gently clean your face in small circular movements until you can feel your face is clean.  Rinse with water, and if do desired repeat the procedure.

2. Eyebrow Shaping

Next take a look at your eyebrows and remove any stray hairs with a good pair of tweezers.  The best types are generally the ones with a slanted edge.  Remember to grasp the hair as low down the hair follicle as possible and pluck the hair in the direction that it is growing.

3. Apply Your Favorite Foundation

Your foundation should be the perfect match to your skin tone and texture, and once applied should blend so it is hardly noticeable.  Obviously the more natural looking your makeup is the better.  Apply a small amount to the back-of-your-hand and use a sponge to lightly cover your chin, cheeks and forehead areas.  Remember to start in the center and work outwards towards your jaw-line so that the foundation blends to an almost invisible finish.

4. Apply Your Favorite Powder

Choose a face powder that complements your natural skin tone.  It is a good idea to pick one that is transparent or one with a slight sheen as apposed to a matte finish powder.  Next you need to invest in a large good quality face powder brush so that the powder will be applied evenly to your face.  Apply the face powder all over; paying close attention to your T-Zone as this is likely to be the main area needed to be tamed most, remembering to tap-away any surplus powder.  Again, work outwards with your brush into your jaw-line to minimize unnatural color shifts.

5. Apply Blusher

Choose a color that suits your skin tone, lighter for day use and darker for evening times.  A good tip is to pick a color that closest matches your checks during exercise.  This can be a good starting point if you are unsure what color suits you best.  Using a dedicated round, full brush to apply the blusher (don’t be tempted to use the inferior brushes that come with the product as they seldom produce professional results) place a small amount onto the brush and smile naturally in the mirror.  Then, on the apple part of your cheek softly blend along and up the cheekbone directly towards your hairline.

6. Apply Eye Shadow

Using your favorite eyebrow pencil gently feather in any gaps that may appear in your brows to achieve a natural, fuller finish.  Black and brown are the most common colors to use for daily use.  However, for that special occasion or big night out you can try experimenting with a colored pencil.  Whatever color you decide to use make sure that the pencil is fine-tipped to give you full control and to emphasize the shape of your eyebrows.

7 Apply Eyeliner

Apply eyeliner to the outside edge of the eye remembering to keep your upper lid taught.  Now in short precise strokes draw into your eyelash line.  Then apply the eyeliner to the button lashes moving from the outer edge in.  If you are looking to make a real statement and want your eyes to literally pop-out make the outside line of your top lashes wider than the inside one.

8 Apply Mascara

For a more dramatic effect you can use an eyelash curler to give your mascara a helping hand.  Start off by applying the mascara to the underside of your top lashes, remembering to always hold the wand at a parallel angle to your eye.  Now slowly move the brush upwards to force separation of the lashes.  Repeat the process for the lower lashes.  It is also a good idea to invest in an eyelash comb so that you can separate wet lashes and avoiding possible clumping.

9 Apply Lipstick

Arguably the most striking aspect of makeup is your choice of lipstick as you can change your whole appearance simply by changing your lipstick color.  It is a good idea to use a lip liner first as this will further highlight your lips and ensure that your lipstick lasts throughout the day.  Start off in the center of your upper lip and move outwards towards a corner of your mouth.  Then move the lipstick back to the center and repeat the same process on the other side.  The bottom lip is colored in exactly the same way.  Just remember that once you have finished, blot and check your teeth for any overspill.