Facts on foundation

Your foundation should match your skin tone. One formula that takes the guesswork out of choosing the right shade: Prescriptives Traceless Skin Responsive Tint. Special prisms manipulate the light that hits your face to even out skin tone. Blending foundation with downward strokes, suggests New York City makeup pro Lea Siegel, results in an even finish and smooths down the tiny hairs on your face. Use either your fingertips or a latex makeup sponge. Apply foundation with the tip of the sponge, then use the sides for blending under your eyes, around your nose and over your chin.

Cover up dark circles

Choose a concealer that's one or two shades lighter than your foundation. For flawless results, apply foundation under eyes first, recommends Los Angeles-based makeup artist Julie Hewett. Don't forget the innermost corner of the eyes, the darkest area. To blend, gently pat with your middle finger. Many beauty pros set concealer with a touch of powder to make it last longer. Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit stacks a pot of concealer over a pot of loose powder in a complementary shade and adds a tiny puff. (To order, log on to www.gloss.com). If you prefer a liquid cover-up with a wand applicator, try Cornsilk Liquid Powder Concealer , which dries to a powder-smooth finish.

Shadow play

To keep eyeshadow creaseproof, Siegel suggests first dabbing lids with a little foundation and powder. Shadow is less likely to crease if you wear a powder formula.

Mascara magic

For clump-free lashes, hold the wand horizontally and roll it upward as you apply mascara. This helps to separate lashes. Let mascara dry before applying a second coat. Save waterproof formulas for sports, weddings, and special events, advises Siegel; they're too drying for everyday use. One new mascara makes it easier than ever to get into corners and to apply mascara to lower lashes without smudging: Maybelline Lash Discovery Mini-Brush Mascara . The secret? The ultra-slim brush with tiny bristles.

Lip tricks

For lipcolor that lasts beyond your second cup of coffee, invest in a lipliner pencil in a neutral tawny or rosy-brown shade, advises Hewett. For an even line, rest your pinky on your chin and make short, soft strokes. And don't go outside the natural borders of your lips in an attempt to make them look fuller; that's what lip-plumping lipsticks are for. Two to try: Estee Lauder Go Pout Lipcolor and Molton Brown Wonder Lips Lip Lift Formula (to order, log on to www.moltonbrown.com). --Carol Straley