The Beauty of Less Is More

Cheeks, Eyes, Lips

Your face has three basic areas to emphasize: eyes, lips, and cheeks. You never want to emphasize all three areas at once. Choose the one feature you want to play up and downplay the other two. Here's how to apply just the right amount of color:

Cheeks: Apply bronzer or blush to the apple of the cheek (the fleshy area that plumps up when you smile). Always start with a conservative amount, as it is easier to add more than take away. For more glow, sweep bronzer over the arc of the forehead and the arc of the chin.

Eyes: Here's a surprising tip: to identify colors that will work best for you, let your hair -- not your eyes -- be your guide. If you're a blonde, sweep lids with creams and taupes. Brunettes look best in mochas and chocolate browns, and if you're auburn or red-headed, choose coppers, peaches, and reddish-browns, or cool tones like pinks and lavenders.

Lips: The natural pigmentation of your lips should always be the underlying tint of every lip color you wear. That's why the same lip tint looks one way on you and another way on a friend. For the perfect summer pout, always use a lighter color or a dab of shine in the center of the mouth. Forgo strong lip liner in the summer to help keep your look soft.

Sonia Kashuk's book, Real Beauty, is available at bookstores nationwide.