Start your makeup routine with a fresh face. Wash and exfoliate your skin to make sure it's clean. Prepare yourself with a magnifying mirror and all the ideal tools - the right makeup brushes and first-rate products are essential. Then, prepare your canvas - your gorgeous face -- like any artist would. Pick a foundation that matches your natural skin tone. Use it to even out your tone and mask imperfections like dark spots, red patches and unattractive under eye circles. The choice way to apply foundation? A synthetic sponge. Use the sponge to dab and dot the foundation all over the face (and don't forget the eyelids!) and then blend, downward and outward. Excess product can be removed using the opposite side of the sponge. Whatever you do, skip your neck and chin area. Blend thoroughly, especially along the hairline and jawline, to avoid a serious makeup faux pas -- the "makeup mask".

Concealer is next in line. Concealer should be one to two shades lighter than your foundation. Use a shade too light and you risk revealing highlighting dark patches. A small arc beneath your eyes, a few dabs on your eyelids and a criss-cross pattern across any red areas and you'll be well on your way to a faultless face! Make sure to dab or tap to blend, as rubbing will simply cause you to remove the concealer. Then, apply a dusting of powder to the entire face and continue to do so throughout the day to reduce unwanted shine. Want to add a little color? A small amount of brush across and down the cheekbones will provide you with a more natural look.

Highlight your eyes with a simple coat of mascara. For added emphasis on your lashes, curl your lashes with an eyelash curler before applying mascara. Once curled, use an upward sweeping motion to brush the lashes with mascara. Bottom lashes can also receive a coat of mascara. If you're looking for a more dramatic look, consider using eyeshadow as well. The basic principle of eyeshadow is to use the lightest color on the entire eyelid, and a darker shade in the crease of the eyelid. However, experimenting with eyeshadow is a fun way to play with your look. Just remember that lighter colors will draw attention to the area and darker colors will add the appearance of depth. After eyeshadow, apply eyeliner. There are several eyeliner options available, but only choose a liquid liner if you have an unfaltering hand. Keep the liner super close to the lashline whether you're working on the top or bottom lid. Draw the line in one motion and follow the natural arc of the eye. Bigger eyelids require you to draw a bigger line to get the same effect as a smaller line on a smaller eyelid. And contact wearers beware - only apply eyeliner after your lenses!

Finally, pucker up and add some sexiness to your pout. If you want to go all out, try some lip liner and line the natural shape of your mouth. Then, apply lip stick using a lip brush. Lip brushes are lots easier to use than a tube of lipstick that may be too wide for a small mouth. If you like to keep it au naturale, apply a tasty chapstick or non-sticky lipgloss. Your lips will look naturally pink, soft and luscious.

Makeup is a super-easy, super-fun way to change up your look. After following these basic makeup tips and tricks, you can confidently go out into the night (or office, or on that dinner date)