Healthy Beauty Makeup

How Do You Keep a Gorgeous Glow All Year Round?

I exfoliate every two days-gently and quickly so I don't irritate the skin. Most women think scrubbing longer and harder is better, but the glow comes from balance. In the winter, massage your skin with rose oil-olive or vitamin E oils are too heavy-before you step in the shower, then gently apply a scrub on top of the oil, which works like a layer of protection.

What's the Makeup Mistake You See Most Often?

The 1980s blush look, where it's just a strip of color underneath the cheekbones and up the temple. I want to scream every time I see that! Don't brush up to the temple anymore-in fact, go in the other direction. Blend the color right on the cheekbones using a round stroke with the side of your brush. The blush should just enhance the healthy look of the skin and add a slight flush.

How Can We Play Up Our Best Features?

Create a signature look without obeying all the rules. We've all heard that if you have big lips, you shouldn't wear red lipstick. But Scarlett Johansson, who has marvelous full lips, wears red lipstick all the time, and it looks fabulous! It's not the rule as much as it is your personality. Would you wear red lipstick and be comfortable, or would you be self-conscious and feel ridiculous?

What's the Secret to Timeless Beauty?

Look at yourself with love. When you look in the mirror, don't start in with, "I look so tired, my eyes are puffy, my lips are chapped." I've struggled with this all my life, but now I'm more forgiving and gentle. If I do look tired, I throw on lipstick to wake up my face. Then I tell myself, "You look good!"

Mercier's new book, The New Beauty Secrets: Your Ultimate Guide to a Flawless Face, is in bookstores now. Log on to redbookmag.com/mercier for more insider beauty secrets and advice.