Beauty Quiz: Avoiding Common Makeup Mistakes

That's the best way to see what looks good on your skin. "Go by the window when you’re in a store," says makeup artist Mai Quynh, whose clients include Emma Stone, Scarlett Johansson, and Selena Gomez. "Or ask if you can borrow a hand mirror and just step outside."

Go in bare-faced, without any foundation on. That way you can tell how well the new one matches your skin. 

Most women can use eyebrow powder or matte eye shadow on their eyebrows, says Quynh, who is also a makeup expert for Mark cosmetics. Eyebrow pencil gives you a more defined look that can be harsh or severe.

Look for a shade that's a little lighter than your hair. For example, if you have dark brown hair with caramel highlights, pick a color that falls in between.

Take a hint from makeup artist Mally Roncal, founder of Mally Beauty, whose clients include Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, and Beyoncé. "I like to apply it all over the perimeter of the face, then dust a little across the forehead, bridge of the nose, and chin," she says.

Makeup artist Quynh recommends using a concealer one shade lighter than your skin color. Blend it well to prevent telltale white circles under your eyes.

For some women, a tinted moisturizer offers enough coverage, Quynh says. It hydrates and evens out your skin, while foundation puts on a layer of color and gives you more coverage. Tinted moisturizer is always better than foundation that's heavy or cakey.

"In my book, it’s always OK to wear blue eye shadow!" says makeup artist Roncal. "Lighter blues are surprisingly eye-opening, while deeper, navy blues make an amazing smoky eye." Roncal suggests wearing blue eyeliner instead of traditional black or brown. "Try ice blue in the inner corners to fake eight hours of sleep or navy blue to make the whites of your eyes look whiter."

"Smile in the mirror to find the apples of your cheeks," Roncal suggests. "Swirl the blush onto the apples, then sweep back toward the ears." Starting at the apples gives your face a more youthful look, she says, and sweeping blush toward the ears gives it a "lifted appearance." Use a brush to apply and blend in the blush for a softer look.

Eyelash combs take off the extra mascara so you don’t get clumpy, spidery eyelashes. Quynh suggests combing through the lashes after each coat. Do it while the mascara is still wet -- otherwise it will flake. If sharp metal eyelash combs scare you, use a plastic one.

Just the opposite! Dark lipstick can make them look even thinner and more severe. A better choice is bright red or another bright color, Quynh says. If you have full lips, a dark, wine-colored lipstick is flattering for fall, especially in a creamy, satiny, or shiny finish, Roncal says.

Some makeup artists say that powder settles into wrinkles, calling attention to them. But Quynh says it's fine to use powder on aging skin -- as long as you do it sparingly. "Use a puff with it and pat it on where you’re shiny," she says. "Don’t powder everywhere on your face." Blotting papers are also good for taking away shine.

"The neck is one area that doesn’t get much sun," Quynh says. "If your face is light, then your neck is even lighter, so definitely use foundation." Blend it well to avoid a line near your chin and jaw. 

Roncal says to match the colors on your face, neck, and chest as closely as possible. "Choose a foundation that matches your collarbone," she says. You may need to switch to a darker color in the summer if you tend to tan.

"I love glitter!" Roncal says. "There are so many different ways to wear it, so it can be appropriate for day or night. A soft, shimmery champagne [eye shadow] is perfect for day and just gives that pretty, ethereal look." Look for finely milled glitters and shimmers. Big chunks of glitter can look too young or costumey.

Makeup primer is a cream or gel that fills in fine lines and enlarged pores. Roncal also suggest using a shine control primer. It is designed to keep your face from getting oily or sweaty. It can help your look stay fresh for many hours. "I always suggest prepping skin with a primer," Roncal says. "It will create a smooth, even canvas for your makeup."