Times have changed. The days of "I don’t give a damn about beauty” are long gone. The concept of "gorgeous and trendy” has opened people’s eyes. One should not leave the dressing room before examining one’s looks, beauticians argue.

Incidentally, it’s not just a question of gazing into the mirror and think that all is ok. A little more art is required. Many of you will have figured it out by trial and error. Others will be making dreadful beauty faux pas on a daily basis.

With beauty, trust us. Only people in the war will claim not to mind about their beauty, but life. I guess you have heard or read about America’s TV reality personality and Big Brother favourite Jade Goody.

Before her passing away of cancer on Mother’s Day, she had requested her beautician to make her up even after her death, so that her body would look great. Well, this is the reality. So it’s about time we all admitted that we all wish to look our best.

Recently, my friend looked at my face and actually gasped. "What’s wrong?” I asked.

"You look like a ghost. Did you look at yourself in the mirror before you left home?”

I had actually forgotten to apply anything to my face. My face looked very pale and my hair was shabby, too. Let me tell you now, there is something called being beauty conscious.

Anyone can look twice as ugly or more if they do not give proper attention to their looks. No matter how pretty or handsome you are, a pale face is not going to help you land that date.

Shabby clothing will not help you present your best self. So you really will look like what you feel. Beauty is an art, whose power can easily turn an ordinary face into a gorgeous one.

To achieve a natural and striking look, there are several tips that are applicable for women and men too.

Exercise

There are many beauty benefits of working out. First is the obvious, exercise, - you’ll stay in great shape.

Shower

My female friend suggests moisturizing right after you shower. According to her, it helps your skin retain moisture better, since warm water (I’m assuming you don’t take cold showers) opens up your pores. Moisturizing makes your skin look healthier, which will help you look younger and livelier.

Making up

Do your eyebrows next. Use powdered eyebrow shadow on brows instead of pencil, which can often look unnatural. Apply it with a hard, slanted brush.

Apply eyeliner. Use eyeliner pencil, and line the lower lid below the lashes. Line only the outer two-thirds of the lower lid, or all the way across if you are trying to achieve a darker look.

Do the mascara that suits your skin tone. Smile a bit to emphasis the best part on your face. Finally, choose a lipstick colour that suits your skin tone to flatter your looks. You can also play around with colours and textures to enhance your mood. Remember to do a line lips after applying lipstick.

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