Myth #1: Pores open and close

Your pores are not doors. Remember this and it will make your life more simple. A pore is an opening in the skin that allows sebum to flow in order to keep the skin supple and prevent it from cracking. They do not open, they do not close. If your pores are appearing larger it is most likely because dead skin cells have built up on the pore. This is why exfoliation is important. Exfoliation helps to buff away dead skin cells and keeps the pores looking smaller and cleaner. Now, I will tell you that picking and squeezing on your pores can stretch and scar them.

Myth #2: You must use products from one line only.

Yeah, I know who came up with this on me as I have heard it many times from someone selling one line only. I promise you that your face will not explode, crack, quake, wither or die if you combine products from different lines. My philosophy is that many lines make wonderful products but not every product from a particular line is fabulous. That is why it is important for you to find items that work for you and pick and choose from what is available to you. And everyone's skin is different. Just because it works for someone else doesn't mean that it will work for you.

Myth #3: Skin needs to breath.

Okay, let's all practice this one together. Your lungs breath, your skin holds your bones and guts together. Any questions? I know... this is an old one and the idea behind it isn't so bad. Yes it is nice not put make-up on your face everyday. Not because make-up suffocates the skin. If this was true then we would get quite sick wearing make-up if it really did cut off our skins oxygen. But since make-up is a pigmented product it can irritate or clog the skin. That is why your cleansing regiment is so important for you. Use good products and never sleep with make-up on. That's it.

No matter what time of day it is or how busy you are, there are certain golden rules when applying your make-up. Here is a short guide to getting your war paint right every time!

Laying The Foundation

Foundation should be the perfect match to your skin tone. Nobody looks good when they have skin the color of a pumpkin! And worse yet, beware of the tidemarks at the jaw line. Always make sure that your foundation is well blended if you want to avoid looking like you're wearing a mask.

Dark Circles?

No way! There is a huge range of products on the market for different tones and textures of concealer. Don't be tempted to go two shades lighter than your natural color, as it will make the darkness of your skin more gray and muddy. And be careful not to lay it on too thick. Apart from the fact that it looks like you're wearing too much make-up, it may also damage the delicate skin beneath your eyes. Remember, you want to tint the discoloration, not mask it.

Powdering Up

Keep your powder application light by using loose powder and a big brush for application. Less is definitely more here. Make sure that your buy a good powder that will sink into your skin, rather than visibly lie of the top of it.