Amp Up Your Best Facial Features

I have loved makeup since middle school, and it's still a joy to experiment with everything from foundation to mascara to eye shadow and more. In doing this for over 10 years, I have learned some of the best ways to make your best features pop. Every woman likes to feel lovely, but you can leave a more lasting impression with just the right touch. Let me share some of my secrets with you.

My favorite feature--not just on me, but on almost everyone--is the eyes. Every pair of eyes can be sultry and alluring, regardless of color and shape. Focus on your lashes first.

Long, curling eyelashes are idyllic, and you don't have to rely on gobs of mascara and a good eyelash curler to achieve such results. Latisse, an FDA-approved treatment applied directly to the lash-line, has been shown to stimulate healthy growth of longer, fuller lashes. Some people experience mild side effects like itchiness, dry eyes, and eyelid hyperpigmentation (which means the skin of the eyelids darkens).

Latisse is reasonably priced, especially compared to some of your other options, but it does require continued use over a period of 16 weeks. The results will be gradual, so don't lose patience if you decide to go this route.

Eyelash extensions will give you a similar look. Like acrylic nails, they can be applied once and then "filled" to maintain the appearance of long, dramatic lashes. But one-time eyelash extensions also create a brilliant effect for special occasions. I had this done for my wedding, and the result was remarkable.

For an inexpensive way to make your eyes pop for a night out dancing, purchase false lashes that are separated into sections. Simply glue on a few lashes on the outside corners of your eyes in order to make them seem more wide open, drawing attention to your gaze.

While I obviously have a preference for playing up the eyes, you can't neglect your lips. You might be surprised by how many men find the lips to be the most alluring curves on the body. Collagen injections are a favorite simple procedure of celebrities across the globe in order to achieve the plump pout that so many women crave.

Inexpensive lip plumpers are available in retail to be worn as lip gloss or under lipstick. While the results are short-term and not nearly as impressive as those from injection, it is worthwhile to investigate the various products on the market today.

One of my favorite cosmetics is a shine stick! I bought one for a single dollar, and it serves to highlight my brow bone and cheekbones. This can be layered on top of blush or used alone.

Whatever your favorite feature, don't be afraid to experiment with different products. That's the fun of it, right?