I've never in my life worn makeup but now I'm so tired of the way I look. I just want to look better--nothing dramatic, just a little perk. Where do I start?

Welcome, makeup virgin! Let me introduce you to the world of deception and decoration!

Armed with a mirror, walk yourself to a window in good, clear -- but not glaring -- daylight. Now, study your amazing, individual face. And -- this is the important part -- do so with detachment; don't judge. Look at yourself as if you're admiring a delightful stranger in a portrait.

While contemplating what an interesting and lovely creature you see, imagine what her disposition would fancy: maybe a bit of glisten here, or a smidgen of stain there, enhancement of the lashes or a rosy glow on the cheeks? In other words, how would you like to see this woman?

Here are six easy basics I recommend trying:

• Skin Care: Always start with a clean and well-moisturized face -- a clean canvas, as we like to call it in the makeup business. If it's in your budget, treat yourself to an exfoliating facial, which is like polishing the skin to a high, moist shine. If your finances are limited, try one of the fabulous at-home exfoliating products I'll list under my recommended list.
• Sheer foundation: Just a dash in the right places to smooth out the complexion. Apply where you see reddish or uneven places on the skin. Foundation will lie smoothly on well-cared-for skin, so do heed my advice about skin care.
• Blush: To figure out the color you need, look at the bit of subtle glow on the apples of the cheeks -- it's the rise of color you see after a good laugh, a shower or some exercise. Emulate that, honoring your organic tones.
• Lips: Find a translucent to medium lip color in the same color family of your blush. If your cheeks naturally turn a rosy hue, choose a rosy lip color. If your cheeks naturally turn a coral-pink hue, choose a coral-pink lip color, etc.
• Eye Shadow: A sheer tone in lavender, moss green, gray or amber to softly highlight.
• Eyelash Curler: Believe it or not, curled eyelashes can do more than makeup to open up your eyes and brighten your look. Learn to wield an eyelash curler; it makes a huge difference.

And, note this tip: Jot down your ideas before you head out to make purchases. (I've discovered that, much like forgetting to make a grocery list, we often forget everything we want once we get to the supermarket, or get the wrong things -- especially if we're hungry!)

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