Over the last several years more attention has been given to primers and the need to get the face “ready” for makeup. Whether it’s a BB or CC cream, a primer, or even a tinted moisturizer, this step is critical for creating a look that lasts all day and night.

Start by prepping the canvas. Wash your face thoroughly with a skincare product specific to your needs, for example: if your skin is oily you will want to look for a product that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, if your skin is dry you may want to opt for a gentle exfoliator instead. Rinse off the product completely, pat dry and apply toner making sure to work on the oily spots and dry patches. Follow with a moisturizer specific to your skincare needs, heavier in the winter months when skin is dry and chapped, and lighter in summer when the air is heavier and humidity is high. Be sure to apply to moist skin and allow some time for it to evenly penetrate the complexion. If you find shiny spots on the face, use a tissue and pat to remove the excess cream or lotion.

Next, select the perfect primer. If you have trouble skin or are prone to breakouts you may want to reach for a BB cream. BB, which stands for Blemish Balm, is an all-in-one product that combines serum, moisturizer, primer and foundation. If you have aging skin, you may want to reach for a CC cream. CC stands for Color Correcting and typically contain light deflecting particles that help combat redness or sallowness in the skin.  Or, if you’re a purist, reach for the straightforward primer, designed to help your makeup stay on your skin evenly without moving or creasing throughout the day.

One of my favorite tricks for a primer is to store in the refrigerator. This keeps the product cool allowing it to help calm down your skin after washing in the morning. Begin by applying the primer to your skin with a sponge or your Color Me makeup application device, buffing into place.  Top with your foundation – liquid or powder – a dab of blush and a swipe of lip gloss and mascara for a natural yet full-coverage look.

If you’re in a pitch for time, or need less coverage, mix equal parts primer and foundation together, blending onto the skin as you go. This allows for a dewy and natural look that simply needs a swipe of highlighter on the cheekbones for a glowing complexion.

Last but not least, be sure to stay away from too much caffeine or coffee once you’ve applied your makeup. The drink has oils which can effect the skin and make it look red and blotchy in a few hours. Instead opt for some water with lemon or cucumber slices for flavor and hydration. Keeping your cool will always help your look stay flawless and fresh.

As any woman can tell you, the right concealer can work wonders. It can help camouflage a blemish, hide dark under eye circles, diminish redness and act as a base for a flawless foundation. Applying concealer can, however, be challenging leaving an obvious spot on the face that draws more attention to the imperfection than if you had simply gone barefaced.

Let’s start with the basics. It is critical that you correctly color match your foundation. This can be done by testing a color on the underside of your wrist or arm as this skin closely resembles the texture and shade of the face. Always seek natural light to check that the color matches perfectly as in-store lighting can alter the color.

Once you have the correct shade for your skin tone, you can begin application. Start on a clean face. Apply moisturizer after washing to ensure that your skin is hydrated and a primer to ensure your products have lasting power. Then top with an eye cream. Be sure to use sparingly, however, or your concealer will run the risk of creasing and sliding on the skin. Follow with an oil-free concealer in the inner and outer corners of the eye, and tap with your fingers until blended. The pressing motion is ideal for concealer, as a dragging motion from a brush or beauty blender can often leave streaks or rub the concealer off the desired area. If you have a Color Me automatic makeup application device, you can also use this here with the disposable sponges. The buffing motion will mimic the tapping of your fingers and evenly distribute the concealer on the skin.

If you are attempting to cover a blemish start by first applying a bit of moisturizer to the area if it is dry. Here, you may want to reach for a bit of greenish tinted concealer as that will help to neutralize the red tone. Pat on over the blemish, blending well. Then top with your skin-matched concealer, pressing gently into place.

Complete the look by topping with a liquid or powder foundation, a light blush or bronzer and a swipe of mascara.