Civility by Diana Olson:

It’s not what you put on your face, it’s how you apply it. With a little planning and practice, you can produce a flawless, attractive daytime makeup that will carry you through dinner with a minimum of touch-ups. A makeup routine needs not take longer than ten minutes.

The following are tips that you can rely on to help you always put your best face forward:

? Throw away any products that are 12-18 months old or are outdated in fashion. Because of bacterial contamination, replace mascara every 3-6 months.

Basic tools: Cotton, sponges, tissue, Q-Tips, eyelash curler, good brushes.

Lighting: Make sure that you have adequate lighting. Full-spectrum (sunlight) lighting or natural lighting is best for makeup application. Sitting with your back to the window, with the mirror reflecting the light, is an advantage.

Less makeup is always better. You can always add more color if it is desired.

Foundation: Stays good for about a year. If you have extra bottles, put them in the refrigerator.

Foundation evens skin tone, protects the skin from pollution and dehydration, and can visually diminish lines in the face. It is age-defying. If a foundation bottle is almost empty or dried, add moisturizer or olive oil. Stir well.

Concealer: Helps to cover blemishes or darkness under the eyes. Always use a light touch or a concealer brush. Avoid camouflage on wrinkles. Set with loose powder if you’re under 30 years of age.

Mature skin: Avoid powder except for pressed powder on forehead and nose. Use cream blush for dewy look; use an eyeliner to curve the outside corner; use highlighter under the brow and in the center of lower lid; smudge under the eyeliner; use soft neutral colors; use a lip liner prior to lipstick and after lipstick application.

Crow’s Feet and Wrinkles: These are due to sun damage that breaks down the collagen and elastin. Wear a sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses to cut down on squinting. Retin A (Tretinoid) or Botox can help minimize lines. To camouflage creases, use an eyeliner brush to paint concealer (one shade lighter than foundation onto lines).

•?There will be more next week.

DIANA OLSON, is an image and etiquette consultant who is a specialist in color, makeup, style, business and social etiquette, and Petite Etiquette. She can be contacted through www.dianaolson.com or (626) 584-9761