1. Wash your face with a cleanser morning and night. When I say wash, I mean massage the cleanser into your face for at least one minute to let the active ingredients (acne fighters, vitamins, etc.) penetrate the skin. Rinsing it off in less than a minute will just wash away the active ingredients without doing anything to the skin.

2. Most skin specialists say that toner is essential because it helps get everything off that the cleanser didn't clean off. It's supposed to close the pores and make your moisturizer work better. My opinion on this? It's completely illogical! If your cleanser doesn't get the gunk off, then why use it? If toner closes the pores, then how will the moisturizer penetrate the skin? It doesn't make sense at all. I stopped using toner a long time ago because all it did for me was strip all of my natural oils and sting my skin. If you really can't live without toner, try using an alcohol free one.

3. If you are acne prone, apply a treatment like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Most ance treatments dry out the skin, so follow with a good moisturizer.

4. Apply a moisturizer to finish off. Don't forget to apply sunscreen during the day.

Finding the right products for your skin takes a lot of experimentation. It takes about 4 to 6 weeks to see real results of the product, so be patient. If it doesn't work for you after that time period, throw it out and try a different one. Oh, if it stings or burns in anyway, run for the hills. Ok, don't run away, just throw the product away and don't use it ever again.

...Now, moving on to foundation...

There are four types of foundtions:
- Liquid - the most versitle type of foundation. Comes in sheer, medium, full, or even buildable coverage. Water based ones are good for all skin types. There are oil based ones out there, but they can clog pores.

- Cream - thick and creamy with medium to full coverage. Can be applied with a wet sponge for extra coverage. This type has an emollient base which is good for dry or mature skin. People with oily or acne prone skin should use water based liquid foundation instead.

- Compact - also known as powder foundation because it's both powder and foundation in one. Usually has medium coverage, but can be appled with a wet sponge for more coverage. Good for people on the go.

- Stick - comes in a swivel stick, emollient based, thick consistancy that can double as a concealer. Looks like a snap to apply, but it takes a lot of blending. Medium to full coverage.

How to find the right shade:
- yellow based shades work best with all skin tones. There are pink and peach based foundations, but who actually has those undertones?
- apply a small amount to your jawline and blend it in. It should "disappear" into the skin. Check it in natrual light (sun light) to make sure that there are no obvious lines.
- once you've found the right shade and formula for yourself, get happy and congratulate yourself because it probably took you awhile to find it, right? YAY for you!

...Application tips to come in part 2...