Using cosmetics is the simplest way to minimize or conceal age related skin imperfections instantly, Foundation softens the appearance of fine lines, brightens skin, and hides discoloration. Concealer erases dark circles under your eyes or broken capillaries on your cheeks. Blusher returns the bloom of youth to a tired looking complexion, while lipstick gives pale or sallow skin a welcome jolt of color. A touch of powder ensures that make-up lasts longer and colors stay truer.

What's more, make-up has gone high tech. Today's products are lighter and sheerer. Oneshade fits all make-ups are a thing of the past, and there's a wide selection of cosmetics formulated specifically for dry and aging skin.

If you wear little or no make-up, you may be afraid that starting now will make people think you've developed a sudden interest in a career with Barnum and Bailey. But rest assured, you'll look just terrific. According to Laura Geller, make-up artist and owner of Laura Geller make-up Studios in New York City, make-up is virtually goof proof once you learn the three golden rules: Less make-up is more. Don't be afraid of color, just use it subtly. And blend, blend, blend. Be sure to blend your make-up carefully, particularly in the beautiful zones .

Because of the strict rules governing the ingredients and pigments which go into cosmetics, it is fairly safe to assume that any one product will do your skin no harm, unless you happen to be allergic to it. You will understand that a manufacturer can produce 100,000 pots of cream, and be perfectly sure that the contents are exactly the same, but he cannot control the skin reactions of all his 100,000 customers. Some skins will react against a particular product, while other skins will be perfectly all right.