I normally like to start with a taupey color and then add brown and a little bit of dark to it, like a black. Then I decide how deep I want to go with it and what liner I’m going to do—am I going to go with a really dark one or something thinner? For a little bit of drama you can add false eyelashes which really make the eyes pop. And, if you put too much shadow on, you can go back and use a makeup sponge to help blend it out.

To prevent dark eye shadow from falling on your face and ruining your foundation, get a loose, transparent powder and cake it under the eyes with a brush or sponge before applying the shadow. Then, brush off the transparent powder and it takes the fallen shadow along with it. The leftover powder also highlights your eyes because it’s light.

Valerie, 25: “How can I avoid the “five p.m. melt-down face” when all my makeup is rubbed off and my skin gets really oily? I want to look flawless all the time.”

Mezhgan: I like to use blotting paper throughout the day. It helps absorb the extra oil and keeps you from looking like you have a lot of makeup caked on. Then finish it off with blotting powder.

Blotting powder is lighter than regular powder and it’s used more to take the shine away than to cover. You should still use a regular powder in the morning and then use the blotting powder to keep everything fresh.

If your makeup keeps rubbing off, make sure to keep your blotting powder and a nice cream foundation with you. That way if you need to touch up under your eyes or hide those little blemishes that have a way of popping back out, you’ll be able to keep it in check.

Lindsey, 22: “I really want to get that classic French face, with the deep red lips. How can I get this look without having the red overwhelm my face?”