There’s no better time to get flirty than on Valentine’s Day -- especially when it comes to your hair and makeup. Soft waves, dewy skin and rosy cheeks create a dreamy, romantic look that’s perfect for the evening, whether you’re planning a big night out or intimate dinner at home. Try the following tips for makeup application to score a look you’re both sure to love.

1. Make some waves.
You can’t go wrong with loose, bohemian waves. Start by working volumizing mousse onto damp hair and blow-drying completely. (If you’re short on time, sprinkle dry shampoo, such as Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo, on your roots.) Wrap small sections of your hair around a curling iron, only using the middle part of your strands; keep the iron away from your roots and ends. Repeat until you’ve curled all of your hair, then gently brush out and set with hair spray.

Want to wear your hair up? Show off your neck and shoulders with with a romantically undone ‘do. First, curl dry, unwashed hair with a large-barrel curling iron. Then pull your hair into a loose ponytail at the nape of your neck or to one side, and secure with an elastic band. Twist hair around the band until it forms and bun and secure with bobby pins.  Run your fingers through your hair for some wispy face-framing pieces and finish off with hairspray. For an extra touch, add a pretty headband.

2. Go light.
To achieve a gorgeous glow, skip heavy cream-based foundations. Instead, lighten up your look with an illuminating sheer liquid foundation, such as Stila’s Illuminating Liquid Foundation. Then dab on the concealer only where needed, and set with a translucent powder. To remove excess product, blot with a facial tissue.

3. Try a twist on the smoky eye.
Trade in your usual black or charcoal eyeliner for a pop of color, like emerald green, deep plum or navy blue. To apply, smudge the eyeliner along the top and bottom of your lashes; you want an uneven, soft look. Wrap your forefinger in a facial tissue, and swipe away any excess beneath or in the inner corner of your eye.

For an extra pop, dab a little white eye shadow in the inner corner of your eye or add a subtle gold liner just above the top lash line (apply on top of the colored liner). Keep the rest of your makeup neutral -- and all eyes will be on you!

4. Look pretty in pink.
In the beauty world, going match-matchy is usually a don’t. But the romantic look is an exception to this rule: Soft pink lips and cheeks create a super-dreamy appearance.

To avoid going overboard, apply the blush only to the apples of your cheek. Then add a touch of bronzer along the edges of your face: On each side of your forehead, a sideways “W” motion from the edge of your forehead to the cheekbone, and then from your cheekbone to the side of your jawline.

5. Get soft, dewy skin.
A simple trick for come-hither skin: Apply moisturizer before and after you put on your makeup. (You heard me right -- after!) Like to a topcoat of nail polish, lotion sets your look and adds a little glow. Pat, don’t rub, a little drop of moisturizer on your cheekbones, T-zone and chin -- and you’ll look gorgeous all evening.

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Most women spend a lot of time and money picking out the perfect lotions, potions and makeup for their skin. But without the proper application, even the highest-quality products won’t do much for your appearance. That’s why it’s important to have the right tools. The correct sponge, for instance, can turn streaky foundation into an even, natural glow, while facial tissues can help lipstick stay put.

As a makeup artist, I handle hundreds of beauty items on a regular basis. Here are the six I swear by, plus simple tips for makeup application.

1. Spoolie brush. The quickest way to look put-together is by grooming your brows. A spoolie brush, which resembles an overgrown mascara wand, can put those hairs in their place. Sweep it upwards and outwards; then trim any errant brows with a pair of small scissors. Finish the look by filling in any gaps or sparse areas with an angled brush dipped in brow shadow.

2. Latex-free sponges. There are many ways of applying foundation: I like using a synthetic brush on my client’s faces. But, no matter what method you prefer, it’s smart to follow up with a sponge. Holding the skinny side of the wedge, tap the flat, square side in circles over the entire face. This dabbing motion blends the product while pushing it into the skin. It also absorbs any extra foundation, which prevents a streaky or caked-on look. It’s my secret for an even complexion.

3. Facial tissues: This simple product is a makeup multitasker. I use it as a blotting paper to soak up excess product and oil, and also to set lipstick. Dipped in a makeup remover, a facial tissue also works to erase errant makeup for quick touch-ups.

I also like to wash my brushes and lay them flat to dry overnight on several facial tissues. Dirty brushes spread bacteria, and product buildup can break the bristles. If you’re too busy to shampoo your brushes, spritz a tissue with a brush-specific cleaner and wipe each one thoroughly.

4. Eyelash curler: Curled lashes make eyes pop in seconds. But most women use curlers incorrectly: You’re supposed to slide the clamp gently up and out, not just bite down on your lashes with it. That’s why I recommend a heated eyelash curler for beginners. This device is like a small curling iron for your lashes, although it doesn’t get nearly as hot. Many also feature a comb to help separate and brush through the lashes. 

To use it, apply a coat of mascara. Then rock the wand at the root of your lashes. Slowly rotate your wrist upwards, sweeping the wand out toward the ends of your lashes. If needed, finish with another coat of mascara.

5. Fan brush. I love shadows with some shimmer, but they often fall from the eyelids onto your cheek. To sweep away any errant shine, I use a small fan-shape brush.

My method: First, I swipe a stripe of loose facial powder beneath each to catch any fallen product. After applying the eye makeup, I use the fan brush to sweep away the powder.

When it comes to holiday makeup, sometimes less is more. You don’t need to pull out every trick in the book to look fabulous. Instead, consider simplifying your routine by playing up one favorite feature: Make your eyes, cheeks or lips the center of attention. Not only will you ramp up the glamour, but you’ll also cut down on your prep time – so you can get out there and enjoy the season.

So before your next fete, consider my tips for makeup application:

Tip for Makeup Application No. 1: Bold lips
Nothing says glamour like a beautiful dark lip. Whether you prefer a true red or rich merlot, start with a lip liner for precise, smudge-proof lips. Choose a matching shade and line your lips; then fill in with the lipstick. Blot with a tissue, and then swipe on another layer.

For a pretty smile, I recommend applying a teeth-whitening strip beforehand. It brightens your teeth a shade or two, creating a greater contrast with your lip color. And to avoid going overboard, keep the rest of your face minimal and clean: Think subtle eye color and neutral cheeks.

Tip for Makeup Application No. 2: Lush lashes

Fringing your eyes with long, thick lashes makes your entire face pop. I recommend picking up a strip of false lashes at the drugstore. If you’re nervous about application, consider a few single lashes. You can place these at the outer corners of your eyes for a full fringe.

For an even more dramatic look, line the inner rims of your eyelids with a black waterproof eyeliner. More fair-skinned people can use a brown shade. Then dab a light frosted eye shadow in your tear duct and right beneath the brow bone. This will illuminate your eyes, making them appear even bigger. Finish off the look with a few swipes of black mascara.

Tip for Makeup Application No. 3: Pink cheeks
Pink cheeks create a pretty party glow. The biggest mistake that I see is women tend to choose a shade that’s too dull or dusty for their complexion. Consider a bright pink: Even though it may look intimidatingly loud in the package, it swipes on sheer. So you get a beautiful flush instead of a neon stripe. I recommend heading to your local cosmetics store and experimenting with different shades.

To apply, brush onto the apples of your cheeks (the area of your cheeks that rise when you smile). If you want a shimmery look, finish by swiping some iridescent powder right on along your cheekbone in the shape of your face.

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Photo: Corbis Images

Even if you love a winter wonderland, your skin may not. The chilly, dry air and shorter days can bring on a dry, dull complexion. In my job as a celebrity makeup artist, I have a few tricks up my sleeve to help you appear glowing all year long.

The secret is having the right products to create the perfect look. Here are the five that I swear by:

1. A healing ointment. A tube of Aquaphor does triple-duty against chapped skin. I always have a tube on hand to soothe dry lips, hydrate rough patches of skin and soften cuticles. It especially works wonders if you apply it before bedtime. I always have a tube on hand.

2. Tinted moisturizer. Many women make the mistake of reaching for a heavier cover-up during the winter, believing that their pale complexions need extra coverage. But this can lead to a caked-on look. Instead, I recommend a light tinted moisturizer: It hydrates and brightens at the same. The result: Dewy skin that stands out in the crowd. Simply use a shade or two lighter than your summer color, and apply with a sponge brush. Then pat off any excess product with a tissue.

3. Exfoliating scrub. To achieve fresh-looking skin, you need to slough off the top layer of dead cells. That’s why I recommend using a gentle exfoliating scrub once or twice a week; a drugstore brand, such as Aveeno or Neutrogena, does the job. Just don’t go overboard. Exfoliate too much, and you’ll strip the skin of its protective oils.

4. Bronzing lotion. Who needs the sun for a sun-kissed tan? I love applying a sheer, shimmering bronzing lotion before a holiday party or event. I like Scott Barnes Body Bling Moisturizing Shimmering Body Lotion, which gives you a glowing tan without any streakiness. Simply rub on your neck, chest, arms and legs before heading out, and wash off when you get home. Just remember to wipe your palms with a tissue after application.

5. Cream eye shadow. A no-fail way to achieve a holiday evening look: Apply a cream-based shadow. This product contains extra pigment, which creates a dramatic effect with little effort. Finish with an extra swipe of powder eye shadow, and blend in. When it comes to creating a fun look, don’t be afraid -- play around with it! Remember: If worse comes to worse, you can always wipe it off with some makeup remover and a tissue and start fresh.

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Photo: Corbis Images

Most women apply their makeup in the morning, and then freshen up their lipstick periodically. But taking two minutes to do a quick makeup touch-up a few times throughout the day can make all of the difference: You’ll appear just as polished at 5 p.m. as you did first thing in the morning. Follow my five simple steps to look gorgeous around the clock!

Makeup Touchup Step No. 1: Pack smart.
To look your best all day long, toss a touch-up kit in your purse. I recommend tools that have a variety of uses, such as:

• Dual-tipped eyeliner or eye shadow pencil and mascara

• Pack of tissues

• Lip/cheek stain and lip balm

• Makeup wedge and two-sided brush

• Travel bottles of hairspray and dry shampoo

Makeup Touchup Step No. 2: Blot, dab, blend.
At the end of the day, your face gets shiny and your eyelids turn greasy. Your foundation also settles into lines and creases. To smooth everything out, use a tissue as a makeshift blotting paper: Tap (don’t drag) the tissue on your face.

Once you’ve removed the excess oil, fold it until it becomes a wedge. Use one point to clean any shadow or mascara that has fallen beneath your eyes. Dab another corner to blend any concealer that has settled into lines, and use the third point to smooth any eye shadow in the crease of your lid. Then dust a thin layer of powder across your eyelids and beneath the lower lash line.

Makeup Touchup Step No. 3: Groom your brows.
If you often touch your face or have long bangs, your brows may resemble the Mad Hatter’s by midday. To remedy the problem, brush your brows upwards and outwards. Then spritz a little non-flaking hairspray onto the brush and lightly comb the hairs in place.

Makeup Touchup Step No. 4: Lash out.
To freshen your lashes without crossing into Tammy Faye territory, try this tip: Rip off an inch-wide strip of a tissue and roll it into a tight tube. Rub the end of your mascara wand onto the tip of the tube, then whisk it on the roots of your lashes. This paints on a small amount of mascara. As it dries, push your lashes upwards with the tube to help them curl.

Makeup Touchup Step No. 5: Pump up the volume.
Do you locks get oily and limp throughout the day? Try dry shampoo, which soaks up grease and gives your mane more body.

Hold the dry shampoo several inches from your head and dust the roots of your hair with a fine layer. Wait a few minutes, and then rake your fingers through your hair to work the shampoo out. (If there’s any white residue, wrap your index finger with a tissue and flick the powder out.) Finish with one pump of hairspray. The water in the spray cuts the powdery look and sets the shampoo, so you’ll have voluminous locks for the rest of the day.

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Photo: Corbis Images