Deepen your makeup without going goth--use a deep plum eye shadow during the day or night. This look can be sultry and deep, but not too overpowering or scary.

Try Thevi's Matte Shadow in Aged Wine.
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Use cuticle crèmes and oils to keep your hands looking nice and well-conditioned. This will prevent your nails from splitting and hangnails. Try massaging olive oil on your cuticles every night or in the evening when you are lounging around at home. Removing your cuticles with a cuticle cutter or file can actually be damaging because it breaks the skin and leaves scar tissue that can grow back in unsightly ways. You may also cut yourself, leaving scabs and scars. If you must, be very gentle and careful to avoid doing so. Otherwise try just pushing them back. If you paint your nails regularly, be sure to always protect the with a base coat clear polish to avoid having the pigment of the polish change the color of your nails. A base coat or strengthening or hardening clear polish can be used at all times, whether or not you paint your nails, to protect them and keep them strong and healthy. It also adds a beautiful sheen. Also be sure to file your nails regularly to keep the tips smooth and even to prevent cracks or breakage.

(image - blissfullydomestic.com)

There are many ways you can improve your look by layering your makeup that are simple and easy. Try putting on a layer of mascara then quickly dusting your lashes with a dark eye shadow or other powder to add thickness, then applying another layer of mascara while they are still wet. If you can master this you will have unbelievable thick, voluminous, sexy lashes without the hassle of fakes and glue.

When you apply your base makeup, try working with a cream or liquid based foundation all over your face first. Second, use a matte or cream based concealer over the areas that still need work, either with a foundation brush or a sponge. Then add your blush or bronzer in circular motions around the apple of the cheek and chin and forehead if you like.

With lips, start with a lip liner just a few shades darker than your natural lips (or closer to the natural shade if you prefer). Then apply a matte or lightly luminescent lip color or lipstick to fill in the color. For that beautiful shine and to add volume to your lips, add a layer of gloss--clear or a light color, over that.

Any number of combinations can be toyed with--play around and see what works best for your skin and your desired look!