Last week we covered men’s basic skin care. This week we will delve a bit deeper…

Now that the canvas is clean and renewed, let's talk products. A warning before we dive in: when makeup is used properly, it will improve your masculine appearance, but when applied incorrectly, it can have the opposite effect. We’ve all seen that guy in bad make up right? Enough said. The key is to keep it light and blend well.

1. Foundation. This will even out skin tone, hide dark circles and cover blemishes. Choose a light texture. Liquid or tinted moisturizer look the best, but cream is the easiest for beginners. I won’t yell at you for putting it on with your fingers, but brushes are preferred. Synthetic bristles distribute the product evenly, allowing for a sheer and natural application. Guys, be sure you choose a perfect color match for your skin tone and keep it sheer to stay natural.
2. Concealer. Use in place of foundation if you need spot coverage (dark circles and a few random pimples), or in addition to foundation if you need a little more coverage. Since the pigment level is higher, this will cover fully what a sheer layer of foundation couldn’t. Again, you can use your finger to apply over blemishes and dark circles, but a smaller synthetic brush will offer the precision you need for smaller areas.
3. Setting powder. Like the name suggests, this powder sets the makeup in place for all-day wear. It allows the foundation and/or concealer to disappear more naturally into the skin while preventing transferability. With a fluffy brush (or a cotton ball) tap a mica-based powder onto the foundation. Talc-based powders have a better chance of looking cakey throughout the day. Don’t skip this guys. Liquids and creams will crease if you don’t set them, meaning that come midday, you will have lines where you didn’t before.
4. Bronzer. This deeper-toned powder mimics a tan and makes the face look healthier. With the same fluffy brush or cotton ball add a touch of color to the high points of the face (all the areas the sun would touch), forehead, cheeks, bridge of the nose and chin. Add a bit more on your upper cheekbones for further definition. Avoid bronzers with shimmer—as irresistible as they are, there is nothing masculine about glitter. Bronzer is a key ingredient to having the glow of youthful skin.
5. Brow & Eyelash Gel. This clear gel keeps unruly brows in place and helps to define the eyelashes.
6. Mascara. Choose a formula that gives more color and less length. Pull the wand over the lashes (upper only) to darken, thicken and slightly (be careful, it’s easy to get carried away) lengthen the lashes. This step accentuates and opens the eyes.
7. Lip Balm. Besides keeping the lips from becoming chapped, balms soothe, smooth and enhance your lip color. Apply it directly from the tube or, if it comes in a jar, use your finger.

Optional steps for the glam guy include: eyeliner and a touch of black shadow, contour powder (over stubble it adds rugged masculinity) and highlighters (give more prominence to bone structure).

Try all the steps once, it’s the only way to see what you like. Then, create your routine based on your desired outcome and the amount of effort you want to put in. It can be as simple as bronzer or as complicated as a 10-step process.

No matter who you are or what you look like, makeup has the potential to enhance your features and hide your flaws. And whether you decide to use one or all of the products listed above, it's really about finding the regimen that's right for you. (Not Jack Sparow. Not the drag queens. And definitely not the Louis XV crowd.)