When applying face masks, remember not to restrict the face mask to the face alone as the neck, shoulders and arms too should be remembered. These areas also take lots of beating and need some pampering and regular care.

Make sure you wear clothing that does not cover the neck area. Apply face masks using brush or strokes and avoid sensitive areas like the lips and under the eyes. If required, you can use a mask cream on the mouth and eyes to prevent the face mask from reaching them. Remember to never apply the face mask on cracks on the face. On applying the face mask, you have to leave it for 20 minutes for drying.

Remember not to speak or laugh when you have the face pack on. In fact, it proves to be beneficial to take this time to rest and relax while the pack dries and does its work on your face. After drying, it is possible to remove the mask by rubbing it from the face and mask and then gently moistening with clean water. If you use a peel off mask, remember to rinse the face with lots of water.

• If you have oily skin, blot away the excess oil by laying either a tissue or one of the face-blotting papers sold by some cosmetics companies over the face and blotting. Perm endpapers also work well. Do this before you do anything else.
• Remove all of your lipstick so you can start over after you have touched up your face makeup. Apply a light layer of lip balm if lips feel dry.
• Once the excess oil on your skin has been absorbed, take a fresh sponge and smooth out the foundation, blush, and contour (women with dry and normal skin should also follow this step). Use a gentle buffing motion, making sure to smooth things as you go.
• Apply a little extra concealer under the eyes if that area looks a bit dark.
• If you need a little more foundation over blemishes or discolorations, blend it on now, avoiding the blush and contour area.
• Dust a light layer of pressed powder over the face. A pressed powder with an SPF 15 that includes the UVA-protecting ingredients, titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide is an excellent option to assure all day sun protection.
• Apply more blush or contour if needed, but only if needed, and be careful—color grabs more over makeup that has been on the face awhile.
• If you want to touch up your eyeliner, particularly under the eyes where it might have smeared, use a powder shadow instead of a pencil. Use the corner or side of your makeup sponge to remove any evidence of smeared eyeliner.
• If your eye shadows have creased, blot the area gently with a tissue or blotting paper and then use a brush to smooth out the color. Apply a powder over the area to even out the shadows and add whatever color is needed to make your eye makeup look balanced.
• Finally, reapply your lip liner and lipstick

The dark complexion is primarily the result of melanin content in your body. Studies have proved that the presence of melanin rises as body heat increases. A daily application of the mixture of sandalwood and rose water-cools your skin as well as brings a fair glow to you.

You can make a fine paste of gridded almonds and rose water. A regular application of this paste on the face and neck will bring a natural fairness.

Vegetables have a wonderful power in enhancing fairness. Cut a tomato into two halves and rub it on your face. You can see the change within a few days. You can also soak potatoes in cold water for 10 minutes. Rub theses slices on your face, hands and neck. This regular act will bring a positive result within a short period.

You can do a fairness massage easily at the privacy of your home. Soak four almonds overnight. In the morning remove their skin and grind them fine. Make a paste by adding one teaspoon of gram flour, one teaspoon of milk and four drops of lime juice. A regular massage with this paste will assure a long lasting fairness to you.

Grapes work as magical potions for enhancing fairness. A regular application of grape seeds or the consumption of grape juice will give you the long desired complexion.

You can make a paste of cucumber with coconut water. Apply this paste regularly to relive your skin as well as to bring a glowing complexion.

Never forget the traditional beauty secret to enhance your complexion. Apply the turmeric powder and sandalwood paste daily to ensure better results.

Try these handy beauty tips and step out in confidence with your fair appearance.