"Don't touch your skin! Keep your hands away from your face!" We've all heard that ... and it's good advice. You don't want to transfer oil, dirt and germs from your hands onto your face. So even though this may be a cute photo pose, it's not a good idea in daily life. There are times, though, when you need to touch your face. For those times, keep these tips in mind: Applying and Removing Skin Care Products Use your fingertips (rather than the palm or ball of your hand) for gentleness. Work in an upward and outward motion. This follows the natural direction of your skin's fibers and helps combat the pull of gravity. Don't forget to include your throat! NOTE: I just read a column where an "expert" said to work down & out. NO NO NO! Maybe she means so the fine hairs will lie down. Instead, after applying make-up use a soft facial brush in long gentle strokes to make the hairs lie down. Around the Eyes Use your ring finger.* This is actually the weakest finger on your hand and will provide the most gentle touch. Use a stippling (patting) motion rather than strokes. *I know we wear rings on all our fingers these days, but I'm talking about the traditional ring ringer. The one right next to your "pinkie". Blending Foundation Applying foundation with your fingertips will give you heavier coverage than applying foundation with a facial sponge. If you prefer to blend your foundation with your fingertips but would like a sheerer coverage, simply dampen your fingertips slightly before blending. Remember to blend using an upward and outward motion, and pay special attention to the chin and hairline, as well as the creases around your nose. If you have a Hands-On Aproach question you'd like to ask, just e-mail me here. Be sure to put "Hands-On Aproach" in the subject line. BACK TO [It's a Colorful Life] VISIT LIPSTICK'S WEB GROUP!