It is true that makeup does wonders to your looks, and an average celebrity looks worse without her makeup. However, this cannot be generalized. There are quite a few celebrities like Penelope Cruz, Drew Barrymoore, Halle Barry and Alicia Silverstone, who examine beautiful even without make up.

Celebrities spend fortunes on their makeup not for nothing. They want to appear gorgeous as long as the light of fame is focused on them. They pay their stylists and makeup artists to look excellent, without perhaps realizing that most of them would recognize suited anyway.

We could also be perhaps mistaken in comparing a celebrity with and without makeup snaps as the pictures are most often deceptive. The quality of a snap shot depends on a number of factors like the qualities of light, camera, focus and lens man.

This is of course not to deny that good makeup and good photo do make a world of disagreement to the overall look of a celebrity, as perhaps to any one.

Alicia Silverstone looks beautiful even without makeup but a closer look reveals her oily skin with acne. Hilary Duff looks fresh and younger without makeup. Kirsten Dunst appears vivacious and satisfied even without makeup. A light makeup might perhaps add to her zest.

Some of the celebrities might appear quite different without their make up. Britney Spears is almost unrecognizable without her makeup. The quality of her skin is poor with acne. You may have to watch Cindy Crawford from very close distance to recognize her, when she is without makeup.

While celebrities can rarely dare to face the world and camera without makeup for the fear of drop in their popularity value and image, they might surely be aware of the associated health hazards that go with beauty products.

On June 7, 2004 Environmental Working Group released "the results of a study of 7,500 brand-name products on a free website (www.ewg.org) that for the first time lets consumers learn what chemicals are in their soap, shampoo, toothpaste and other products. The website provides product rankings of known and probable health hazards associated with ingredients in each of the 7,500 products assessed, including information on ingredients linked to cancer and reproductive harms."

We may even feel proud to learn that the 71- year old Queen monarch appeared on TV to deliver Christmas Message, shunning special makeup tricks, unlike stars who would never want their creases to be caught up by high definition TV cameras. According to a Buckingham Palace Spokeswoman, "The Queen did not make any spend of special make-up for HD television. She had the same stylists and make-up as she usually has, it was unprejudiced as normal. Those who watch the programme will see her as she is."

Encourage in the real world, most women look to quality cosmetics and beauty products for glamorous looks and healthy skin. A healthy skincare regimen is indispensable for blooming skin, regardless of products traditional. Yet many people, women in particular, make the mistake of thinking they need to shell out the big bucks to notice results. It's actually quite easy to learn from celebrities and be pleased a treatment without a severe impact on that (Gucci) wallet. Here are a few skincare product recommendations for those who live life impartial a tiny below the ranks of a Hollywood salary:

For a fresh glow that doesn't require that caked-on foundation look, follow the style of Cameron Diaz who uses a mineral powder sunscreen from Colorscience. Colorscience is a leading brand for mineral makeup and supreme coverage. Clear pores are only natural when you're not filling them with toxic material; try the i.d. bareMinerals brand for a low-cost alternative, or the line from Jane Iredale that uses micronized crystals.

Eva Longoria insists on the SunFX Glow All Over skin care line to discontinue far away from those harmful rays–all without compromising the Mediterranean-kissed glow. SunFX features an all over spray tan, body shimmer, body polish, and tinted moisturizer, and application sessions are available through spas at a tag of $85-$100 per treatment. For a similar look, pick up a St. Tropez starter collection for just $49.95; you'll get at least two treatments from this quality lineup.

Thread lifts, Botox, and Restalyne are always top picks for stars on the red carpet, a microdermabrasion treatment or Botox therapy come at a high price. Without upkeep and maintenance, even a single treatment can prove to be less than fruitful. If you need a deep pore treatment or exfoliation, try a basic 30-minute facial at the local spa that includes a mud-based conceal. For improving the texture and tone of your skin, look for a overnight firming creams such as Estee Lauder's Resilience Lift Extreme Overnight, or a Phyto Corrective Gel from Skinceuticals.com

In early February, the partnership between Giorgio Armani and L'Oreal led to the Crema Nera skin care line, an anti-aging skin care formula that's scheduled to launch in Topple 2007 at Armani stores. If you're having trouble justifying the $400 per product price imprint, consider anti-aging creams and brands with similar properties. Crema Nera is a rich white cream infused with silicium, potassium, and volcanic obsidian rock. You can find quality anti-aging treatments from brands such as Clinique's Repairwar and Derma White, or an organic near with Eminence Organics.

From exfoliating facials to spray-on tanning products, looking like a celebrity doesn't require spending like one! When you're on the hunt for some fresh alternatives to your beauty lineup, take some time to research key ingredients and track down those budget-friendly alternatives.

But then the trend toward lipstick began to occur in fashion again and I began to become interested in wearing lipstick. I thought lipstick looked more glamorous than lip gloss and the textures and colors that lipsticks come in can be more sophisticated and interesting.

Around that time L'Oreal began advertising their Star Secrets line of make up. The ads featured stars like Eva Longoria, Milla Jovovich, and Aishwarya Rai, who represent the L'Oreal designate. The ads featured makeup products and colors that were inspired by and made specifically for them.

The actress that caught my attention was Kerry Washington, noted for her roles in movies like Ray and the Last King of Scotland. I really liked the rose lipstick that she wore in the ad and since we have similar skin tones, I thought the lipstick would seek good on me too.

Within that week I bought a tube of the L'Oreal Star Secrets Colour Riche Lipstick in Kerry's Rosewood. It comes in fab murky rectangular tube with gold accents and Kerry's golden signature is written on the side of the tube. It's a very glamorous tube of lipstick.

Inside Kerry's Rosewood is a rose shade with lots of fine shimmer in it. When the Colour Riche Lipstick goes on the shade looks lighter, it's more of a pink with warm tones. I found the Kerry's Rosewood shade to be an easy way for me to transition from lip gloss into the world of lipsticks.

It's very natural looking and easy to wear because the rosy tone is similar to my natural lip color. But all of the shimmer still reflects the light like a gloss and keeps this L'Oreal lipstick youthful and fun to wear.

I really like the Kerry's Rosewood shade of the L'Oreal Star Secrets Colour Riche Lipstick, but I also like the lipstick itself. The lipstick feels really creamy and rich on and it glides on evenly. The shimmer in this does do your lips feel gritty when you rub them together, however the only thing that bothers me about this lipstick is the chemical smell of it. Besides that I love this lipstick.

Overall, I love the L'Oreal Star Secrets Colour Riche Lipstick in Kerry's Rosewood. For some reason this shade brightens up my whole face and makes me look amazing. I've gotten lots of compliments from friends and even a stranger when I've worn this. I think the Kerry's Rosewood would flatter a lot of different skin tones, but I contemplate people with very dark skin should skip it because the shimmer in this lipstick would look ashy. I give it 5 out 5 stars.

Myth Number 5: There is no makeup for my skin tone/type/needs

This is false. The makeup industry has responded to the cries of women everywhere. There are lots of different lines for women with sensitive skin. Mineral makeup is a wonderful alternative to traditional powders and foundations. You can also find products for sensitive skin in such lines as Estee Lauder, Origins, Clinique, and Almay.

Let's talk skin tone. Back in the not so distant past, darker skinned women had virtually no options when it came to finding splendid makeup. The only option for us was Fashion Fair. Side note: Thank you Fashion Fair. You saw a need and met that need, and we are thankful. By the procedure, I really don't mean to sound ungrateful, but…there are other colors besides orange. I'm unprejudiced saying. (Good rule of thumb: If you see an orange white woman, she's wearing too much spray tan. If you see an orange black woman, she's wearing Fashion Fair.)

Anyway, nowadays, women of all shades can get their makeup custom blended at places like Prescriptives. I got a custom foundation made for my wedding day, and I fell in savor. MAC is also a great line for women of all tones. There is no reason for any woman to feel left out these days, so go on down to the mall and start shopping.

Myth Number 4: If you wear makeup too often, you start to seek ugly/old without it

False! I'm sure there are women who put on stout faces every day and end up look nothing like themselves, but I don't think that applies to most makeup wearers. The purpose of makeup is to enhance your natural features. Done right, it should make your natural self better. It should NOT make your natural self examine like someone else.

When a makeup wearer leaves the house without her regular makeup, you may see subtle differences. You may see a few blemishes or dark circles here and there, but these things don't make her ugly. They make her average, and there's nothing wrong with average.

Makeup also has no ability to make you age prematurely. It actually helps prevent aging, as many foundations and powders contain SPF protection and moisturizers.

Leaving makeup on overnight can have negative affects on the skin, but that's due to user error, not the makeup itself.

Myth Number 3: Lip gloss, lipstick, mascara, and eyeliner are not makeup.

Clearly false. How many times have you talked to a friend or coworker about makeup and heard some variation of this: "It's cute on you, but I personally don't need makeup. I think I look respectable without it. Did I mention I don't need makeup? I mean, the most I wear is a little lip gloss, mascara, and eyeliner."

Interesting. Even though these items are all sold at the makeup counter, are applied to the face, and are not notable for survival, they don't qualify as makeup. Advantageous to know.

It may be hard, but please break it to your friend very gently. She is wearing makeup, and it's fine. It's perfectly normal and appropriate for a woman her age (if she's over 16). I don't understand why some women try so hard to separate themselves from the rest of us makeup wearers. Going bare-faced does not invent you better. Again, it makes you average, and there's nothing atrocious with average (unless you want to get ahead in business, as studies show that women who wear makeup do better in the workplace).

Myth Number 2: You have to be an expert to apply makeup correctly

False! I mean, it's legal that your average makeup wearer is not going to catch that MAC employee look all by herself, but anyone can apply subtle makeup by following their own natural features.

Smile! OK, gain it there. Now apply some blush along your cheekbones. Blend it with your fingers to get a subtle rosy glow. Got eyelashes? OK, brush some mascara on them. Now they look longer and thicker. Lip gloss/stick is a no brainer. It's that simple. You don't even need foundation for every day. Powder can seize the shine away and even the skin tone, but that's not necessary either.

If you are going out for the evening, you will want a more dramatic discover. Check out Makeup Alley for some tips, or just head to your local mall and let them fix you up. Pay attention to what they do and do it yourself next time. Easy!

Myth Number 1: Men retract women who don't wear makeup

False, false, so patently false that it had to be number one!

Men aren't that deep. I'm a firm believer in this concept. This is not a slam against men, by the way. It's just one of life's truths.

Ask any man who his top 5 hot celebrity women are. I can guarantee you that all of them will be women who wear makeup most of the time. Halle Berry, Rhianna, Giselle Bundchen, Eva Longoria, Jessica Simpson…they all wear makeup. Positive, your average man prefers not to have foundation all over his shirt after he hugs you, but your average man is not going to go ballistic over some lipstick and mascara. What's more likely is that many men prefer the natural look, which can be achieved with makeup.

Setting all that aside, why do we care? I certainly don't. I like makeup. It makes me feel pretty and polished. Sure, I feel that I'm beautiful without makeup, and inner beauty is just as important, etc., but I assume I look best when I accentuate my features. For the picture, my husband likes me either way, but he likes that I pick the time to eye my best.

So there you have it. Ladies, don't let fear, lies, shame, or a lack of knowledge retain you from wearing makeup if that is what you desire. Accentuate the natural you!

Sharon Stone's skincare routine

To clean her face, Stone uses Shiseido cleansing water or M.A.C. Wipes. Then she uses a thick moisturizer. She likes to keep it simple. Stone has been quoted as saying that when she was young her mother advised her to apply a good moisturizer every morning and every nigh. She is grateful that she took her mother's advice. Apparently, Stone has been slathering herself in moisturizers for decades, and it shows. Her celebrated skincare products are the Dior Grasp Totale products.

Additionally, Stone advocates weekly exfoliation – for your face and for your body. But she avoids professional facials because she says she does not like people poking and pushing on her face.

Sharon Stone's everyday makeup tips

Her everyday makeup routine is the classic 'less is more' approach. A light cream based under-eye concealer, a Stila cream blush applied with a flat brush, a speedy coat of mascara and a wet-looking lip gloss (DiorKiss or Clinique Superbalm) are the mainstays of her daytime look. Stone sticks with the golden and bronze hues, leaning towards an outdoorsy, sun kissed look.

Sharon Stone's evening makeup tips

For evenings, Stone likes to pile on the makeup. For the Hollywood red carpet events, she even wears false eyelashes and heavy metallic color on her eyelids. Glamorous shiny gawk shadow in copper, gold, or silver combined with false lashes really play up her eyes.

Sharon Stone's hair tips

Stone usually wears her hair short and tousled. In fact, she's been known to prick her own hair often. To get that chunky look, she dries her hair and then uses a styling wax. Her hair product of preference suitable now is a Tancho stick but cautions that a little goes a long arrangement. After applying the styling wax, Stone sprays on a dry shampoo or hair powder which sticks to the wax so her hair has good texture and malleability.

Sharon Stone's diet and exercise tips

Stone has been quoted as saying that she doesn't want to be fat so she doesn't overeat; a simple but potent strategy. She relatively relaxed about her diet, basically eating what she wants in moderation. Generally avoiding caffeine and hard liquor, she enjoys a glass of wine with dinner. Stone stays away from most dairy and tries to eat a fairly high-protein diet. Dark chocolate is her primary indulgence. A reported tea fanatic, she drinks an herbal cleansing tea – Sunrider Calli tea.

Sharon Stone works out only enough to stay slim, and does not have a regular fitness routine. She employs the well known ways to sneak more movement into your day – taking the stairs, parking farther from the entrance, etc. When shaping up for a movie is required, her exercise of choice is Pilates.

Additional beauty secrets from Sharon Stone

- Keep your eyebrows well groomed.
- Always wear sunscreen on your face, chest and hands.
- Start the day hydrated; drink water while doing your hair and makeup.
- Keep your teeth white and smile more; a honorable smile is always aesthetic.
- Do not wash your hair every day.
- Change shampoo and conditioner brands often.
- Do not smoke.

Stone believes that real beauty comes with complete self acceptance. She makes time for regular massages, long bathtub soaks and meditation. She loves Dead Sea Salts and is grand into aromatherapy. One of my favorite Sharon Stone quotes sums up her near to beauty perfectly. She is reported as saying that she is quite laid back about beauty because she thinks that nothing makes you look better than being gracious and warm. Don't we all agree with that?

Sources:
Harpers Bazaar
Bang Fashion and Beauty