Debra Macki is no stranger to cosmetics -- with decades of expertise behind her, her own makeup line, and clients like supermodel Roshumba and the Miss Teen USA pageant, Debra's graciously brings her knowledge to mygtmagazine.com readers. Debra has added to the beauty of celebrities like Miss USA 2003 winner and Total Request Live host Susie Castillo, Def Jam recording artist Rihanna, and Bad Boy Record's hit group Da Band. She has also been featured in everything from O Magazine to Seventeen.

     Got an eye inquiry? Lipstick query? Whatever the case, Debra's got the answer. Send your questions to general@girlything.com, and we'll periodically feature the responses to your primping puzzles.

I have blue eyes. What eyeshadow colors look best with them?

DEBRA: Orange based colors look best on blue eyes. Orange is blue's complimentary color. Opt for orangey browns in your shadows and your blue eyes will get noticed.

I have fair skin and I would love to wear red lipstick. I know I need to choose shades of red with a bluish tint. I always buy the wrong shades for my complexion. How can I know that a lipstick has a bluish tint before I leave the store?

DEBRA: You may have a problem determining a blue-based red, because most stores have flourescent lighting. It gives off a blue cast to all colors. Ask the sales person if you can hold the lipstick near a window with natural lighting. The blue base should be obvious.

I have a lighter-brown skin tone, and when I apply eye makeup, it comes out unnatural. It tends to make my eyelids darker; is there anythng that I can do to get rid of the darker circles around my eyes?

DEBRA: Use a concealer as an eye base to neutralize your natural darkness. Then choose lighter neutral colors for your eye shadow and stay away from dark.

I need help with how to make the sexy cat eyes look, (smoky eyeshadow effect), for a night on the town. Can you give me some pointers?

DEBRA: Line your eyes with pencil and then smudge with the same color eye shadow for a smoldering sexy look.

I tend to breakout a lot when I use makeup. What should Iook for in products so that I can still wear makeup?

DEBRA: Try oil-free foundation if you are sensitive to a lot of makeup.

How can you keep your eyeshadow from caking? After a couple of hours, all the color is in the crease of my eyelid.

DEBRA: To avoid eyeshadow from caking, first make sure you wash your eye area each morning before applying makeup. If you have oily eyelids, washing them correctly will help because the oil makes cosmetics cake.  Also opt for powder eyeshadow instead of cream based for better staying power. In addition, try using an eye shadow base (or your concealer as a base). Set it in pressed powder and then begin your eye makeup. You should see a big improvement!

I have green eyes...what color eyeshadows would look good on me or what colors would make my eyes more noticeable?

DEBRA: Green eyes look great in red based shadows. Plums or rust-colored shadows would accentuate the color of your eyes the most. This is because green and red are complementary colors on the color wheel. Any color opposite another on the color wheel will accent it the best. Avoid shadows that are true reds, because your eyes will look infected!

When I put foundation on, my dry skin always shows through, even when I use a lotion. How can I prevent and / or correct this?

DEBRA: You need to take proper care of your skin before applying foundation. Foundation accentuates dry skin. Try a good skincare line and definitely exfoliate. Exfoliating will lift the dry dead skin cells that you don't want to see.

How can I apply blush in a natural, daytime way? Every time I try, I look like a little girl playing with her mommy's makeup! Please help!

DEBRA: Make sure you pick out a color that is best for you. If you look like you are dabbling in your mother's makeup, chances are the colors are too dark for you. Try a lighter blush that you wouldn't normally go for. This will make a big difference.

My chin is really red and blotchy, and it's really frustrating! How do I cover it up and not look like I'm wearing a gallon of makeup?

DEBRA: Make sure your chin is not dry. Dry patches of skin will make the cosmetics look cakey. Apply a foundation that is the exact color of your skin. Test a light weight foundation for minimal coverage and see if that covers your redness. If not, gradually test heavier foundations until you find the one that works. The lighter ones will look more natural.

My lips are extremely dull. How can I make them extra glossy, without using a lip color?

DEBRA: If you don't like lipstick, try something more natural like a gloss. A lip gloss will add the shine you are looking for.

I have a ton of freckles. How can I cover them up or make it look like I have less? Please help!

DEBRA: A great foundation will help you cover up unwanted freckles. Make sure to match the foundation to the exact color of your skin or else it will look like a mask. Make sure you set the foundation with a powder. This will hold the foundation in place and make it last longer.

What kind of makeup would you use to just look natural, but still looks cute?

DEBRA: I would use fun colors. Skip the black eyeliner and red lipstick. For a fun natural look, apply a dusting of light peach or pink eyeshadow to your eyelids for a little color, and some mascara and lipgloss to finish the effect.

I have a big nose, and it makes me feel very self-concious. What can I do, besides plastic surgery? Woe is me, I can't afford expensive nose jobs!

DEBRA: To minimize a large nose, apply a powder that is one or two shades darker than your skin along each side of your nose. It will give the illusion of a slimmer nose. Blend well and make sure you check your makeup in good lighting. You don't want it to look too dark because it'll look like dirt.

When do you know if you exfoliated too much? I think I might have!

DEBRA: You will know you exfoliated too much if your skin is tender or irritated afterwards. Be gentle!

I'm looking for ways to even out my skin tone. I have blotchiness sparatically throughout my face. Help!

DEBRA: A great foundation that matches your skin will even out your skin tone. Make sure it's a good match. Don't go too light or too dark. It should be the exact color of your skin!

What color eyeshadow can I wear day and night, and how should I apply it so that I don't look like a clown?

DEBRA: Neutral shades are best for day unless you are daring. Bright shadows are great for night. Try blue or green. Apply with a light hand and experiment. Make sure your shadow is blended well and you won't look like a clown!

I have really big, dark brown eyes, and I want to make them look smaller. Any suggestions?

DEBRA: To make eyes look smaller, put a dark color on your lid, (like L'Oreal Soft Effects Eyeshadow Quad in "Crown Jewels"). Then, line the inner rims of your eyes with a dark pencil. Cover Girl's Perfect Point Plus Eye Pencil in "Black Onyx" is a great one!

I personally find my gray / blue eyes to be my best feature. How do I highlight them and make them more noticeable without breaking my budget or looking trashy?

DEBRA: Avoid blue and gray for eye makeup. Depending on your skin tone, a black or brown pencil will make them stand out more. Purchasing one eyeliner, (like Cover Girl Perfect Blend Eye Pencil in "Black/Brown"), won't break the bank and can change your whole look - it's only $3.29!

What age, do you recommend, for starting to tweeze your eyebrows?

DEBRA: You should tweeze your brows when you feel comfortable. There is no "best age." Talk to your mom. I suggest first going to a professional so they can shape them correctly. Once you're ready to do them yourself, invest in a good tweezer like Revlon Professional Micro-Fine Slant Tip Tweezer.

I've got some acne scars from past breakouts that I can't figure out how to cover-up. Can you help me?

DEBRA: To minimize acne scars you must use a heavy foundation, (a good one is MAC Cosmetics Full Coverage Foundations). Try a cream foundation as opposed to a light waterbase. It will give you more coverage.

I'm in my school colorguard, and we have to wear makeup when we perform. How can I make my makeup last longer?

DEBRA: If you apply foundation and powder before to set your "canvas," the rest of your makeup will hold longer. Don't forget to put foundation and powder on your eyelids as a base for your eye makeup!

I  have small brown eyes and I was wondering how to open them up, or make them appear larger.

DEBRA: Avoid brown eyeshadows, because they will make your eyes less noticeable. Brown eyes are most flattering in purples, blues, greens, and gray. Choose the right shade for you depending upon your skin tone and personality!

My lips look like two thin lines...how can I get them to plump up?

DEBRA: Use a lipliner and make your lips look larger by going slightly outside your natural lip line. Be careful not to go too far or you will look like a clown. Choose lighter lipsticks, because they make your lips look larger. Anything that has glitter, gloss, or iridescent color will accentuate them even more!

I've been debating on whether or not to get my eyebrows done professionally. Is this a good idea, or would I save money by doing them on my own?

DEBRA: Have your brows done professionally, but make sure you know who you are going to. Get a referral from a friend. If you do them yourself, you risk messing them up! A professional will shape and arch them just right for your face.