"I like maybe using the same colors [as major makeup ad campaigns] but maybe a little more shimmery for South Florida," said Elysa Ross, owner of Another Look Salon in Coral Springs. "It's more perky and happy. You can just go over the face with a gold or translucent powder. Use a big powder blush so that the powder is diffused and not concentrated."

Also, don't try to "out neutral" your clothes. Monotone makeup is too severe a look for fall. A creamy copper shadow is currently all the rage, which is just enough color for most. However, darker skin needs darker gold, bronze or brown to avoid the "ashy" tendencies of lighter neutral colors.

Pale skin should wear pink makeup for day (and maybe metallics for evening) as a sort of "blush bridge" between the cool colors of the clothes and fair skin.

Everyone can try sheer eye shadows and black mascara to bring out the eyes, but remember this is a fashion-forward thing best left to the adept hands of makeup mavens and cosmetic queens.

"You know what I like?" asked Ross. "I like just a little bronzer or a tinted moisturizer. Or maybe just a little lip gloss and some mascara. Well, that and great skin. Makeup is just an enhancer. The absolute best thing you can do is use a granule cleanser or exfoliate consistently two or three times a week."

Mature makeup memo

And here are some tips for those whose skin is not quite so youthful:

Skip the matte finish foundation and opt for a liquid or cream formulation instead. Matte finishes emphasize fine lines.

Use a self-tanner moisturizer for a golden glow. Leave the shimmer to the brats.

You may need to up the ante when it comes to lip color. We tend to lose melanin as we age.

Heavy eye makeup can age you. Try just a touch of mascara the exact same color as your eyes to add emphasis without scaring the grandkids. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a graceful and well-shaped brow.

Nail polish is dark and Goth this season. Deep rich colors such as chocolate, claret, brick, mink, wine and licorice will be a good way to show you're hip, without looking ridunkulous.

If possible (it can be pricey), get your hair professionally colored. You'll be amazed how much coiffure color is reflected on the face. Even silver foxes need their color clarified occasionally.

Use the side of an eye pencil instead of the tip. It's much, much easier to control.

Use a neutral-colored cream base on your eyes to neutralize redness and give some real holding power for your shadow.