MANILA, Philippines ? Being Asian, Desiree Tordecilla is only too familiar with Filipinas? beauty concerns. A makeup artist for 19 years and current vice president for global sales, artistry and international marketing of cult cosmetics brand Stila, she says that every woman is a unique canvas.

?It?s not just about finding the right color, but also knowing the correct and exact placement of that color,? she said.

The dusky Filipino-American woman, whose family originally comes from La Union, shares some makeup tips.

? Red lipstick is so in right now that she suggests Filipinas who dare wear red pick one of blue or cool undertones. It, however, depends on one?s level of comfort. She herself was wearing a red-orange shade.

? Think balance. When you choose to play up your lips, choose neutrals for your eyes and cheeks, and vice versa. You know it?s balanced when you look at your face in the mirror and your eyes are drawn to only one part of your face.

? If you have a rounder face, contour your cheekbones by placing color on the sides of the cheeks. If you have chiseled features, try blush on the apple of your cheeks. You can also play up the cheek colors depending on the time of day: Contoured, sophisticated look at nighttime, or playful, rosy cheeks for daytime.

? For Asian eyes, the ?less is more? dictum is key. The majority want to make their eyes bigger, she noted. ?But the misconception is when they put more eye shadow, it will look bigger. That?s a mistake.?

? Older women should use matte shadow as base and shimmer on the lid. On the crease, use a neutral color two shades darker than your skin tone to give the illusion of a lift. It?s basic art lesson, she said: Darker colors will push back and lighter colors will push forward. If you don?t have a crease, play underneath the eye.

? For wrinkly and mature skin, use pan eye shadow wet instead of eyeliner to create, say, the cat?s eye. This doesn?t create harsh edges and makes for a softer, natural look. Besides, she added, it?s difficult to create a straight line with an eye pencil, as older skin has more ridges.

? Older women can use the season?s über-hot blue eye shadow, but only as an eyeliner, or onto the inner rim. Aside from neutrals, blue best complements brown eyes as it makes the white of the eyes whiter. It wakes up the eyes.

? As often advised by the pros, play up your best features. It?s better to be told your eyes are beautiful, she said, than ?that?s a beautiful blue eye shadow you?re wearing.? CVM