MANILA, Philippines?Admit it: At least once in your life, you?ve laughed at a relative?s graduation photo. Big hair, purple eye shadow, orange blush, red lips?they?re the stuff nightmares are made of. So avoid committing the same mistake. Stick to a fresh, classic look on your own graduation.

Instead of choosing the trendy, colorful looks that are prevalent this season, opt for a demure, classic look. While this may initially seem boring, keep in mind that photos from your graduation day will be repeatedly referenced to show to random friends and relatives, as well as your future boyfriends, children and grandchildren.

Unless you want to be remembered for several generations as the person who wore lime-green eye shadow, purple lipstick and bright pink blush (with spiky hair), stick to the basics.
In this case, it means a fresh, glowing base, minimal eye shadow, natural-toned blush, well-groomed brows and nude lipstick.

According to Claire Diokno of Shu Uemura: ?During your graduation, you should look pretty, but dignified. Don?t try any of those trendy looks, because if you do, years from now, you?ll cringe every time you see your photos.?

She added: ?Avoid frosted and bright, flashy colors. Keep things simple and smart, and concentrate on something classic.?

Ricky Diokno added: ?The prevailing trend now that is also acceptable for graduation is looking like you did your hair yourself. Your hair shouldn?t be too uptight, but not too messy.?

E-mail the author at biancaconsunji @yahoo.com

BASE:

Foundation is an important part of your makeup. Take into consideration the number of times you?d be able to touch up during the day. If you know you have to powder your face quite often, then it?s safe to use a liquid or cream formula topped with a light dusting of loose powder. Otherwise, use powder foundation (if you find it too dry, top your regular foundation with mineral foundation, which can make it last longer). Powder formulas will also work better if you?re in an outdoor venue, as it can keep shine at bay much longer. Keep oil-blotting sheets or a compact in your purse, but don?t bring them out during the ceremony itself!

We like: TheBalm concealer, Bloom Mineral Foundation and L?Oreal True Match Powder Foundation

EYES:

Avoid going smoky for graduation. Smoky eyes, which are heavy on dark shadow and liner, not only look too formal (especially if your graduation is in the morning or afternoon), they also have a tendency to run. Not good if you know there?s a slight chance of getting all watery eyed during the ceremonies. However, you can opt to use waterproof liners if you know you won?t be rubbing your eyes a lot.

For your eye shadow, use light browns, golds and pinks to open up your eyes. Now is not the time to experiment with bright blue and purple. Line your lids with brown or black liner, but don?t draw it on too thick.

Don?t skip mascara, though. Curling your lashes and applying two coats of mascara can really open up your eyes. Use a waterproof version (Fasio mascara is better than most expensive varieties and is a steal at P395), so that you won?t look like a gothic rocker if you end up crying.
We like: The Face Shop Mineral Eyeshadow Trio, Sue Devitt Eye Intensifier, Smashbox Green Room Eyeshadow Palette

BROWS:

One of the most underrated steps in doing makeup, grooming your eyebrows can instantly frame your face and make you look a lot neater. Swipe on some colored brow gel, apply brow powder or draw on individual hairs on your brows to fill in any sparse areas. Do not draw one thick line, or you?ll instantly look 10 years older.

CHEEKS:

Natural pink or peach blush will give you a healthy glow. Pick one with very fine shimmer, which creates a multidimensional look. Matte blush tends to look old and fake in photographs, while overly shimmery blush can look oily. Not sure how you?d look in photos? Take a few test shots before you leave the house. Claire Diokno said, ?Don?t contour your blush, it will look dated.?

We like: The Body Shop Blushing Daisy Palette

LIPS:

A muted pink or peach lipstick and gloss will serve you best. Pick a shade that?s just slightly darker than your natural lip color (dark ones look old, while paler ones can make you look washed out). Avoid overly sparkly glosses, which can look like oil on your lips. Very slight shimmer or natural shine is best.

We like: The Body Shop Lip Gloss Bloom and Smashbox Hybrid Color and Shine Gloss

HAIR:

A cardinal rule to follow when doing your hair for your graduation is to keep things simple. No fancy teasing, high buns or bouffant hairdos. After all, you want to look like you normally do in school, only better. Soft curls look good, but be sure your hair can retain the shape the whole day. Otherwise, simply have it blowdried or ironed, or tied back in a neat ponytail. Giant flower arrangements, simply put, look awful on your hair. Leave the orchids and roses in the vase.

GRADUATION DON?T

WHILE this avant-garde look is great for magazine photo shoots and the occasional night out with your friends, you should avoid using bright colors and wild hairstyles for your graduation. Not only will you look dated in all your graduation photos, you?ll also have your teachers and parents of your classmates staring at you the whole time.