Rosy cheeks

Step 4: Powder blush
Dab a rounded blush brush in powder blush and tap the handle firmly to get rid of excess. Apply in small, circular motions on the apple of the cheek, then sweep back toward the hairline. Meredith likes doing this step after using a cream blush and setting it with loose powder. "Cream blush and powder blush on their own can fade after a few hours. Layering the products gives them more staying power," she says.

Products to try: Physicians Formula Powder Palette Multi-Colored Blush in Blushing Natural (available at drugstores), $15.99; Quo Two Cheeky powder blush duo in Peachy Keen, $19 (available at Shoppers Drug Mart); Lise Watier Safari multi-striped blush, $29 (available at drug and department stores; www.lisewatier.com).

Step 5: Highlight
Once the cheek colour is in place, Meredith likes to amp up the glow with a light dusting of highlight powder over cheekbones and forehead using a large, fluffy brush. "It adds dimension and luminosity," she says. "If you have oily or problem skin, however, skip this step."

Products to try: Lancaster Wake-Up Make-Up Illuminating Compact Powder, $37 (available at The Bay and www.lancaster-beauty.com); Guerlain Terracotta Pearly Brush Sublime Shimmering Powder in Blondes, $56 (available at Guerlain boutiques, and select Bay stores); M.A.C Iridescent Powder in Silver Dusk -- or Golden Bronze if you have medium/dark skin tones, $24 (available at www.maccosmetics.com); Smashbox Fusion Soft Lights in Smashing Dusk, $34 (available at Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutiques and www.sephora.com); Clinique Limited Edition Shimmering Tones Powder in Peach Bronze, $38, (available May 1st in department stores).