Readers Ask: Dear Lucky

A: Tasteful neutral eyeshadow plus a sweep of bronzy blush is sophisticated in a way that screams “I voted in the last election!” Mally Roncal has a palette that gives you not only the perfect pinky-bronze blush (plain pink looks decidedly more schoolgirlish), but also neutral shadows and the directions on how to gradate them like an expert. Add any lipcolor that’s not glittery, pearlized or wildly shiny.

Perfume—no bubblegum, no gourmand-like vanilla-caramel concoctions—can leave a super-chic trail whispering, “Woman. No longer girl.” The most grown-up one this fall is Cartier’s Baiser Volé, which is essentially a big vase of incredible white lilies, bottled.

Lots of people think nail polish makes you look older, but I disagree: Five-year-olds love the stuff. So your choice on the nail polish; sleek neutrals, meticulously maintained. Similarly, foundation is kind of neither here nor there, age-wise. Super-matte or super-thick foundations can be terribly aging, but then, think of all teens who slap on foundation like it’s cake frosting. So a pile of foundation will not make you look old, just amateurish.