I once made the mistake of buying a mirror that magnified my face eight times its normal size. Because magnifying your pores is a really good idea. More than once, I performed a little DIY "surgery", picking at my face until I bled. Really bad idea. Stay away from magnifying mirrors, with maybe the exception of a small one for grooming your brows.

The next time you're inspecting those fine lines and red patches inches away from your mirror, remember: take a step back. Your vanity chair or stool should sit you at least one foot away from the mirror.

When you sit too close to your makeup mirror, three things are likely to happen: 1) you see every imperfection like it's billboard size (and assume everyone else can too); 2) you obsess about those imperfections; and 3) you spackle on more makeup than necessary to cover up, or worse -- you spend the day hating your face. Stand at least a foot away and trust the true size of your reflection instead of zooming in on your pore size.

Great lighting is key to revealing the most accurate reflection of your face. Click ahead to see the lighting tips from makeup artist Noor Farooq.

No, we're not suggesting you forgo your makeup -- this tip is for your lighting. Natural light is your best friend. In a perfect world, your vanity would sit directly in front of huge bay windows (or, dream a little, French doors overlooking your estate in Provence). This direct, natural light casts an even, true light on your face and creates no shadows. When all else fails, place your vanity as close to a source of natural light as possible.