Besides being an illustrator and coauthor of such children’s books as Woodrow, the White House Mouse, Cheryl Barnes is a pro with makeup.

“Instead of learning about it from my mom, I was the one who taught her,” says Barnes, an Alexandria native who started experimenting with beauty products in high school.

Barnes, who turns 53 this month, shares her secrets.

Why she loves makeup: “As a children’s-book illustrator, I use paints, markers, and color pencils. Cosmetics are paints, markers, and pencils for my face. I just feel better when I have lipstick and mascara on.”

Favorite beauty brand: Trish McEvoy. “Quality products that are beautifully packaged. The brushes are great.”

Favorite beauty store: “Bellacara is a lovely boutique in Old Town that carries Fresh, Kiehl’s, and Molton Brown. The owners, Kim and Angela, love to share their expertise.”

In her makeup bag: Revlon Age Defying foundation, Trish McEvoy Deluxe eye shadow in Shell, Nars Multiple stick cream blush in Portofino, Chantecaille Bio-Lift concealer.

For evening: Make Up For Ever cream lipstick in Blue Red 205; Prescriptives False Eyelashes mascara in Plush Black.

Her lip color for summer: Chantecaille lip gloss in Guava.

She splurges on: B. Kamins Nutrient Replacement face cream, $105.

Drugstore find: “To wash my face, I use Cetaphil, which is under $10 and gentle.”

Signature scent: “My new favorite perfume is Dolce & Gabbana’s Light Blue, which has hints of musk and jasmine.”

Hair tips: “I’ve gone to the same wonderful woman for ten years—Mary Hansher at London Bob in Alexandria. Also, Bumble and Bumble Straight is the best product I’ve found to manage frizz.”

Where she gets a manicure and pedicure: Elegant Nails on Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray.

Secret weapons: “I exercise and eat healthy foods.”

Inspiration: “Katharine Hepburn—she kept a natural look as she got older.”