HOT TIPS : DON'T CRY FOR ARGENTINA ... JUST POWDER UP.

Byline: Barbara De Witt 

So you've seen ``Evita,'' and now you want to know how to use a powder puff. We can help.

Makeup artist to the stars Bobbi Brown was in town this week to promote her new book, ``Bobbi Brown Beauty'' (Harper Style; $30), and offered these tips:

Loose powder gives better coverage, so use it at home with large brush or puff; keep the compact for touch-ups.

When buying powder, make sure it feels smooth in your hand, not chalky or heavy.

Velour powder puffs are better than the cardboard type found in many compacts. Purchase separately and wash by hand once a week, discarding after six months.

Translucent powder can make you pale and pasty.

Yellow-toned powder will give you a healthy golden glow and tone down a ruddy complexion or foundation.

Press powder onto your eyelids with a velour puff as a base for eye shadow.

To avoid lipstick feathering, apply powder over foundation above your lip line.

Powder around the eye to set your concealer.

For TV appearances, use lots of powder (choose a half-shade darker than normal) to warm and even your complexion. The more matte, the better, as strong lights will blow out the appearance of lines.

For stressful, sweaty situations, like job interviews, touch up your powder in the restroom first and take a few deep breaths.

Powder blush is good for oily skin and should be applied over face powder with a medium-full brush that's tapered at the sides, with a long handle.

For a natural blush, buy two shades of powder: a natural shade and a slightly more colorful shade to accent or ``pop'' the first blush. Avoid doll cheeks by gently stroking the color across your cheeks and up, into the hairline.

No mouthers, pleeze: You've been singing in the bathroom for years, shattering the glass shower door with your high notes, but nobody ever REALLY listens, right?

Finally, you've got a chance to be diva. It's a free vocal workshop for aspiring opera singers, sponsored by the City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department Feb. 22 and March 8 at the Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., Los Angeles. Besides a song, you'll need reservations: [phone].

It's tool time: That kiddo who can't make his bed could make his own chair. Miz Hot Tips isn't talking about slave labor, but a new line of corrugated furniture designed by the Mixed Nuts company for little hands to assemble and paint - and sit on. The furniture is available at Storyopolis, 116 N. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles, where they'll have a do-it-yourself rocking chair project at 11:30 a.m. today. Fee is $10 and includes a story hour. For more information, call [phone].

Shopper's alert: One can never have too many fashion sources, thinks Miz Hot Tips, so listen up. RIX, a fast fashion boutique that caters to the cast members of TV's ``Melrose Place,'' has opened a new store at the Beverly Center in Los Angeles.

On another front, those with designer tastes and the gas to get to the Camarillo Premium Outlets mall off the 101 Freeway will find discounted evening clothes and sportswear at the new Emanuel Ungaro boutique. The upscale outlet center has 80 stores, including Saks, Barneys and Donna Karan.

Bathtub blues: Ivory soap, the soap you used as a baby and then carved into boats in Boy Scouts, has been updated as the Ivory Moisture Care Bath Bar.

Miz Hot Tips lathered up, but found it missing the purity of the old Ivory and the creaminess of Dove. But it's got a great shape so you won't drop it in the shower as easily as others. Look for it at markets at $1.99 for two bars.