I have many friends who have complained about not being able to get natural-looking makeup for their everyday activities. So I have come up with some simple tips for all of those who want to look good without much effort. It took a lot time to play, I mean research, in order to get some simple, yet amazing techniques. 

I like to start out by covering all of my little imperfections with Lancôme’s Maquicomplet Complete Coverage Concealer. I was able to find the perfect match to my skin tone and now don’t have to worry about dark circles under my eyes. It also hides little red spots on my forehead, chin and around my nose. Then I use Sephora Double Compact Mineral powder foundation with SPF 10. It’s great for my skin because it allows my pores to breathe unlike other powders that clog the pores.

                                        (Jennifer enjoying her natural-look for daytime fun!)

To keep my face looking simple it’s important not to add too much color. This is why I turn to MAC’s Fafi Eyes 1 Quad. It has very light and neutral tones that add just enough color without making me look too made up. You can use the dark grey to line your eyes or use a separate liner, my favorite is Lancôme’s Le Stylo Waterproof Long Lasting Eyeliner. This liner won’t smudge to the corners of your eyes and really is long-lasting! Finish off your eyes with a couple coats of Maybelline’s Volum’ Express Turbo Boost® Waterproof mascara. You’ll see volume instantly!

You may want to skip bronzer for your daily routine, but adding a little bit of blush will make you look refreshed even when you are running around downtown. I’ve used Nars blush in Desire and loved the way it looked. Don’t be scared if it looks too pink in its container, it’s completely different once you have it on. Just be sure to keep it light – you don’t want to look like you’re on your way to the big red tent.

Also, be sure not to add dark colors to your lips, and leave the dramatic tones for your night out with the girls. Try a light shade of pink, almost nude, to add a hint of color. Something light and shiny will also allow your lips to look a little fuller. Again, try not to overdo this either, you don’t want to look like you were kissing a pan full of oil.

When you’re getting ready for your night out don’t worry about starting all over. All you need to do is add some dramatic finishes! For dark smokey eyes, add a darker shadow to the crease and outer corners of the eyes. I recommend MAC’s eye shadow pots in either A Little Folie or Mystery. Keep the lighter color on the inside corners to add depth.

                                                   (Jennifer Goes Glam for a night out)

If you have light eyebrows you may want to fill them in a little to better frame your eyes. Colorscience Get Framed Brow Kit comes with three colors (Espresso Brown, Neutral Brown and Golden Brown) that can be used on your brows and eyes. Add enough color to give them a full and natural appearance; try to avoid the Groucho Marx look. Also, line your lower lash with the same liner I mentioned above. This time use the sponge on the opposite end of the liner in order to get the smudge/smokey effect.

You’ll want to use a little bit of bronzer to enhance some of your facial features. It’ll give you an amazing glow and add some color if you haven’t gotten around to getting a tan yet. Just be sure to keep it natural, you don’t want to look fake. Try MAC’s Bronzing Powder in a shade that best fits your skin tone.

For lips, I like MAC’s Viva Glam Lipstick and Tinted Lipglass. With the right combination, you’ll be able to get “Kiss me” lips without the sticky feeling that other glosses leave.

Take one last look in the mirror to make sure you look fabulous and you’re ready to go!

What are YOUR favorite makeup lines?