1. undereye concealer: Everyone is naturally darker here, which is why concealer is of universal benefit even for the perfect of skin. Apply a shade slightly lighter than skin tone to inner corner of eye, with finger of least pressure (ring), that's all. Recommended: Clé de Peau, the best without question.


2. groomed brows: There is never a moment when perfect brows are not appropriate. They lift the face, open up the eyes, and add balance to asymmetries. Recommended: Tweezerman Slant and Kevyn Aucoin The Precision Brow, practically goofproof.


3. perfect blush: I strongly feel that blush is the most important color cosmetic. Its particular flattery (when chosen rightly) affects the entire face, and serves as the linchpin for the lipcolors and even eyecolors you choose. The right blush will make you look healthy, and to a small degree, will even out the skin. Recommended products: NARS Malibu Multiple and Becca Amaryllis are easy universals for those who have difficulty choosing (Malibu is subdued, Amaryllis is flushed), NARS Sin (for girls who look best in cool colors), Bobbi Brown Coral (LE, so if you're warm-toned, buy it fast!). La Femme is also worth a look, Nectar Peach and Golden Amber Dew in particular.


4. the lashline: A thin smudge of eyeliner, preferably in brown, charcoal, or black, will make you look like you have lusher lashes but doesn't scream "MAKEUP!". Tightlining (creamy pigment smudged between lashes just above the inner rim) is perfectly suited for your purpose, though a pencil is faster. Add light mascara to intensify effect. Recommended products: L'Oréal HIP Color Truth Cream Eyeliner, Laura Mercier Flat Eyelining Brush, Shu Uemura Basic Mascara (superlatively natural look).


5. YLBB, of course: A shade deeper and richer than your natural liptone is called for here. The easy choice here is sheer lipstick, but lipliner+lip balm, tinted lip balm, or just a dab of creamy lipstick will all work. Recommended products, industry faves: MAC Viva Glam V, Cover Girl Blushberry TruShine, Wet 'n' Wild #666, and Clinique Black Honey, are neutrals of increasing depth that will suit most skintones. It is different and not necessarily intuitive for everyone, though. The easiest thing of all? Plain lip balm.

Labels: becca, bobbi brown, cle de peau, clinique, cover girl, kevyn aucoin, l'oreal, la femme, laura mercier, lookbook, mac cosmetics, nars, shu uemura, wet n wild