Makeup Tips for the Young, Inexperienced or Rushed

Many women relish the art of applying makeup. They deliberately smooth on multi-colored blushes, three different shades of eyeshadow, eyeliner and four different lip products in order to produce a tailored, defined final effect. But sometimes the occasion doesn't call for such a detailed beauty regimen. Maybe you have exactly 120 seconds to do your face before dashing out the door. Maybe you're going to the gym or the beach, and wearing "full-face" makeup would be inappropriate for the location. Maybe you're just getting used to wearing makeup and not comfortable using liners and multi-colored powders, which are difficult to apply and can easily go wrong. Maybe you're 12 years old, and an almost-bare face is the most flattering effect for your age. The following three effects are quick, flattering, easy-to-produce and extremely forgiving to new or hurried makeup artists.

Effect 1: Defined, bright, natural-looking eyes

The product: Mascara

What kind to use: Any kind of mascara will work, but you will have an easier time creating this look with a curved brush. One popular choice is L'Oreal's FeatherLash mascara.

How to use it: Place the brush at the base of your lashes and move it across them in a quick back-and-forth motion. This builds a thick coat of mascara at the base of your eyelashes, which gives your eyes a naturally defined look without requiring difficult and time consuming eye-liner. Finish by applying the mascara to the rest of your eyelashes as usual.

Time: Thirty seconds.

Effect 2: Lightly rosy cheeks, which makes the skin look more "alive" and also brightens the eyes.

The product: Light blush.

What kind to use: Powder blushes are the most casual and forgiving, and are therefore your best choice for when you're in a hurry. Save the sticks and creams for formal occasions when you have thirty minutes to spend on getting ready. Choose a light shade that blends easily with your skin, and use a large, puffy brush to apply it. The large, loose brush will apply the brush more lightly and evenly than will the narrow one that comes in the compact with the blush.