Five-minute Beauty Tips

Real Simple Magazine

Quick pro makeup tricks involve little effort but pay off in big "wow!" results.

RealSimple.com: Our Best Beauty Secrets and Tips

By Petra Guglielmetti

Orange Lips

Every bit as glamorous as red, but not nearly as serious, this punchy citrus shade has become summer's ultimate pick. These lipsticks suit all complexions; for the highest impact, choose the shiniest finish. Balance the strong lip color with sophisticated eye makeup (loads of mascara and a neutral shadow) and a peachy blush.

For high shine: black|Up lipstick in RAL18, $22, blackupcosmetics.com.


For a creamy lipstick: Givenchy Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick in Fruity Orange, $30, sephora.com. (Shown on model.)

For a matte look: L'Oréal Paris Infallible Le Rouge in Coral Seduction, $10, lorealparis.com.

Pastel Eyes

Easter-egg shades are springing up all over, including on lids. Think the look will send you back to 1985? Fear not-today's eye-shadow formulas are sheer, shimmery, and more wearable than the chalky pastels of the past. For a sophisticated effect, pick one that stands out against your hair color. These pairings pop nicely.

With blond hair, try pale green shadow (shown): Make Up For Ever Eyeshadow #34, $20, sephora.com.

With brown or black hair, try lavender: Sephora Collection Colorful Mono Eyeshadow in Armelle 32, $12, sephora.com.

With red hair, try soft pink: Shiseido Makeup Shimmering Cream Eye Color in Pale Shell PK 214, $25, shiseido.com.

Tip: Make sure the look says "grown-up elegance," not "tween queen," by opting for subtle cheeks and lips. Shades that are close to your natural coloring are best.

Hot Pink Lips

Seen in endless permutations on the spring runways, this season's trendiest shade is not only fun but easy, too. It requires no other makeup than mascara, it flatters all complexions, and you can pick the intensity that feels most "you."

Shown: Sephora Rouge Cream Lipstick in Love Test II.
To buy: $12, sephora.com.

For a subtle look: Dab on a stain for a soft finish that lasts for hours.
To buy: Covergirl Outlast Lipstain in Everbloom Kiss, $8, drugstore.com.

For a shiny lip: Sheer gloss gives you a bit of shimmery tint.
To buy: Stila Sparkle Luxe Gloss in Dazzle, $10, stilacosmetics.com.

For bold color: Matte lipstick packs a dramatic punch of color.
To buy: Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Luminous Matte Lip Colour in L'Exuberante, $34, chanel.com.

Skin Highlighters

To prolong a summer glow, select one of these complexion enhancers. Use a powder if your skin is normal to oily, a cream or a stick if it's dry. Apply highlighter to the elevated areas of the face only (the tops of cheekbones, the brow bones, and down the nose) to subtly catch the light. Overdose and you'll look glittery-or greasy.

For a powder luminizer: Estée Lauder Pure Color Illuminating Powder Gelée, $42, esteelauder.com.

For liquid radiance: Nars Illuminator, $30, narscosmetics.com.

For a shimmer stick: Vapour Halo Body Spotlight, $34, vapourbeauty.com.

Cat Eyes (Declawed) A hybrid of Audrey and Angelina, this buttoned-up seductive look is tamer than a liquid-liner swoop. (Products shown: Avon SuperExtend Liquid Eye Liner in Black, $7, avon.com. Face Stockholm Blush-On in Sun Kissed, $20, facestockholm.com. Cover-Girl NatureLuxe Mousse Mascara, $8.50, drugstore.com.)

Step 1: Using a fine-tipped powder or pencil black liner, sweep color along the base of your upper lash line. Extend it just past the outer corner of your eye and slightly upward.

Step 2: Keep the rest of the look subtle: a dusting of the same pink blush on cheeks and eyes and a few coats of mascara. You don't even need lip color-your favorite balm will do.

Cat Eyes (Declawed) A hybrid of Audrey and Angelina, this buttoned-up seductive look is tamer than a liquid-liner swoop. (Products shown: Avon SuperExtend Liquid Eye Liner in Black, $7, avon.com. Face Stockholm Blush-On in Sun Kissed, $20, facestockholm.com. Cover-Girl NatureLuxe Mousse Mascara, $8.50, drugstore.com.)

Step 1: Using a fine-tipped powder or pencil black liner, sweep color along the base of your upper lash line. Extend it just past the outer corner of your eye and slightly upward.

Step 2: Keep the rest of the look subtle: a dusting of the same pink blush on cheeks and eyes and a few coats of mascara. You don't even need lip color-your favorite balm will do.

Cherry Lip Color

Try a little: A sheer hydrating gloss is a step up for lip-balm addicts.
To buy: Laura Mercier Lip Glacé in Plum Noir, $24, lauramercier.com.

A little more (shown): Get a rich, slightly shiny pout with a cream lipstick.
To buy: Bobbi Brown Treatment Lip Shine in Berry, $23, 877-310-9222.

A lot: For lasting, dramatic color, fill in lips with a matte pencil.
To buy: Merle Norman Age Defying Lip Liner in Berries, $14, merlenorman.com for stores.

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