More easy beauty.

Welcome back, if you've read my previous piece on beauty for beginners you're ready for the next step. You've got your skin care routine down to a science, and maybe you're looking to add a little color and flair to your face. You want to not be overwhelmed in the cosmetics aisle, you want maybe not a full glamorous face of make up but a little polish, a little snap. You are in the right place.

First let's talk about some of the simplest ways to make a few subtle changes to your look without too much effort. There are some very easy ways to give your face a slightly more finished look without spending a lot of time or money.

Let's have a look at your eyebrows. I'll tell you the truth, eyebrow grooming can be a little painful. If you don't feel like waxing or plucking to shape your brows and make them look neat. The easiest thing to do is to use either an eyebrow brush that you can buy at the drugstore or an old toothbrush and give your eyebrows a quick once over. Brush your brows into shape, then for a little extra hold use some clear mascara lightly to hold them in place and voila.

If you want to do more reshaping but are afraid to, have a look at your local nail shops. Many nail shops offer inexpensive waxing for eyebrows, faces etc. Look to spend anywhere from five to twenty dollars or so depending on where you live. A good way to tell what their work is like have a look at the people working in the salon and never be afraid to ask questions. If you do want to style your brows at home try this tip.

Go to the drugstore and buy yourself a cheap eyeliner pencil in a color that will stand out well against your hair and skin. Use the pencil to shade in the shape you would like your brows to be then pluck or wax around it. You can also buy ready-made stencils in many stores.

Now while you're at the store let's talk about the very basics you can buy to for a simple easy look. Right now we're talking very minimal make up. Keep in mind that you will probably not look flawless and sculpted and that's just fine. When you're just starting out it's a good idea to get some basics down before you try going all out glam.

Keep in mind that fabulous make up takes time and practice, and you don't have to do anything you're not comfortable with or that seems too hard.

Before you brave the cosmetics aisle let's talk about what you're after. If you want a very natural look here's what you'll be looking for. Pressed or loose translucent powder in either no color, or to match your skin tone. Mascara, either black or brown. If you are more fair-haired and don't want a very dramatic look opt for the brown. If you want those big banging lashes, go for black. Next, a lip product. For right now I'll be recommending some lightly tinted moisturizing products for ease and diversity.

Given the wide range of products available these days opt for simplicity. If your skin is prone to dryness check for products aimed at dry skin, the same goes for oily or combination skin. For no coverage, meaning the powder won't make a difference in color opt for a powder that says translucent, light coverage or as some products say no color. If you want a little more coverage look for something that says medium to full coverage. If you are clumsy opt for pressed powders as they are easier to use than loose powders and offer a bit more coverage.

For beginners I absolutely recommend old school has been around forever Great Lash Mascara by Maybelline. It comes in a variety of shades and is easy to use. You can also find it everywhere. For an even more natural look many cosmetic companies offer light formulas of mascara. Look at the labels and read the descriptions to figure out what you like. Most lighter formulas deposit less color and product on your lashes for that natural look.

And your lovely lips. Hands down the easiest way to add a little color and keep your lips nice and soft is to find yourself a tinted lip balm. Across the board nice rosy colors look good on everyone. If you want something with a little color and lots of shine opt for a tinted lip gloss in a good pink or red.

See how easy it was to pick out? Now let's move onto a quick application.

After you've washed and moisturized your face go ahead and make your coffee, feed the kids, get dressed or whatever else needs doing apply your face powder to your dry face. Make sure to get under your chin and onto your neck, then lower your eyelids about halfway and apply your mascara. It's a good idea to keep a Q-Tip handy for any smudges. Use a little bit of a good emollient lotion to clean up those little messes. Once your mascara is on, finish your breakfast or whatever else you're up to and out the door you go.

Next time, we'll go into more cosmetics. Foundations, how to pick the right one for you and how to apply it. Also I'll go over some easy ways to save time and still look great.

Until then, stay beautiful.