When you enter stores like Sephora and Ulta or the makeup aisle in CVS and Walgreens, does your mind enter into a frenzy? Do you start contemplating, “Where do I start?” Or do you immediately reach for the thickest and darkest eyeliner you can find? If this sounds like you, have no fear; I’m here to alleviate these worries. So, put down that black lip liner, and reach for that nude taupe, brown, or pink gloss that will accentuate your natural beauty.

Think of your face as an untouched canvas and you as the artist overflowing with potential. One common mistake that many unintentionally make is using too dark of a foundation color. An easy way to find the right shade for you is simple. Using your wrist, which is the body part that shares a tone similar to that of your face, sample the foundation color. You should be able to find the perfect color by using this technique, avoiding the obvious, dreaded contrast between the neck and face.

Let’s face it; bold brows are in style. However, how you shape your eyebrows is something that can completely make or break the look you’re going for. Since eyebrows shape the face, this is the one thing that will really put the icing on the cake. Don’t break the bank on an eyebrow pencil or pomade by wasting ridiculous amounts of money when you could go to your local Target and check out the economical NYX section. They have a wide variety of eyebrow selections in all shades. For beginners, I recommend a pencil. You don’t want to draw your eyebrows on so thick that you’re mistaken for sasquatch. Simply fill in the sparser parts of your brows, and avoid filling in parts that are filled naturally with hair. Also, if you have sparse brows to begin with, I would recommend a pomade, which is a thicker formula. The pomade will require you to invest in an angled brush to apply it properly. Try to start at the bottom of the brow drawing a line tracing the natural shape of your brow. Not blending this line properly tends to be a frequent mistake, which draws attention to the visible lines. The purchase of a spoolie is recommended not only to blend the product properly, but also to arrange all of the hairs in one place.

I always like to focus on my eyes after I do my foundation and eyebrows. Eyeshadow is not a must; some people even look better with a little concealer on their lid. However, a little dark brown in the crease never hurt anyone. Starting with a universally flattering look, such as a bright cream color in your inner corner, paired with a nice gold or bronze lid, completed with a dark brown in your crease and outer V, is a great way to accomplish a simple, yet complementary, look. The use of liquid eyeliner is another piece of advice that I have. Similar to eyebrows, this could make or break your look. A simple thin line over your lid should get the job done, emphasizing your eye color and making your eyes pop.

Much like the eyebrows, bold eyelashes are a popular makeup style. To avoid clumpy lashes, run through your lashes with a spoolie, or even a clear mascara or eyebrow gel when finished applying mascara. Your eyelashes will look voluminous without the clumpy cottage cheese look. By placing a jet black cream or gel liner on your tightline, your eyelash bed will seem ten times thicker, giving the effect of a full, voluminous bed of lashes!

Properly setting your face after accomplishing your ideal look is finished is another necessity when it comes to makeup. It is vital that you invest in a setting spray or powder to avoid a bad case of oily skin. I recommend the purchase of Maybelline’s mattifying setting powder, which doesn’t involve spending a whole week’s paycheck.

A simple dabble on the bridge of your nose, chin, and cheeks is not only a great way to look fresh, but also creates an amazing blurred look, which hides unwanted pimples or redness.

Now you ought to feel more confident upon entering the beauty aisle. You successfully know how to find the perfect shade of foundation, make your eyelids look spectacular, and get the perfect eyebrows without going overboard. Please remember that makeup is only used to highlight the natural beauty that you already have.