21 Trendy Makeup Looks

Look 1

A big presentation at work calls for understated sophistication. My favorite lip stain adds polish to my basics but doesn’t steal the show.

Time: 10 seconds* Tools: Bobbi Brown Tinted Lip Balm in Pink Raspberry

* Mascara, foundation, and concealer application time not included.

Look 2

Some looks are best left to the pros. My attempt at glossy lids (so gorgeous in magazines!) smeared my mascara in seconds.

Time: 30 seconds Tools: Aquaphor Healing Ointment

ON ELLE: Long-Lasting Party Makeup

Look 3

Bold brows have been a runway mainstay the past few seasons, but I can hardly find the courage to show my roommate, let alone leave the house.

Time: 4 minutes Tools: M.A.C. Impeccable Brow Pencil in Black

Look 4

Tired of the same-old, same-old black smoky eye? Me too. As an alternative, I swap in gold and copper metallics instead. Focusing the pigment on the eyelid and away from the brow bone keeps the look subtle.

Time: 7 minutes Tools: Urban Decay Eye Shadow in Half Baked and Smog

Look 5

No foray into makeup experimentation would be complete without red lipstick. I choose an orange-based glossy shade and skip lip liner for a softer look. Surprisingly, no grocery store stares. Are power lips less shocking than I thought?

Time: 1 minute Tools: NYX Luscious Lip Palette in Red Rediscovered

Look 6

A beauty mirage, dewy skin is hard to achieve naturally, but thankfully, easy to fake. I apply a cream highlighter on the top of my cheekbones, brow bone and bridge of my nose. Voilà!

Time: 2 minutes Tools: Nars the Multiple in Copacabana

ON ELLE: Best Beauty Buys for 2011

Look 7

I love the deep purple lids makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury layered on at Victoria Beckham’s spring show, so I give it an enthusiastic try, dusting the shadow up to the brow bone. I’m hooked!

Time: 4 minutes Tools: Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow Smooth Hold in Trendy

Look 8

Big blush, applied on the apples of cheeks and the temples, was a hit at shows like Christian Siriano. Inspired, I blend in a cream formula and love the bright pop of color. White eyeliner finishes the fresh look.

Time: 45 seconds Tools: Maybelline New York Dream Mousse Blush in Pink Frosting; CoverGirl LashBlast Length Mascara in Very Black

Look 9

Dark lips, a major fall trend, scare me, so I try a slightly more ladylike cabernet. Don’t forget to use a lip brush for application—bold hues require a precise line.

Time: 1 minute Tools: Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense in Satin Blackcurrant

Look 10

I try the (surprisingly flattering!) orange lipstick trend, à la Marc by Marc Jacobs, balancing the extreme color with bare skin.

Time: 1 minute Tools: Kanebo Sensai Lasting Treatment Rouge in Soubi

Look 11

To make the glittery disco eyes spotted at Giles more wearable, I opt for one color—turquoise—focused only on the lid. The result is glamorous, perfect for date night. Tip: Use a cream shadow as a base and apply the glitter with a damp shadow brush to help it stick to the skin.

Time: 10 minutes Tools: MAC Paint Pot in Constructivist, MAC Pro Glitter in Turquoise, MAC Pro Mixing Medium Water Base

Look 12

A late night out leaves me with droopy, tired eyes. To brighten up, I line my lower lid with white liner and the top with navy. The uplifting effects are instant. Darker skin tones can try light beige or gold instead of white for the same results.

Time: 2 minutes Tools: Revlon Luxurious Color Kohl Eyeliner in Pure White, Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Blue Ribbon

Look 13

My daily routine isn’t complete without two coats of mascara, but special occasions like a friend’s birthday call for fake lashes. I apply a dramatic pair along the upper lid and a natural-looking pair along the lower (I cut them to fit) for instant doll eyes.

Time: 15 minutes Tools: Ardell Fashion Lashes in Black and Lower Black

Look 14

From Nina Ricci to Alexander Wang, red eye shadow has experienced a surprising burst in popularity. Avoid looking like you have allergies by going heavy on black eyeliner and mascara.

Time: 12 minutes Tools: M.A.C Eye Shadow in Coppering and Cranberry; Milani Eye Tech Liquid Liner

Look 15

A last-minute dinner invite leaves no time to run home and freshen up. Luckily, mega-eyeliner smudged out for a sultry nighttime vibe transforms my face in seconds—and earns more bad pickup lines than just my usual mascara.

Time: 1 minute Tools: L’Oréal Paris Studio Secrets Kohl Eyeliner in Black Kohl

Go to ELLE.com for the rest of the trendy makeup looks