Applying eye makeup can be intimidating, which is why many women tend to do it the same way every day—or skip it altogether. But if you’re game to learn, putting on a little shadow and mascara, and neatening your brows, is all it takes to look polished Step 1: Primer

Shadow primers help makeup stay on, while hiding any red or blue tones on your lids from veins. The best ones are opaque, match your skin tone, and dry to a matte finish. Step 2: Shadow

You rarely need more than two colors on your eyes. Try ShiseidoHydro-Powder Eye Shadows in Glistening Sand for light to medium skin, or Tiger Eye for darker complexions. A darker defining color can be used to create a smoky effect. Choose one that’s two shades darker than your base.Step 3: Liner

Liquids, creams, gels, pencils...there are a dizzying number of choices. Liner is not only essential for definition but also "the key to making lashes look crazy-thick and beautiful,” says Surratt, a celebrity US makeup artist. By darkening the skin-toned gaps between each individual hair, you create an infinitely denser-looking lash line—even before you apply mascara.

But unless you’re going for a retro look (and have the steady hand of a surgeon), avoid using liquids and gels; a creamy pencil is the way to go. It’s soft and blendable, it’s easy to control, and it can be used safely on both the outer and inner rims of the eyes. Step 4: Mascara

Like a good pushup bra, the right mascara can lift, separate, and enhance what Mother Nature gave you. Great ones, like Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara and avoid makeup migration by using a waterproof formula on lower lashes.

And while black is beautiful and dramatic, brown can be softer and more forgiving. It delivers a natural daytime look and works well on women with fair skin or short, sparse lashes.