Goofproof Pouf

RealSimple: Five-Minute Beauty Tips

And we have liftoff! Major volume at the roots was the mane event on fall 2012 runways (like at Carolina Herrera, left). It’s OK if you’re not up for beehive-high hair. Even the slightest bump is more than enough to elevate your look. Want to keep it sophisticated and retro—not Snooki and Co.? Add a slim ballerina headband. Here’s how.

Step 1: Tease. Using a boar-bristle brush, back-comb hair at the crown until you reach the desired height.

To buy: Conair Styling Essentials Teasing Hair Brush, $4, walgreens.com.

Step 2: Slide on a headband. Then carefully smooth out the top layer of hair with the brush.

To buy: Goody headband, $5 for two, at drugstores.

Step 3: Set with finishing spray. Look for one that’s formulated not to weigh down teased hair. You want it to look soft, not helmet-y.

To buy: Redken Quick Tease 15, $18, redken.com for salons.

(Greg Kessler)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

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Goofproof Pouf

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

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, lorealparisusa.com.

(Peter Ash Lee)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

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.

(Gentl + Hyers)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

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.

(Christopher Baker)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Skin Highlighter...

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.

(Patricia Heal)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Cat Eyes (Declaw...

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.

(Patricia Heal)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Winter Makeup

Jack Frost may still be nipping at your nose, but these tricks will warm up your look.

On your eyes: A wash of sheer gold is brightening.

To buy: Shiseido Luminizing Satin Eye Color Trio, $33, sephora.com.

On your mouth: Dab a creamy orange color on lips with your finger.

To buy: YSL Rouge Pur Couture in Le Orange, $32, yslbeautyus.com.

On your face: Add a bit of bronze where the sun (remember that?) would: cheeks, nose, chin, forehead.

To buy: Physicians Formula Cashmere Wear Ultra-Smoothing Bronzer, $14 at drugstores.

(Patricia Heal)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

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.

(Charles Masters)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Colored Eyeliner

Still looking for that silver bullet that makes you appear well rested when you're not? As it turns out, a bold blue, green, or purple liner can do the trick, giving you just a touch of eye-brightening tint. Use the colored pencil to trace the inner third of your lash line, top and bottom. Line the rest with brown or black for balance, then brush on a neutral shadow.

To buy: CoverGirl Liqui-LineBlast Eye Liner, $8 at drugstores.

(Charles Masters)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Gold Shadow, Ros...

This almost effortless look works on all skin tones. A sheer gold eye shadow brightens eyes; a tea rose stick enlivens lips.

Gold shadow: Sweep powder from the lash line to the crease.

To buy: Benefit Velvet Eyeshadow in Bikini Line, $18, sephora.com.

Mascara: Skip liner and just apply a lengthening mascara.

To buy: CoverGirl LashBlast Length Mascara, $8, drugstore.com.

Rose lipstick: Glide on a shade a bit brighter than your lips' natural tone.

To buy: Laura Mercier Sheer Lip Colour in Bare Lips, $22, lauramercier.com.

(Charles Masters)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Warm Red Lip Col...

No longer fussy in formulation or for night (or daring types) only, warm reds flatter any skin tone. Choose an intensity that suits you; the choices below work on all complexions.

For just a hint: Try Maybelline New York Shine Sensational lip gloss in Cherry Kiss, $6 at drugstores.

For more impact: Try Laura Mercier HydraTint SPF 15 in Crimson Tint, $20, lauramercier.com.

For a real red (shown): Try Chanel Rouge Coco Hydrating Creme Lip Colour in Gabrielle, $34, saks.com.

For high impact: Try Estée Lauder Pure Color Gloss in Wet Cranberry, $22.50, esteelauder.com.

(Charles Masters)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Metallic Makeup

To try this dramatic, frosty look, pick a favorite precious metal and follow these steps, courtesy of makeup artist Bobbi Brown. For color options, try Lancôme Color Design Eye Shadow in Montage ($18, lancome-usa.com) with Bobbi Brown Metallic Long-Wear Cream Shadow in Goldstone ($24, bobbibrown.com).

Step 1: Sweep metallic shadow on the lids, staying below the brow bones.

Step 2: Lightly line the upper and lower rims with a black eye pencil, focusing on the outer corners.

Step 3: Dab a lighter metallic shadow on the inner corners. Finish with mascara on the top and bottom lashes.

(Charles Masters)