Photo: Peter Rosa

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1. The hands-down prettiest lacquer for the new elongated oval nail shape: a neutral, like OPI Infinite Shine Lacquer in No Stopping Zone. The flattering shade goes with everything, and chips are hardly noticeable, which means more style, less maintenance.

2. For instant polish, define your brows with a pencil (like Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil) the same color as the lightest tone in your hair, filling in sparse areas with short strokes.

3. Quickly add a dash of nighttime drama: After your last eye makeup step, trace your top and bottom waterline with a nude pencil (such as Urban Decay 24/7 Waterline Eye Pencil in Walk of Shame)—it'll make the whites of your eyes appear brighter. Then use a flat brush dipped in brown gel liner to lightly outline your lower lashes.

4. The new moisturizing matte lipsticks (try Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick) are the surest route to chic, even if you're not wearing any other makeup. And the formulas are so creamy and light, you can apply the deepest shades without a mirror.