Get Your Party Face On!

If you want to look polished enough for a party but perfectly natural and fresh faced, rev up your radiance. Rough or flaky skin won't reflect light (and can leave makeup cakey), so prepping the canvas is key: Gently exfoliate, then apply an oil-free lotion and let it soak in for several minutes. Blend a light liquid foundation (or a tinted moisturizer—Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer, $42, creates a beautiful dewy finish) over any blotchy areas.

To create a translucent flush like the one you see on our model, choose a creamy rose-tinted blush—it will melt into your skin. Then, to illuminate your whole complexion, apply a sheer shimmery powder or pearly cream to the areas of your face where light hits (the cheekbones, temples, and the bridge of the nose).

Keep your eyes bare, except for the softest silver accent (line upper lids with Dior Intense Liquid Eyeliner in Silver Light, $30) and mascara. Choose a lipstick shade similar to your lip color (try American Beauty Luxury for Lips Lipcolor in Spring Flower, $12.50) or a subtle pink gloss (like Victoria's Secret Heidi Collection for Very Sexy Makeup Lip Gloss in Cupcake, $14).


The Makeup Kit for Luminous Skin

Velvety pink blush: Revlon Cream Blush in Berry Flirtatious, $10, complements most skin tones (if your skin is dark, intensify the shade by layering on more).

Synthetic-bristled brush: After dabbing blush on the apples of your cheeks with your finger, gently blend it out with a makeup brush to ensure the color isn't too concentrated. Wet 'n Wild Beauty Benefits Blush Brush, $8, has synthetic bristles, which don't soak up a creamy blush the way natural hair bristles can.

Softly shimmering highlighter: A dusting of Estée Lauder Shimmering Jewel Powder, $32, leaves a subtle sheen (not flecks of sparkle).