In The Nude

Get Naked! Your face, that it. The hot trend in makeup this fall is to strip down to the bare essentials and to wear make-up that creates a natural, harmonious look. This is a great thing for us busy mamas - there is a little more room for error when applying colors that look natural and blend in than there is for deeper, more dramatic shades. So when there's a little one tugging at our arm, or we only have five minutes (or less!) for make-up in the morning, this can be important.

Jo Strettell, Sephora's make-up artist, gives a few tips for creating a flawless, natural look. Jo says, "The secret to scoring natural looking skin is to apply minimal product. On photo shoots, my biggest trick is to start off with a clean, well-moisturized face, so makeup slides on easily and looks fresh longer." She mentions that it's also important to use the proper tools to apply make-up just where you want it and to control how thick it goes on. She suggests using a foundation brush to even your complexion and to blend in foundation only where you need it. On problem areas, use a concealer brush to spot on concealer, gently tapping in the pigment with your fingertips. To create a smooth finish, dust on loose powder with a powder brush to create a velvety look.

Here are a few selections to get you started with the nude palette and create the look with a minimum of fuss. Try the Eye Shadow Quad from Smashbox. The colors are perfect for a nude, daytime look and there is one more dramatic color in there for an evening shot of color.

For lips, try Stila Lip Glaze Sticks. These pencil-like sticks have a soft, rich, moisturizing formula that your lips will love. They also up the shimmer factor, with a high level of pearl in each shade. The result? A beautifully luminous pout that's perfect for any occasion. Sharpener included.