The Perfect Nudes: Sheer & Sexy Make-Up Shimmers This Season

Sometimes bright is just not right and you need a sheer, subtle look that highlights your gorgeous self. While we all love a red lip, and yes, there is a great red out there for everyone, every woman needs a few great nudes she can go to in her cosmetics bag to wear during the day or for a casual first date. We sent out the word and received dozens of shades from our friends in the beauty biz and curated this selection of sheer pinks and tawny shimmery shades that are perfect for every glam gal.

The eyes have it! Soft gold shimmer across a lid with a bit of mascara is a great go-to look any season. We can’t get enough of Colour Crush Eyes from The Body Shop ($10). Made in Italy with Community Fair Trade oils for a silky finish, these gorgeous colors can be applied wet to intensify the color or dry. Start with Champagne Kiss across the lid and add Coco Deluxe to the lash line. Add even more depth with Le Metier De Beaute’s True Color Eye Shadow ($30) in Alexandrite, a shimmery plum, in the crease.

To define the eyes the ultimate tool in any girl’s make-up arsenal is mascara. Topping our list is Urban Decay Supercurl Curling Mascara ($20) that adds plenty of oomph without the lash curler. A deep dark black color adds plenty of sexy to a soft look.

Want that eye-opening shimmer that is all the rage? We do too. Susan Posnick’s Color Eye Define pencil ($26) pulls double-duty with an angled liner in Platinum on one side, use it right along the lashline and in the inner-eye area, and a self-dispensing eye shadow in Gold on the other. Both are smudgeable and blendable.

The perfect flushed cheek look is as easy as a poof with Susan Posnick’s ColorMe ($32) self-dispensing blush puff in Peony, a soft mauvey pink. Perfect for travel, or your purse, you can forget the blush brush without worry. All you have to do is tap the puff across your cheekbone and sweep to blend.

Luscious lips this time of year need extra care – think rich oils and vitamins to ward off chapped winter lips. We just could not decide on one or two shades and formulas. So we picked six in shades that are all very good for your pretty pucker.

The creamy, silky texture of L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Balm ($7.99), in sheer shades of Heavenly Berry and Tender Mauve, is hydrating with Argan Oil, Vitamin E, and Shea Butter. Susan Posnick’s ColorEssentials lipstick ($21) in Dallas, a very flattering pink, is formulated with olive oil as well as Vitamins A & E and enriched with Paracress, a South African plant that rehydrates and reduces fine lines. Cherry seed oil and Community Fair Trade marula oil combine in The Body Shop’s Colour Crush Lips ($12.50) shimmery Golden Syrup and pretty Pink Luxe. So good for you and so beautiful.

Get plumped! Jane Iredale Just Kissed tinted lip plumping lipstick in L.A. ($25), a shimmery pink we just love, is packed with moisturizing Shea Butter, Sunflower Oil, and Aloe Vera. A little mint and ginger root work wonders and give a visible fullness on even the harshest of snowy days.

Beauty Tip: Start with a great brow to frame the face. Head over to your favorite brow diva and get shaped up then use L’Oreal Paris Brow Stylist Sculptor ($8.99) to fill in and define. Brush up your brows, gently add the liner with tiny touches, then use the brush to blend and shape. Set the look with finishing wax for a long-lasting finish.