*To see original article, please go to Daily Makeover

When Oscar night rolls around, we expect to see the usual array of smoky eyes and red lips making their way down the red carpet. Instead, this year we saw more starlets ditching the old-school glamour makeup in favor of a softer, more seasonally appropriate beauty look. In a continuation of the romantic hairstyles and makeup trend we saw at the Golden Globes, the Oscars were all about nude and pastel tones on eyes and lips.

Check out these makeup tips from the pro’s to find out how you can get the look at home.

Photo: © Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Courtesy of:  Daily Makeover

If there’s one thing Jennifer Lopez loves, it’s a shimmery pastel eye. This year she teamed up with makeup artist Matthew Vanleeuween to create a look that really highlighted her gorgeous lavender dress. Working with Nars, Vanleeuween used D. Gorgeous Single Eyeshadow and Brousse Duo Eyeshadow to create a soft lilac eye with just the right amount of definition on the lashline. Another important feature for this look were the cheeks. “I wanted to create an ethereal movie star look. I kept the cheekbones high and highlighted with the Enchanted Cream Blush (on counter in April) for a soft and supportive look,” said Vanleeuween. Lips were layered with Cruising Lipstick and Sweet Dreams Lip Gloss to create a warm, pinky-nude lip that kept the pastel shadow and shimmery cheek from veering into ice princess territory.

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Photo: © Steve Granitz/WireImage
Courtesy of:  Daily Makeover

Rachel McAdams’ trendy tie-dye dress was the inspiration for her pretty red carpet makeup. “There was a wash of cool tones in the dress–blue, green, purple, pink–so we wanted the eye, cheek and lips to all have this same water color sheerness to it,” said makeup artist Kayleen McAdams. On the eyes, Kayleen used Chanel Fluid Iridescent Eyeshadow in Fountain, keeping the grey tone on the outer corners of the lid and underneath the eye. On the lid and up to the browbone she swept a rose gold shade, then finished by applying Soft Touch Eye Shadow in Slate on the inner corners of the eye. Kayleen chose Rouge Coco in Rose Comete on the lips to give them that beautiful, healthy pink color. A dab of Glossimer in Futile accentuated the hue and gave it a modern gleam.

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Photo: © John Shearer/Getty Images
Courtesy of:  Daily Makeover

After spending all of her on-screen time in Avatar sporting CGI blue skin, it makes sense that Zoe Saldana would want to keep her makeup minimal on the red carpet. Makeup artist Vera Steinberg balanced out Zoe’s confection of a dress with a sophisticated, creamy nude look. She kept skin luminous with Nars Orgasm Illuminator and Enchanted Cream Blush and lips were neutral and glossy with Love Devotion Lipstick (available in April) and Ophelia Lip Gloss. Steinberg kept the focus on Zoe’s amazing almond-shaped eyes, using Brousse Duo Eyeshadow on the lid and lashline, then defined their shape with Nuits Blanches Eyeliner Stylo.

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Description: High frosted green/gold

Price: $3.49

Where to Buy: Makeup Geek Store

9.   Urban Decay Green Goddess

Description: Shimmery mint green

Price: $17.00

Where to Buy: Sephora or (eBay)

8.   NARS Night Porter

Description: Black with green pearls

Price: $23.00

Where to Buy: Sephora or (eBay)

7.   NYX Herb

Description: Shimmery olive green

Price: $3.89

Where to Buy: Makeup Geek Store

6.   Ben Nye Chartreuse Pigment

Description: Bright lime green

Price: $2.19

Where to Buy: Makeup Geek Store

5.     MAC Lucky Green

Description: Frosted midtone lime

Price: $14.50

Where to Buy: MAC

4.   Urban Decay Graffiti

Description: Bright green

Price: $18.00

Where to Buy: Sephora or (eBay)

3.    Bare Escentuals Black Emerald

Description: Green black glimmer

Price: $13.00

Where to Buy: Sephora or (eBay)

2.  Make Up For Ever #91

Description: Matte apple green

Price: $19.00

Where to Buy: Sephora

1.   MAC Humid

Description: Intense green with shimmer

Price: $14.50

Where to Buy: MAC

10.     Bourjois Night Lip Balm

Why I love it: This moisturizing lip balm leaves my lips so soft and not greasy feeling, plus it’s less than $5- can’t beat the quality for that price!

Cost: $4.99

Where to Buy: Ulta or (eBay)

9.     NYX Mega Shine Lipglosses

Why I love it: They come in so many colors and are very smooth and not too sticky!  The only negative is the cherry smell….

Cost: $4.79

Where to Buy: Makeup Geek Store

8.     MAC Mineralize Skinfinish

Why I love it: The texture is smooth, and the shimmer is just right for getting that gorgeous glow to the cheeks, eyes, or wherever else you want to shine…

Cost: $28

Where to Buy: MAC

7.     Bobbi Brown Corrector in Peach

Why I love it: Unlike many concealers, this corrector is not cakey at all!  It feels almost like a gel, so it doesn’t make your eyes look dry. Plus the color is great for hiding those dark circles.

Cost: $22

Where to Buy: Bobbi Brown or (eBay)

*For under eye circles, get in Peach, Light Peach, or Dark Peach depending on how light or dark your skin is.

6.     Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation

Why I love it: The coverage is amazing, there are many colors, and you cannot beat the price!  Apply with a damp sponge or stippling brush, and voila! smooth looking skin….

Cost: $12.99

Where to Buy: Amazon or  Most drugstores or eBay

5.     Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner

Why I love it: This creamy eyeliner does not tug on the eyes like some dry eyeliners do, plus there are so many great colors to choose from!

Cost: $17

Where to Buy: Sephora or (eBay)

4.     NYX Powder Blush

Why I love it: The matte finish is great for keeping the face from looking like a disco ball… Plus, the price is great and the colors are beautiful!

Cost: $6.89

Where to Buy: Makeup Geek Store

3.     Loreal Voluminous Mascara

Why I love it: The formula is thick and dark- which makes my lashes look super thick and luscious!

Cost: $7.49

Where to Buy: Amazon or  Most drugstores

2.     NARS Loose Powder

Why I love it: This powder is super smooth, finely ground, and has vitamin E in it.  My skin has not looked any smoother with this product- it’s lightweight and doesn’t break me out!  (I wear the color “Flesh”)

Cost: $35

Where to Buy: NARS    or   (eBay)

1.     MAC Fix+ Spray

Why I love it: It makes my skin look flawless!  It gets rid of the powdery look, sets my makeup nicely, and feels great on the skin.  Makes for a great hair detangler too….

Cost: $18

Where to Buy: MAC (eBay)

Color: shimmering nude pink
Price: $18
Where to Buy: Sephora or (eBay)

9.   Smashbox Flamingo Eyeshadow

Color: coral pink shimmer
Price: $16
Where to Buy: Sephora or (eBay)

8.   MAC Plumage Eyeshadow

Color: matte dusty peacock
Price: $11  or $14.50
Where to Buy: MAC

7.  NARS Rated R Eyeshadow Duo

Colors: chartreuse green shimmer/ cobalt blue shimmer
Price: $32
Where to Buy: Sephora or (eBay)

6.   MAC Melon Pigment

Color: soft bright golden peach
Price: $19.50
Where to Buy: MAC or  Makeup Geek Store

5.   NYX Herb Single Eyeshadow

Color: shimmery olive green
Price: $3.89
Where to Buy: Makeup Geek Store

4.   Urban Decay Baked Eyeshadow

Color: rich bronze
Price: $17
Where to Buy: Sephora or Urban Decay or (eBay)

3.   FACE Atelier Azure Eyeshadow

Color: frosted purple-blue
Price: $17
Where to Buy: FACE Atelier

2.   Bare Escentuals True Gold Glimmer

Color: 14K gold
Price: $13
Where to Buy: Sephora or (eBay)

1.   Make Up For Ever #92 Eyeshadow

Color: matte brilliant purple
Price: $19
Where to Buy: Sephora or (eBay)

Description: Dark purplish-blue with blue pearl

Price: $14.50

Where to Buy: MAC

9.   Bare Escentuals Azure

Description: Shimmery turquoise blue

Cost: $13.00

Where to Buy: Sephora or  eBay

8.   NYX Atlantic

Description: Matte royal blue

Cost: $3.89

Where to Buy: Makeup Geek Store

7.   Urban Decay Kiddie Pool

Description: Ocean blue w/ iridescent glitter

Price: $17.00

Where to Buy: Sephora or Urban Decay or  eBay

6.   Make Up For Ever #72

Description: Matte vibrant turquoise

Price: $19

Where to Buy: Sephora

5.   MAC Cornflower Pigment

Description: Pastel blue with violet pearl

Price: $3.49 or $19.50

Where to Buy: Makeup Geek Store or MAC

4.   Ben Nye Cosmic Blue

Description: Matte electric blue

Cost: $2.19

Where to Buy: Makeup Geek Store

3.   Make Up For Ever #159

Description: Intense matte blue

Price: $19.00

Where to Buy: Sephora

2.   NARS Rated R

Description: Medium purple blue

Price: $32.00

Where to Buy: Sephora or  eBay

1.   FACE Atelier Azure

Description: Frosted purple blue

Price: $17.00

Where to Buy: FACE Atelier

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*Click to see larger swatch

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These items are in order of what to buy first based off of what is the most natural looking and easiest to apply.  Start wearing one product at a time and add others as you like until you create your custom look.

Loreal Voluminous Mascara

Mascara is usually the makeup product that everyone starts with as it is easy to apply and makes a big impact in your look.   This Loreal mascara is my favorite for thickening the lashes and is inexpensive, which I love!

Marlena’s Tip: For the first few times of use, scrape off the excess mascara on the end of the tube- otherwise it may clump as the formula is thick.

Where to buy: Target, Walmart, or any drugstore

Prestige Waterproof Eyeliner

Smudging a pencil eyeliner along the lashline is a fast and easy way to make your lashes look thicker and add a bit of color to your eyes. This eyeliner is super creamy, so glides with little effort and is easy to smudge.

Marlena’s Tip: Start by wearing brown eyeliner- it is the most natural looking and looks good on everyone. Once you feel ready to pump up your look, wear black or purple.

Where to buy: Select drugstores or Ulta

NYX Mega Shine Lipgloss

Now that your eyes are glammed up, you can start playing with the lips.  I find that lipgloss is the easiest to apply and adds a nice shine to the lips which makes them look full and sexy!  I like NYX’s lipglosses as they come in a huge array of colors, plus the texture isn’t overly sticky.

Marlena’s Tip: Keep your favorite shade of lipgloss in your purse or in your locker for touchups throughout the day- lipglosses tend to wear off after a few hours or wipe away when you eat or drink.

Where to buy: Select drugstores or the Makeup Geek Store

Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush

Applying blush is the scariest step for most people as too much and you look like a clown, too little and why bother…  I like the Maybelline Mousse Blush as it looks natural and is easy to apply without going overboard.

Marlena’s Tip: Using your ring finger, pick up a bit of the mousse, smile, and apply to the apples of your cheeks for a beautiful rosy glow!

Where to Buy: Target, Walmart, and most drugstores

Coastal Scents Camo Quad Concealer

Let’s face it, we all have blemishes or spots on our face that we’d like to hide some.  This concealer comes in 4 shades to match your skin tone, and the texture is creamy enough to where it doesn’t cake on the skin.

Marlena’s Tip: You don’t necessarily need a full face of foundation especially if you are just starting to wear makeup.  Just use a bit of concealer where you feel you need it and apply a very light layer of powder on top to set it.

Where to Buy: Coastal Scents

10.   10 Piece Professional Blush Palette

This 10 blush palette is great quality especially for the price!  From pinks and peaches to neutrals and bronzes, anyone is bound to find the perfect color for them.  Comes in a sleek enclosed case that is easy to carry around.

Best for: The aspiring makeup artist or the girl who loves to blush
Price: $15.95
Where to Buy: Coastal Scents or  eBay

9.     Stila Lip Glaze Collection

Ranging in colors from nude to deep red, this set from Stila has 8 lipglosses that are creamy in texture.  The twist cap and brush applicator make it easy to apply just the right amount without getting messy.

Best for: The lipgloss aficionado
Price: $25
Where to Buy: Sephora

8.     Too Faced Glamour to Go III

This super cute palette is perfect for travel! It comes with 8 beautiful eyeshadows, a peachy pink blush, and 4 lipglosses.  The case closes neatly and is small enough to keep in your purse for those late mornings out the door.

Best for: The uber-busy girl or the travel junkie
Price: $19.50
Where to buy:   Sephora

7.     Stila Smudge Pot Collection

Stila’s smudge pots have been popular for their creamy texture, amazing color payoff, and waterproof formula. This set includes 4 colors (black, navy, champagne, and purple) and a small brush.  Can be used as eyeliner or an eyeshadow base for that pop of color!

Best for: Anyone who loves cream or gel liners
Price:   $32
Where to buy: Sephora

6.     120 Eyeshadow Palette

If you are looking for an eyeshadow palette that has every color under the sun, then look no more! With 120 colors to choose from, you’ll never run out of ideas.  The quality is very good and the price cannot be beat.

Best for: The artsy girl who loves lots of color!
Price: $16-20
Where to buy: eBay

5.     Bare Escentuals Get Started Kit

If you have normal to oily skin and are looking for a foundation that is “breathable”, then this mineral foundation set is for you.  The coverage is great and gives a beautiful finish to the skin!

Best for: The girl that doesn’t like the feel of liquid foundation and has normal to oily skin  (I don’t recommend if you have dry skin or are allergic to bismuth)
Price: $48
Where to buy: Sephora or  eBay

4.     Sigma Makeup Brush Kit

This 6 piece brush set (3 face, 3 eye) is designed similar to the MAC brushes but without the MAC price tag.  The bristles are soft and work really well, plus you can’t beat the price.

Best for: The budding makeup geek
Price: $49
Where to buy: Sigma Makeup

3.     Urban Decay 24/7 Super Stash

Oh so creamy and oh so vivid, these beautiful eye pencils are perfect for adding a pop of color to any look!  This set includes 9 eye pencils in a rainbow of shades.   (I love my black one so much that I’m on my 3rd one…)

Best for: The die hard makeup geek who loves to play with color
Price: $36
Where to buy: Sephora

2.     Bare Escentuals Buxom Babes about Town

With 4 lipsticks and 4 lipglosses, you’ll have a wide variety of “lip looks” to choose from. These lipsticks are vitamin enriched making the lips feel ultra smooth while the lipglosses have plumping properties that make your lips look fuller.

Best for: The girl who loves to play up her lips!
Price: $39
Where to buy: Sephora

1.     28 Neutral Eyeshadow Palette

I cannot say enough good things about this beautiful palette- the quality is similar to MAC but the price is fantastic!  There’s 28 shades to choose from, and the sleek case is perfect for traveling with.

Best for: Any makeup geek
Price: $16-19
Where to buy: Coastal Scents or  eBay

Happy shopping makeup geeks!

Neutrals, Neutrals, Neutrals…

• Try to have one full palette of just neutrals as this will be your “go to” palette.
• Top row should be your highlight colors- ones that are close to your skin color.  Have a variety of shimmer and non-shimmer shadows.  Some of my favs:  Brule, Naked Lunch, Shroom, Malt
• Middle row should be your blending colors- ones that are 1-2 shades darker than your skin color that you can put in the crease.  Some of my favs:  Wedge, Cork, Omega
• Bottom row should be your accent colors- ones that you can smudge along the lashline for that smoky look or put in the outer V for that added drama.  Some of my favs:  Espresso, Carbon, Concrete

Bring on the Color!

• We all have our favorite eyeshadow colors that we wear regularly, but try to have a variety of colors to broaden your makeup looks.  Here are the basic color categories I have:  Blues, Greens, Purples, Pinks, Oranges  (teals can go in either the blue or green palette, and yellows or golds can go with the orange)
• Depending on how many eyeshadows you have, reserve a palette for each color or 2-3 colors per palette.  I still keep the lightest colors in the top row, medium colors in the middle row, and the darkest in the bottom row.

Labeling Your Palettes:

• To fit more eyeshadows in each palette, I popped out the plastic divider inside to allow for 21 eyeshadows instead of 15.
• To see what colors I have in each palette, I used 3/4″ round labels (Avery #5408) and printed the names on them.  If you need to move your shadows around, simply place another sticker on top.
• If you have more than one palette, it is good to have them labeled on the outside so you know what palette to pick up. You can either use a silver sharpie and write on the palette (it wipes off with some rubbing alcohol), or print a label and stick it to the front.  If you use a label, place a piece of packing tape on top so you can wipe the palette clean without taking off the label.

I do NOT expect anyone to have this many shadows, but wanted to post pictures so you can see what the colors actually look like and how you can organize them.  So, on to the makeup porn

*Click on the pictures for a larger view

Non-shimmer Neutrals:

My favorite colors in this palette:

• Brule
• Kid
• Cork
• Charcoal Brown

Shimmery Neutrals:

My favorite colors in this palette:

• All that Glitters
• Satin Taupe
• Woodwinked

Silvers/Grays:

My favorite colors in this palette:

• Knight
• Carbon
• Typographic
• Copperplate

Blues:

My favorite colors in this palette:

• Contrast
• Plumage
• Deep Truth

Greens:

My favorite colors in this palette:

• Humid
• Bitter
• Steamy
• Parrot (limited edition)
• Sumptuous Olive

Purples:

My favorite colors in this palette:

• Indian Ink
• Vibrant Grape  (pro)
• Nocturnelle
• Fertile  (limited edition)

Pinks:

My favorite colors in this palette:

• Jest
• Expensive Pink
• Cranberry
• Rose  (pro)

Yellows/Golds:

My favorite colors in this palette:

• Goldmine
• Amberlights
• Firespot  (limited edition)
• Rule

Warm Browns/Misc:

My favorite colors in this palette:

• Bottle Green
• Femme Noir  (limited)
• Ochre Style  (limited)

Mattes:

My favorite colors in this palette:

• Velvet Moss
• Fig 1
• Passionate
• Orange

Here are my top 15 drugstore products (in no specific order):

Monistat Chafing Gel

Now I know this isn’t a makeup product, but this amazing gel makes for a fantastic face primer! I use this almost everyday to give a smooth finish to my skin before applying my foundation. It is very comparable to Smashbox’s Photo Finish Primer.

Where to Buy

• Amazon
• eBay
• Most Drug Stores

Revlon Colorstay Foundation

This matte finish foundation covers really well- even better than many high end foundations! There’s a wide range of colors and formulas for both dry skin and combination/oily skin.

Where to Buy

• Amazon
• eBay
• Most drugstores

Physicians Formula Magic Mosaic Pressed Powder

This pressed powder is great for setting the foundation or for contouring.  Since the powder isn’t heavy, it doesn’t appear cakey like some other powders.

Where to Buy:

• Amazon
• Most Drugstores

NYX 10 Eyeshadow Palettes

These palettes are sleek, super pigmented, and great quality!  Best product by NYX so far. I truly do love these babies!

Where to Buy:

• Makeup Geek Store

Prestige Waterproof Eyeliner

This liner is so smooth and glides easily on the eyes- its texture is very similar to Urban Decay’s 24/7 eyeliners.

Where to Buy

• Amazon
• eBay
• Most drugstores

Revlon Colorstay Liquid Liner

Since this liner has a felt tip and smudge proof formula, it is easy to apply and lasts all day.

Where to Buy

• Amazon
• eBay
• Most drug stores

Loreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara

This is my favorite drugstore brand mascara for thickening the lashes. Just a couple coats and my lashes feel so luscious!

Where to Buy

• Amazon
• eBay
• Most Drug Stores

Ardell #301 False Lashes

If you want lashes that are relatively easy to apply and have a seamless appearance (way better than MAC), Ardell cannot be beat for the price.

Where to Buy

• Makeup Geek Store
• Some Drug Stores

Duo Lash Adhesive

This glue is the key to getting your lashes to stay on all night.  It comes in a clear formula as well as dark.

Where to Buy:

• Amazon
• Most drugstores

Maybelline Mousse Blush

A fluffy mousse texture makes this blush such a dream to apply- it glides easily on the skin leaving a fresh glow to the skin.

Where to Buy

• Amazon
• eBay
• Most Drugstores

NYX Powder Blush

These smooth finish blushes come in a wide range of colors, and have a great consistency! I love how many of these are matte finish.

Marlena’s Picks: “Peach”, “Dusty Rose”, and “Natural”

Where to Buy

• Makeup Geek Store
• Select Drugstores

Revlon Matte Lipstick

You can’t beat the price with these richly pigmented lipsticks. Revlon has a wide variety of colors, and the quality is really good!

Marlena’s Picks: “Nude Attitude” and “In the Red”

Where to Buy:

• Amazon
• Most Drugstores

NYX Mega Shine Lipgloss

These super pigmented, creamy lipglosses are fantastic for the price. Comes in a wide range of colors too!

Marlena’s Picks: “Beige” and  “Lollipop”

Where to Buy:

• Makeup Geek Store
• Select Drugstores

Sally Hansen Lipnotic Gem Gloss

These sparkling lipglosses are very similar to MAC’s Dazzleglasses! They add a gorgeous shimmer to the lips making them look much fuller.

Where to Buy

• Select drug stores

Essence of Beauty Duo Crease Brush Set

Don’t have money to spend on MAC brushes? No problem, as these brushes are a great substitute for the MAC 219 brush.

Where to Buy:

• Makeup Geek Store
• CVS

Shimmer Brick Compact

This shimmery compact is one of my favorite cheek products ever as it gives a gorgeous glow! It’s not only great for the cheeks, but makes for a beautiful sheer eyeshadow or even adds a sparkle to the lips.  My favorite for a cheek highlighter is Beige, and Rose makes a great blush.  For darker skin tones, Apricot makes a great highlight.

They Describe It As:

This shimmering, brush-on powder creates a candlelight glow. Sweep on cheeks, after Blush, using the Face Blender Brush.

• Product:  5 out of 5
• Packaging:  4 out of 5
• Quality:  5 out of 5
• Overall:  5 out of 5
• Would I buy again? Yes, if I got a discount as they are pricey
• Price:  $38.00

Where to Buy:

• Bobbi Brown Website
• (eBay)

Creamy Concealer

Since this concealer is a bit thick, it covers extremely well!  You do need to apply with your fingers though as a brush tends to bit up a bit more product than I’d like.  The correctors work really well for hiding dark circles under the eyes as it doesn’t slide into the fine creases, plus there are several shades of peach to match any skin tone.

They Describe It As:

Bobbi shares her favorite makeup artist tip — a yellow-based Creamy Concealer that instantly camouflages dark circles. The creamy consistency of this concealer ensures that it goes on smoothly, providing full, but natural looking coverage. The formula is filled with skin conditioning ingredients like Vitamin A, which helps minimize the appearance of fine dry lines and wrinkles and Vitamin E, which moisturizes and provides antioxidant protection.

• Product:  4 out of 5
• Packaging:  5 out of 5
• Quality:  5 out of 5
• Overall:  5 out of 5
• Would I buy again? Yes, although I don’t see myself running out anytime soon
• Price:  $22.00

Where to Buy:

• BB Website:  Concealer or Corrector
• (eBay)

Long Wear Gel Liner

These gel liners are similar to MAC’s fluidlines- they glide on easily, stay put, and have amazing colors!  I love how smooth the application is when I use my angled liner brush along with them. My favorite colors are: Ivy Shimmery Ink, Black Plum Ink, and Cobalt Ink.

They Describe It As:

Our popular long-wearing eyeliner offers the precision of liquid liner and the ease of a gel-based formula.

• Product:  4 out of 5
• Packaging:  5 out of 5
• Quality:  4 out of 5
• Overall:  5 out of 5
• Would I buy again? Probably
• Price:  $21.00

Where to Buy:

• Bobbi Brown Website
• (eBay)