The Denim Eye and Bright, Matte Lip Take You From Day to Night

Sometimes we don't have enough time after work to dash home and update our day look for the evening's activities. However, you don't want to wear a heavy night look at work either. So what is a woman to do? Why not try the denim eye and bright, matte lip on for size?

Easy tools for a simple yet stylish look
Your standard makeup tools for eyes and lips will suffice for this look. You can also use your fingers to apply both your eye makeup and lip color. Be careful not to rub your hands on your clothing if you use your fingers; it is doubtful the boss will take too kindly to you arriving at work looking like you just finished painting.

Creating the denim eye for day/night
The simplest way to achieve this look is with an eyeshadow primer, eyeshadow duo, eyeliner, and mascara. The primer is essential, as it helps your eyeshadow last and minimizes creasing and flaking.

Step 1: Apply primer to clean lid and brow bone. Your primer will serve double duty as a highlighter.

Step 2: Apply the lightest shade all over lid using a sponge-tipped applicator.

Step 3: Apply the darker shade along the crease and lightly sweep up to--not on--the outer edge of the brow bone.

Step 4: Blend. You can use a soft eyeshadow brush for this or your fingers.

Step 5: Apply eyeliner along the upper and lower lash line. For a slightly smoky look, take your sponge-tipped applicator and smudge the liner at the lower lashes.

Step 6: Apply one to three coats of mascara, making sure the mascara does not dry between coats.

Creating the bright, matte lip
There are plenty of matte and semi-matte lip colors available. However, if your favorite bright shade is one with lots of shine, here is a trick to make your shade semi-matte.

Step 1: Moisturize your lips with a lip conditioner or lip balm.

Step 2: Outline and fill in your lips with your lip liner.

Step 3: Apply your lip color.

Step 4: Take a tissue, press your lips over it to blot.

Step 5: Take a new piece of tissue, cover your lips with it and lightly dust face powder over your lips.

Step 6: Remove the tissue from your lips. If you want more of a matte look, blot your lips again in the manner used in step 4.

Bright lip tip: If you cannot find a bright lip color that suits you, try a cream eyeshadow. Follow steps 1 and 2, then apply the shade of cream shadow you like, blot, and voila--you have your bright, matte lip!

Don't be scared off by the six steps listed for each; they are simple and take less than five minutes each. After time you can knock this look out in just five minutes. Some final tips to take away with you:

- Choose eyeshadow colors ranging from baby blue to navy. Stay clear of blue/green shades like turquoise and aquamarine. Indigo can also be used for the eyes.

- If you want a slightly intense eye, but don't care much for the smoky eye look, use a wet or dry eyeshadow and apply the shadow wet for an intense pop of color.

- Cream shadows are a no-no if you have oily skin. The shadow will fade and since the shades of choice are blue, you will end up looking dirty and grimy, and may scare your date away. Yikes!

- If you can't find a lip liner that matches or closely matches the lip color you choose, use a neutral shade. Do not use a darker shade of liner to line your lips--that is so 1990s.

- Remember the lip color should be matte or semi-matte. High-gloss lip color will look almost comic-like with the denim eye. Besides, you don't want to look like you belong in a Lady Gaga video at work.