Women have been wearing makeup since the days of Nefertiti and Nefertari, but a clean face makes you look more refreshed. Clear skin and minimal makeup can make you look years younger. Wearing makeup doesn’t mean you have to LOOK like you are wearing it. Minimalism can be your best friend.

Nude is in – whether it is your lips, your eyes, or your face. Use a color one shade darker than your natural lip shade, use bronzer instead of blush, or use a foundation that you can lightly brush on instead of cake on using a sponge. All of these things can make a difference in how you look and can save you time.

At night you can switch up, but tread lightly. Those pores need to breathe. Don’t highlight everything. Pick and choose. Either wear a bold lip color and a lighter eye or vice versa. This never goes out of style. If you don’t what colors fit you visit your local makeup counter, they get paid to make you look good. Check out Essence.com’s feature on ‘The Nude Face‘.