It’s amazing how a touch of color instantly makes you look fresh and pretty. If you’re ever pressed for time (and can’t commit to a full face of makeup), try sweeping a healthy flush of color on your cheeks and dabbing lips with a pinky-brown lipstick. Here are more tried-and-true tips to consider when applying blush and lip color:

Quick Tips: Cheeks & Lips

• Blush makes everyone look prettier. Layer two shades of blush: a natural color that looks like your cheeks after you’ve exercised and a brighter “pop” color like Pale Pink. Bonus: Layering blush is a good way to help color last longer.

• Smile when applying your blush—this is the best way to find the apples of your cheeks, which is where you naturally blush. Dust the natural blush on the apples of the cheeks, blending up towards the hairline then downwards to soften the color. Finish with the brighter blush applied just on the apples of the cheeks.

• Don’t try to contour your cheekbones with blush. It looks fake, dated and is an effect best left to fashion shoots, theater or film.

• Use the natural coloring of your lips as a guide when choosing your perfect nude lipstick or gloss. The most flattering options will either match or be one or two notches brighter or darker than your lips.

• For the most natural-looking definition and to keep color from feathering, line lips with Lip Liner after applying lip color.

• Balance your lip color with your eye makeup. A neutral lip is the perfect complement to strong eyes. Bold and bright lips look most modern with simple eye makeup.