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Red lips, smoky eyes -- 2 hot looks for fall 2007

Easy step-by-step instructions on how to create the best beauty looks for fall 2007; plus, Homemakers' beauty editor recommends makeup products to help you get these looks with ease.

By Janine Falcon

40s-inspired red lips
Sheer, gloss, matte, opaque or just a tint - whatever texture you prefer, there is an easy-to-wear red for you. Red itself ranges from bright to nearly neutral. Please try it -- red lips make you feel wonderfully glamorous. All the attention goes to your gorgeous lips, so balance the look with simple eye makeup.

1. Depending on what's closest to your skintone, sweep a sheer champagne, beige or neutral brown eye shadow over the entire lid from lashes to brow. Try Vasanti Cosmetics Powder Eye Shadow in Geneva, Toronto or Cairo, $15 each.

2. Use an angle eye shadow brush to apply dark brown, grey or black eye shadow along the base of your upper lashlines only. Try M.A.C Eye Shadow in Brun, Print or Intense Black, $16.50 each.

3. Curl lashes and apply a mascara such as Maybelline Define-A-Lash mascara in black.

4. Define brows. Try the Sephora Eyebrow Palette, $12, in 01 for blonde to medium brown hair, or 02, for brown or black hair.

5. Sweep cheeks lightly with a soft, neutral powder blush, such as Shu Uemura Glow On Powder Blush in Vicious Apricot, $21 (try bronzer if you have a darker skintone).

6. Line lips and fill in lightly with a neutral lip pencil, such as Revlon ColorStay Sheer lip pencil in Sheer Blush, Sheer Spice or Nude, $10.49, again depending on skintone.

7. Apply lipstick, such as The Body Shop Precious Rouge Lipstick in Opulent Rose $16.50, with a lip brush, working from outer corners in. For a modern finish, use a fingertip to blot away a little of the shine.

Following makeup instructions for the first time takes the longest. With just a bit of practice, you'll be able to do these looks in as little makeup time as Jay Manuel gives the hopefuls on the Canadian and American "Top Model" shows during makeup-application challenges. And you'll look fantastic.

Janine Falcon is the Senior Editor for beauty for Canadian Living and Homemakers magazines.