Guru Bobbi Brown sums up in one sentence what takes makeup artists and writers paragraphs to explain: “The most modern way to wear bright color is as an accent on an otherwise neutral face.” Yes ladies, that’s the secret to wearing everyday makeup this 2012.

Pair a soft, nude eye with a neon lip or a bright eye with a nude lip. This unique pairing of Neons and Nudes is exactly what’s hot this Year of the Dragon. Having a hard time visualizing it? I asked makeup artist Carmie Locsin to give our usual makeover a splash of intense color.

This week’s subject is Christine, a doctor and a new wife who has a not-so-secret love: cosmetics! She’s not afraid of color and she enjoys experimenting with new products. So I asked Carmie to give her two looks with which she can properly apply Bobbi Brown’s makeup philosophy and, of course, take full advantage of her extensive makeup collection.

Day look

Carmie started by using a foundation brush to apply liquid foundation on certain areas of Christine’s face. The makeup session eased into a smooth start as the two instantly related to loving Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua foundation.

“The fluid is extra fine creating a complexion that appears amazingly even, fresh and energized,” Christine said.

“Apply a light foundation only on the areas where you need it, like the sides of the nose which usually get red and areas where your skin tone is uneven,” said Carmen. “If you don’t have a brush, you can also use clean fingers when doing it on yourself.”

Being a doctor and working long hours, Christine’s pet peeve is dark under-eye circles caused by long hospital rounds.

But this is not a problem for our makeup artist. “Fake lack of sleep with a good under-eye concealer like Bobbi Brown’s Creamy Concealer Kit (P1,900),” said Carmie. “Then, set your foundation and keep shine at bay with a silky pressed powder like Majolica Majolica Skin Remaker (P895).”

As we moved to the eyes, Carmie filled in the sparse areas of her brows with a taupe pencil and kept them in place with brow gel. You can Try Bobbi Brown’s Blonde brow pencil (P1,050) for an easy crayon draw.

Carmie then applied a soft lilac eye shadow on the lids and a shimmery champagne eye shadow to the inner corners of the eyes and the brow bone to brighten the eyes. These are soft neutral colors that will later on compliment any strong color of lipstick you might want to use.

“Line the upper and lower lash line with a dark brown pencil and smudge with a cotton bud,” Carmie said. “To brighten the eyes further, apply a light peach liner to the waterline. Finish it off by curling your lashes and applying your favorite black mascara.” Try MAC’s Zoom Lash Mascara in Waterfast Black (P800).

“For the cheeks, smile to find the apples of your cheeks and brush a warm apricot-colored blush,” she said. “It will give your face a nice glow.” Try Majolica Majolica Apricot Macaroon Blush (P795). “As a last touch, apply bronzer right below the blush as well as your temples, forehead and chin.” Carmie finished by applying a rosy lipstick on well-moisturized lips. If your lips are cracked and dry, use a lip balm like Maybelline’s Baby Lips (P79), then try MAC’s Naughty saute’ lipstick (P1,000) for that pink stain.

Night look

“For a quick change to a night look, add a little drama to the eyes with a black liquid liner,” said Carmie. Try Bobbi Brown New Ink Liner in Really Black (P1,450).

Liquid liners add an intense definition to the eye that creates that sophisticated made-up look.

“As with everything, practice makes perfect, so don’t fret if you can’t get that little flick at the outer corner of your eyes right on the first go,” said Carmie. “Have eye makeup remover and cotton buds ready when you do this part.” Try Maybelline Makeup Remover for Eyes & Lips, (70ml, P199; 40 ml, P99) to clear those mistakes.

Then Carmie finished off the look by using a lipstick with a pop of color. “For an instant glam look, apply a bright pink or fuchsia lipstick.” Try MAC’s Budding Love lipstick (P1,000).

And for that quick do-it-yourself updo, try Goody Simple Styles clips (P569.75). It creates simple updo’s without the hours spent in front of the mirror.

So that’s how to do it. No need to run to the cosmetics counter to get a new batch of makeup. Use your old nude palettes, like your beiges and browns and mix it up with lipsticks of bright and pop up colors. Don’t be afraid to use strong lipstick colors, they will easily be balanced by the soft nudes and neutrals in your eyes and cheeks.

For more of Carmie Locsin’s  makeup creations, check out makeupcarmie.multiply.com. Call her at (0920) 9019630 to book an appointment.